Getting Started In Fishing
A young prospective fisherman is usually exposed to fishing from an early age because his/her parents are into the sport of fishing. In addition, they have probably been "playing with a rod and reel much before actually going fishing. Fishing is a great way to get away and enjoy some quality family time. The young fisherman will usually get an inexpensive rod and reel with one of the latest Disney characters on it. For a kid, those reels can be a lot of fun to use but once they become older and more serious about fishing, They will need a bit more sophisticated piece of equipment. This will require the parent to start investing a little more money in better gear. Finding the right fishing reel for the youth to use will make all the difference in their success at fishing.
Understanding the four basic types of fishing reels will help in the selection of the right one. The four types of fishing reels are: spin casting, spinning (open-face), bait casting and fly reel. Whatever the motivation to get out to the local fishing hole, having the proper reel will make it more enjoyable.
Your Mickey and Barbie fishing reels were likely the spin casting sort. In spite of the fact these were toys, (more or less), doesn't mean that the spin casting reel is not the proper one for you now. This sort of fishing reel is less prone to tangles and snares, and it casts with the push of a button. The casting process is as follows: By pressing and holding the thumb button on the back of the spin casting reel (opposite the string hole), you essentially push and hold a spindle and peg which locks down the fishing line. Letting go of the button when you cast, the bait or lure lobs out to the water. Though quick and painless, the drag and design of the spin cast reel doesn't allow for casting very far. If you're new to fishing, and don't want to use a lot of effort (cast and let the bait sit on the bottom, for example) or go after the large fish, then this type of reel is for you.
A spinning reel is really not a good choice for the novice however, it is the second most common type of reel next to the spin casting reels. Spinning reels have open faces and you can see the string in the reel. You have to pull back the bail to release the string and then control the cast with your thumb and forefinger. Most professional fishermen use a spinning reel to catch their fish. Since you can control the way the string leaves the reel, you are able get very accurate casts when you cast into reeds or other areas fish like to hide.
The bait casting reels are newer additions to the fishing reel world and in the hands of a pro, can be a fantastic reel. If you don't know how to use one, it can also be a great source of aggravation and can ruin your fishing outing. The spool of the reel is not housed like the spin casting but it is also not fully open like the spinning reel. It's a cross of the two. The biggest drawback to this type of reel is that it is very easy to over spin the line and end up with a huge knot.
The final type of fishing reel is the fly fishing reel. These have so many variations, it is impossible to talk about them all. Essentially, a fly-fishing reel is used for fishing in streams and in moving water with an artificial, heavy fly. Aiming your cast is critical. Fly fishermen routinely fish for trout, salmon, pike, bass, carp and other species. When casting a fly fishing reel, the reel actually has nothing to do with the cast. This is to say that the reel holds the line while you pull out the line from the reel, keeping it loose and close to your feet. You'll have to free the line that you want to cast. By pulling up on the lever, the spring-loaded coil (reel) pulls the line back in while your hand controls the drag. With practice, fly fishing gives the most play for the sport of fishing and requires the most skill. It is also the source of the most enjoyment.
Pick your reel, get a bucket, and practice your casting in your backyard. Then, when someone says let's go fishing, you are ready.