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.

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A Day Too Full To Improve

A day too full to fix with the weekend upon, and I’m closing a week with no sleep and the evasion of stress. A good friend and I headed to southern CT's coast for a business meeting with a fly shop owner that a local guide/ friend set up.

Fish stories and business talk wrap up a new friendship with a group of guys, as the windiest, wettest, and coldest rod casting demo of 06’ took place, we finished our business.

My travel companion and I followed a friend and guide a little north up the coast to a spot we were supposed to fish in the early morning on the right tide before anything took place.

Lack of sleep combined with a burnt out body from a crazy work week, broke my will to start the day with good fishing. Causing me to settle for the worst time and conditions the day could present this point near the mouth of the river.

My motto: “you can’t catch a fish if your not fishing” sometimes you just can’t catch a fish.

On water we had never fished. We followed instructions from my local friend and fish guru and began our mile walk to the end of this point near the mouth of the river. With a beautiful 40 degrees, rain, 30 plus mph windy day on our plate, We headed out to fish southern CT. In the past, my luck and skills haven’t always matched up to my local waters where I guide. So far work has kept me off the water, and night fishing is not yet rockin’ and rollin’. Fearless of the warning that we are fishing the wrong tide and will not catch fish , we charge to the point; “ there are schoolies, we’ll still get into some fish” .It may not be the countless numbers the morning bite produced, but fish none the less.

5 casts and the phone rings, my local buddy asks “did you get fish yet?” “No” “told ya” he says, “wait until 6:30 PM when the tide starts to change. It already 3:30 and I have to be off the water at a quarter to 6. As I get off the phone, a few minuets later a hit, and a fish! First Striper of the season. It came much later than I'm used to. Work has also kept me off Martha's Vineyard, and I'm not booked with client until May.

There's a light at the end of this dark tunnel. We are sure to catch more fish. Two hours pass and neither of us have had a single hit.

Meanwhile on the south side of the shore, gulls are working the heck out of this cove. Barely able to fly in the wind, they are a bitter sweet reminder that the fish are there, but not near us. At this time my gut starts to tell me that it’s time to leave, not for food , but the small still voice that says “its over, your not getting one more fish” This voice has lead to many great days of fishing, and has also ended some bad ones.

Is this way too much work for one small fish? This is for a guy who spends most of his time throwing 16 inch eels at 2:00 am to catch cow bass. I'm cold, tired and run down. My friend has had a hard second year of fly fishing. No steel heard for him this winter, skulked today. I look over with concern that the crack in the joy of fishing might have set in on his face. All I see is a big bright, red, wet wind beaten smile. “you want go or keep fishing?” he said. I've gotta go it’s two and a half hours home and I still have to meet this guy about a fly fishing thing.

It’s not always about the fish or even the time on the water. It ‘s about getting out there when the rest of the world is not and beating a path through the jungle of life to get your sliver of escape in. Weather its one hour or a twenty hour hard core run, stop, Listen to Your Passion, its always worth it.

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A Beginners Guide To Fishing

If you are new to the sport of fishing, you need to know some of the basic rules of fishing. Like other forms of hunting, fishing involves both your environment and those around you. Be respectful of both. You can responsibly enjoy this treasured pastime in several ways.  Fishing is an ancient practice. It dates back nearly 10,000 years.

A number of various techniques and traditions have been used during fishing's progression. Modern technological developments have changed the way people fish, but many of the same rules, regulations, and social norms involving fishing remain.  Always practice good stewardship of our waterways when you are fishing. Remember that these waterways were around thousands of years before you and will remain long after we are gone. You can make a conscious decision to leave the areas in which people fish in better condition than when you found it. Take care of our lakes, rivers, and other waterways so that others will enjoy these areas for years to come.

Practising certain behaviours will ensure that you are taking good care of the places where people fish.  Never litter when you are fishing. Always bring a trash bag or other receptacle to use for the collection of your trash. You can easily deposit it in a nearby trash receptacle. Dump your refuse in properly assigned dumping stations instead of tossing it in the water. You do not need to spend much time figuring out the many ways in which this hurts the environment.  As you fish, always use the correct type of bait and fishing gear. Certain areas allow for certain bait and gear. You will also encounter limits on the number, size, and kind of fish that you can keep. Become familiar with what these limits are and pay attention to them. Do not wait until you are at your fishing spot to search for what is allowed and what is not. Check with your destination before you head out on your fishing trip to see what the local regulations allow. If you plan on using a boat while fishing, research to see what kinds of water craft are allowed where you are going to fish.

Every fishing location is different, so pay special attention to local procedures and cautions. This also applies when you decide to clean your boat after you leave the water. You do not want to spread non-native species to another body of water.  Finally, never fish where it is not permitted. There is always a reason why it is illegal. Some reasons include the protection of certain wildlife, the proper care of vegetation, and the safety of you and others who want to fish.  You should also follow a number of cautionary behaviours to ensure your safety.

As with all forms of hunting, safety is first. If you will be using a boat while you fish, always wear your life jacket. Make sure that your passengers wear their life jackets, as well.  Be very careful when baiting and removing hooks. Make sure that you never fish on unauthorized waterways. Follow the posted speed limits and wake warnings that accompany the use of a boat. Bring with you all relevant safety items, such as water, flash lights  maps, and a cell phone.  Fishing continues to be a favourite pastime. 2001 saw nearly 16% of the U.S. population over the age of 16 spend 16 days fishing. You enjoy the sport of fishing, so follow the rules that allow for the continuation of fishing. Be responsible and courteous of others and your environment. Take time to discover how you can be both a better and safer angler.

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Fishing Kit Basics

Before going deeper into the technicalities, make sure that a fishing license is secured. To be an amateur fisherman there are basic pieces of fishing equipment needed to complete your exciting journey in the fishing world. Knowing the line type and matching the right rod and reel to the fishing technique is just basic common sense. Match these tools appropriately and expect a more enjoyable experience for a more comfortable fishing. There are several things that causes the reel to turn into a bird's nest, don't worry, even experienced fishermen encounter this every now and then.

The main objective is to match the rod, the reel, the line and the lure. These will only cost a newbie around $25 to $40 and they could last for years. The 3 main issues when shopping for a rod are: Guides that are attached to the rod; Grip or handle holds the rod and could come in either cork or foam. They come in different lengths so the comfort to the user must be considered; and the reel seat where the reel is connected.

Dealers make a lot of fishing rods that could either be single or consist of two or more pieces when assembled. The connection is very simple; just connect the male and female ends together to make sure the guides are lined up. This would only last for a minutes. Sometimes, lubricants are needed. When shopping for a rod, slightly bend it to get the feel of it. Again comfort should be considered when using the equipment.

Rods of any type will work. It should be around 6' long and medium weight. Even a long stick will work. This should be long, straight and flexible so it will not easily break. The most popular rod is Graphite because it is so light yet so strong. Wispy rods should be up to 4m long to be used for long casts in moderate winds.

There are a lot of fishing lines to choose from and it can be very confusing to find the best. It is mostly made of nylon and "monofilament" that comes in spools of different lengths that are called Tests. The larger the fishing line the thicker it is in diameter. Find a piece of a 4lb. or 4 lb. Test that is almost 10' long for the basic rig.

The basic rule is that all the gears should match. To summarize your fishing kit, it should include other stuff as well: net, stringer, line clippers, fishing knife, first aid box, a pail of bait, sunglasses, fishing hat, and talking about the basics, don't forget your SNACKS!

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