Front Drag Vs Rear Drag Spinning Reels? Trust The Answer

Spinning reels are very popular in UK sea fishing as they are easy to use, typically inexpensive to buy and require little maintenance. While some anglers are moving to the more powerful (but more difficult to use) multiplier reels, others like to stick to spinning reels when fishing. There is a wide range of spinning reels to choose from, from small spinning reels and cheap beachcasting reels to more expensive spinning reels that allow anglers to cast great distances. The increasing popularity of Continental style rods has also resulted in an increase in the number of anglers using spinning reels as they work well with these types of rods, especially when using braided line instead of monofilament.

design and functions

A stationary coil relies on a non-rotating coil that is fixed in place (hence the name). A bail arm rotates around this spool, winding line around the spool as it is reeled. The spinning reel was invented by Alfred Holden Illingworth in 1905, with his Illingworth No.1 Threadline Casting Reel becoming the world’s first mass-produced spinning reel.

Spinning reels (usually) need to be paired with rods designed for that reel type. These rods have fewer but larger guides to break up the line as it comes off the spool in loops (usually rods designed for use with multiplier reels have a greater number of smaller guides). However, a number of manufacturers are now making rods designed for use with multiplier or spinning reels. Bearings are used in the construction of a reel, and generally the more bearings a reel has, the better its performance. Entry-level spinning reels are likely to be made with a single ball bearing, while high-end reels have up to ten. All spinning reels have an oscillating wind system that keeps the line evenly distributed on the spool when retrieved, and good quality reels have an anti-twist pulley on the bail arm. Spinning reels also have a reverse switch that allows the reel to pay out line by winding it in the opposite direction when that is selected. Most spinning reels can be switched between right-handed and left-handed configurations, and most also feature a reel handle that folds down for easy storage.

Roll Size and Ratio

Spinning reels used for general beachcasting must be of adequate size and capable of holding approximately 300 to 400 meters of 15lb/0.35mm line. If the reel is smaller it won’t be strong or sturdy enough for beach fishing (but may be ok for light bass, flattie or lure fishing). Most tackle manufacturers use a system where the reels are sized in thousands, with larger beachcasting reels being 7000, 8000 or 9000, smaller reels for bass, flatfish or bait fishing being 4000 or 5000 and fixed spool reels are designed for LRF (Light Rock Fishing) the size can be 3000, 2000 or even 1000. However, not all manufacturers use this system and there are differences between manufacturers so line capacity is a better measure of reel size. Many spinning reels come with spare spools and today it is common to have two different types of spools – a standard spool for use with monofilament line and another, flatter spool for use with braid line. Due to line height issues discussed below, all spinning reels work best with light line and a shock leader, and while they can be used with a 30lb continuous line for fishing on uneven bottoms, casting distance will be significantly reduced. Like multipliers, spinning reels have a recoil ratio, and a spinning reel’s bail arm rotates around the spool multiple times for each full rotation of the handle. Most spinning reels used for sea fishing have a 4:1 to 5:1 return ratio.

drag system

Fixed reels are either front drag (often referred to as FD in the reel name or code) or rear drag (RD). Whatever the system of the reel, its goal is the same: the reel can release the line before the power of a betta breaks the line. Tail drag systems are delicate and sensitive as they are generally designed for the gentler demands and calmer waters of freshwater fishing. When sea fishing, rear drag reels are useful for lighter spinning, float fishing or bait work, but they are mostly avoided when baiting beaches or rock markers. The vast majority of spinning reels for sea fishing are therefore front drag reels. In order to cast, the front brake must be locked as tightly as possible, as a slipping brake will cause major problems when throwing. Most anglers simply leave the brake on during a fishing session and click the reel into reverse (where rewinding releases the line from the spool) when needed when fighting a big fish. Note that many reel manufacturers make the same model in both front drag and rear drag configurations, so look for FD or RD in the reel title and make sure you select the correct one when purchasing. Most anglers loosen the drag when the reel is stored and only hold it while fishing.

