Factors to Consider in Choosing the Right Fishing Reel
Even if you are going fishing to have fun, choosing the right fishing gear can be a very daunting task. You can get a lot of options to choose from. If you have no idea what to purchase, you may end up spending a lot of money on gears that you probably will not use ever. Most, if not all, outdoor outfitter stores have knowledgeable staff to help you in choosing rods or fishing reels for sale. However, it would be better if you have some information on how to choose a fishing reel.
Table of Contents
Material
The material of the fishing reel will dictate how durable it will be. Fishing reels may be made of hard plastic, graphite, metal, or composite materials. The type of material the reel is made up of will also affect its price value. Although your budget may limit your choice of fishing reel, you should not rely on price alone. Cheap fishing rods may not give you the best value since they may not give you more chances of getting a bite.
Reel Size
Fishing reels come in different sizes which range from 2000 to 30000. These numbers will determine the size or weight of the fish that the reel can handle. Higher reel size numbers can handle fishes of larger sizes and weight. When choosing fishing reels for sale, pick a reel size that will be sufficient for the fish sizes that you are most likely to catch. For example, if you are only going to fish in rivers and are only targeting fishes of up to three kilograms, then a spinning reel with 2000 to 3000 rating will be enough for your needs.
Instant Anti-Reverse Handles
If you are an inexperienced fisherman, you will need to choose fishing reels that have instant anti-reverse handles. You can check a reel if you can move its handle backward. If the reel handle moves back, then it will significantly reduce the accuracy of locking the hook when you feel a bite. If you want to have more fishing success, then the handles of your reel should not move in reverse.
The Drag System
The amount of line drag that you give out when a fish is on-hook will allow you to put pressure on the fish. If you are choosing your first reel, make sure that its drag system lets the fishing line out smoothly.
Amount of Ball Bearings
The number of ball bearings in fishing reels will determine how smooth you can retrieve your line. Fishing reels may have ball bearing numbers from three to eleven. The number of ball bearings within a fishing reel will also dictate its price. For a beginner, choose a fishing reel with at least five ball bearings.
Gear Ratio
A gear ratio is a number that indicates the number of times the bail will rotate for every rotation of the handle. Gear ratios tell you how fast or slow you can retrieve your lure for recasting or landing a hooked fish. A gear ratio of 4:1 will mean that your bail will go around four times for every turn of the reel handle. When choosing gear ratio, take note of your need to retrieve your lure when you failed to cast it in the right direction. A gear ratio of 6:1 will allow you to retrieve your lures faster and can be ideally used for fly-fishing.
When you consider this information, you will be able to choose the right fishing reel for you.
