| There are several different types of conventional | | | | fishing reel for big-game saltwater fishing and |
| fishing reels, one of the three major classes of | | | | trolling. These reels can easily reach over a |
| saltwater and freshwater fishing reels, which also | | | | thousand dollars, but this type of reel is essential |
| include spinning reels and fly reels. Conventional | | | | when targeting world record-breaking trophies. |
| reels when used in saltwater fishing applications | | | | Whether it's a one speed or two speed, star drag |
| are commonly known as star drag, lever drag, | | | | or lever drag, live bait or trolling reel, using |
| high speed, two speed or trolling fishing reels. | | | | conventional reels requires some practice and |
| When used in freshwater fishing, anglers refer to | | | | knowledge in proper casting techniques to avoid |
| conventional fishing reels as casting, bait cast and | | | | backlashes and tangles. Conventional reels are also |
| bait casting reels. | | | | ideal when fishing with live bait, as they are meant |
| Most of the major tackle manufacturers produce | | | | to be fished in freespool; with the spool of the |
| a full line of both saltwater conventional reels and | | | | reel disengaged, allowing the spool to spin with the |
| freshwater casting reels. Brand names like | | | | pull and movement of the fishing line and bait. |
| Daiwa(R), Shimano(R), Penn(R), Okuma(R) and | | | | Similar to the freshwater casting reel, the |
| Accurate(R) continually introduce new lines of high | | | | saltwater conventional reel comes in a star drag |
| quality conventional reels like the Saltiga, Saltist, | | | | version, with adjustments in drag applied by |
| Trinidad, Torsa, Tiagra, Torque, International, Twin | | | | turning a dial. The lever drag reel is typically bigger |
| Drag and many more. Ranging in price from | | | | and the drags are adjusted by sliding a lever, |
| affordable to very expensive, with the proper | | | | usually to a strike position that is marked on the |
| maintenance and care, the latest conventional | | | | reel. This type of fishing reel comes in one speed |
| fishing reels should provide for many years of | | | | versions and different gear ratios, which |
| fishing enjoyment. | | | | determine the amount of line that is picked up |
| Freshwater casting reels are typically smaller in | | | | with each turn of the handle. Two speed |
| dimension. Many have a line winder mechanism, | | | | variations are typically used for bigger fish and |
| which helps guide the fishing line onto the spool in | | | | trolling and are known as trolling reels. These |
| an evenly manner. These are very popular among | | | | fishing reels are bulky, heavy and powerful, with |
| tournament bass fishing anglers and are | | | | lower gear ratios for better cranking ability. |
| commonly referred to as bait cast, bait caster | | | | With so many choices in freshwater and |
| and bait casting reels. The drags of this type of | | | | saltwater fishing rods and reels, it is important to |
| reel is set by turning a knob or sometimes a dial, | | | | do your research when purchasing fishing gear |
| which resembles a ninja star and is known as the | | | | and equipment. Knowing the proper name of the |
| star drag. I prefer to use casting reels when I fish | | | | equipment that you are researching can save you |
| with less than 12lb. test line, as most reels will hold | | | | time and money. I hope that the next time you |
| a sufficient amount of line, are super light and are | | | | do an online search for tackle, you would know |
| easy to cast. | | | | the difference between a freshwater casting reel |
| Saltwater conventional reels are the preferred | | | | and a saltwater conventional reel. |