Recreational and professional anglers can capture much bigger and more powerful fish with fishing reels. But what if you are new to the game?
To end up making the most of your fishing adventures, you must have the appropriate gear, and an open-face reel is among the most useful things you can carry with you.
If you are reading this article, you are probably looking to find out what an open-face reel is, how to operate it, and why a reel of this kind is better than other reels.
Well, we have all the answers here, so all you need to do now is keep reading below to learn everything you need to know about an open-face reel!
What Is An Open Face Reel?
An open-face reel, also referred to as a spinning reel, is a form of a fishing reel that does not have a confined spool. It features a fixed spool for line storage. It causes the line to stop uncoiling once the cast is complete, preventing the blowback.
There are more features that make the open-face reel special and useful. An open-face reel has a locking grip that prevents the line from sliding from the spool and rolling backward.
An open-face reel is also commonly equipped with a wired bail that can be employed for long-distance casting.
Since their hands have been trained to orient the lines while they cast, advanced and seasoned fishermen prefer open-face reels, and this type of reel is best suited for them. While that takes some time to get it right, newbies must not be discouraged from using an open-face reel.
How To Make Use Of Open-Face Reels
Like we said, open-face reels are a common pick by many fishers, so we will go over the process of using open-face reels, beginning with how you can set up the fishing rod (see also ‘Rod (Unit Of Measurement) Length Compared To Fishing Rod‘).
Make Sure You Have Everything You Need
You will need to have the correct tools:
Spinning Reel
Before purchasing a spinning reel, research your alternatives and pick the one that best meets your requirements. It will differ based on the weight, dimensions, and drag mechanism.
Graphite and aluminum are the two options for materials a manufacturer can use to make a spinning reel. Even though graphite is lightweight, aluminum is more durable and flexible, so it’s up to you to define and look into the ideal spinning reel for yourself.
Spinning Rod
The spinning rod is typically designed to fit specific reels. Check that your spinning reel and rod are interoperable.
Fishing Line
How do you attach a fishing line to an open-face reel? The fishing line will differ depending on the kind of fish you will be catching. They will differ in terms of material, span, and width.
Bait Or Hook
The bait you use will also be determined by the species of fish you are looking to catch. Bring a variety of baits with you whenever you go fishing (see also ‘Everything You Need To Know About A Walmart Fishing License‘) if you want to draw a variety of fish.
Understand Your Tools
The reels and rods – the open face rods and reels combo – are your 2 key parts of fishing gear. Both these have their distinct components, and it is essential to comprehend what those are.
A reel will include the following components:
- Spool: This tool essentially maintains the fishing line because that is the part around which the line is wrapped.
- Drag Knob: A drag knob regulates how effortlessly the line will come out of the stool. It can be adjusted if you relax it or tighten it.
- Handle: Whenever it is turned, it pushes the reel back to its original position.
- Line Roller: This tool is responsible for guiding the line, directing it from the spool to the rod.
- Bail: The bail prevents a line from slipping from the spool. It is metallic and has the capability of closing and opening to handle the line.
- Reel Foot: Reel feet serve as the link between the reels and the rods.
The rod is made up of the following components:
- Rod Tip: A rod tip is the final four inches of a rod. It is the least dense portion of the rod, meaning it is very delicate to the point where it can break when not handled correctly.
- Reel Seat: A reel seat attaches and holds the reel together with the rod.
- Handle: The handle is the piece of the fishing rod that fishermen hold. Its material is usually rubber and other soft ones that ensure a secure and pleasant grip.
- Guides: These are the small rings that the line passes through and function as a reference to holding the line near the rod.
Join The Reel Together With The Rod
To attach the reel to the rod, you must first slacken the reel seat. Afterward, insert the reel foot into the reel seat and adjust the reel seat. Check that the reel is secured properly and not wobbly.
Spool The Reel
To prevent unnecessary fishing struggles, the reel must be spooled correctly. To accomplish this, begin by opening the ball. Wrap the line all around the reel one time and then tie a conventional knot. An overhand knot is another name for a conventional knot.
You must then bind a further knot with the remaining line bits. Cut any line that is hanging weakly away from the reel. Close the bail thoroughly, and then keep turning the reel until you get the required amount of lines on it.
Trying to pool or trying to put the line on the reel is an important step in catching fish that can result in problems and distress if done incorrectly.
Tie The Rod
When it’s time to tie the rod, use one hand to control the line tip while using the other to open the bail arm. Insert the line into the rod guides.
Make A Knot
Pass the line from inside the hook’s eye. You should then have a bit of line on one side of it. Cross one line piece over the other one while holding a piece in every hand. Keep both parts with one hand, with your pointer in a loop.
