Along with repair concerns, questions about spinning reels are the most commonly asked questions that are asked in a tackle shop. Anglers are always interested in making sure they know how to spool their reels and they are almost always interested in knowing what the heaviest possible line is that their reel will hold. Ironically enough, you don’t really need to ask about this in a tackle shop – nor do you have to work in one to know the answer.

In the spring in the northeastern part of the United States, new schools of bass can be found in the local rivers. This is the time that fisherman will be looking for heavier line to accommodate this type of fishing. Most are convinced that they need 20-lb line or even heavier. This is especially true of the novice angler – they are often ill equipped with a reel that isn’t sufficient for this type of line, but remain determined to try it. Unfortunately, this will almost always end badly as reels are geared towards specific line weights.

All anglers need to know the line length and size suggested on the side of their spools. Once that number is exceeded, the cast becomes impaired. A spool is only geared to handle a specific amount and diameter of line. Besides, normal monofilament retains memory, meaning that, once the manufacturer winds a spool of line, it conforms to the spool and begins to coil. You’ll see an increase in stiffness with heavier line, creating a new cycle of coils. Opening the bail causes the line to come off the spool, slowing it as it tries to exit the guides and causing a high level of friction. End result: a mess and, most likely, a short tangled cast.

Most anglers don’t have the luxury of having a reel for every type of fishing they do. The best case scenario is that they would have reels that are suitable for heavier fish, though many elect not to. If this is the case, the best option is to use a braided line. Although braided line is not as abrasion-resistant, it does still have some benefits. First it is much thinner (based on weight), it has virtually no memory and it’s got a slippery coating that makes it ideal for long casting. You can overcome the issue of abrasion by simply adding a three or four foot leader created from fluorocarbon or monofilament.

One of the most common problems we see is spools that are not filled completely. This lack of recommended line greatly hampers your ability to cast, since it causes an undue amount of friction on the spool’s outer lip once you release the line. Conversely, too much line also hurts your cast, so do your best to keep the spool filled to roughly 1/8 of an inch below the lip.

Learning the fundamentals of reels and lines doesn’t require you to work in a tackle shop. Ensuring that you are using the right weight and length line is easy – just read the side of your reel. Make sure that your reel is filled to the proper line and you’ll have far less casting issues as well. When in doubt, elect for braided line that can help you bridge the gap between an under-filled and over-filled reel.

When you are deciding on which type of reel is right for you, doing the proper research is the best thing you could do. There are many manufacturers out on the market today, some of the most popular reels include Penn 975, Penn 209, and Daiwa Sealine SLD30.

1. Fishing Tackle Summary: Daiwa Exceler 4000S Spinning Reel
2. Fishing Tackle Review: Daiwa Crossfire 3050X Spinning Reel
3. Fishing Tackle Overview: The Daiwa Fuego-A Spinning Reel
4. Coarse Fishing Tackle Synopsis: The Abu Garcia Cardinal 302 RD Spinning Reel
5. Fishing Tackle Review : Mitchell Blade ALU 4500 Spinning Fishing Reel

FreshAire