line level

With spinning reels, the line height of the spool is a very important factor. This is because line coming off the spool effectively catches on the lip as it exits the spool and this creates friction and reduces casting distance. A reel filled to the brim (but not overfilled) creates less friction when casting and thus achieves greater distances. Additionally, using a light line (e.g. 0.35mm/15lb) will result in the line level dropping less and therefore creating less friction, but using a thick 0.50mm/30lb line will result This causes the line level to drop quickly, resulting in more friction and cutting down casts. Braided line, which can be as thin as 0.20mm at 20lb breaking strain, is even better in this regard as even when large amounts of line have left the spool, the line level has only dropped slightly.

When loading line into a spinning reel, ensure the line level is within a few millimeters of the spool for best performance. Do not try to overfill the spool as this will cause the line to come loose in clumps which will then tangle in the rod guides during the cast. Since many beachcasting spinning reels have a line capacity of 300 meters or more, it’s a good idea to first cast 100 meters of backing line (use old or worn line that is no longer needed). There’s little point in filling a spool with several hundred yards of brand new line if only the first hundred yards or so will ever be used.

Braided Line: Advances in line technology over the last several decades have meant that it is now common to see shore anglers using small diameter braided line – previously only used by boat anglers as it was too thick to cast. Spinning reels are much better suited for use with braided line compared to multipliers, and many anglers have found that their casting distance has improved dramatically when switching from monofilament to braid. More information on using and casting with braided line can be found here. Alongside developments in braided line technology, many anglers are turning to Continental style rods, which are much longer rods (typically 15-16ft) with a softer action than traditional beach reels. When using these rods with stationary reels and braided line, impressive casting distances can be achieved even with simple casting techniques. There is an article about Continental style fishing rods that you can read here.

Casting and retrieving with a spinning reel

Casting with a stationary reel is less complicated than casting with a multiplier. This is because a multiplier’s spinning spool can overrun, causing the dreaded “bird’s nest” of loop line if the spool continues to spin after the cast. Since the spinning spool only takes up line as it is pulled from the spool, this cannot happen with this type of reel. To cast a spinning reel, the angler holds the line against the reel seat with their finger. When using large spinning reels, a finger stall – such as one from Sea Angling Shop – is used as a wrong cast can cut the line in the angler’s finger. Alternatively, a thumb button can be mounted like on the Breakaway Cannon so the angler doesn’t have to hold the line back with their fingers and there is no risk of injury. When fishing with smaller spinning rods and light line it is rarely necessary to use a finger stall as the line is not strong enough to injure an angler’s finger on the cast.

Video showing a stationary reel in action.

The bail arm can then be folded over where it locks into place and line is free to run off the spool while the cast is being made. While all spinning reels have an oscillating line lay system that ensures line is spread across the spool as it rewinds onto the reel, the more advanced and expensive reels generally have a better, smoother system, resulting in better line lay and therefore longer casts.

Stationary reel suggestions

Below you will find a range of spinning reels to suit a range of different types of sea fishing rods and fishing situations. Click on the links to go to Amazon or Sea Angling Shop (pages open in new window) where the reel can be purchased.

Budget stationary reels

Shizuka SKS 57000 FD Reel – This is a budget spinning reel from Shizuka. This reel is of good quality and is the right size to be used with a large 12ft or longer beachcaster rod for general all round sea fishing. Line capacity is 430 yards on a 15 pound line or 275 yards on a 20 pound line. This reel is front drag and has a 3+1 ball bearing construction and features an aluminum spool prespooled with monofilament fishing line and a graphite spare spool. This reel is available from the Sea Angling Shop for £33.99.

Fixed reels for beachcasters (12 – 15ft rods)

Penn Surfbaster 7000 or 8000 – Penn are one of the most recognized names in sea fishing and this large spinning reel is made with the build quality they are famous for. The size 8000 has a very large capacity of 330 yards of line at 30 pounds and a very fast 4.1:1 retrieve. This variant features six ball bearings, saltwater resistant construction and many retailers stock this reel with the standard monofilament spool and an additional braided spool. This is a great choice for anglers looking for a big, strong, powerful spinning reel that can cast long distances. The price is around £110 on Amazon. The 7000 size is slightly smaller and suits rods from 12ft to 13ft, while the 8000 size can be used with longer rods including continental style fishing rods.

