Reel Logic
Choosing a fishing reel boils down to skill level and application choices
by Matt Williams
A guy who chunks and winds for bass three days a week probably won’t get much of an education here. But a beginner might learn a little something. Especially one who is in the market for a new fishing reel, but isn’t quite sure which style might suit his or her needs the best.
The reel is a critical tool in just about any fishing strategy. Not only does it provide a mechanical platform for launching and retrieving baits, but it also serves as a winch for gathering line and maneuvering fish to the bank or boat once you get one hooked.I’ve seen grown men and children in Mexico and South America carry out both tasks using nothing more than a Coke can and 20-30 feet of monofilament line, but a good reel certainly makes both jobs much easier.There is an army of good reels out there that are available in three basic styles — bait casting, spin casting and spinning. Each style is designed with entirely different features calling for varying degrees of skill to operate when carrying out different types of applications.
I’ll address the different styles of reels and their uses a little later. But first a little bit of advice before you shop.
* As a rule, you get what you pay for in a fishing a reel. No matter which reel style you choose, be sure to buy the very best you can afford. A good quality reel will typically deliver smoother and more trouble-free operation than a cheap one. It will last longer, too. Especially if you take care of it.
* Steer clear of bait casting reels when buying a starter reel for a young or beginning angler. These reels require more skill and hands-on attention to operate than the other two styles. The easier the reel is to cast, the more fun a beginning angler will have using it and the faster their confidence will develop. Attempting to start a rookie angler with an advance level reel could turn out to be more of an exercise in frustration that might kill their confidence instead of piquing their interest.
