SPORTFISHING FOR DUMMIES
                 Selecting A Rod & Reel
                 The Reelman System Approach

How do you pick the rod and reel that's right for a particular style of fishing? With variety of model available the choices can sometimes be overwhelming, even for the seasoned angler. To help you make the right selection and assemble a performance-matched rod and reel system, the best source apart from me?is your nearest tackle dealer. He knows the right questions to ask (i.e. ?how much is your budget??), the right answers (i.e. ?haiya?one hundred only aa?tokey!!?) and, best of all, the right tackle for local fishing (i.e. ?kalau itu macam aa?and at the end you end up digging bigger hole in your pocket). Therefore, to help those who are shy but still enter the tackle shop feeling like pro?okay now I will teach you how to act like one with this ?How to be a sport fishing Pro's for Dummies? guidelines.
Decide On The Target And Technique. The first step in selecting your rod and reel system is to tell your dealer the gamefish you're targeting. And remember -- there is no single all-purpose rod and reel system.
System used for freshwater casting are hardly appropriate for trolling. And the tackle needs of beach fishermen are far different from those of deep sea anglers. However sometimes you may have to forget about this advice due to budget constraint.

The next step is to identify the angling technique (gotcha!). Okay I?ll stop pulling your leg? Let's say you're out to catch Tenggiri. There?s a variety of techniques can be used to catch this fish i.e. casting from a boat, surf fishing, trolling, chumming or drifting bait, downrigger fishing, you name it. Your dealer can help you match the tackle to the technique you?re familiar with as well as the target you intended to catch.

Find Out What Type Of Line You'll Be Using. Tell your dealer what type of line and breaking strength (line test) you'll be using, or ask for recommendations. Each rod and reel system is rated and labeled for a specific range of line tests (for instance, 10-20 lb.test). It's important that you do not stray too far from the recommended specs. Your dealer can then guide you to the best system for the line test you plan on using.

While most anglers use monofilament fishing line, some types of fishing lines require specialized rod and reel systems. For example, wire lines require a rod with carbide and roller guides. Similarly, lead core line requires the use of a level wind reel or narrow spool reel. Your dealer will be able to guide you in the right direction.

 

Important!! Be sure to tell your dealer if you plan on using the new braided, super thin diameter lines. Don?t try to be smart! These lines are not only extremely thin but also very strong, allowing for much greater line capacity. And unlike monofilament, these lines have practically zero stretch. While such features are certainly beneficial in many angling situations, anglers are still learning about the performance characteristics of braided lines and their effect on today's fishing tackle. Your dealer can, however, provide some general, common sense advise on the use of these lines. My advice, if you become snagged, don't pull with the rod. Rather, point the rod at the snag and pull back directly you may want to use the cutter at the end because if the pound test exceeds the rod's recommended specs, the rod may break before the line does.
Also, if using a lever drag reel, it's important that you do not stray too far beyond the recommended maximum drag setting -- even if the breaking strength of the braided line exceeds this figure. If the drag is set too high, the free spool may not function properly on these reels.
Match Your Reel To Your Rod...and your pocket. Practically every branded reel has a branded rod to match...and vice versa. Sometimes you may find that the rod/reel is cross referenced to matching reel/rod within the specification charts or catalogs. Ask for one! Use these as general guidelines and, with the help of your dealer, you can find the exact performance-matched rod and reel system that you need.
See Your Dealer Today. As I said before, if you have any questions, see your dealer. He's the one who can set you up with performance-matched rod and reel systems for just about any gamefish or any style of fishing. That's how I ending up buying my 7500SS Penn skirted spool spinning reel and 7? Ugly Stick Tiger. Hey why don?t I tell you a little bit about my stuff?we are anglers of style?aren?t we?

Mine is known as Penn Spinfisher® SS. SS stands for Skirted Spool Spinning Reels. It?s a tough spinning reels for a tough world yeah!!. That's what you'll find in Penn's legendary Spinfisher® SS Series. Why it is so legendary? Well, this tough, black and gold beauties have caught over 95 current IGFA records ? including 15 all-tackle marks. From offshore fishing for sailfish, cobia and king mackerel to working lakes and rivers for trout, bass and walleye, you'll find a Spinfisher® SS model that's just right for the job. My Penn's Spinfisher® SS reels ? 7500SS ? feature a powerful gearing system, sealed stainless steel ball bearings and "soft grip" handle. In addition, it has a proven, black enameled aluminum housing and rotors. When it comes to heavy duty spinning -- in either fresh water or salt -- nothing beats rugged, die cast anodized aluminum.

Additionally, skirted spool design has proven to allow for greater line capacity, longer casts and fewer tangles. It also keeps salt, sand, grit and moisture out of the reel's internal components. This reel has been designed with gear ratios as high as 4.6-1. This speed gives me the option to work lures fast as well as retrieve more line per handle turn when "pumping" large fish. This reels is also designed with a stainless steel main shaft that extends through the reel -- from spool drag knob through the entire housing. Main shaft support is provided by bronze bushings within the reel housing. This was not designed for nothing, the exclusive features pays off in greater strength and rigidity, essential for tackling big, powerful fish.

Best of all, it also feature with forged or machined gold anodized aluminum spool with a handy line meter for determining the spool's capacity of different line tests. A specially engineered lip on the spool reel allows your line to come off the spool with less friction as you cast. This, combined with the high capacity design of each spool, results in longer casts and less wear on your fishing line.

My final advice is "invest in something that gives you the most satisfaction and that last". Trust me, you can feel the difference with this big mama. After all, its does not only come with quality, but its also come with style. I?ll tell you about the ugly stick in the next issue maybe a little bit about Penn too. Till then ?Baja Dorado?!!

The Reelman.

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