Today there are many fishing reels to choose from and manufacturers do not make life easy for the beginner angler who is probably lost when in need to buy a fishing reel.

Why is that expensive reel different from the inexpensive next to it? Sure, the tackle-shop owner can help me but is it always, so? Can I trust him/her?

Moreover what does ball-bearing and reel gear ratio mean?

And by the way, how many types exist?

Finally, which is the best?

See? So many questions!

Do you need a hint?

Terminology Explained

Ball-Bearing

Like in bycicle wheel, reels rotate around an axis and so create friction between the elements which slows down the perfomance and in the long term wear off the parts.

Ball-bearing is the invention of putting metal spheres (balls) between the two parts and so generate a smoother rotation with lesser friction.

Generally speaking, the higher the ball-bearings, the better (and more expensive) the fishing reels. The material used tho make the balls (usually stainless steel, but titanium can be used, too) is important and is one of the parameters which influence the price.

For a good reel, you should look at least for double-bearing; the high range have 5 to 6 ball-bearings and there are even 12 ball-bearing at the top of the range!

Have a look for instance at my best fishing reels webpage!

This means how many revolutions (e.g. 3.2 ) the spool makes with each complete turn (equal 1) of the handle. 3.2 : 1 in the example (3.2 revolutions for 1 complete turn).

In other words, if you want to retrieve the line more quickly, get a high (more expensive l) ratio like 5:1 or 6:1.

If you want to calculate how much line this equal in length you must use this formula:

Average spool diameter x 3.14 x ratio = lenghth of line per 1 turning of the handle

e.g.: 30mm x 3.14 x 5.5 = 518.1 mm

So you rewind about 52 cm of line each time your turn the handle.

Line Capacity

This means how much line of a certain size the spool can hold (e.g 8/130 = size 8, 130 yards). This ration depends on what kind of fish you want to catch.

It's important to choose a line which has this general carachteristics:

1. good smoothness
2. good holding capability at the knots
3. low or no memory (the line does NOT get longer after a fishing session)

We recommend the STREN Easy Cast

A line is classified for its diameter (in thousands of an inch) and strength (number of pounds the line can hold before braking).

Now, which line is right for me? Let's take the example in the The Complete Idiot's Guide to Fishing Basics which is an excellent book on the subject.

Wanna fish for a bass in a lake? Here is the abstract:

Book recommendation: Largemouth Bass Extreme Fishing Guide. Top Secret Techniques Of The Professional Bass Fishing Guides Exposed

*****

The International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST) is the world largest tackle trade show and is at its 51st edition this year. Held in Las Vegas between 16-18 July 2008, 190 companies entered 695 tackle products and accessories into the New Product Showcase. The recent 2008 "Best of Show" line winner is:

2008 ICAST New Product Showcase Award Winners
Category	Company	Product
Line	Berkley (Pure Fishing)	Fireline Tracer Braid

For your information these were the 2007 winners:

Drag

A drag system is basically a brake-sytem (e.g. discs under spring pressure) which can be adjusted (e.g. turning a star, knob or cap loose or tight) to allow more or less line to "run". Drag is the resistance put on the line when reeling in. A clutch on the housing allows to loosen or tighten the drag when the fish runs away when hooked. This prevents the line from being dangerously stretched and even snapped by a big fish. The drag should be generally set up half-way the line rupture point (see the line parametr on the package).

There are several drag systems. Here some drag systems, bearing in mind that research in this field is quite constant and that new system (patents) are created from time to time.

• star drag (a flat, star shaped piece at the base of the handle)
• Cap or knob on top of spool or behind the housing

The Complete Idiot's Guide series has an excellent book which covers the topic of reels as well!.

Anti-Reverse

The anti-reverse mechanism is activated by a lever or switch on a spinning or baitcasting reel housing. When the anti-reversre is on, the mechanim allows a fisherman to fish with just one hand without holding the handle tightly all the times, and it also allows the drag to function properly. Actually, the anti-reverse can be turned off when you want to adjust the amount of line hanging on the rod or already in the water by turning the handle backwards.

But how can I decide which one to buy?

Click here to know more in the next chapter!

..and in case you nee quick tips on reel maintenance, click here!