Spinning Reels have a reverse feature, but why do they have it anyway? Do you need to have this attribute? Is it going to help you catch more fish? Find out the answers you’ve been asking about the Reverse feature about Spinning Reels and other tips on how to use them correctly.
Most modern Spinning Reels have an anti-reverse clutch or mechanism that allows it to spin both clockwise and counter-clockwise. This feature aims to help fishers to reel back their fishing line once a fish bites their bait instead of dragging it to fight the fish. Additionally, it prevents the reel from turning backward.
The reverse function of Spinning Reels has its advantages and disadvantages. As you may already have known, there are various kinds of fishing reels in this modern era of fishing. So, the question is, Should you use this type of fishing reel for your next fishing trip? Is it worth your every penny? Find out the answers in this article.
What Is a Spinning Reel?
Spinning Reels, probably, are one of the most versatile and popular fishing reels today. You can use it to cast various types of tackle, like artificial lures and live bait. Above all variety of baits, Spinning Reels are most useful for light tackle and bait. This type of fishing reel is perfect if you’re hunting for small to medium-sized fish like bass, redfish, and crappie. Plus, Spinning Reels situates at the bottom of the spinning reel rod.
What are the Pros and Cons of Spinning Reels?
| PROS | CONS |
| Spinning Reels are for all-around use. They are so versatile, which makes it the biggest reason why most anglers prefer using it. | Spinning Reels are not consistent in providing the best effectiveness, especially if you’re going to use heavy lures and baits. |
| You can use Spinning Reels to cast different types of tackle like artificial lures and live bait because you only have to pull the weight of the fishing line. | Compared to a Baitcaster, Spinning Reels are less accurate. |
| Spinning Reels are most useful for light tackle and baits. | |
| Spinning Reels will give you a more robust construction compared to its counterpart – spin-cast reels. | |
| Spinning Reels are perfect to use for in the open ocean, tackling trophy striped bass, mahi-mahi, and other small to medium-sized ocean fish. | |
| If you’re planning to do ice fishing, pan fishing, and other small fish, this type of reel suits you best. | |
| If you’re a beginner, it’s best to start using Spinning Reels because of its versatility and ease of use. |
How Can You Stop Spinning Reel From Going Backward?
When it comes to Spinning Reels, it is common to have a backward effect, especially for the fishing line. When this event happens, first, you can start by checking the Spinning Reel’s reverse switch. You have to make sure that it is not stuck and in the opposite position. Additionally, you can try to follow some of these tips for fixing your Spinning Reel.
- You can unscrew the housing cap and remove the spool washers. Then, use a ½ inch socket to eliminate the rotor nut.
- Remove the rotor assembly and look for the clutch bearing. Then, unscrew the screws around the rim of the bearing cap.
- Check the roller clutch sleeve, and realign its bearing into the anti-reverse clutch.
- If you can see a broken clutch, make sure to replace it with a new one immediately.
What Size of Spinning Reel Should You Start?
As a beginner, it’s better to start using Spinning Reels in sizes of 1,000, 2,000, 3,000, and so on. Generally, a more significant number means greater reel size. Two thousand reels are the best option for most starters, especially if you want to fish bass and walleye. Regardless, 2,000 series reel is, most probably, the best option for general fishing. If you’re going to start with light rods, you can start with 1,000 series, which are smaller.
How Do You Spool a Spinning Reel?
The first step is to open its bail by flipping up the handle to Spool a Spinning Reel. Then, string your fishing line through the circular guides at the bottom of the fishing rod. Create an arbor knot to secure the fishing line to the spool. Finally, cut the extra line using cutters. Close the bail and put the reel.
How to Choose the Right Fishing Line for Your Spinning Reel?
- Monofilament Lines. When it comes to Spinning Reels, Monofilament fishing line is suitable if you’re fishing with floating baits. Monofilament lines feature single-strand lines that are a bit stretchable. It adds more flexibility to the fishing line so that the hook stays secured when a fish bites your bait. Plus, Monofilament fishing lines are also suitable for a jig or live-bait.
