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.
A level wind reel is perfect if you’re fishing almost exclusively with monofilament line. A level wind uses guides that will ensure that your line rewinds smoothly without the bunching up that is common in an open wind conventional reel when you’re reeling in that big catch. The reel uses a simple pawl that runs back and forth across the front of the reel on a worm shaft. This is completely unlike an open style conventional reel which has no guide line. Those who use open style conventional reels will find they have to take certain steps to ensure that monofilament line is correctly spooled back to their reel.
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.
You may have already seen our article about the various types of lines that are available on the market. Keeping in mind that it wasn’t all that long ago when the line of choice for the bulk of anglers was monofilament which has its own set of issues. Today, Monofilament is one option of course, but more anglers are electing to use braided Dacron lines. These lines simply do not have the spooling problems that are traditionally found in monofilament lines.
Most people still use monofilament line – it’s inexpensive, it’s lightweight and it’s readily available. It’s not however without its drawbacks especially when you’re fishing an area that offers an abundance of large fish. If you’re using an open wind conventional reel with monofilament line, you’re going to need to control your line when you’re reeling it in. Monofilament line tends to pile up on an open wind reel and is more prone to being high enough that it interferes with the operation of a reel. The overall problem comes when the line piles up at the back of the reel, binds the spool against the frame and ultimately causes you to miss an opportunity to land a great fish.
It is probably this single characteristic that means that an angler has to learn how to use their thumb to guide the line back and forth on an open reel. This allows the line to spool nearly evenly back on an open, non-level wind reel. This does take some practice, and unfortunately when you’ve got a fish that is destined to become one of your best catches, chances are pretty slim you’re going to be considering how evenly your line is rewinding.
For anglers who use braided line, this typically is not an issue. Because of the additional weight and its overall construction, braided line doesn’t tend to bunch up on an open wind reel. In fact, braided Dacron line tends to go back on the reel as nearly perfectly as one could expect with very little attention from the angler. For those who prefer braided Dacron lines, an open wind reel is definitely the one to purchase.
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.
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