Penn Affinity Spinning Reel – The Penn Affinity is a quality sea fishing reel that is ideal for general all round sea fishing for the angler who prefers to use a spinning reel. There are several variations of this reel, with the 7000 and 8000 versions being best for sea fishing. This reel has a high line capacity, 6+1 ball bearing construction, carbon fiber washers and an attractive wooden handle knob. The versions of this reel marked with the abbreviation LL are additionally equipped with Penn’s Live Liner freewheel system. This reel is available on Amazon for around £90-120 depending on the variant you choose, with many sellers also offering free delivery.

Spinning reels for bass rods (10 – 11ft)

Shizuka SKS 55000 Reel – This is the smaller version of the Shizuka SKS model above and is designed to be paired with spinning rods from 8ft to 10ft in length. The reel has a front drag, 3+1 ball bearings, a large line roller and a computer-balanced rotor. It also has a strong aluminum spool pre-loaded with monofilament line and a graphite spare spool. Line capacity is 215 yards on 12 lb line or 165 yards on 15 lb (0.35mm) line. An excellent reel for spinning with light baits. Available from the Sea Angling Shop for £27.99.

Fixed reels for spinning rods (7ft – 9ft)

WSB GR8 150 – The WSB GR8 reel range is ideal for lure fishing with spinners, plugs and float fishing around the British Isles. The 150 model featured here is designed for use with 8 or 9 foot spinning rods. This reel has a rear drag design and features an anti-twist line roller, line clip and is constructed with a single ball bearing. The reel comes with a single spool loaded with 15lb of clear monofilament line. Available from the Sea Angling Shop priced at £22.99.

BNTTEAM Fixed Spool Spinning Reels – Spinning rods under 9 feet in length and casters and other baits weighing around 1 ounce (28 grams) require correspondingly smaller reels. The BNTTEAM series spinning reels are ideal for this purpose as they come in a range of sizes allowing anglers to select a model to suit their spinning rod. Lightweight yet strong making them ideal for fishing across the UK, these reels feature an ambidextrous folding wooden handle, metal spool and front drag construction. Available on Amazon in seven different sizes from 1000 to 7000, with prices starting at under £14 for the smallest sizes.

Unlike certain rods, the difference between a spinning rod and a float rod is more than what is printed on the blank. Spinning rods and float rods have slightly different characteristics and behaviors. Can I use a spinning rod for float fishing? It’s possible, but here’s what you need to consider.

In general, you can use a spinning rod for float fishing, but your setup will be far from optimal. Spinning rods have a stiffer action than float rods. Also, they tend to be shorter which could affect casting accuracy and bait presentation.

All of this said that having a good day fishing is not impossible. Here’s what you need to know…

What is a spinning rod?

Spinning rods are a special type of rod typically used for casting lures and baitfish imitations. They have a stiff to medium blank and a through action. They are usually between 7 feet and 11 feet tall. Other features include a lockable reel seat and a higher casting weight.

What are raft poles?

Float rods are designed for fishing with bait below the surface of the water under a floating bite alarm. They are more flexible and whippy towards the tip. This is called a quick action. The rod is designed this way because float assemblies tend to be exceptionally light and require additional inertia to propel the float during the cast.

Float rods tend to be slightly longer, ranging in size from around 11 feet to 15 feet.

What are the differences between spinning and float rods?

Here’s a quick and helpful table to show you the key differences side-by-side.

Spinning Rod Float Rod Length 7-11ft 11-15ft Action Through or Progressive Fast Locking Reel Seat Yes No For casting 10-50g lures 3-4g Test Curve 3-3.5lbs 1-2lbs

As you can see, spinning rods are generally much sturdier and more resilient than float fishing rods.

