Saltwater Spinning Rods and ReelsWhen it comes to fishing reels, spinning reels are probably the most popular choice for a few reasons. The ease of use is one reason as well as the way they perform. They are a breeze to cast in comparison to other types of reels, but they do have their disadvantages as well. For one, line capacity can be a problem and drag durability can be another. Spinning reels can be used in both freshwater and saltwater fishing, but for our purposes we will stick with saltwater fishing rods and reels.
There are a few differences between a baitcasting rod and a spinning rod. For one, spinning rods use a spinning reel. One of the main differences between a spinning rod and baitcasting rod is the reel position. On a spinning rod the reel is positioned underneath the rod handle in a reel seat. The angler places the reel shank between the two fingers to keep a nice tight grip on the rod. The line guides are also placed on the underside of the reel.
1: Pick up or bail 2: Reel seat 3: Reel foot 4: Handle 5: Support arm 6: Anti-reverse lever 7: Skirted spool 8: Fishing line 9: Drag adjustment knob
Reel Size- Reels come in all different sizes. Choosing the reel that fits your fishing needs is all you need to do. Decide on the pound-test line you want to use and then purchase a reel in accordance with that. On the reel packaging you will find a chart to let you know if you picking the correct size reel based on your line decision.
Reel Body- Reel bodies typically can be made up of graphite, aluminum and plastic parts. Aluminum will hold up with best, but graphite will be the lighter of the two choices. It is up to you to decide which factor is most important. Graphite is the best bet to fight the effects of saltwater, but if you are going with an aluminum reel, it is best to get one with an anodized finish to protect it from the saltwater.
Drag- This is a very important aspect in choosing the best spinning reel. Once a fish is hooked, drag puts pressure on the fish and lets out line during the fight. Always make sure the drag is smooth on your reel or you will risk snapping your line and losing your fish. There are two types of drag systems: front and rear drag. Front drag systems are usually more durable than rear drag, although rear drag is easier to get to when fighting a fish. It just doesnt offer the type of performance a front drag system offers.
Spools- This is an important aspect in the design of a spinning reel. The spool is what makes a cast smooth and effective. Again, they are made of either graphite or aluminum. It is your choice on which material fits your needs. There are 2 basic styles in spool design : internal spool and skirted spool. The internal spool is found in many older reels. It had a big draw back-the line would easily become tangled in the housing. The skirted spool has helped with this flaw big time.
Ball Bearings- Spinning reels have ball bearings in the body to help with durability and smoothness. The more ball bearings a reel has the better it will perform. We would suggest a reel with at least 4-6 ball bearings. The price will be higher but well worth it in the end. Nothing is worse than a reel that isnt stable or smooth.
This may seem like a ton of information, but it is to be used as a guide to help you pick the best saltwater fishing rod and reel combo for your fishing needs. Dont make it harder than it is. Just buy a nice, quality fishing get up and you will be happy for many years. Just make sure you take care of it and clean it with fresh water after every use. Hope these saltwater fishing tips have helped.
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