Angling Basics: What You Need To Know About Fishing Reels

No matter what level of experience you have as a fisherman, you will benefit greatly from having the right reel for the job. You can easily learn what you should be using though and improve your skill because of it. There are three different types that you need to consider. These are the casting reel, the fly casting reel and the spin casting reel.

The Bait Casting Reel

These are quite difficult. The line on them is pulled off the rod by the lure’s weight. It is then thrust forward in the motion of casting. They provide a device that lays the line evenly across the rotating cylinder that acts like the core of the reel. Without a smooth cast it will cause problems when the line is reeled in. The line can become tangled, too.

The Fly Fishing Reel

In a fly fishing real, you need to insure that it has a drag that is very responsive. Then, you’ll need to purchase a reel that can stand the tension and strain put on it by a large fish. These are more expensive reels than other types. Make sure to check to make sure there are no plastic parts on the reel. All metal reels are much more dependable and they make it worth the price.

The Spinning Reel

The closed faced reel is the inexpensive spinning reel. It is also fairly easy to control. This is probably the choice you would make for those who are learning to fish. They have a push button release for casting. They have an opening at the top where the line comes out when you cast. The reel will mount on your rod.

The open faced spinning rod is a more challenging option. It comes in many sizes to fit your needs. The lightest models are excellent for pan fish. Larger choices will help you with game fishing or ocean fishing. The line capacity on these is greater and is serviceable when you are after trout or even salmon. They offer a smooth drag. Although you can start with a closed face, you can improve your skills and move on to the open faced.

If you are only choosing one type of reel, go with a medium speed one. If two, then look for both a low speed and a high speed. Also, you should choose the right reel depending on if you are left handed or right handed. Also, remember that the lighter the line is, the smaller the reel. You’ll need to insure that the fishing line and the fishing reel will work together well.

You can get help with learning what type of reel to purchase from the salespeople at the fishing tackle shop.

Niall is a keen fisherman always looking at new tools to help him catch more fish. Visit Fish Finder Review for more information and great deals to help you find a Humming Bird fish finder or other GPS and Sonar marine navigation systems. www.fish-finder-review.com

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Fly Fishing for Trout - Casting or Hunting

Fly casting is a skill that most fly fishermen would probably consider the most integral skill of fly fishing for trout. Certainly it is the most recognizable trait of fly fishing.

BUT, if catching fish is as important to you as a great looking cast is, then you may actually need to be careful just how much casting you do.

Fly fishing has far more in common with hunting than it does with other forms of fishing. This is because trout are such a timid creature and are so easily spooked. Although it is not such an issue if you are fishing deep in large bodies of water or in wide, fast flowing streams, it is still for this reason that casting can also be your worst enemy when trout fishing.

The classical ‘Long cast’, although a beautiful thing to behold, and even more beautiful to perform, does have it’s limitations. It was designed to deliver a lure to a timid quarry, who would be spooked by splashing sinkers or floats or any of the traditional fishing equipment and tackle generally used for other, less discerning species. The whole concept of doing this with a whip-like rod and line was indeed an ingenious one.

Trout, and particularly Brown Trout, see everything. And the bigger the trout, the more they see. The fly fisherman standing plain view false casting is an obvious predatory threat and will cause a fish to disappear into the depths, without you even knowing the trout was ever there.

To catch good, wild trout in smallish or still waters you must become an ambush predator and learn to think like a hunter. This, the element of surprise, is one of your greatest skills when fly fishing for trout. Believe it or not, even above good casting skills.

Dressing to be reasonably well camouflaged, keeping low and not making any fast or large movements, all play a role in not alerting a potential target trout to your presence. Even making sure you don’t step heavily on the ground as you approach the fishing spot, keeps your footsteps from resonating through the water. Sound travels very well under water, particularly for a creature who has receptacles designed to hear within an aquatic environment.

Without a doubt, you will have to cast, and the better practised you are at casting with a fly rod, the less movement you must make to get your fly into the position you want it. So there is a good argument for spending time casting, just for casting sake. This is best done in an open place, preferably over water if you have the luxury, like a dam or lake, but anywhere that you are not going to catch any unwanted items will do to improve your skills.

If you want to be successful, don’t just trudge up to the waters edge and start casting out into the middle of the lake or stream. The bulk of the aquatic life that the trout source as their food items are usually located towards the edges of the water, and near to the aquatic plant life also.

With this in mind, the trout will more likely be keeping as far out of reach of their own predators as possible, while maintaining a presence (cruising in still waters, on station in faster waters) close to their preferred food source. Larger fish preferring deeper water for security, and structures or irregularities for potential dietary supplies.

Wayne Smith
Author of the acclaimed ‘Fly Fishing For Trout - A Quiet Revolution’
Fly Fishing