Good Choices in Catfishing Reels

As with every other sport, fishing has developedthe most capable in the art of casting, and are
a huge set of associated equipment fromavailable in models strong enough to take on a
numerous manufacturers, covering everyreal granddaddy catfish, though the issue of
conceivable niche in the sport. Within thatstrength is the one which will let you down with a
gargantuan array of gear, there is further varietyspinning reel, if anything does. Look at Quantum,
among the various general components, andMitchell and Daiwa reels, here. If you go this route,
fishing reels are certainly no exception. Formake sure that the spinning reel you choose has
something that is basically a spool to wind youra strong foot, a solid casing, and a bail made of
line on, fishing reels have developed into anserious metal - no cheapo parts - along with a
amazingly complex and scientific breed ofstrong hand-crank and a smooth, powerful drag
equipment, each model specialized to a particularcontrol.
application, quarry, preference or technical point ofThe spincasting reel is similar to a spinning reel, but
prowess. For the specialized pursuit of catfish, thehas an enclosed spool, and an "automatic" casting
main points of prowess in a reel need to besystem which allows it to be easily handled by
durability, reliability and outright strength. Withinnovice anglers. Casting is done by depressing and
that realm, one can then take into account theholding a thumb button on the back of the reel,
particular style of reel one prefers to use, and theand releasing it, just as the cast moves to the
features and appearance of the reel, to narrowappropriate release point overhead, which sets
down the options.the line free to be pulled off the reel. Experienced
As far as the basic design of the reel goes,fishermen also use spincasters, but the issue of
regardless of the fish sought, there are essentiallystrength leaves this design in a questionable light,
four designs, or types of reel to choose from.where really big cats are concerned. Fishermen
These are the fly reel, the spinning reel, thewho are after only small or medium-sized fish,
spincasting reel and the baitcasting reel. Eachthough, will appreciate the simplicity and compact
design has its strengths and weaknesses,design of spincasters, as will those with children or
depending on the fishing technique you intend toother novices whom they are teaching to fish.
employ. Different manufacturers make variousThe predominant manufacturer in this design is
models of each of these four reel types, inDaiwa, with Mitchell offering a series of
varying price ranges, so your choice of reel willrespectable models also. Once again, for heavy
come down to its basic capacity to handle the fishfish, this is not the preferred choice in a reel
you expect to hook, the design you prefer todesign, so for any catfish pursuit, make sure that
use, and the price you are willing to pay to getthe model you are looking at is rated for a pretty
the features you want.decent sized fish, because cats will put even the
To begin, let's look at each of the reel types, assturdiest gear to the test.
they apply to catfishing. The first reel type, theThe final category, baitcasters, are the
fly reel, is only rarely used in catfish fishing, andcatfisherman's best choice, in most arenas,
only by folks with strong hands and a penchantprimarily due to their exceptional strength.
for torture, fishing in small-cat waters. This isBaitcasters are the "original" mechanical reel, with
because a fly reel is, simply, a manual reel, period.a strong, horizontal transverse spool, driven by a
A heavy catfish can be easily over forty pounds,high-reduction drive from a large, sturdy
and the fly reel's direct, simple and unbridledhand-crank, and generally equipped with a drag
operation make for a chancy option at best, forcontrol and a level winding device. The biggest
landing one. If you really, really want to use a flyshortfall of baitcasters, is the technique required
reel, use a mighty strong fly rod to go with it,to cast with a conventional reel, although modern
and get a reel by one of the betterreels have a number of advancements onboard
manufacturers - you're going to need it.which have made that task somewhat easier.
Moving on, the spinning reel is probably the mostHowever, as far as a reel which can handle even
common reel in use today, if not the ultimatethe biggest bait, when casting, and which will
preference for the pursuit of catfish. Spinningwithstand all that the heaviest catfish can dish
reels use a central, horizontal inline spool of line,out, baitcasters take it, walking away. Their low
with a rotating carriage, called a bail, which wrapsprofile, close connection to the rod and strong,
the line around the spool, or, alternately, can betransverse spool design make them pretty tough
pulled open to cast the line out. These reels areto knock off their game.