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THE REEL
The reel is primarily a line reservoir that enables the angler to fish at a greater range than is possible with a line fixed to the rod tip, which was the only method available to the earliest anglers. The reel has evolved into several different forms, with two distinct types of spool: the revolving spool and the fixed spool. The oldest and simplest form of revolving-spool reel is the centrepin, in which the line is carried on a simple flanged spool that revolves on a steel axle; this reel was once close to extinction but is now showing signs of making a comeback. Fly reels and multipliers (including baitcasters) are more complex forms of revolving-spool reel. In a fixed-spool reel, the spool does not revolve, and the line is retrieved and wound onto it by a rotating arm, called the bale arm.
EVOLUTION OF THE REEL
It is likely that the first fishing reel was invented by the Chinese in about the 3rd century AD. Reels of the centrepin type entered common use in the West during the 18th century. The first multiplying reel was produced by George Snyder, a Kentucky watchmaker, in 1810, about a century before the advent of the fixed-spool reel.
The first patent on a fixed-spool reel was obtained in Britain by Alfred Holden Illingworth, of Yorkshire, who apparently got his inspiration from the bobbins operating in a Lancashire cotton mill early in century.
The rapidly increasing availability of the fixed-spool reel during the 1940s and 1950s revolutionized freshwater fishing, for it gave every angler the opportunity to cast and fish at much greater range than ever before. |
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Fixed-spool reel
This type of reel is so named because the spool does not revolve to recover line: the line is wound around it by a rotating bale arm.
The spool does rotate, under tension from a slipping clutch, to give line to a running fish, and an anti-reverse system prevents the handle backwinding while the spool rotates.
This reel is very versatile and, within reason, will handle most freshwater fishing except fly fishing |
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Closed-face reel
This is a fixed-spool reel with an enclosed front face.
The line passes through a hole in the centre of the face and is wound onto the spool by a pickup pin.
The pin is freed for casting by finger pressure on the front face or on a rear- mounted button.
A very efficient light-line reel, especially for float fishing, because the enclosed spool gives good line control when fishing in windy weather.
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Multiplier/Baitcaster
A multiplier is basically a geared version of the centrepin.
Multipliers are used for a wide variety of techniques, from freshwater baitcasting to surfcasting and blue-water big-game fishing.
Most have a free-spool facility, which allows the spool to rotate without resistance for casting, mechanical or magnetic brakes, a drag system, and often a level-wind mechanism for even line lay.
Multipliers fit on top of the rod.
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Spincaster
This is a rugged version of the closed-face reel, suitable for 2.27 to 9.1 kg (5 to 20 lb) lines.
Most spincasters are mounted on top of the rod but some, like the Zebco shown here, are fitted beneath it.
Line is released by a pushbutton, by pressure on the front face, or by a lever (which allows “feathering” of the cast to prevent the lure from overshooting).
The bell housing virtually eliminates line coil problems.
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Bait runner
A fixed spool reel with the 'baitrunner' feature allows you to have your normal clutch setting for when you have a fish on but to have another and usually much lighter setting for the baitrunner clutch.
When the rod is in a rest (bank stick, rod pod, whatever) you engage the baitrunner clutch so the fish will not feel pressure and then when you strike, you are put immediately onto the main clutch.
It is preferred by many anglers over the other option of just opening your bail because it does keep a very light tension on the line which is much easier to deal with if conditions are windy or if there is current.
Most 'baitrunner' reels are designed so that turning the handle automatically moves you from baitrunner clutch to the main clutch but some reels require you to manually switch over.
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Centrepin reel
The two most common types of fly reel are the single action and the multiplier.
The spool of a single-action reel revolves once for each turn of the handle, while that of a multiplier makes several turns.
A third type, the automatic, has a clockwork mechanism, which turns the spool when a lever is operated.
Fly reel check mechanisms are either simple ratchets or more
sophisticated drag systems.
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