Reels For Saltwater Fly Fishing

December 23, 2009 by GetFishing  
Filed under Sport & Game Fishing Gear

Choosing the right reel for saltwater fly fishing, as well as the best rod, is essential. The most suitable reels for this type of fishing are single action ones rather than Multipliers. This will please most fishing enthusiasts since Multipliers are more complicated reels and tend to cost more too. The many moving parts in them can often end up creating trouble just when it is most annoying, so using a single action will be cheaper and more convenient as well as better suited to your purpose.

There are two types of reel within the single action range.
A direct drive reel is the most common choice. As you release the line, the spin of the reel handle is backwards. It is much easier to estimate how much line has been released when using this type of reel, and you will also be able to keep track of how much of your line you have retrieved as you start reeling it back in.

The second type of reel is the anti-reverse. This releases the spool of line in a different way. It is designed to prevent you from getting hit by the handle when the line is being pulled out. When you are fishing for large, fast-swimming fish then the force of the handle could cause some serious damage. In a reel of the anti-reverse type the handle remains unmoving as the line is released, preventing any nasty accidents. This is a good choice of reel if you are after stronger, bigger species of fish, while the direct drive is preferable when you don’t need this added safety.

The key to successful saltwater fly fishing is to have a reel with a drag system that works efficiently. If the drag on an anti-reverse type of reel is too light then the line may tend to slip as it is being reeled in. A smooth drag will greatly improve the experience of fishing for fast moving marine fish. Freshwater fish don’t tend to be as strong, or such fast swimmers, therefore it is less important when you are fishing for them.

You can find reels that are designed to be used with a range of different line weights, and which come in different sizes. A larger reel will be able to wind in your line more rapidly, as each time you crank the handle will reel in a longer length of the line. This is particularly useful when you are fishing in saltwater, since you will often be using very long lines, releasing several hundred yards. You can choose a smaller reel if you are not intending to use as much line, for example if you are fishing for trout rather than billfish. The amount of line that you can fit on the reel will depend on the weight of line you are choosing, as heavier lines take up more room.

Saltwater can cause serious corrosion, but reels that have been designed specifically for use in this environment are made out of durable metals and so will be protected against it, to a certain extent. It will still help to prolong the life of your reel if you take good care of it, making sure that it is cleaned after each use. You can do this by scrubbing it with a gentle soap and some warm freshwater, and adding some lubricant as necessary.

A good saltwater reel should be considered as a substantial investment, so it is worth your time to look at a range of different reels before you commit to buying one.

A Beginner’s Guide To Shark Fishing

December 13, 2009 by GetFishing  
Filed under Deep Sea Salt Water Fishing

The idea of fishing for sharks may at first seem daunting and difficult. Once you begin to practice the art of fishing for sharks you will find that in fact this is a rewarding and varied type of fishing, that provides a great social activity for all the family.

During their summer breeding season, sharks move in closer to land from their usual territories far out at sea. This provides numerous opportunities for fishing, both from river banks and the beach. Sharks congregate in the shallow waters near the shore, and in rivers, when seeking mates and giving birth. Some sharks lay eggs, while others actually give birth to live offspring. If you are interested in some exciting fishing, or even in swimming at this time of year, then it is a good idea to be aware of the places where sharks can be found.

There are two ways to fish for shark in inshore waters. The first is to do so from the riverbank. The second is to search out a stable sandbar, a pier, or a section of beach where the currents are suitable for catching shark, and to set up your equipment there just as the tides are right. It is often a good idea to take a kayak, either your own or a rental, in order to carry all your equipment and be able to access the best fishing spots.

Shark fishing provides the unique opportunity of catching huge fish from the riverbank. Sharks of more than five hundred pounds have been caught in rivers during the breeding season, and it is possible to catch specimens of more than ten feet in length.

If you are interested in beginning to fish for sharks, then you will need to get hold of the appropriate equipment. You will be catching very big and very strong fish, and this means that you will have to have the necessary power in your equipment to deal with this. The main purchase you will have to make is the reel. A Penn Senator (model 16/10) will be a good choice, and you will find that any supply shop should be able to help you pick out something like this. A strong rod is also essential, and you will need a good strong, length of braided line (eighty pound). A length of about three thousand yards should be adequate.

You may find it takes some effort to locate the right bait for shark fishing, especially if you are buying on a budget. It is a good idea to find the local market where there will be fresh supplies of a variety of fish. If you can get to a market catering for Asian tastes, you will find that the selection is even wider. Mackerels (both Spanish and King) and Mullets make very successful baits, and you will also find that Jack Crevelle and Bonito work well.

You will find that shark fishing is a great activity to share with your friends and family, especially when it can be combined with a trip to one of the many spectacular fishing locations, perhaps staying in a nearby hotel, or spending a few nights camping out under the summer stars. There are many great locations in the South East of the US. One thing that many shark fishing enthusiasts agree on is that once you’ve given it a go, you will find it very hard to give up. If you spend a day fishing, perhaps with borrowed or rented equipment, you are likely to find yourself rushing out to buy your own rod, line and reel as soon as you can.