What fish can I catch with a spinning rod?

In theory, you could catch any type of course fish with a spinning rod. If you mainly use it for spinning then this is limited to predator species that like to eat other fish such as:-

Can I use a spinning reel for float fishing?

You can use a spinning reel for float fishing. Unlike spinning rods and float rods, there are actually very few differences between the two. If you choose a 3000 or 4000 spinning reel you will find that it is the right size for both disciplines.

Can I use a spinning rod for float fishing? Final Thoughts

You can use a spinning rod for float fishing. However, you will find that your casting accuracy and overall bait presentation suffers, resulting in a lower catch rate. Spinning rods are stiffer and shorter than float rods which means they don’t do well with casting very light weights like you would see when fishing a waggler. If you’re looking for a good waggler rod, here’s a great article with some really wallet-friendly suggestions.

Which of the following fishing apps are you most likely to download and use?

An app where you imagine the beach and tell you where to throw

An app to help you find other anglers fishing in your area

An app that tells you whether or not you can keep your catches (based on size and catch limit)

An app that gives you product recommendations based on your fishing conditions

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, log in now to post with your account.

Is your spinning reel silent?

This is a common problem that anglers encounter and in this video I’m going to show you how to identify the cause of it.

It could be the way you wound your reel or an issue with the internal click mechanism, but the good news is that finding the problem is pretty quick and easy.

Once you identify the problem, you can fix it and hear that beautiful drag scream again!

Check out the video below.

How To Fix Silent Pulling [VIDEO]

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If your drag stops clicking, it’s most likely due to one of these three reasons:

Reason #1: Your braid spins freely on the roller.

Because the braid is so thin and soft, it probably won’t grab if you tie it directly to your spinning reel and will spin freely if you get a big fish on it.

Of course, if it spins freely, the train doesn’t click because it doesn’t intervene.

To know if this is the problem, pull the brake down and tug on your leash.

If the drag clicks and the spool spins, then that’s not the problem.

But if the line comes off your reel and the spool won’t turn, then that’s probably the problem.

To fix this, put some mono backing on your reel.

Reason #2: The gear on the shaft is broken.

The gear teeth on the shaft move the drag clicker.

If this is broken, your drag clicker will not make any noise.

Reason #3: The drag clicker is broken.

The drag clicker is a small piece in the spool that actually makes the noise.

It has a spring that snaps it back into place and keeps clicking.

If the spring is broken, worn out, or the part is missing altogether, the clicker will not make any noise.

Conclusion

If your train is not making any noise, it could be due to one of the three reasons above.

Make sure your line isn’t spinning freely, then check the gear on the spool and drag clicker.

Do you have questions about why your brake is not making any noise?

Let us know in the comments below!

And if you know someone who is dealing with this problem, please tag or share this with them!

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Related articles:

Newcomers to the world of freshwater fishing usually find spinning tackle easier to use than baitcasters. Learning to operate and cast a spinning rod and reel is relatively painless and free from the frustration caused by kickback. Consequently, spinning reels are what most anglers use when they first learn to fish.

Bass Pro Shops Pro Qualifier 2 Baitcast Reel

From this early experience, many anglers stick with spinning tackle and remain happy fishermen for years. Still others are migrating into the baitcasting world. Many are drawn to baitcasters by the professional bass angler, some carrying as many as 20 or 30 baitcast rods and reels on the boat when fishing.

The question I hear from many anglers is, “Which type of reel is better – spinning or baitcasting?” That answer depends on several things, including the fish you’re chasing, the bait you’re using, and simply the angler’s preference.

Tip: The choice between spinning and baitcast fishing tackle depends on the situation of the freshwater angler

Spinning vs. Baitcast Fishing Gear

Many of today’s anglers are familiar with the B.A.S.S. Pros read about it on TV or in fishing magazines. Back then, few professionals were ever seen with a spinning rod in hand. In fact, not a self-respecting bass fisherman has been caught dead with a spinning rod in his boat in years! These days, you can switch to your favorite Saturday morning fishing show and find that is no longer the case as several bass anglers are often in the process of downsizing baits and using spinning gear.

