04-26-2010, 08:33 PM
You do not need to spend hundreds of dollars on a reel. I have been using Ambassedur' 4600 C3's for decades, retail for $65.00. There are lots of bells and whistles that you can get, but you need basics; ball bearings, instant anti reverse, braking system, spool tension adjustment, ect. Then learn to use it, practice, practice, practice. One little trick to keep from getting huge bird'snests while learning. Strip off about 75 ft. of line. Put a piece of electricians tape over the line on the spool, then wind the line back on. Now, if you get a backlash, it will stop at the tape so if you have to cut it out, you won't go past the tape.
Another tip on removing a backlash. Don't touch it, tighten the drag down as tight as you can, then put your thumbnail on the backlash and turn the handle several turns with your nail tightly against the spool. then freespool the reel, pull the line out till it stops, repeat the process till it is clear. Since the drag does not affect casting, tighten it up when practicing so you can get your backlash's out easier. Always remember to take the tension off the drag before you put it away.
With a bit of practice you will be able to learn pretty quickly.
Good Luck !!!
Another tip on removing a backlash. Don't touch it, tighten the drag down as tight as you can, then put your thumbnail on the backlash and turn the handle several turns with your nail tightly against the spool. then freespool the reel, pull the line out till it stops, repeat the process till it is clear. Since the drag does not affect casting, tighten it up when practicing so you can get your backlash's out easier. Always remember to take the tension off the drag before you put it away.
With a bit of practice you will be able to learn pretty quickly.
Good Luck !!!