Background Information
Background Information
Spincast Rod and Reel
Spincast Rod and Reel
Rod
Spincasting rods are made of a variety of materials; two of the most popular are fiberglass and graphite. Graphite is more sensitive and stronger than fiberglass, but it often is more expensive. Composite rods are made of varying amounts of graphite and fiberglass. They are more popular because they have many qualities of pure graphite rods at a lower cost. Space-age synthetics such as boron and Kevlar are used in more expensive rods.
Action is the flexibility of a rod. Action in spincasting rods is classed as ultra-light, extra light, light, medium, and heavy. Ultra-light rods are designed for small, lighter baits and lures cast short distances. They are ideal when fishing for sunfish, smallmouth bass, and smaller trout. Extra-light action also works well for smaller fish, but can be used for medium range casting. Light action rods can handle many sizes of fish. Medium action rods are for long-distance casting where accuracy isn’t essential. Heavy action rods are used mainly for trolling and angling for very large fish.
The reel seat is where the reel attaches to the rod, The grip is at the base of the rod and serves as a "handle" for holding and casting the rod.
Reel
More spincasting equipment is sold than all other types of fishing gear. Beginners and casual anglers prefer it because it is inexpensive and, by far, the easiest equipment to master. The greatest drawbacks to spincasting reels are small line capacity and limited strength when reeling in heavy fish.
The spincasting or push-button reel holds the line in a spool under the front cover. The line is released through an opening in the cover called the line guide. A pin rotates around the front of the spool to pick up the line as it is reeled back in.
The thumb stop is pressed and released to free the line as it is cast. The crank handle is turned to retrieve the line. The drag controls or slows the outgoing line as a fish runs (tries to swim away).
Fishing Line
Fishing Line
Monofilament line often is used on spincasting reels. It is a single strand of nylon that is virtually invisible under water and has stretch (“give”) which makes it difficult to break when fished properly. Monofilament line comes in different tests (breaking strengths). Strengths can vary from 1 - 200 pounds, but 6 - 20 pound test strengths are probably the most popular.
Polymers also are made of nylon, but they have multiple strands twisted together. Like monofilament, polymers are strong and light, but they have less memory. That is, polymer line is less likely to look like a stretched spring coming out of the reel so it won’t tangle as easily.
Finer line packs more evenly, casts better, and offers less resistance to wind and water. For these reasons, and because spincasting reels have limited line capacity, use the lowest test line that will land the fish. Line hardens with age, so be sure to replace it at least once a year.
monfilament line
hooks
snap swivel
Terminal Tackle
Terminal Tackle
Terminal tackle is anything placed on the end of your fishing line. It will determine whether a fish is hooked and whether a hooked fish is landed.
Hooks are designed to snag and hold the fish. Hooks range in size from 22 (smallest) through size 0 (largest) in even sizes. Larger hooks range from size 1/0 (“one-oh”) through 16/0 (largest) in both odd and even sizes. As with line, bigger is not always better. Fish cannot take hooks that are too large into their mouths. Consequently, you will miss many smaller fish if your hook is too large.
Hooks may have single, double, or triple (treble) points. The barb is located just above the point and prevents the hook from being pulled out easily. (You may want to use barbless hooks when you “catch and release” fish because you can remove the hook more easily.)
Hooks get dull with use and must be sharpened. Files, stones, and electric sharpeners are available for this purpose. Always exercise care when handling hooks.
Swivels often are used to attach leaders to monofilament line and/or prevent the line from twisting when twirling lures are fished. Leaders used in spincasting attach the lure or bait to monofilament line. They are made of heavier line or wire that is not so easily sheared by the sharp teeth of certain game fish such as walleye or northern pike.
Bobbers are round or oblong hollow plastic, wood, or foam floats attached to the line to suspend the bait at a certain depth. Some bobbers are weighted (have weight built into their design).
Sinkers come in a variety of styles and may be assembled in many different ways. They provide additional weight for casting or hold the bait down. Split shot is used in several bait riggings. These small balls have a slit where the line is inserted. They are then squeezed shut on the line with pliers. (Note: Many sinkers are made of lead, which can be harmful to birds and other wildlife if ingested. Look for non-lead options.)
bobbers
sinkers
Knots
Whatever tackle assembly you use, knots are necessary. All knots reduce the test strength of the line. A poorly tied knot reduces it even more. Basic knots included here are the improved clinch knot, palomar knot (used to attach line to hooks or swivels), and the blood knot (used to tie two lines together). A variety of other knots also work well. Most line manufacturers include instructions for fishing knots on their line boxes.
Improved Clinch Knot
Improved Clinch Knot
Pass the line through the eye of the hook or lure and wrap it around the standing line five or six times. Thread the line through the first loop above the eye and then through the big loop.
Hold the free end of the line and the standing line. Moisten the line and pull the coils tight against the eye of the hook. Clip the free end.
Palomar Knot
Palomar Knot
Run the line through the eye of the hook. Then run it back through to make a loop.
Bring the loop behind the standing line and up through the center of the hole.
Pass the hook through the loop.
Moisten the line. Pull it tight against the hook and trim the tag end.
Blood Knot
Blood Knot
Overlap the ends of the two lines to be joined about six inches. Take the free end of one line and make five or six turns around the other line. Repeat for the other line.
Run the free ends of the lines through the loop between the two lines in directions opposite each other.
Pull each free end and begin to tighten the knot. Moisten the knot. Finish tightening it and clip the free ends.
How to tie a Clinch Knot
How to tie a Clinch Knot
A good fishing knot keeps your tackle on and reduces the chance of your line breaking when you hook a fish. This animated knots website is helpful as well.
Casting
Casting
Proper casting techniques are important for directing the bait & lure to where the fish are. This video tutorial provides some quick casting tips that work for all ages.
Casting Do’s and Don’ts
Casting Do’s and Don’ts
⌧ Do watch for obstructions when casting including overhead power lines, trees, and snags.
⌧ Do make sure nobody is standing behind or next to you where they might be snagged with a hook.
⌧ Do make sure the line is not tangled at the rod tip before you cast.
⌧ Do aim casts directly in front of yourself toward a target (i.e., hula hoops or Fish Iowa! competition targets) to avoid crossing lines with your neighbors.
⌧ Do concentrate on proper casting technique (not just throwing at a target).
⌧ Don’t release the thumb stop too soon or the lure will fly more or less straight up.
⌧ Don’t release the thumb stop too late or the lure will land too close in front of you.
⌧ Don’t use the entire arm; use only the forearm and wrist to cast.
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