Muskie fishermen almost exclusively use the wider range of braided line baitcasters to handle these beasts. Pike require similar equipment. And big catfish pulled up from the bottom require the heavier rods found with baitcasters.

Spiderwire stealth braid fishing line

Line gauge probably plays the most important role in equipment selection. Whether anglers know it or not, pros use baitcast tackle for a very specific reason. Baitcast reels can handle heavier line and even longer casts than spinning gear in the same size range. Perch anglers regularly use lines in the 14 to 17 pound test range. Musk and catfish anglers use even heavier line. A small spinning reel has a smaller, narrower spool that has a hard time with large diameter lines. Small baitcast reels can handle these lines and provide longer casting distance.

Baitcasting rods like the Bass Pro Shops Johnny Morris CarbonLite 2.0 casting rod also tend to have more backbone than spinning rods. The backbone of a rod is the part of the blank closest to the handle and least yielding when flexed. With proper construction, the spine of a casting rod rests directly on the blank when the angler holds the rod. This backbone allows bait to be “snapped” through vegetation more easily while still maintaining a stronger hook set than a spinning rod of the same class.

Bass Pro Shops Johnny Morris

CarbonLite 2.0 casting rod

The introduction of braided line, with its thin gauge and much higher breaking strength, brought to light some problems in freshwater fishing circles. This super thin line causes problems on baitcast reels simply because it is so small in diameter. Hooking up a fish with braided line on a baitcasting reel tends to bury the line deep in the spool, a situation that will result in a major kickback on the next cast. Small line diameter is also why monofilament fishing lines under about 10 pounds in testing are rarely found on baitcast reels.

However, braided line, with its high strength to diameter ratio, now allows spinning rods to be used in heavier applications. A 50 pound test braid is the diameter of a 12 pound monofilament, making it easier to cast with a spinning rod and reel. Several manufacturers make reels that line up on the spool in a way that prevents them from digging into the spool on a hook set. This, coupled with the almost stretch-free quality of braided lines, has made spinning tackle ever more attractive to freshwater anglers.

Due to improvements in braided line I now see spinning gear being used for musk and pike. I also see spinning gear used for catfish as well.

Is Your Situation Better For Spinning Or Baitcasting Gear?

Anglers who want to choose between spinning tackle and baitcasting tackle need to look at their specific fishing techniques before making that choice. In reality, the choice is not which one an angler uses. It has become more of a choice as to which of the two an angler will use in a given situation. In general, the lighter the line required in a given fishing situation, the more attractive the spinning tackle will be.

So the answer to this frequently asked question is: “It depends.” The next time you decide which outfit is the better choice, make sure you determine where and how you plan to fish. This is the real consideration when choosing between spinning and baitcasting tackle.

What is trolling?

You’ve cast your line, lured in a fish, hooked it and hooked it. Now you can reel in the fish. The last thing you want to experience at this stage of learning to fish is a broken line. Most pauses in trolling can be easily avoided by learning how to adjust the drag on your reel.

What is trolling? Simply put, if you are using a rod and reel as opposed to, say, rod fishing or trawling with a net, you will most likely adjust the drag at some point.

The drag is simply a pair of friction plates inside fishing reels. When the fish pulls the line hard enough, the friction is overcome and the reel spins backwards, letting out the line and preventing the line from breaking. You want to adjust the drag on a fishing reel before the first cast of the day. It can be difficult to adjust while fighting a fish. Also, trolling gear is generally not designed to be adjusted while fishing, so doing so can cause damage.

