|
|
Member
Posts: 34
Location: Theresa, NY | have seen plenty of articles discussing right rods for jigging, rigging, bottom bouncers, crank baits, etc, but no discussion on reel selection. I am partial to spinning reels but not sure how to balance up with rods, especially when ordering mail order. Help? |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 378
Location: Omro,Wi. | The main thing is a good drag,and second thing I look for is line capacity,the most importent thing in a reel used for jigging is having one that the spool will lock in place,and not back up at all,when you pull on the line.I've seen lots of fish lost,due to the reels ability to turn,even 1/8 inch,backward on a hook set. |
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 44
Location: Bradford Pa | Hafe pretty much covered it. Drag and NO back reel when bail is closed. Gennerally a reel with 9-up ballbearings dont have any back reel and have nice drags. I would start there if I were looking for a new one. |
|
| |
|
New User
Posts: 3
Location: Liverpool New York | dlm413
Daren.
Choosing a spinning reel just because it has a good drag and anti reverse features aren't the only thing that you should be looking at when you make your purchase.
First we need to know what the reel will be used for "in general" and what rod(s) it'll be used on.
Another important aspect of selecting a good reel for the ob is to know what type of line you'll be using with it.
If you intend to use one of the super braids such as Fireline, Power Pro Etc, Etc, the drag isn't as important as it would be if you were using mono or flourocarbon lines. Reason being that you'll need to keep the drag much looser to begin with so you don't rip the hook from the fishes mouth and secondly, the breaking factor doesn't come into play as much when using the braids, therefor, it can have a hitch or two in the drag and you can get away with it without worry of breaking your line. Backreeling when fighing a big fish also helps keep line twist to a minimum.
The anti reverse feature is also important when using mono or flourocarbons but again, with super braids, a little give is beneficial in most hooksets unless you're really tuned in to using the braid and can control your reflexes as to not rip the fishes lips off.
I prefer a great anti reverse and decent drag before a great drag and average anti reverse. There's a compensation point there that can be worked with.
The anti reverse systems have nothing to do with the amount of ball bearings the reel has. Most reels that boast of 7 to 10 ball bearings are more than likely to use inferior roller bearings that feel no better than a 3 ball bearing Shimano Sedona or Daiwa Regal Z series. The quality of the bearings makes all the difference in the world.
I've had a Shimano Stella apart and under a magnafying glass and what a difference in bearing qaulity compared to a Tica and Okuma brand high ball bearing reels. Only problem I found was that the body materials on both reels were the same material and there's as much room for breakage with the Shimano as there was for the other brands, plus for a ton of maoney less, the other reels will work just fine and you can buy 3 (or more) for the price of one .
The choices are becoming mind boggling the past 10 years.
Line capacity is once again, easier to determine if you know what lines you'l be using on the reel and what length rods they'll go on. With the super braids, in general, with the strength of the line and it's ability to whoop a fish in a hurry, there's little need to fill a spool all the way.
On a light to medium action rod/reel set up used for jigging, 50 yards is usually plenty to spool on the reel with backing to fill the remainder. I like to use some cheap 2 lb test for backing when using braids because it lays much flatter than thicker diameter lines on the spool but if I'm sing the rod/reel for bigger fish where the chance of long runs and lengthy fights are common, I'll go to something in the 6 to 8 lb test range. This keeps the breaking strength close to the line I'm using which is 4 lb Fireline for all my jigging rods. Actually, the 4 lb Fireline breaks at about 9 lbs new and 6 to 7 lbs when it's about 3 seasons old.
Vertical jigging in deep water where short rods are needed requires larger spools and more line on the spool.
Give an idea of what you're using for rods and it'll be easier for everyone to chime in.
By the way, how is the fishing on Butterfield and Red lake this winter ? We're heading up next week sometime and then to Lake of the Isles unless Oneida lake continues to heat up as it has this week. Huge perch and walleyes are being caught all over the lake right now. Constantia and Chapman Park have been the best spots so far with North Bay holding it's own with the walleyes.
|
|
| |
|
Member
Posts: 34
Location: Theresa, NY | thanks for all the info Tony, just getting back into Walleye fishing (actually fishing of any kind after 20 yr hiatus except for sporadic trips). Bought lund last year and trying to replace tackle and rods. Been looking at the Walleye specific rods in Bass Pro, thought I would pick up a jigging/rigging combo and a crank bait rod, jigging/rigging probably 6', crank bait probably 7'.
Haven't fished either Butterfield or Red this winter, Eel Bay was hot last weekend, friend fished it. We fished Perch Lake on sunday, kind of slow. |
|
| |
