Anyone who makes a living in a tackle shop has had customers asking questions about spinning reels. Anglers come in and want to learn the best way to use a heavier line on those reels. They also will ask what lines will help them cast and which lines are suitable for various types of fishing. The good news is that even if you don’t work in a tackle shop, you can answer these questions for your angler buddies!

In the northeast, striped bass start invading local rivers in the early spring making it one of the busiest seasons for tackle shops. Fishermen are trying to determine which line is most suited for the best bass fishing. Bass can require line in the 20-lb range and in some cases, even heavier line. The novice fisherman is more likely to have problems with this than the seasoned angler. Too often, the novice will have an undersized reel and expect it will work effectively with this heavier line. This can create poor casting results.

A quick look at the side of reel spool will easily clue the angler in on the best line length and size for their particular reel. Exceeding these limits will create casting issues – including choppy casting and ultimately – knots, clumps and other inconveniences that can ruin a great day of fishing. It’s important to note that the data on the side of the reel is based on monofilament line. By its nature, monofilament has a memory – that means that once it’s placed on the reel, it will retain its shape and conform to the reel. Of course, this also means that it begins to coil which can create issues when casting if you don’t exercise proper caution. The heavier the line, the stiffer it is and of course this means more coils. Once you open the bail and the line starts to come off the spool any pressure you put on it causes it so slow down and also causes friction. The end result could be a disaster – for instance a short, tangled cast.

Most anglers don’t have the luxury of having a reel for every type of fishing they do. The best case scenario is that they would have reels that are suitable for heavier fish, though many elect not to. If this is the case, the best option is to use a braided line. Although braided line is not as abrasion-resistant, it does still have some benefits. First it is much thinner (based on weight), it has virtually no memory and it’s got a slippery coating that makes it ideal for long casting. You can overcome the issue of abrasion by simply adding a three or four foot leader created from fluorocarbon or monofilament.

One of the biggest mistakes that create problems is reel that is not filled properly. Remember, the recommended line amounts are on your reel for a reason – this is the optimal amount of line for optimal fishing. Under-filling a reel or over-filling hampers casting. The rule of thumb for optimal casting is to fill your reel to about one eighth of an inch below the rim – this will help ensure the best possible casting results.

You don’t have to have a degree in engineering to fix your spinning reel’s problems once you learn the fundamentals of reel and line cooperation. Simply keep your spool filled adequately, learn recommended line size and length, and, if push comes to shove, use thin braided line to keep to the recommended amounts. After all, you will have a much better fishing trip if your reel is as it should be.

When you are deciding on which type of reel is right for you, doing the proper research is the best thing you could do. There are many manufacturers out on the market today, some of the most popular reels include Penn 975, Penn 209, and Daiwa Sealine SLD30.

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