What are the Different Elements of a Fishing Rod Reel
By now you’ve probably heard a hundred times that the proper fishing gear is essential to have a successful fishing experience. That means you need the rod, reel, line, lure and etc. for the type of fish you want to catch, and the type of water where you’ll be fishing.
Before you rush down to your local fishing retailer, though, take a moment to think. How much do you know about reels, about what makes one reel better than the other? Understanding what makes a reel right for a certain type of water or fish can make a big difference in your fishing experience. Below are some tips about parts of the reel and why they matter.
The Parts are Reel Important
No matter what type of fishing you have planned, the reel you use can make the difference between snagging a “beauty” and telling stories about the “one that got away”. Fishing comes in many shapes and sizes, and the last thing you want is to be fighting “the” fish with a reel that can’t handle the strain. In fly fishing especially, the fishing rod reel can make or break a fishing experience. What makes one reel better or different from another? The answer is size, shape and what’s on the inside. In other words, the parts of the reel are extremely important.
How is the reel important? It determines the amount of control you have over the line. The affects are felt in many ways.
• The number of ball bearings in a reel determines the amount of play.
• The weight of the reel affects the balance of the rod.
• The size of the reel impacts how heavy the fishing line can be.
• Some reels give the angler one full rotation with each crank of the handle. Other reels will spin many times per handle crank.
• The center hole (the arbor) comes in different sizes. Reels with large arbors can hold more line, and are more efficient when reeling in a big fish.
Take Care of Your Reel
Once you’ve matched your reel to the fishing rod, to the type of fish and where you’ll be fishing, there’s only one more thing to do: take care of it.
• After each use, wipe the reel with a clean cloth to remove dirt or sand.
• Regularly change the line. Fresh line equals less resistance, and less coil.
• Store the reel in a bag or case to protect it from dirt and other contaminants, and from sharp objects in your tackle.
• Once a year, take your reel apart and clean and grease all of the parts.
Caring for and maintaining your reel only takes a few minutes after each use. The annual clean and grease takes about an hour. If you’re hesitant about dismantling your reel, talk to your local fishing retailer about the procedure. You’ll gain an important skill, because you’ll be able to handle problems when you’re out in the water. That means you can fish longer, which is always a good thing.