HOW TO ADJUST THE DRAG ON CONVENTIONAL REELS

The easiest way to adjust the drag on a spinning reel or spincast reel is to test it first by pulling your line with your hand* just above the reel. If the line pulls out too easily, tighten the brake on your spinning wheel by turning the front brake adjustment knob clockwise a few clicks. If it’s too tight, release the brake by turning the crank a few clicks to the left. Closed face spincast models typically have a roller brake adjustment mechanism. If you feel like you can’t gauge the force accurately, a small spring scale such as those used in Boca Grips or other fish-handling catch-and-release devices can help. Hold your bar at a 45 degree angle and hook the weight. For best results, resistance adjustment should be possible at the point where the line will hold 1/3 to 1/2 of its weight before moving (e.g. a 20 pound line should not move until the hook is 7 to holds 10 pounds). It’s better to have the drag too loose and fight a fish a little longer than to have it too tight and snap a big one.

HOW TO ADJUST THE DRAG ON BAITCASTER REELS

Adjusting the drag on baitcaster reels follows the same principles as adjusting the drag on traditional reels. The only difference is the position of the brake adjustment mechanism.

On most baitcaster reels, the drag mechanism is star-shaped and is located next to the reel. As with the other reels, spin right to tighten the brake and left to loosen it. If you’re fishing with braided fishing line instead of monofilament, you should test the line by wrapping it around the handle of your fishing pliers or a pencil a few times, rather than using your bare hands to test for resistance. Braid will cut right into your fingers if you pull with too much force.

Once you have learned how to adjust the resistance of a fishing reel, you can start casting. Visit here to learn more about casting.

Spincast reels are another great casting option. The spincast reel is perhaps the easiest reel to control when casting, making it a favorite for youth and beginners. Many anglers learn to fish with a spincast reel and continue to use it after fishing. The closed cone design makes it nearly impossible to tangle your line and the button controls are almost foolproof. Just press the button, throw your cast and release the button to let out the leash. Once you’ve dispensed the desired amount of line, simply press the button again to stop the release. While you may not be able to cast as far as you can with other reels, the Spincast reel keeps it so simple to use that you hardly need to worry about the reel mechanics.

Newcomers to the world of freshwater fishing usually find spinning tackle easier to use than baitcasters. Learning to operate and cast a spinning rod and reel is relatively painless and free from the frustration caused by kickback. Consequently, spinning reels are what most anglers use when they first learn to fish.

Bass Pro Shops Pro Qualifier 2 Baitcast Reel

From this early experience, many anglers stick with spinning tackle and remain happy fishermen for years. Still others are migrating into the baitcasting world. Many are drawn to baitcasters by the professional bass angler, some carrying as many as 20 or 30 baitcast rods and reels on the boat when fishing.

The question I hear from many anglers is, “Which type of reel is better – spinning or baitcasting?” That answer depends on several things, including the fish you’re chasing, the bait you’re using, and simply the angler’s preference.

Tip: The choice between spinning and baitcast fishing tackle depends on the situation of the freshwater angler

Spinning vs. Baitcast Fishing Gear

Many of today’s anglers are familiar with the B.A.S.S. Pros read about it on TV or in fishing magazines. Back then, few professionals were ever seen with a spinning rod in hand. In fact, not a self-respecting bass fisherman has been caught dead with a spinning rod in his boat in years! These days, you can switch to your favorite Saturday morning fishing show and find that is no longer the case as several bass anglers are often in the process of downsizing baits and using spinning gear.

Muskie fishermen almost exclusively use the wider range of braided line baitcasters to handle these beasts. Pike require similar equipment. And big catfish pulled up from the bottom require the heavier rods found with baitcasters.

Spiderwire stealth braid fishing line

Line gauge probably plays the most important role in equipment selection. Whether anglers know it or not, pros use baitcast tackle for a very specific reason. Baitcast reels can handle heavier line and even longer casts than spinning gear in the same size range. Perch anglers regularly use lines in the 14 to 17 pound test range. Musk and catfish anglers use even heavier line. A small spinning reel has a smaller, narrower spool that has a hard time with large diameter lines. Small baitcast reels can handle these lines and provide longer casting distance.

