trolling gear question

[reelfast]

so i continue to see folks in canadian waters fishing with single action reels and really long limp rods. while folks down this way have developed downrigger rods armed with level wind reels loaded with gel spun.

so why the difference in approach?? is this more sort of 'traditional' carry over from days of the past or what?

just curious is all.

 

[Sushihunter]

quote:Originally posted by reelfast

so i continue to see folks in canadian waters fishing with single action reels and really long limp rods. while folks down this way have developed downrigger rods armed with level wind reels loaded with gel spun.

so why the difference in approach?? is this more sort of 'traditional' carry over from days of the past or what?

just curious is all.

Yes, single action 'mooching' reels are pretty much tradition in BC. The only time I use a levelwind is on my Halibut rods, or when an American friend has me out on his boat. Personally, I hate them for Salmon fishing. Getting the drag set just right is critical, and drags that grab and slip can cause you to lose a fish. I never feel like I'm in control of the fish - just crank until it gets close to the boat.

I much prefer a single action mooching reel like the Shimano GT2000. When I have a fish on the line, I take the drag right off and use my fingers to keep the reel from back-spinning. I feel every little twitch of the fish - it's great!

Jim's Fishing Charters
www.JimsFishing.com
http://ca.youtube.com/user/Sushihunter250

 

[Charlie]

It is very much a "tradition" and I should advise you… do not f**k with a Canuck and his single action reel!

I will probably get a little flack for this, but a single action reel, is what we, use and call, a "fly" reel? And, I probably shouldn't admit to this either, but I have 2 of those "single action" reels in my garage right now, as I used to be an avid "fly" fisherman. Mine are not "Islander", but "Marguis", which most probably have never heard of, but I have used them for Coho a lot in the past (have not used them in a few years) but have to admit I did use them, it was absolutely a blast and loved it! I never tried them on Springs, but think that is going to change here in the next couple of weeks!

In addition, I think you would be surprised on just how many people down here are using single action reels?

 

[Rockfish]

A small amount of it may be a traditional carry over, but for the most part I think it is the sense of accomplishment that comes with learning a method of fishing that requires a greater degree of skill, experience and knowledge than what is required with a level wind reel. Kind of like the difference between bow hunting as opposed to rife hunting or fly fishing as opposed to spin-casting.
To me the single action reels and long flexible rods let you feel, anticipate and react to the fish to a much greater degree. You just feel more connected to the fish. Kind of like driving a good sports car on a winding mountain road as compared to driving some big gun boat automatic Oldsmobile with power steering. Both will get you there, but you will feel the road and enjoy the driving experience much more with the sports car. With the level wind you just keep reeling as it does not matter much what the fish does, which seems more like meat fishing to me. Level winds do have their place I guess, but for salmon they just don’t seem as sporting. With all of the cost and effort involved in sport fishing for salmon, why not get the most fun out of it possible.

 

[TyeeMonstrausity]

It's all about fun! There is nothing more exciting in the sport of fishing, than trying to stop a huge salmon with your hand rather than the drag!

TyeeMonstrausity

 

[Striper Sniper]

Rockfish, I could not of said it better! SS

 

[The Dominator]

+1 Rockfish

I'm a converted Yankee. I was introduced to the single action real on a charter experience in Canada a number of years back. Afterward, I picked up one rod and real as a novelty to use back home. We had a blast catching fish on that rod. After the season, everything was converted and we now use them exclusively for all salmon fishing.

 

[Sushihunter]

quote:Originally posted by Charlie

It is very much a "tradition" and I should advise you… do not f**k with a Canuck and his single action reel!

Charlie: That pretty much covers it!

Jim's Fishing Charters
www.JimsFishing.com
http://ca.youtube.com/user/Sushihunter250

 

[Sushihunter]

quote:Originally posted by TyeeMonstrausity

It's all about fun! There is nothing more exciting in the sport of fishing, than trying to stop a huge salmon with your hand rather than the drag!

