In Line Reels

[bigredbirdfan]

I would like to use in line reels more often but like other anglers don't because of backlash. What is a good entry level reel that is better for beginners? I am correct they are in line reels and not baitcasters??? What advice on practing in my back yard with one do you give? It would be really nice to use one in the mix of spinning gear I currently use.

Sincerely,

BRBF

[Wayne SW/MO]

In line reel????

[fishinwrench]

BRB, You are talking about a revolving spool baitcaster, right ?

"InLine reels" are antique'ish trolling equipment (they mount on the bottom of the rod and retrieve like a fly-reel but you swivel the housing sideways to cast, or let line out, like a spinning reel).

[Wayne SW/MO]

The Alvey was my first thought too Wrench, but????

[bigredbirdfan]

I guess baitcaster. I don't fish them I have a bunch and I think my grandfather called them in line reels.

[Wayne SW/MO]

That's the reel I learned on, my son and my grandson. Its probably best if you can get some personal instruction from someone who's proficient if possible. As to what reels are best for beginners, I don't think there is one, but there are some that would probably be a challenge. Virtually all of the better reels are fine, but they all have little differences in adjustments that might make some better than others for you.

At the risk of controversy, I would recommend the timeless Abu Garcia C3. They probably have more range in adjustments than many reels and aren't as touchy as many. You will also be able to always find a use for it. I still use its predecessors occasionally and they're pushing 40 years.

[Al Agnew]

Most good casting reels these days are pretty easy to learn to use. In my opinion, if you get one in the $100 range it's going to be a good one. Also in my opinion, the rod you match it with is often as important as the reel itself for the beginner. Lots of guys end up buying a medium-heavy or heavy action rod, which makes casting lures of 3/8 ounce or less pretty problematical unless you are an experienced caster. Unless you plan on using it for heavy lures, get a medium action rod of 6 or 6.5 feet, a reel in the $75-100 range, put on line no heavier than 14 pound test, and maybe find somebody who uses one to do the initial adjustments of the reel. When you put the line on, go out in your yard, tie the end of the line to something, and back off until you've got a bit more than a cast length of line out. Put a piece of electrical tape or something similar on the line still on the spool and reel the rest of the line back over it. When you practice and backlash, the backlash won't go past the tape and will be easy to get out.

I taught my brother-in-law, who had never used anything but spincast reels, to cast a baitcaster in an hour or so.

[bigredbirdfan]

Whats the difference between the old time round baitcaster and the low profile baitcaster? Should I stick with one exclusivly?

[Wayne SW/MO]

The low profiles are more comfortable to hold, but they hold less line. How much line you need would depend on what you're going to use it for. Al is certainly right on about the rod. Once you decide I would come back here for more detailed instructions, unless you can get some hands on help.

[mudbug]

A good place to start is You Tube. Search for videos on the subject. I have seen one on there by Mike Webb that helps with a lot of the basic stuff.