Baitcasting rods like the Bass Pro Shops Johnny Morris CarbonLite 2.0 casting rod also tend to have more backbone than spinning rods. The backbone of a rod is the part of the blank closest to the handle and least yielding when flexed. With proper construction, the spine of a casting rod rests directly on the blank when the angler holds the rod. This backbone allows bait to be “snapped” through vegetation more easily while still maintaining a stronger hook set than a spinning rod of the same class.

Bass Pro Shops Johnny Morris

CarbonLite 2.0 casting rod

The introduction of braided line, with its thin gauge and much higher breaking strength, brought to light some problems in freshwater fishing circles. This super thin line causes problems on baitcast reels simply because it is so small in diameter. Hooking up a fish with braided line on a baitcasting reel tends to bury the line deep in the spool, a situation that will result in a major kickback on the next cast. Small line diameter is also why monofilament fishing lines under about 10 pounds in testing are rarely found on baitcast reels.

However, braided line, with its high strength to diameter ratio, now allows spinning rods to be used in heavier applications. A 50 pound test braid is the diameter of a 12 pound monofilament, making it easier to cast with a spinning rod and reel. Several manufacturers make reels that line up on the spool in a way that prevents them from digging into the spool on a hook set. This, coupled with the almost stretch-free quality of braided lines, has made spinning tackle ever more attractive to freshwater anglers.

Due to improvements in braided line I now see spinning gear being used for musk and pike. I also see spinning gear used for catfish as well.

Is Your Situation Better For Spinning Or Baitcasting Gear?

Anglers who want to choose between spinning tackle and baitcasting tackle need to look at their specific fishing techniques before making that choice. In reality, the choice is not which one an angler uses. It has become more of a choice as to which of the two an angler will use in a given situation. In general, the lighter the line required in a given fishing situation, the more attractive the spinning tackle will be.

So the answer to this frequently asked question is: “It depends.” The next time you decide which outfit is the better choice, make sure you determine where and how you plan to fish. This is the real consideration when choosing between spinning and baitcasting tackle.

Baitcasting reels can seem complex to amateur anglers, but a general knowledge of the parts involved can help take your casts to new distances. Learn the ins and outs of your reel design with these fishing tips.

For many anglers fishing in streams, ponds and lakes this year, a baitcaster can be a quality reel choice for landing a trophy bass. The feel of the line and increased casting accuracy can help bass fishermen pull those prized fish out of even the smallest honey holes.

Baitcasters can be more advanced than their spincasting counterparts, so understanding their various components is a necessity if you wish to use one. DICK’S Sporting Goods associate and tournament bass fisherman Brendan Conlon explains that there are three general parts of baitcasting reels that you should know.

Not only can this information help you solve potential problems (casts miss your target, the dreaded bird’s nest, etc.), you can finally fine-tune each mechanism to suit your preferences for top-notch fishing performance.

THE DRAG

The drag is usually located on the side near the handle of the reel and is used to adjust and regulate line tension when playing fish. Conlon says that the harder you pull the brake, the harder it becomes for the bass to detach more line.

“When you’re flipping and pitching in close cover, you probably want the drag turned all the way down so you can really get those fish out of the thick cover,” says Conlon. “If you’re throwing a drop shot or a light presentation, maybe you should loosen that up a bit, give [the fish] a little play with your light lines and things like that.”

BRAKING SYSTEM

A baitcasting reel’s drag system is designed to regulate the rotation of the spool during the cast, much like the brakes in your car work against your tires.

“Adding more drag to your reel as you cast will put a little more drag on the spool,” says Conlon. “It will really keep you from getting a really big bird’s nest, but it will also affect your casting distance.”

Conlon suggests that amateur baitcast users should start with more brakes to get a feel for the reel. As anglers become more comfortable with their gear, they can let go of the brakes and experiment with longer casts.

COIL VOLTAGE KNOB

In addition to the baitcast reel drag system, you can also adjust your spool speed with the spool tension knob. While drag systems are great for tighter restrictions on how much line comes off, the spool tension knob allows for even finer tuning. Because of this, anglers use this mechanism to adapt to different lures of different weights to give them the perfect casting ratio.

