Rethinking Professionalism in Fishing Tournaments: A Call for Non-Drag Reels and the Art of Backreeling
Dear anglers.
I am writing to express my concern about the current state of professional fishing tournaments and the growing reliance on drag systems. While drag reels undoubtedly aid in landing large fish, I believe their use undermines the true spirit of the sport and diminishes the skill and expertise of professional anglers, particularly when it comes to the art of backreeling.
Backreeling, a technique where anglers retrieve line by rotating the reel handle backwards, is a crucial skill that requires practice, timing, and finesse. It allows anglers to fight fish more efficiently, exert greater control over the line, and avoid line breakage, especially when targeting powerful species. However, the widespread use of drag systems has made backreeling almost obsolete in professional tournaments, effectively removing an essential element of skill and knowledge from the competition.
Furthermore, drag systems often automate the fight against fish, turning it into a matter of brute force rather than a strategic contest relying on the angler's ability to read the fish's movements and react accordingly. This devalues the true essence of professionalism in fishing, where success should be a testament to the angler's experience, knowledge, and ability .
Therefore, mandating the use of non-drag reels in professional fishing tournaments.(Specifically small mouth tournament, when everyone is fishing mostly same way) This would reintroduce the importance of backreeling as a crucial skill, showcasing the expertise and adaptability of professional anglers. It would also necessitate a deeper understanding of fish behavior and the ability to control the line without the aid of a drag system, ultimately elevating the level of competition and skill required to succeed.
While this change may seem radical, it is necessary to preserve the integrity and spirit of professional fishing. By removing the reliance on drag systems, we can ensure that competition is based on true skill, knowledge, and mastery of techniques like backreeling. We can once again celebrate the anglers who can truly outwit and outmaneuver their opponents, showcasing the beauty and challenge that lies at the heart of this age-old sport.
I urge the organizers of professional fishing tournaments to seriously consider this proposal and embrace the return to a time where fishing was a battle of skill. Let us rekindle the art of backreeling and elevate the sport to its rightful place as a testament to the expertise and ingenuity of its most dedicated practitioners.
