Key Points to Selecting a Deep Sea Fishing Reel

Have you ever thought of fishing as an extreme sport? Most people don’t. The usual image for fishing is serene and calm, a chance to get away from noise and to retreat into the quiet of nature.

Deep sea fishing, though, is anything but calm. Imagine hooking and landing an 1100 pound marlin. It isn’t calm; it’s a thrilling, adrenaline-pumping adventure of man against fish. It makes sense, then, that you’re going to need equipment that can handle the fight. Included below are some key points on the right way to select a deep sea fishing reel.

The Reel Story
Understand that not all deep sea fish are 1100 pound marlins. There are many shapes and sizes of fish in the open water, so the reels come in many shapes and sizes. To purchase the right reel, it’s essential that you know what type of fish you want to catch.

In addition to the type of fish, you need to know its environment and feeding preference. For example, some fish feed in the surf. Others prefer to hunt for food on the bottom. Still others prefer to eat in shallow waters. To successfully fish for any of these fish, you’ll need a reel that fits the conditions. Choose the wrong reel, and the chance for adventure will rapidly become an experience in frustration.

Saltwater Reels
Reels are made from several different types of materials, including metals. Saltwater can and will corrode some metals until they completely fall apart. Your best bet for a saltwater deep sea fishing reel is one with a frame made from aluminum or stainless steel, which are rust and corrosion resistant. These reels are generally large and sturdy, can handle severe weather conditions and very large fish, such as the 1100 pound marlin mentioned above.

Not all saltwater fish weigh in at half a ton, however. Smaller fish include grouper and red snapper. With these fish, you’ll need a lighter reel and lighter fishing line.

Technique and Complexity
Factor in your skill level. If you’re a beginner, don’t buy a high-tech fishing reel with tons of features. You’ll spend more time figuring out how everything works than fishing. Start with a basic reel, and as you gain experience you can move up to the multi-featured reels.

You also need to match the reel to your preferred fishing technique. If you prefer medium speed trolling, a kite fishing reel will just catch you headaches. Likewise, a medium speed trolling reel will spell disaster for deep drop fishing. The last thing you want is to be out on the boat, hook the “big one” and discover your reel can’t handle the job.

Getting Information
You can get all kinds of information about deep sea fishing equipment from the Internet. Before you buy, though, visit your local fishing retailer. Try out some of the reels. Ask questions. Let the salesperson walk you through the features and point you in the right direction. Once you have the correct equipment, head to your favorite spot and enjoy the adventure of a lifetime.

Posted on Monday, August 23rd, 2010
Filed under Fishing.