“Adjust [the knob] a little tighter or looser so you can get a good casting distance with whatever lure you’re using that day,” says Conlon.

Baitcasting reels can be intimidating for beginners, but once you overcome that fear by understanding how they work, you can be on your way to your next big fishing story. Use these helpful breakdowns to understand your fishing setup and set yourself up for a wonderful time on the water.

Complete your bass fishing setup with unstoppable line and hook combinations. Also discover our guides to the top three fishing lines for perch fishing and the best hook for perch fishing.

Have you just bought a new wheel and want to know how to adjust your brakes correctly? We’ll cover you. Here are the basics of what a drag is and how to properly adjust your drag so you don’t break your line or lose the fish because it shakes your hook.

What is a drag and why is it important?

The drag is a pair of friction plates in your reel that control the amount of line that is let out when you are fighting a fish. When a fish pulls your line hard enough, the friction is overcome and the reel spins backwards to let out the line.

It is important to properly adjust your drag according to your fishing situation. If you don’t adjust it to suit your fish, your line will come out either too fast or too slow, which in turn can cause the fish to shake on the hook or your line to snap.

The rod you use, along with the type of line (monofilament, braided, etc.) also plays a role in setting up your drag.

Adjusting the air resistance on spinning reels

The brake on spinning reels is located on top of the reel. It is adjusted by turning the click wheel clockwise to tighten the resistance and counterclockwise to loosen it.

Pull straight on your line (your line should run through all of your guides on the rod, set up like you are going fishing, make sure all knots are out of your guides). If the line pulls out too easily, tighten the brake. If it’s too hard, relax your resistance.

You can use a small spring scale to gauge the force if you don’t think you can do it yourself accurately. It’s better to go too loose and fight your fish a little longer than abort when you have a big fish on the line.

Lever brake and conventional rollers

Your drag should be set to a number that is 1/4 to 1/3 the breaking strength of your line. So if you’re using a 40 pound braid, your resistance setting will be between 10 and 13 pounds when you strike. (The button you see when your lever moves forward before stopping toward full.)

Star drags have a star-shaped drag and give you more precise control over your drag. You can’t tighten or loosen a star drag once it’s set, or you’ll have to do it again to find your setting.

Lever drags have leverage that goes between strike and full, and they give you a built-in stop that can change a few pounds when changing gears.

Use a spring balance for the best accuracy. Thread your rod and reel of line through the guides and create a loop at the end of your line.

To start, pull the reel slightly and hook your scale to the line. Pull the leash and see how far you can go. If you have a 40lb line and the scale reads 8lbs, you need to loosen the brake until you reach 10-13lbs, which is the recommended setting for a 40lb line.

Do this a few times to make sure it’s consistent. Once you reach the setting you want, don’t touch the drag button anymore, otherwise you might accidentally change it.

Adjusting your drag when fighting a fish

When initially adjusting your brake, do so with a full spool of line. A big fish could pull half your spool out, changing the dynamics and setting your drag at a higher value.

So if you started at 10-13lbs you can now be at 20-26lbs if a fish has half your line out. You should loosen your resistance to bring it back into the comfortable 10-13lbs range or you risk breaking your leash.

Tips for adjusting your resistance

A heavier action rod puts more pressure on you when fighting a fish, making your drag setting feel higher than a more parabolic rod with a medium tip and slowly bending backbone.

Braided line doesn’t stretch like monofilament, so keep your line type in mind when adjusting your drag.

Your rod is like a spring under pressure when a fish is on. Once loaded it has kinetic energy working in its favor and with the right action it will work in your favor by putting pressure on the fish under the drag of the reel. After it bends, it will take pressure off you and put it on the fish.

Rods with a faster tip and slower backbone bend better and are more forgiving to the angler as they put more pressure on the fish. Rods that are slower and less forgiving put more heat on the angler than on the fish.

When you stand up, heavier action rods can put a lot of pressure on a fish as they don’t flex like lighter ones, so keep that in mind when adjusting your drag.

Thanks to Accurate Fishing for these great photos.