Introduction
When it comes to fishing, the spinning reel is probably the most widely used fishing reel in the world. However, it can also lead to a lot of frustration, with issues such as line jumping off the spool, wind knots, and complete bird’s nests. In this article, I will cover five major mistakes related to spinning reels and spinning combos that I wish I had known earlier.
Pre-Mistake Basics
Before diving into the big mistakes, there are a couple of crucial basics to keep in mind, especially for those new to using a spinning outfit:
- Correct Reel Placement: A spinning reel should be permanently mounted on your rod’s bottom. If your spinning reel is on top and you are reeling backwards, you’re not using it correctly.
- Manually Flip the Bail: Always flip the bail by hand after casting instead of just reeling to close it automatically. This simple habit can prevent many issues.
1. Not Feathering the Spool
Feathering the spool is often associated with baitcasters, but it’s also crucial for spinning reels. When making a cast, place your hand below the line and use your palm to slow the line down as needed. This helps prevent your bait from splashing too hard into the water or hitting obstacles, and improves casting accuracy.
2. Incorrect Spooling Technique
Spooling line the wrong way can result in severe line twists, wind knots, and bird’s nests.
Here’s how to avoid this:
- Direction of Line Off the Spool: Make sure the line comes off your spool in a counterclockwise direction, which matches the clockwise spin of most spinning reels.
- Use Line Conditioner: A line and lure conditioner can help reduce twists for mono or fluorocarbon lines.
- Soak in Warm Water: If line twists persist, soak your spool in warm water before use.
- Consider Braided Line: Braided lines are less prone to twisting and kinking than mono and fluorocarbon.
3. Mismatched Line and Rod Choice
The type of line you use affects the rod you should choose. Mono and fluorocarbon have significant stretch, so a fast-action rod is ideal for setting the hook at long distances. On the other hand, if you use a braid-to-leader setup, opt for a moderate-action rod to compensate for the lack of stretch in braided line.
4. Ignoring Loops in Your Line
Failing to properly handle loops in your line can lead to severe tangles. If you see a loop forming:
- Don’t Cast: Avoid trying to cast the loop out.
- Loosen Your Drag: Loosen the drag entirely and pull the line out by hand.
- Manually Clear the Loop: This technique can help clear the loop without cutting your line and starting over.
5. Not Setting Your Drag Properly
Setting the correct drag is essential for landing fish successfully. The drag should be adjusted based on the type of fish, pound test of the line, and the hook set you plan to use.
- Drag on Hook Set: Ensure a slight amount of drag slips on the hook set but not too much.
- Adjust During Fight: Adjust your drag by a quarter turn while fighting a fish to give more control.
Conclusion
Learning these techniques and avoiding these common mistakes will significantly improve your experience using a spinning reel. Trusting the drag system and knowing how to handle your line and rod setup are crucial to landing more fish.
FAQs
Why should I flip the bail manually on a spinning reel?
Flipping the bail manually prevents loops and potential line twists that can occur when the bail closes automatically.
How do I reduce line twists on my spinning reel?
Make sure the line comes off the spool in a counterclockwise direction, use line conditioner, soak the spool in warm water, or use braided line.
What type of rod should I use with braided line?
A moderate-action rod is best for braid-to-leader setups, providing the necessary give during hook sets.
How do I correctly set the drag on my spinning reel?
Adjust the drag to allow a slight slip during the hook set but can be adjusted during the fight for better control.
Why does my spinning reel create loops?
Loops can form if you start reeling immediately after a cast or if there is slack in the line. Manually clearing loops when noticed can prevent future issues.