Suitable reels
Suitable reels
Hi Scotty. The question you ask is really the proverbial "How long is the piece of string". It really depends, I suppose, on the type of fishing you want to do. If you want to catch conger on a wreck, 50 metres down, you need a bigger reel than if you want to catch dabs, on the sand, anchored 200 yards off the end of a local pier. I carry three different sized reels in my box, loaded with different lines, and use them as the need arises. My best advice is to look at the reel manufacturers specs on line breaking strain and capacity for the reel. This will give a good idea as to what the reel can do. It's important that you don't fill the reel with heavier line than is recommended, and that you always set the reel drag correctly (two thirds to three quarters the line breaking strain). I don't know the reels you mention, but if the reels are designed for around about 30lb line, then they will do nicely for general rock/reef fishing off a boat for codling etc. It doesn't mean that lighter reels can't be used, but it does mean, if you do use one, that you need to take a little more care. The important thing is the drag setting, matched to the recommended line. A good fish will take line off on the drag before the line snaps, or worse, damages the reels gearing. It just takes a little more time to get the fish in.