- Fluorocarbon Lines. Choose Fluorocarbon Lines is suitable if you’re fishing in calm and shallow waters. They work excellently for catching fish underwater. Fluorocarbon Lines have less stretch and can hold up better to abrasion. Plus, this type of fishing line is more reactive even with light bites from fish.
- Braided Lines. This type of fishing line has several lengths of braided synthetic material combined into one line. Braided Lines are suitable for creating a more significant casting distance. Plus, it can build a better breaking strength. Unlike Monofilament and Fluorocarbon, Braided Lines are not stretchable. The best thing about using this fishing line is that it floats well. Additionally, it is excellent to use when you have top-water baits.
How Can You Prevent Line Twist on a Spinning Reel?
Fishing should be fun and enjoyable. However, we understand that it can be stressful dealing with fishing line twists and tangles. These circumstances can be so frustrating and may result from missing out catch for a day. Fortunately, fixing it is pretty much straightforward with these simple tips.
- Spool the Spinning Reel Correctly. Make sure of the proper lining on the Spinning Reel. If you have an improper spool on your Spinning Reel, you’ll become more prone to have line twist issues while fishing. The best way is to load a fishing line onto a spinning reel is by using a spinning reel line spooler. Avoid overfilling your spool. Leave a space between the top of your line stack and the lip of your spool of approximately 1/8 inch.
- Always Pre-Condition Your Fishing Line Before Using it. If you’ve just replaced your fishing line, give it some time to relax and adapt to your spool before fishing. The key here is to plan ahead of time. For example, if you’re fishing this weekend, then you might want to spool your line midweek.
- Make Sure that You’re Spinning it Right. Most modern models of Spinning Reels have an auto-trip function on its bail, which is the wire part that you flip back and forth when you’re casting and reeling. This feature automatically flips the bond, which may cause tangling of the fishing line. So, as much as possible, avoid using the auto-rip function. Instead, get used to manually flipping your Spinning Reel back to retrieving after casting.
- Always Check Your Line. When fishing, watch out for any twists before it gets worse. Once the fishing line jumps and twists into loops, quickly reel in your rig. Then, check your swivel and lures.
- Quality Fishing Line is More Accurate. More often, cheap fishing lines are more likely to twist and tangle. We are not suggesting to get the most expensive one, but you have to choose wisely and get the best quality fishing line for your bucket.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What Is a Drag for Spinning Reel?
The Drag on most Spinning Reels is simply a pair of friction plates inside the fishing tool, which includes two primary functions. First, the couple of friction overcomes once the fish pulls on the line so hard. Second, the reels will rotate backward and will let the line out to prevent the fishing line from breaking. Therefore, it’s essential to set the Drag before you start casting.
What Causes Line Twist on a Spinning Reel?
The revolving rotor spooling line around a stationary spool, and the way it works are the primary causes of the fishing line twist on a Spinning Reel. Some fishing line twist is inevitable, but there are some ways to prevent it.
How Much Fishing Line Should You Use on a Spinning Reel?
As a rule of thumb, for most anglers, the fishing line on your Spinning Reel should be at least 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch from the edge of the spool. As much as possible, you want to put just enough fishing line on your real so that you can cast more effectively. However, you have to be sure that you stick with the figures we’ve mentioned.
Final Words
The Reverse on Spinning Reels is essential to be more accurate and versatile in catching different kinds of fish. To answer our questions stated at the beginning of this article – Do you need to have this attribute? Is it going to help you catch more fish? – Yes, indeed, on both questions. If you’re a beginner and you want to do some ice fishing, pan fishing, and catch other small to medium types of fish.
Spinning Reels are so versatile. Hence, the biggest reason why most anglers prefer using it. They are most useful for light tackle and baits and will provide you a more robust construction. The anti-reverse clutch or mechanism allows the tool to spin on both clockwise and counterclockwise directions. Additionally, it helps anglers to reel back the fishing line as a fish bites the bait or lure.