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Casting
Casting reels have a visible line spool that lays perpendicular
to the rod so it functions much like a winch. This type of reel
has a trigger to release the spool and the spool turns when the
crank is turned. There is usually a spoke wheel drag adjustment
around the base of the crank handle. There will be a spool tension
adjustment knob and sometimes an adjustment for tuning the spool
rotation speed when you are casting. The last two adjustments
are used to maximize the casting distance while minimizing the
amount of backlashes. Backlashes occur when the spool rotates
faster than the line is pulled off the spool. This causes the
line to start winding back around the spool in the opposite direction
and somehow you always end up with a knot or a complete mess
that requires clippers to solve.
To cast a rod equipped with a casting reel do the following:
1. Place your thumb on the trigger and make sure it overlaps
the spool.
2. Press the trigger and use your thumb to keep the spool
from turning.
3. Start your casting motion.
4. On the forward part of the casting motion remove your thumb
from the spool.
5. As the lure flies through the air, you may need to lightly
touch your thumb to the spool to prevent it from rotating faster
than the lure pulls line. This usually will happen during high
wind situations, or when your lure goes up farther than out.
6. When your lure hits the water, place your thumb on the
spool to stop rotation. If this is not done you can, and probably
will get a backlash.
Tips:
When first starting to learn to use a casting reel, adjust your
spool tension as follows:
1. Tie on the lure you are going to use.
2. Hold the rod out horizontal and trip the trigger.
3. Allow the lure to fall to the ground/water and observer
the spool. Tighten the spool tension so they spool stop rotating
on its own when the lure strikes the water. This will help reduce
backlashes.
4. As your skill increases you can adjust the tension
and magnetic drag systems to fine tune your reel.
Fly
Single Action Fly Reels
Single Action Fly reels consist of a simple spool with a housing
around it. The housing has a large hole for the line to come
out of. There is a small handle on the spool used for cranking
and a simple drag system. These reels are the most widely used
of the fly reels. They are used to hold line and fight a fish
when one is hooked.
Automatic Fly Reels
Automatic fly reels have a spring system located inside the
reel and a trip lever to wind the line back on the spool. As
you pull off line the reel spring loads up. When you trip the
lever it releases tension in the spring and causes the spool
to rotate and wind the line back in. Automatic fly reels are
not designed for fighting fish, and as such, have no drag system.
Casting a flyrod will not be covered in this article because
entire books are written on the subject. I may write an article
about fly casting at a later date.
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