Months before Christmas, reel thoughts spinning in my head

Around October 1, I received an e-mail from a company advertising a Black Friday sale for their made-in-USA fishing products. That got me thinking about stops I had made recently at 3 Rivers Fly & Tackle, Sportsman’s Warehouse, and Wal-Mart in Wasilla. Many retailers like to sell through most of their seasonal fishing gear as the season nears an end to avoid carrying extra inventory during a time when it may not sell as well. While all three stores still had some spinning reels, options and inventories at each location were significantly less than they had been during summer months. This may be partially a result of good planning by the retailers, and partially caused by supply chain shortages. In any event, anglers / shoppers considering new spinning reels or other fishing related items as potential Christmas gifts may find it beneficial to shop early. Since many summer fishing products are not restocked until after the new year, it may take a while to find specialty or higher-end products in particular.

While at one of the stores I spoke with Bob (from Bob’s Reel Repair in Big Lake) and asked which spinning reels he would recommend. Two spinning reel brands Bob liked were Shimano and Penn, because of the parts service and quicker return times they provided when repairs might be needed. Of Penn he also mentioned they were a solidly built reel that was simple and easy to work on. Penns tend to be a bit heavier than some of the other spinning reels on the market, as they use more metal in construction. For a person wanting a reel that holds up to more abuse this is a good thing. I use some Penn spinning reels specifically when back trolling for king salmon or when fishing bobbers and bait for either king salmon or silver salmon. The extra rugged construction is something I consider a premium in both of these situations. Two stout Penn spinning reel models can be purchased in the $100 — 150 range.

Other Mat-Su salmon charter guides prefer a lighter weight reel, that may have a smoother / easier to start cranking action, and may also cost less. The lower cost reels in this category may be carbon /graphite framed. Pflueger has a model that retails for about $70, and is one of the more readily available at Mat-Su retailers. The frames on many carbon-based reels tend to flex a bit under pressure, something that may feel disconcerting when fighting a good-sized fish. For anglers who fish less frequently, prefer a lighter weight reel, or may be budget-constrained to a purchase of $70 or less, this may be a preferable option. Bob, the reel repairman, likes some of the carbon-framed reels, because carbon does not corrode or rust from saltwater as soon as metal may. Bob also mentioned the Pflueger President reels seem to hold up well, as he has not seen them in his reel repair business. From another perspective, if an angler eventually had a mechanical issue with a $70 spinning reel, it might be quicker and only a bit more expensive to replace the reel rather than have it serviced or repaired. I noticed several different spinning reel options in this category available recently at local retailers. A family on a budget could purchase 2 or 3 of these reels for the cost of some higher-priced spinning reels on the market.

Like many products, spinning reel prices have increased in the past year. $200 — $250 models are near the top-end of what anglers are likely to find at Mat-Su retailers. When investing this much or more money for a spinning reel it is often nice to inspect and feel how smooth the reel operates. Visiting a local retailer can provide this opportunity and is one reason anglers may want to purchase locally in either the Mat-Su Valley or Anchorage. These higher-priced reels should be engineered and built to tighter tolerances, often have more or higher quality ball bearings, and may be better sealed to keep water out of the reel. They should feel noticeably smoother in operation, and should also last longer before mechanical issues arise. Reels in this price range may also be metal or carbon frame. Once again metal will feel more solid and may last longer — while a carbon frame gives a lighter more finesse feel, but likely will take less physical abuse. Both aluminum and carbon framed reels in this price range often have a carbon / composite rotor to make cranking smoother, and easier to start, and keep the overall weight of the reel down. These reels provide a very pleasant platform when casting and retrieving artificial lures on a continual basis throughout a fishing trip. Two models sometimes available locally that I have used on my charters include Shimano Stradic 4000XGFL and Daiwa Procyon Aluminum Light & Tough 3000. Even though charter guests would likely catch just as many fish with a lower-priced spinning reel, I like the solid feel, smooth operation, and durability these reels have provided. Some of my guests fish infrequently, but experienced anglers on my charters frequently comment on how well these reels operate. That is worth the extra cost for me.

Reel Size

For most freshwater salmon fishing situations in the Mat-Su Valley I prefer a 4000 size spinning reel, because it holds an adequate amount of 30 pound braided line, and is built stout enough to hold up under fishing with this line strength — and especially so if it is a metal-framed reel. Keep in mind that different reel brands or different models within brands may be sized differently. Some Daiwa 3000 size reels, in particular, are approximately the same size as other brands’ 4000 size reels.

For lighter line fishing conditions such as fishing 20 pound braided line or up to 12 pound monofilament I would consider using a lighter 2500 —3000 size spinning reel. Even when trout fishing with 6 pound monofilament, however, a 2500 size reel is about as small as I like to go, because smaller reels / smaller spools may induce more line twists and tangles.

Crank-In Reel Handles

A crank-in handle turns into a spinning reel in the same direction a person turns the handle to crank in line. As long as an angler turns the reel handle in the correct direction, this provides a more solid connection that does not work loose while actively fishing. Crank-in handles are usually interchangeable so they can be used on either the right or left side of the reel. Even some of the more economically priced reels can be purchased with crank-in handles.

Solid Bail Spring

Most guests I guide on fishing charters prefer to close the bail on a spinning reel by cranking the reel handle. For that reason I always look for spinning reels with a bail that closes firmly when cranked after a cast. Spinning reels with a light bail spring / trip will often work inconsistently after a short amount of use. If the bail does not close firmly when the handle is cranked in a store — I leave that reel in the store.

Shopping Hints:

As mentioned earlier, inventories of many spinning reels are currently in short supply at Mat-Su Valley retailers, so if you would like to obtain one of the better performing reels for a Christmas present, now might be a good time to start. Stocks of some lower-priced spinning reels are more available. Alaska retailers will likely have Black Friday or Christmas sales on some reels they have in stock — considering even these reels may be limited in number, earlier sale shoppers may have the better purchasing opportunity. It may be necessary to order specific higher-priced spinning reels, however if Mat-Su anglers special order through a Mat-Su retailer, they should have an opportunity to examine / return a reel that may not work quite right. Even after testing a display model in the store, Mat-Su retailers have allowed me to open a boxed reel and test crank before purchase. In my opinion, this practice is good for both retailer and customer.

It is my hope this column may help at least one Mat-Su angler obtain a Christmas present that will be cranked for years to come. Good luck and Fish — err — Shop On!

Andy Couch is a Mat-Su Valley angler and fishing guide who primarily targets ocean-run salmon during summer months.