One of the most common questions posed by inshore saltwater anglers is which reel type to purchase. The two options, a level wind conventional reel or an open style conventional reel have both advantages and disadvantages depending on a number of features. This is a decision that nearly ever angler is going to have to make at one time or another, so having the information on the benefits and pitfalls of each type of reel is critical to purchasing the right one.
The decision of what type of reel to purchase requires that you not only consider your personal preferences, but also how you intend to use the reel (what type of fishing) and what type of line that you normally fish with. Each factor must be carefully weighed and once you have accounted for them, you can make the best possible decision about which reel works best for you.
Let’s consider the level wind reel first – simply stated, this features a moving guide that helps your line run smoothly back and forth across the reel and helps ensure your line rewinds as neatly as if it were factory wound. This is accomplished by the use of a pawl that runs back and forth across the front of your reel on a worm shaft. In comparison, an open style conventional reel has no guide line and it’s up to the angler to ensure the line is spooled back correctly.
An overwhelming factor in either reel type is of course your own personal preference. Surf-casters will tell you that they would not consider level wind reels because of two major factors (A) they are more susceptible to malfunction and (B) they cast differently. It’s important to remember that a saltwater surfcaster almost always hikes to their favorite fishing spot – the fact is that because of this they nearly always have only one reel and rod with them and equipment failure could completely ruin their day. Level wind reels can fail because of just a few grains of sand in the mechanism and they also create another contact point between your line and your reel – which of course are unique to the level wind reels. Open faced conventional reels simply don’t have these significant pitfalls making it the reel of choice for saltwater surfcasting anglers. Open faced conventional reels simply do not have the moving parts that are found in level wind reels, making them far less susceptible to needing repairs.
Various types of fishing lines are discussed in another article, but for the purposes of reels, you will want to review the line you use most often. If you’re more likely to use monofilament line, you’re more likely to lean towards a level wind reel. Frankly, a level wind reel is best for monofilament line because of the problems that trying to rewind the line manually using your thumb for a guide. Monofilament line tends to bunch up and will literally pile up near the frame and get high enough to interfere with proper reel functioning. If you’re using braided line you’re unlikely to run into these problems as it simply winds better without a lot of help from the angler.
Monofilament is a great line – it’s cost effective, it’s lightweight but it does have some downsides. One of them which can be problematic when you’re reeling in the catch of the day is this lines tendency to pile up in one spot on the spool when you’re reeling it in. Let us face it – we all understand the mechanics of reels – the more line that piles up the more likely it is to get high enough to interfere with proper reel operation. Worse yet, this line can bind the spool against the frame which creates even more problems. It’s a bit ironic – these types of issues almost always occur when you have a fish headed right for you – the line piles up at the back of the reel and you’ve missed your opportunity.
This common characteristic forces anglers to learn how to guide their line back on the open reel. This is not difficult to do, it merely takes some practice to learn how to rewind your line evenly. Using their thumb, most anglers will quickly find that their line will go back on an open reel easily. One of the downsides however, is that it’s easy to get distracted from the care necessary for even winding when you’re reeling that big fish in.
If you are a braided line user it’s inevitable that you have noticed that braided line simply doesn’t have the issues of monofilament line. While braided line doesn’t have the memory of monofilament, it somehow winds back perfectly on a reel without you needing to guide it with your thumb. If you’re using braided Dacron line, chances are that you will not need to consider purchasing a level wind reel. If you are fishing monofilament line, the level wind conventional reel is most likely worth purchasing.
Ask any repair shop owner, myself included, and you’ll find that the level wind reel is one of the top items that are repaired annually. It doesn’t matter who made it, each manufacturer is treated equally in this case. Level wind reels are far more susceptible to failure than open reels. This could be in part that when you’re fishing with a 20lb drag, and you land a good sized fish, additional pressure is put on the line guide system. Combine this additional pressure with salt and sand that might be missed during cleaning and insufficient lubrication and you’re no doubt going to have your level wind reel fail. If you use open faced conventional reels, you are not going to have this problem.
Remember to consider not just your personal preferences, but also whether you’re going to be using monofilament or braided line, if you’re going to be casting or rigging before you decide if you are going to purchase an open conventional reel or a level wind conventional reel.
With all the different types of reels out there things can get confusing. Doing your research before hand can save yourself a headache. Some of the most popular reels include: Seaborg SB300FB, Daiwa Viento, and Shimano Stella FD.