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Spin Fishing Reels come with two kinds of drag systems:
rear and front drag. This basically tells you where the drag controls are, but there are other differences. A front
drag system has multiple large drag washers. This makes it more durable than rear drag systems. With rear
drag, the controls are more accessible(particularly when you fight a fish) but they may not hold up as well when
faced with larger fish.
A spinning reel has ball
bearings, or bushings, in the body. This makes it smoother and more stable. Many spinning reels also
have a roller bearing inside the line roller. With more bearings, a reel performs more smoothly. Bearings of
stainless steel are better than bushings due to the control and durability they offer.
You want a reel with the most ball bearings you can afford. You want no
fewer than four ball bearings. You need a reel that will perform well, and that is smooth on retrieves. Don't
be cheap when it comes to this, or you will regret it every time.
The Okuma Avenger Spinning Reel is on sale now at Amazon through this
Okuma Avenger link.
A spinning reel's spool is vital for smoothness and casting distance, not
just for holding line. Most of today's spools are graphite or anodized aluminum. As I said, graphite is lighter,
but aluminum offers better durability and strength.
The "long cast" spool is also an intriguing design. As the name indicates,
it is a shallower spool, but much longer. The longer spool means less line friction and better casting distance.
For sight fishing or clear water, it is a good idea.
When you buy a reel, spare spools are nice, because you can try them all
with different pound test lines. It's also handy when you want to change applications because while on the
water, it's as simple as alternating spools.
You want your spinning reels to have anti-reverse handles. This means that
the handle won't spin backwards. This means hook sets are stronger and more precise because the handle has less
play. If you are looking at a reel with any backwards motion or play, think again. You and your net will be glad
you did.
Deciding on a spinning reel may seem tricky, but understanding what you're
getting into can make it much easier. Choose well: you will regret not going with the best reel that you can
manage, because it is going to be your companion for years.
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