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FISHING REELS - SELECTING THE RIGHT ONE
Buying a New Rod and Reel Soon?

Here's a Tip:
In choosing a rod and reel to be used in combination, make sure that when secured together they have
a balanced feel in your hand. Both your rod and reel should be rated for the same line and lure weights.
This assures that you can cast your lure the farthest and have the maximum sensitivity in feeling a fish
bite. Now that you have the proper combination of rod, reel and line, make sure that the knot you use to
secure your hook, swivel or lure is strong enough to withstand the shock of a fish strike. See Below for
info on the different types of reels can chose from, depending your your fishing style...

SPIN CASTING: Spinning rods and reels are very popular. They are not expensive, allow for casting of light lures,
and are easy to use. The first two or three line guides on a spinning rod are large, because the line "billows" off
the end of the reel spool during the cast. To cast with a spinning reel, you open the wire "bail" that wraps line
around the spool, holding the line with your index finger. Release the line as you move the rod forward and with
a little practice you're casting like a champ. Nylon monofilament line of 6- to 12-pound test works best on most
spinning reels.

SPINNING REEL: Like a spinning reel, the spin-casting reel has a stationary spool, with line leaving and returning
at one end of that spool. But the spool on the spin-casting reel is enclosed, so you can't see it. The line is released by use of a thumb-button at the back of the reel.

BAIT CASTING: These reels differ greatly from both spinning and spin-cast reels because the spool sits
perpendicular (cross-ways) to the rod rather than parallel to it. Because the spool moves during casting
and retrieving, these reels are often called revolving-spool reels. Bait-casting tackle requires more practice,
patience and skill than both spinning and spin-casting tackle, but once mastered, allows for pin-point casting
accuracy and excellent line control when fishing and playing fish.

FLY CASTING: As mentioned earlier, artificial flies are very light, making them virtually impossible to cast
with most rods and reels. So fly casters use a special kind of line and a certain kind of rod that allow even
the smallest of flies to be cast long distances. The line itself provides the casting weight, and the rod's size
and flexibility are matched to the line's weight for best casting results. Fly-fishing line is thicker and more visible
than other types of fishing line, so fly anglers use several feet of monofilament or other low-visibility material
as a "leader" between the fly and the fly line.