Angling: Rods and Reels

130.15(c)4L

Today we will…

• Compare spin cast, spinning, and bait cast reels

• Match the appropriate rod and reel• Calculate work required for different rod

lengths

Angling

• Method of fishing using an angle (hook)• Hook is usually attached to a fishing line that is

attached to a pole• Most commonly used for recreational fishing,

but used in some commercial operations

Reel

• Mechanical device mounted on a rod that controls the fishing line

• Two basic types of reels:– Spinning Reels

• Spool is parallel to rod

– Conventional Reels• Spool is perpendicular to

rod

Components of a Reel

• Spool– Holds the line– Vary in size and line held– Listed by maximum (pound test line/yards of line

held)• 12/160- this spool can hold 160 yards of 12 pound test

Components of a Reel

• Bail– 2 settings• Open

– Allows line to come off spool

• Closed– Prevents line from being let off the spool

– Bail is opened before cast and closed when the cast is complete

Components of a Reel

• Handle– Also known as the crank– Retrieves line onto spool– Can be on left or right side of the spool depending

on preference

Components of a Reel

• Drag– Setting that allows line to be pulled out by fish to prevent

the line from snapping– Lighter drag will allow more line to be pulled

• Use for fighting larger fish to allow them to tire out• If drag is too low, fish is more likely to swim under stumps or

rocks and break the line. The fish could also shake the hook free due to lack of tension

– Higher drag will put more tension on the line• Use for smaller fish that are less likely to break line• If drag is too high, lure may be ripped from the fish’s mouth

Components of a Reel

• Ball Bearings– Reduce friction and

allows for smoother operation of the reel

– More ball bearings indicate higher quality reel

– Commonly produced with stainless steel, higher quality reels may use ceramic or ceramic hybrid

Components of a Reel

• Gear Ratio– How many times the spool turns for every turn of

the handle– Will be displayed on the reel like “5.1:1”• For every full turn of the handle the spool will spin 5.1

times• A gear ratio of 7.1:1 would reel much faster

Types of Reels: Spinning

• Spin Cast Reel– Also known as closed-face

reel– Easiest to use– Least expensive– Good for small to medium

sized fish– Spool does not hold much line– Difficult to work lures

effectively– Does not provide accurate

casts

Types of Reels: Spinning

• Open Face Spinning Reel– Require more skill than

spin cast, but still easy to use

– Excellent for casting light lures• Least amount of friction

– Comes in wide range of sizes

Types of Reels: Conventional

• Low-Profile Bait Casting Reels– Most expensive reel– Most difficult to use

• Improper technique will cause backlash and tangled line

– Allows for the most accuracy

– Used with heavier lures

Types of Reels: Conventional

• Round Bait Casting Reel– Same characteristics as

the low-profile bait casting reel except:• The round body holds

more line• They are less ergonomic

and more difficult to handle than the low-profile

• Better for larger fish

Rod

• Long, straight, flexible pole used to cast bait or lures

• Provides leverage• Available in two common types:– Spinning– Casting

• Can be made out of bamboo, fiberglass, graphite, and other materials

Components of a Rod

• Guides (Eyes)– Rings attached to the rod to

direct the line– Usually lined with ceramic

or chrome to reduce friction– Largest guide at base of rod,

smallest guide at tip– Higher quality rods will

generally have 1 guide per foot• 6 foot rod would have 6

guides

Components of a Rod

• Grip– Also called the handle– Usually made of cork or

foam– Longer rods will have

longer grips to allow for two-handed casting

Components of a Rod

• Reel Seat– Where the reel attaches

to the rod

• Hook Keeper– Allows a place to rest the

hook in during transportation

Components of a Rod

• Action– the point at which a rod

initially flexes and where it stops bending

– Determine by 3 components• Rod material• Thickness• Taper

Components of a Rod

• Power– Also referred to as rod

weight– Pressure required to flex

the rod– Determined by:

• Rod Material• Thickness

Power Line Rating Lure Weight

heavy 15 to 25lb test 1/2 - 1 1/2oz

medium heavy 8 to 14lb test 1/2 - 1 1/2oz

medium 4 to 12lb test 1/8 - 3/8oz

light 4 to 8lb test 1/32 - 1/8oz

ultra-light 1 to 4lb test 1/64 - 1/16oz

Types of Rods

• Spinning– Used for spinning (open-

face) reels– Reel sits under the rod– Larger guides

Types of Rods

• Casting– Used for spin cast and

bait cast reels– Reel sits on top of rod– Smaller guides– Pistol Grip

Specialty Rods & Reels

• Fly Fishing– Popular method for catching

trout and salmon in streams– Used to cast lightweight flies

(bait)– Requires practice and skill– Equipment is generally more

expensive– Rod is much lighter and

longer– Line is retrieve by hand, not

with a reel

Specialty Rods & Reels

• Ice Fishing– Much shorter rod than

traditional fishing• > 2 feet• Medium to fast action

– Most have 4 guides• Guides are large to pass

accumulated ice through

– No casting involved

Specialty Rods & Reels

• Surf Fishing– Used when fishing from

a beach– Rods are long and heavy

to cast bait past waves– Usually used with

spinning reel– Components are more

resistant to saltwater

Review

1. What rod would be used with this reel?

A B

Review

2. Which component contributes the most to smooth operation of the reel?

a. Dragb. Actionc. Gear Ratiod. Ball Bearings

Review

3. Michael is a 6 year old boy going fishing for his first time, which reel should he use?

B

Overview

• Select equipment based on experience level– Spin cast or spinning reels are most suited for

beginners• Know what you are fishing for– There is no one size fits all setup, select based on

the fish you intend to catch• Make sure your tackle matches your gear– Light lures do not work well with a bait cast

• http://fishingnoob.com/25/fishing-equipment-primer-the-reel/• http://www.fishingreelscenter.com/baitcasting-reel-all-need-know/• http://www.baitcastingreels.com/• http://www.angelfire.com/ia3/fishing/aboutreels.htm• http://takemefishing.org/fishing/freshwater-fishing/freshwater-gear/

reels/

• http://www.trails.com/list_2442_different-types-fishing-reels.html• http://

www.opticsplanet.com/howto/how-to-buy-fishing-reels-baitcasting-reels.html

• http://www.westmarine.com/WestAdvisor/Selecting-a-Fishing-Reel