Technical Guides Articles

Magnetic Braking Systems

A magnetic brake system works on a magnets attracting force to slow down the spool. By rotating a dial on the side of the reel, the angler controls a magnet that is moved closer or further away from the side of the spool depending on the position of the dial. When the magnet is moved closer to the spool it exerts a magnetic pull on the spool which slows down the spools rotation speed.

Centrifugal Braking Systems

Centrifugal brakes work by using tiny sliding weights mounted around the axis point of the spool that are forced to the outside perimeter of the spool during the cast. The weight adds more mass to the perimeter of the spool, causing the spool to rotate more slowly during the cast. These weights can be locked into place at their axis point so they do not engage during the cast or they can be unlocked so they slide towards the outside of the spool during the cast, engaging the braking system.

How to Use a Baitcasting Reel

Baitcasters have become most popular through the tournament bass industry where bass anglers have found them to be indispensable tools for their pursuits. Baitcasting reels handle larger line diameters far better than spinning reels and heavy lines are often needed to wrestle large fish out of weed beds. These reels also have a completely different drive gear system from spinning reels that provides a lot more power for the angler. This makes the retrieval of many lure types much easier on the angler, especially after long hours of constant casting and cranking.

Getting the Most From Your Spinning Reel

Working in a full service tackle shop, customers present you with a multitude of questions and requests regarding their spinning reels. Most commonly, folks always want to know if they can spool the reel with heavier line, how to improve their casting distance and what line choice is best for their fishing needs. Fortunately, there are solutions to all of the questions.

How to Avoid Wind Knots with Spinning Reels

Spinning reels are a necessary tool to fishing success. The spinning reel can handle light lines extremely efficiently as opposed to baitcasting reels. Spinning reels will also allow you to cast the lightest lures with ease. They also require the least amount of practice to master.

Level Wind Reels-Pros and Cons

Many inshore saltwater anglers ask us to help them decide between purchasing a level wind conventional reel and an “open” style conventional reel that does not have the level wind features. Each of the two styles has its attributes and its challenges.

Conventional vs. BaitCasting Reel-What’s the Difference

Conventional and baitcasting reels share many similarities, but their differences really dictate their application for anglers in both salt and freshwater. Both look very different from spinning reels, but not so different from each other. So how do you tell the difference? A few models I will mention a little later may be used in both fishing styles, but generally speaking, non-spinning reels are either built to fish vertically from a boat or to be cast.

Choosing the Right Fishing Reel

When it comes to purchasing fishing reels, the options seem to be endless. Walk into any fishing retail store and you can easily become overwhelmed by the endless reel displays. Between various manufacturers, spinning reels, bait casting reels and multiple variations on reel designs, how does a beginner or novice decide what is right for their fishing needs?

Spinning Reels – An Overview

Spinning reels are probably the easiest style of fishing reel to learn how to operate. Yet, many individuals still do not use all of the functions of the spinning reel to their advantage, often times costing them the fish of a lifetime. Take the time to learn all of the abilities of a spinning reel to maximize your fish catching potential.