How To Set Up And Use A Spinning Rod And Reel
Spinning rods and reels might seem a bit daunting, but you can easily learn how to set up and use a spinning rod and reel. While you might have a bit of difficulty setting up the rod and reel and using it at first, with time you will see that it gets easier, and you can't argue with the rewarding results!
More...
Get What You Need To Set Up Your Reel
If you have already purchased your spinning rod and reel - great! You will need those to get started. If you haven't purchased them yet, do a bit of research and you will be able to choose a reel that works perfectly for you.
Keep in mind that there are times that companies will design specific rods for specific reels, so be sure to purchase a combination that will work well together.
Along with your spinning rod and reel, you will need a few other items for setup. Other items that you will need include fishing line the bait and hook you plan on using to catch fish, and some scissors (any kind of scissors should work well for this task).
Getting Familiar With Your Rod And Reel
When you have finished collecting your supplies for set up, it is vital that you sit down with some videos or the instruction manual for your rod and reel and get to know the specific parts before beginning.
If you think that it will help you, take photographs using a camera or a cell phone during each step, and so you know what it should look like when put back together. Having these visual aids will help you figure out whether or not you have put everything back exactly how it belongs, so that your spinning reel will work properly.
Via captharry.com
Here are a few parts that you should become familiar with:
- Spool - The item you wind the fishing line around
- Reel Handle - What you use to draw your line in while fishing
- Bail - Metal arm that can close to stop the fishing line from coming out of the spool
- Reel Foot - Connects the reel and the rod together
- Drag Knob - Allows you to choose how easily or difficult the line can come out of the spool during use
- Tip Of The Rod - Allows you to feel when a fish takes the bait
- Guides - Small circles for the fishing line to run through that keeps it next to the rod
- Reel Seat - Keeps the reel and the rod connected
- Handle - The area of the rod that you will be holding onto while you fish
Connecting The Rod And The Reel
Via instructables.com
Once you have familiarized yourself with the parts of the rod and the reel above, and taken pictures of each item to ensure you get everything correct, the next step is to get the rod and reel connected.
In order to properly connect the rod and the reel, you will need to loosen the reel seat, make sure that the reel foot is placed into the reel seat, and then tighten the reel seat back up again. Be careful to note that if the reel wobbles while in place, you should loosen and try again until it is no longer wobbly.
Placing The Fishing Line And Spool Into The Reel
Next, you need to place the spool with the fishing in line into the reel. This step can be where even expert fishers can run into problems, so be sure to have plenty of patience when completing this task, and it should work out beautifully.
Step 1
You will need to open the bail on the reel, and wrap the line around the reel just one time.
Step 2
Tie a knot - usually a standard knot will work just fine - with the two pieces that are around the reel. Then tie another knot with the two new pieces of line that are there. Cut the loose line about a quarter inch away from the reel, and then close the bail.
Step 3
While tightly holding the line about a foot or so away from the reel to prevent tangling, turn your reel until you have the right amount of line on the reel for your taste. Pay attention to any markings on your reel that might say "line cap" so that you do not overfill the reel. Be sure to work the line through the guides on the rod.
Tie Knot Around Bait To Fasten
Via north40flyshop.com
Whichever type of bait you are choosing to use, you will need to learn the proper way to tie a knot around it so that it stays on your line. A fishing knot or a double tied standard knot can be useful here, so once you practice tying these knots, you will be able to fasten an assortment of lures onto your fishing line.
Once you have the knot, snip off any excess fishing line, while being careful not to cut the line attached to the reel, or you will need to put new fishing line in your reel.
Adjust Drag
Via fishingnoob.com
Once you have the bait and hook on your line, you need to adjust the drag. This can be done by turning the drag knob clockwise to tighten it or turning it counter clockwise to loosen it, and then pulling some of the fishing line from your reel to see if the drag is perfect for you.
Repeat as necessary.
Casting And Catching!
Via aquatic-solutions.co.uk
The final step, now that you have gotten your spinning rod and reel set up, is to cast the line and catch those fish. While allowing about a foot and a half to two feet of line to hang off the rod, use your dominant hand (the one you will probably reel in with), open the bail, let your rod lean backwards a bit, and then use a quick burst of force to swing the rod forward toward the water.
If you have never used a spinning rod and reel before, or aren't familiar with the one you are using, it will probably take some casting practice before you become perfect!
To reel in the line, you will need to close the bail and turn the reel handle. The way you choose to reel in the line is completely up to you, as there are plenty of tricks and techniques you can use.
Conclusion
Once you have your spinning rod and reel purchased, spend some time setting it up and getting it ready for use. When you manage to get the rod and reel assembled and set up properly, you are able to head out to practice casting and reeling in. Once you have mastered that with your chosen techniques, you will be catching those fish in no time!