TyeeMonstrausity

Well, half right. It IS about the fun! But you are not trying to STOP the Salmon. You are only trying to control the reel and line. When I get a big Salmon on, I want that fish to run hard and long. I want him a long way from the boat (especially with inexperienced guests on the rod!). Exceptions being if the fish runs into kelp or other boats

Running will tire a fish to the point where you can net him without all the fuss of having him run into the downrigger or prop. [xx(]


Jim's Fishing Charters
www.JimsFishing.com
http://ca.youtube.com/user/Sushihunter250

 

[danthewire]

We call those level winds"training reels." Try the single actions and the noodle rods.One good set of bashed knuckles and a blister on your palm...you'll never go back.Dan

 

[profisher]

With a single action reel...you play the fish. With a level wind it plays the fish. There are a few other advantages to the single action..less moving parts and way less maintenance...often a dab of grease a few times a season on the centre shaft, they hold more line which for a guide means having the ability to strip of damaged line a few times before having to re-spool the entire reel.

 

[tyeeking]

My brother and I got "hooked" on single action reels with long (10'6") limber rods years ago and would not even consider going back to levelwind gear. First, you cannot beat the thrill of fighting a big Spring on single action gear. Words cannot begin to describe how much more connected one feels to every run and head shake of the salmon on the end of your line. Second, I thing that one looses fewer fish. The long limber rod quickly absorbs the shock of an initial run and absorbs the initial slack when a fish turns towards you. I also like the extra capacity of a single action reel. You can let the fish run (the quickest way to tire them) without any concerns of beeing spooled. You can also comfortably clip a few yards of line off at the end of every day to get rid of abrasions ( a very good habit to get into) and still have plenty of line left on the reel at the end of the season.

 

[alley cat]

Got to agree with profisher in his statement , its a matter of excercising control.

AL

 

[TenMile]

quote:Originally posted by Charlie



I will probably get a little flack for this, but a single action reel, is what we, use and call, a "fly" reel? And, I probably shouldn't admit to this either, but I have 2 of those "single action" reels in my garage right now, as I used to be an avid "fly" fisherman. Mine are not "Islander", but "Marguis",

Hi Charlie,

In fly fishing terms, those Marquis reels are called Arbor (or in Canada Arbour) reels. They are single action like a mooching reel, but lighter and smaller and better balanced for flycasting. You could cast a flyline with a mooching reel but the weight would be wonky. Because the diameter of the reels on the Arbour reels isn't as large as a mooching reel, you end up winding like a mad man to take up the slack.

TenMile
<'((((><

 

[cliffjumper]

Charlie, I also have a couple "Marquis" s/a reels, but were the once revolutionary Hardy Marquis with palming rim. I also have one Hardy Marquis which is a "multiplyer", about 3:1, with the same palming rim in a size 8/9. It's great with dacron top-shot with 20# Dam Tectan mono (.012"). At 3:1, the ratio would be pretty close to a Shimano GT4000 in inches per turn.

The Brits call all baitcast conventional style reels "multiplyers".

I'll use spinning, baitcast-style conventionals or single action. I always used singles until I chopped up my hand and had to use "conventional" trolling reels for two years. The ones I got were line-counters & I really like those for dipseys, jets, deep-diving plugs and mooching.

Spinning reels are also a fun reel for catching salmon, just palm the spool and the control level is right up there with singles. I use braids to minimize twist-effects.

But... Always give me the long rod!

Cheers!

 

[eastpoint]

I couldn't resist this one.

The long and flexible rods act like a shock absorber. This is important when that big chinook is doing the head shake near the boat. With barbless hooks you can't allow any slack, but you must also be ready if it runs again. Keep the rod vertical and the tip will bend to indicate the amount of force on the line. Too much force and snappoo, bye bye fish. Sit down and cry in your beer. Single action reel is so much simpler and more reliable. More fun too.