Backreeling with a spinning reel

[Mobasser]

Does anyone like to do this? I like to fish my spinning reels this way. Wondered if any of you guys do this too

[Deleted account]

No back reeling for me. If you have a decent drag and it is set properly, there should be no need, but if you enjoy doing it, and it works for you, that's really all that matters. 

[Mobasser]

I enjoy it, but agree too. Most good spinning reels have much better drags than years ago. It works well for me, but you have to be careful on the hookset.

[HookRz]

Today's spinning reel drags are great. I set mine tight, on a "disaster setting" that still slips if you lower the rod tip but from that point I flip the anti-reverse and back reel. Old habit, or just more direct control over the fish? Who knows...but it's what I do. To each his own. 

[Mobasser]

HookRz, I have to agree. Pretty much what I do too. I set my drag tight and adjust after I hook a fish. Only time I've had trouble is one or twice hooking into a good size fish. I've had a couple break off on the hookset

[2tall79]

Always, especially with smallies.

[Bluebasser86]

I do it most of the time. I set my drag still, but feel like I have better control over the fish if I backreel.

[desmobob]

I read somewhere that the new-fangled spinning reels have an adjustable drag on them so you no longer have to back-reel.  What will they think of next?!

 

 

Tight lines,

Bob

[Gundog]

Use to back reel when I fished cheaper reels, used lighter line and used a more limber rod. I don't do it anymore since upgrading all of those things. 

[Angry John]

Buy good reels that have top end drag systems.  I never learned so I depend on the equipment to do the job.

[OCdockskipper]

I know Mark Davis likes to back reel, but I don't.  I sit when I fish and often will extend the rod in one hand to steer a fish around the trolling motor around the front of the boat.  In doing so, I take my left hand off the reel, which is a no-no if the anti-reverse is off.

 

Also, for lighter lb test, it isn't a bad thing for the drag to release a little on the hookset.  If you are using a hook that requires more torque than that to set, you should probably use a heavier test line (& possibly a casting setup).  Light line and a light wire hook work well with a drag set at about 33% of the rated breaking strength of the line.

[Oregon Native]

Been using the Daiwa SS1300 for many years.  Have caught hundreds of steelhead and bass on them.  Never had too back reel.  Been fortunate.

[Deleted account]

42 minutes ago, Oregon Native said:

Been using the Daiwa SS1300 for many years.  Have caught hundreds of steelhead and bass on them.  Never had too back reel.  Been fortunate.

That was the original super smooth drag reel. We abused the 2600 size in the surf quite a bit. How did we ever do it with those flimsy graphite/plastic bodies?

[Mobasser]

Those diawa ss reels are some of the best.  They easily hold their own with many modern reels

[desmobob]

26 minutes ago, Mobasser said:

Those diawa ss reels are some of the best.  They easily hold their own with many modern reels

Daiwa still sells them, right?  When I look at mine, it has a dated look... it reminds me of the styling of something from the past, but I can't put my finger on it.

 

The Tournament SS is a great reel, for sure.  

 

Tight lines,

Bob

[PatrickKnight]

I don't see a need to. All I fish is spinning tackle and I never back reel, in fact most of my reels (new Shimanos) do not even have an anti reverse switch. I do upgrade the drags to carbon washers if that matters at all.

[Team9nine]

Do it frequently....

[J Francho]

Not with bass or spinning reels, but with a centrepin (I use for steelhead and salmon), you have no choice.  You kind of use your finger as the drag.

[Darren.]

Never. All of my spinning reels have excellent drags.

[OkobojiEagle]

...yes.  Perhaps it isn't well known outside of the circle of believers, but a spinning reel's drag still engages when the reel handle is held still while back-reeling.  Back-reeling provides a level of line release lighter than that at which the drag is set.

 

oe

[new2BC4bass]

I don't think it is dependent on whether or not you have a good drag.  It is a choice.  Years ago I fished 4# XL exclusively for a few years.  Drag locked down and I don't recall every breaking off a fish.  Of course my rods resembled a noodle more than a broomstick. 

[Mobasser]

I first learned about it from reading about Billy Westmorelnd. Still one of my favorite guys. It really is choice, I like it

[Ratherbfishing]

Since I've been fishing (going on 40 years now), I've switched OFF the anti-reverse lever perhaps 2 times.  I really don't know why it even exists (except so that I can accidentally dislodge and lose the tiny little spring when I am cleaning the reel).

[desmobob]

2 hours ago, OkobojiEagle said:

...yes.  Perhaps it isn't well known outside of the circle of believers, but a spinning reel's drag still engages when the reel handle is held still while back-reeling.  Back-reeling provides a level of line release lighter than that at which the drag is set.

 

oe

Good point about the drag always being enabled regardless of the anti-reverse being on or off.

 

I still prefer to keep the AR engaged.  Bad things can happen if it's not and you lose your grip on the reel handle.  =:-0

 

Tight lines,

Bob

[Oregon Native]

6 hours ago, desmobob said:

Daiwa still sells them, right?  When I look at mine, it has a dated look... it reminds me of the styling of something from the past, but I can't put my finger on it.

 

The Tournament SS is a great reel, for sure.  

 

Tight lines,

Bob

They do