Reels

Reels
When you think it's time to progress further than a handline, it's time to visit your local shop to select your first rod and reel.

Select a good medium priced outfit. There are some very cheap rods and reels on the market, but these may break easily and in the long run you will be better off buying a better quality outfit. When visiting your local tackle shop, discuss with the staff the type of fishing you would like to do, and tell them you're a beginner. This way you will get an outfit that is suitable to your needs.

There are several types of reels that you can choose from:
Centrepin
Baitcaster
Threadline
Overhead
Sidecast
Closed Face

Each one of the above reels is suited to a particular type of fishing. When you're starting our the two most suitable types are the threadline (also called a spinning reel or eggbeater) and the sidecast reel (an Alvey is very popular) To select the type that best suits you, if you are going to mainly fish freshwater, lake, harbour or estuary then a threadline is your best choice. If you are going to be fishing from a boat, the beach or rocks, then choose the sidecast reel.

A medium sized, lightweight threadline that holds 150 - 250 metres of 3-6kg line will cover most fishing conditions.

A lightweight sidecast reel with a fairly large spool, say around 14 cm diameter, will hold plenty of line, be easy to cast, quick to wind in and not be prone to twist and tangles.

Always look after your reels. When you have finished fishing for the day, wash it down with some mild soapy water and oil the moving parts about once a month. This way, your reel will be in good condition for the next time you want to go fishing.