When you are just starting to get interested in fishing, it is rather difficult to choose between the different equipment on the market. The reel is one of the essential accessories for pike fishing. But how do you choose the most suitable one? It is important to note beforehand that there are two different, but complementary techniques for fishing this type of fish: casting and spinning.
Characteristics to take into account when choosing a reel
Before talking about the choice between spinning and casting reels, let’s start with the different characteristics to consider. In particular, you should think about its size. Indeed, the size of a reel is between 3000 and 5000. The bigger it is, the easier it will be for you to put line on it and enjoy a powerful drag. And speaking of drag, you can choose between a front drag on the spool or a rear drag. The choice depends mainly on what you are used to.
It is also important to consider the material of construction. You can opt for a composite reel, which is lightweight and affordable. However, it is mainly suitable for occasional fishing. There is also the graphite reel, which has a greater robustness and an aluminium spool. This is the ideal model for pike fishing.
Choosing a reel according to the technique used
To begin with, it is advisable to make a choice according to the fishing technique you are going to use. In this case, there are certain characteristics to take into consideration. For example, if you plan to use the casting technique, the spinning reel is the most suitable. This accessory is installed under the rod. And since this type of reel has a fixed spool, it has a rotor that wraps the line around the spool when the crank is turned. This is the recommended model if you are a beginner.
The baitcasting reel, on the other hand, is positioned above the fishing rod. It has a rotating spool. For this type of reel, a gear system activates the rotation of the crank to wind the line onto the spool. To cast, the angler can simply pull a trigger with his thumb to release the line body. Compared to the spinning reel, the baitcasting reel is much more powerful and precise. Of course, it requires some experience to use.
The varieties of baitcasting reel profiles
There are effectively two profiles for a baitcasting reel. Firstly, the low profile with the foot under the spool. However, the crank shaft is at the level of the foot. This is the most popular for its oval shape. It is also the most favoured for its ease of handling.
The round profile casting reel is less common. It is distinguished by its morphology. Nevertheless, it is the best option for heavy fishing and fishing for predators such as pike or catfish.