There needs to be a protruding portion noticeable. Put this through the loop and adjust the knot by pulling across each end of the line. Repeat the knotting procedure three times to ensure it won’t be coming undone.
Tweak The Drag Knob
A drag knob regulates the pressure on your line, allowing you to “win the battle” with the fish whenever you reel it in. It may be modified by turning it right to left and anticlockwise.
Draw the line away from the reel to check if you have the desired tension. Whenever the drag is weak, the fish may be able to release itself. The line could also tear if the drag is way tighter than it should be.
Cast
And what’s the way to cast open-face reels? Firstly, you need to have about a 12-foot length of line hanging from the tip. Use the hand you will cast to grab the rod by putting a finger on each side. Position the line roller underneath your rod.
Keep the forefinger against your rod, holding that line. With the opposite hand, open the bail. Have a look behind your back to ensure that everything is in order.
Set the rod to the 2 o’clock angle. Make sure the line is linear and not jumbled in any way. Bring your rod forward swiftly and with ease in the zone in which you wish to cast.
Benefits Of Open Face Reels
Several fishermen prefer an open-face fishing reel because of its numerous advantages.
Customization
One of the benefits of working with an open-face reel is its versatility. Such reels can also be used with either fake or live bait. Since an open-face reel simply requires the weight of the line to be pulled, they are ideal for lightweight tackles and baits.
Compatibility With Other Product Lines
An open-face reel is also interoperable with a wider range of lines. Moreover, it is more robustly built than spin-cast reels. It can be used by open-ocean fishers, those who enjoy ice fishing, or even pan fishing.
How To Operate Open-Face Reels And Rods
Consult A Professional
The above tip may appear amusing at first, nevertheless, it is accurate. The biggest piece of advice will always be given by the most knowledgeable.
And, if you’re a complete novice fisherman, it might be difficult to figure out where to start. Google and read more on how an open-face reel works, but don’t stop there; go on to seek the advice of an individual who has been catching fish for a great many years.
Select The Correct Reel Size
There are numerous reel sizes available. It is critical to select the appropriate size for the type of fishing you intend to do. A spinning reel can range in size from 1000 to 5000.
Use dimensions 1000 to 3000 if you intend to fish for small freshwater species. Sizes 4000 to 5000 are recommended for catching larger prey.
Close The Bail With Your Hands
Typically, the bail will close automatically by reeling. Closing it with your hands, on the other hand, will extend reel life and reduce the likelihood of becoming tangled.
Purchase An Anti-Reverse Locking Handle
In case your hands slip off an anti-reverse locking handle, the reel won’t be turning backward. However, not all reels have this function.
For those who are beginners in fishing, getting a reel with such a feature is advised, because it will help them back-reel and prevent the catch from dragging.
Understand The Drag
Whenever someone catches a fish, the drag allows them to draw a line from the spool. It will do that while maintaining the resistance that presses the line.
Learn how to use the drag and how to set it right as it can lead to a challenging time with your fish, and at times when you’re losing and your drag is tightly fixed, the line might break.
Keep The Reel Underneath the Rod
If you use an open-face reel, keep in mind that the reel must go underneath your rod, unlike bait cast reels that have the reel above the rod.
So, remember that the reel goes under when switching from spin casts to open face reels.
What Line To Use For Open Face Reels?
The kind of line you are going to get should be determined by the kind of fish you are pursuing. Monofilament is the best-rounded line because it provides sufficient stretch without owning extreme amounts of memory.
When going for incredibly shy trout in saltwater, you should use fluorocarbon. Fluorocarbon has the advantage of being undetectable when underwater, and it is also sinking much quicker than several other lines.
Therefore, if you wish for your bait to reach the sea bottom in no time, you must get fluorocarbon. Nevertheless, its memory makes it unsuitable for beginners.
Better than the latter two, the braided line is much stronger and much thinner. This suggests you could accommodate more lines on the spool to handle long, difficult runs. The braided line is also excellent for casting with little to no line memory, which makes it perfect for a small-sized open-face reel.
The Bottom Line
There is a plethora of reels from which to choose and it can be confusing, even for experienced fishermen. Due to their huge benefits, open-face reels have become a common pick.
A spinning reel is another name for an open-face reel. The spools on such reels are not encircled. The line storage spool is entirely static, and, once the cast has ended, the line on the spool no longer uncoils. The open-face reel is placed at the rod’s base, so backlash is also avoided with a reel like that.
As you can tell, open-face reels are excellent. So, wait no longer; get an open-face reel and go catch some fish!
