I am experiencing some difficulties with my reel.
I have adjusted these two knobs to what appears to be an optimal setting, but I seek clarification on their precise functions.
My understanding is that the star-shaped knob controls the drag, which regulates the speed at which the line can be released from the reel.
Is this correct?
The smaller knob positioned behind it, I believe, is intended for adjustment each time the lure or bait is changed, ensuring a controlled descent of the lure/bait.
Furthermore, I surmise that the brake located on the left side is utilized at the conclusion of a cast.
Specifically, as the lure approaches the water and its momentum diminishes, the brake engages to prevent backlash.
Is this an accurate assessment?
Finally, in addition to a more straightforward explanation of the nomenclature and functions of these knobs, I also require an understanding of the "gear ratio" indicated in my last image, as well as the "Line Capacity Lb / Yds."
I interpret the "Line Capacity Lb / Yds" as an indication of the appropriate line length based on its breaking strength.
Currently, I am using 20lb monofilament line with this reel.
Will this be problematic?
Your guys and your help, tips, and tricks in clarifying these points would be greatly appreciated.
I am deeply committed to mastering the intricacies of fishing……literally obsessed at (27M) and love how helpful everyone is on here.
I almost get excited having a question needing posted and asked cause interacting with yall is great.
(P.S. – Could you please provide an assessment of the suitability of this reel and rod combination for a novice?)
Posted by TickleMeRaw69
6 Comments
EDIT: I meant to say that I have calibrated the THREE knobs to what I believe to beoptimal settings; however, I am uncertain if further improvements are possible, as my adjustments have been based solely on estimation and self-directed troubleshooting.
Don’t get anal about settings just go out and practice casting! We that use baitcasters it took weeks or months to get competent at using baitcasters!
Small silver knob by the handle is the spool tension knob and is set based on how heavy your bait/lure is. There are plenty of videos demonstrating the quick and easy way to adjusting this, but essentially clicking your spool and letting your bait drop. You want it to drop, but not super fast nor too slow.
The “star” knob on the handle is your drag which is simply set to your best feeling based on how strong your line is. Less drag is generally better than too tight of a drag assuming its still tight enough you can actually set a hook.
Knob on the opposite side is your brake system. Being new I would advise keeping it a bit higher until you learn it and you can eventually crank it down.
So the line weight/lb is more or less a guideline. Sometimes they’ll specify if its for nylon (mono or flouro) or braided line. Its really there to give you an idea of much line you should be able to hold. Going too heavy will simply limit your line capacity, casting distance and POSSIBLY cause issues on the line guide if your reel is abnormally tiny. Going lighter will simply grant you more cast distance and line capacity. That said, lighter braided lines have the tendency to dig into the spool when you set the hook hard on a baitcaster which can cause problems on the following casts. On my rods that require hard hooksets (jigs for example) I typically run 30lb braid and it tends to not dig into the spool too bad.
Gear ratios will indicate how much torque you have essentially. Low ratios mean more torque, but less inches per turn (IPT — line pickup). Your typical ratios are 6.X, 7.X and 8.X — There are some 5.x floating around on crankbait specific reels where you have LARGE resistance in the water you’re reeling in. There are some 10.X reels out there too that are blazingly fast, but its also harder to reel in baits that produce resistance. Brand A’s reel with a ratio of 8 will have more IPT than Brand A’s reel (assuming the same model of reel), but might have less IPT than Brand B’s reel with a 7 ratio.
In general your higher 6.X and low to mid 7.X ratio reels are your good all around reels.
Yes the star is your drag. Set it so it’s a bit stiff to pull out my hand.
Open the other two knobs wide open so it spools absolutely freely learn to use your thumb on day one. Many will disagree with this and they are welcome to be wrong.
the star drag: its used to set the amount of force required to pull the line out. you’ll set it to something below your line test, but loose enough that it wont rip hooks outta fishes mouths. you want it light enough so the fish can fight and get tired without snapping your line. its ok for the fish to pull out line and run for a bit. just let them do their shit to tire out. a smoother drag usually results in less hooks popping out or lines snapping.
you usually set the drag before hand and can adjust anytime, though the suckiest time to adjust is in the middle of a fight.
the brake on the left helps control how much rotational force is applied to the spool when casting. depending on the type, it can provide initial braking when u first cast or constsnt braking.
the spool tension knob near your drag also sets how much force is required to spin the spool, but is a simpler braking system.
drag: doesnt affect casting, set it anytime, typically before ur first cast.
tension knob (near drag): you set this first. if you’re really new and getting constant backlashes, set it tighter. your casting distance will be affected with tighter tension.
brake (other side of drag): set this second. can start off w max brake and back it off slowly after each cast to get that sweet spot.
if you have really good thumbing technique, u can totally have a loose tension knob and zero brake.
if u suck, more tension and brake.
Oh boy, I love Shakespeare products but the reels they put on their lower range products aren’t that great to be honest. The rod is great as far as durability and the flex clear tip makes up for the general stiffness that can make light bites hard to detect.
Do yourself a solid and upgrade to a Pflueger reel. Pflueger sits above SP but below Fenwick and Abu and PFs other more higher priced brands.