Along with repair concerns, questions about spinning reels are the most commonly asked questions that are asked in a tackle shop.  Anglers are always interested in making sure they know how to spool their reels and they are almost always interested in knowing what the heaviest possible line is that their reel will hold.  Ironically enough, you don’t really need to ask about this in a tackle shop – nor do you have to work in one to know the answer.

In the spring in the northeastern part of the United States, new schools of bass can be found in the local rivers. This is the time that fisherman will be looking for heavier line to accommodate this type of fishing.  Most are convinced that they need 20-lb line or even heavier.  This is especially true of the novice angler – they are often ill equipped with a reel that isn’t sufficient for this type of line, but remain determined to try it.  Unfortunately, this will almost always end badly as reels are geared towards specific line weights.

Most fishermen would do well to review the side of their spools. Each reel has a recommended line length and line size.  Too often, fishermen exceed these limits only to discover that their casting is not what it should be. Like it or not however, spools are designed to hold certain diameter lines and only certain amounts.  Exceeding these limits will definitely create casting problems.  It’s important that all fishermen be aware of the limitations of their reels.  Monofilament lines remember the shape they take on when added onto a reel.  Exceeding limits means that the angler is running the risk of creating a batch of knots when casting and recalling line.  The heavier the line, the more it ‘remembers’ the original shape.  Opening the bail helps the line cast, but as you slow it down, it causes high friction levels.  If an angler doesn’t use some caution, they will spend the rest of their fishing day dealing with a tangled mess that can’t be cast no matter what they do.

In a perfect world, there would be a reel for each purpose.  For many anglers, braided line is the answer – its smaller diameter and lack of memory combined with far more strength than monofilament helps ensure a good cast.  Because braided line doesn’t ‘remember’ the shape it was originally in, it is perfect for those who are trying to cast long distances.  It also has a slippery coating that helps keep the casting smooth. One drawback of braided line is the fact that it is far less abrasion resistant, but this can be resolved by simply using a fluorocarbon or monofilament leader in conjunction with braided line.

One of the biggest mistakes that create problems is reel that is not filled properly.  Remember, the recommended line amounts are on your reel for a reason – this is the optimal amount of line for optimal fishing.  Under-filling a reel or over-filling hampers casting.  The rule of thumb for optimal casting is to fill your reel to about one eighth of an inch below the rim – this will help ensure the best possible casting results.

Learning the fundamentals of reels and lines doesn’t require you to work in a tackle shop. Ensuring that you are using the right weight and length line is easy – just read the side of your reel.  Make sure that your reel is filled to the proper line and you’ll have far less casting issues as well.    When in doubt, elect for braided line that can help you bridge the gap between an under-filled and over-filled reel.

When you are deciding on which type of reel is right for you, doing the proper research is the best thing you could do. There are many manufacturers out on the market today, some of the most popular Penn reels include Penn 975 Reel and the Penn 209.

Tags: Spinning Reels, Spools, Tackle Shop