Tackle Trade World - February 2024

SPOTLIGHT ON...
Reels
Multiplier Reels
Multipliers are so-called because turning the
handle a single turn causes the spool to rotate
multiple times, thanks to the configuration
of the gear ratio. The free-running, adjustable
spool allows for greater casting distance
while the cranking power of the spool design
is more effective and efficient when reeling
in.
These are particularly used when sea
fishing and beach casting a very long
distance. The high ratio provides the retrieve
speed to get rigs up off the sea bed and high
in the water, away from snags.
Offshore boat anglers use multipliers to
retrieve lures and pirks from great depths.
In addition, they are powerful reels ideally
suited for playing big, hard-fighting fish.
Meanwhile, a neat braking system reduces
the speed of the spinning spool during a
cast, making the reel more manageable and
providing additional control.
These reels are typically offered with either
a centrifugal or a magnetic braking system;
generally the latter are thought to offer the
best performance but they are also the most
expensive.
A level-wind system lays line across the
spool evenly when reeling in so that the
angler has no need to do this manually.
Baitcaster Reels
The spincast is one of the easiest reels to use,
making it perfect for children and beginners.
It has a cover or closed face to keep all the
essential parts of the reel protected. To use
the reel, you simply press down on the thumb
button on the back during your forward cast,
letting the line out. Once you let go of the
button, the line will stop peeling out, making
it easy to control.
Baitcasters are a little more difficult to
use. When casting, you must keep the spool
under control or it will turn into a bird’s nest
of line. Experienced anglers will use their
thumb to brake and control the line as they are
casting to prevent backlash or tangles.
Popular with bass anglers in the USA,
these are now increasing in popularity
throughout Europe for predator fishing, where
the lightweight design and direct contact
make working lures extremely efficient and
rewarding.
Baitcasters ensure speed and accuracy and
need to be durable, since they will have to cope
with hundreds or even thousands of casts per
session.
Fly Reels
A fly reel is probably the simplest of all fishing
reels, being little more than a drum to store
a fly line and sufficient backing. Turning the
handle of the reel wraps the line around the
arbor and to remove line from the reel you
simply pull the fly line above the reel with your
hand.
Materials used in their construction
nowadays include aluminium, steel,
magnesium, plastic, carbon fibre and
composites. Many boast interchangeable spools
or cassette systems and can be easily converted
from right to left hand retrieves.
Fly reels come in various shapes and
sizes to suit different types of fly fishing
and tend to differ in three main ways: size,
construction and drag. This affects their
suitability for different types of fly fishing, as
well as impacting their price. They are made
in three main ways: bar stock aluminium,
die-cast aluminium or plastic composite. The
majority tend to be die-cast aluminium as they
are cheaper and easier to produce and work
perfectly well, although barstock aluminium
reels are considered the best; machined from
single blocks of aluminium they’re lighter,
more resilient and can easily last decades if
well looked after. However, this makes them
a bit more expensive to purchase.
Final thoughts
When choosing a fishing reel, key deciding
factors will obviously include the type of
fishing you’ll be doing, the species you’re
targeting and their size, line weight, tactics
and your level of experience.
Additionally, the reel should be
matched with an appropriate rod
for optimal performance. Regular
maintenance, such as cleaning and
lubrication, is also crucial to ensure the
longevity and functionality of your fishing
reel.
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