Crow Horse Posted February 10, 2019 Posted February 10, 2019 Anyone use one? I've been reading about the importance of manually flipping the bail over vs. cranking it over. When I fished the beaches, I converted all my reels to manual pickups and it became second nature and eliminated any bail issues. I guess there's not much difference between manually flipping it and a manual pickup....... Quote
greentrout Posted February 10, 2019 Posted February 10, 2019 End Frustrating Spinning Reel Tangles https://www.bassresource.com/fishing/spinning-reel-tangles.html 1 Quote
Finnz922 Posted February 10, 2019 Posted February 10, 2019 I don't know if it makes that big of a difference, because I know a ton of guys use the handle to flip the bail over and have had no issues, but I flip it manually to avoid unnecessary ware and tear. When I worked for BPS and Cabela's there were a lot of guys that would by sub $100 reels and come in because their bails would stay up after trying to flip them over via the handle turn. Made me question how I did it. Quote
Super User MN Fisher Posted February 10, 2019 Super User Posted February 10, 2019 I've been using spinning reels since I was 7 - I'm 59 now - and I've always manually flipped the bail over. I think it does lengthen the life of spinners as my 640 and Cardinal are both over 40 years old and still work fine. Only thing I've had to replace on either was a new handle for the Cardinal last year. Quote
The Bassman Posted February 10, 2019 Posted February 10, 2019 I've mentioned this in related threads. Your index finger is the answer to line management issues with spinning reels. Once the bail is open use your finger to feather the line during the cast to control flow. Then close the bail with said finger and start retrieving in one fluid motion. Leave your finger pointing down to brush the line during each rotation. This keeps slight tension on the spool. Exception would be for lures like soft plastics where you would leave the bail open as the lure is dropping. Quote
Crow Horse Posted February 10, 2019 Author Posted February 10, 2019 3 minutes ago, The Bassman said: I've mentioned this in related threads. Your index finger is the answer to line management issues with spinning reels. Once the bail is open use your finger to feather the line during the cast to control flow. Then close the bail with said finger and start retrieving in one fluid motion. Leave your finger pointing down to brush the line during each rotation. This keeps slight tension on the spool. Exception would be for lures like soft plastics where you would leave the bail open as the lure is dropping. Until now, I never realized the importance of manually flipping the bail but I do use my finger to control the line during a cast. Quote
Super User Darren. Posted February 10, 2019 Super User Posted February 10, 2019 1 hour ago, Crow Horse said: Anyone use one? I've been reading about the importance of manually flipping the bail over vs. cranking it over. When I fished the beaches, I converted all my reels to manual pickups and it became second nature and eliminated any bail issues. I guess there's not much difference between manually flipping it and a manual pickup....... Are you talking about removing the bail? That kind of manual? I know it's done in salt water, not seen it done in fresh. As for manually fliipping the bail, I always do so. Quote
Crow Horse Posted February 10, 2019 Author Posted February 10, 2019 18 minutes ago, Darren. said: Are you talking about removing the bail? That kind of manual? I know it's done in salt water, not seen it done in fresh. As for manually fliipping the bail, I always do so. For freshwater applications I don't think it'll make any difference. I'm going to be manually flipping my bail from now on. One is never too old to learn new tricks!!...... 1 Quote
pauldconyers Posted February 11, 2019 Posted February 11, 2019 What are we talking about here? I'm lost. Quote
Crow Horse Posted February 11, 2019 Author Posted February 11, 2019 On a spinning reel, either flip the bail manually or eliminate it and make it a manual pickup..... Quote
Super User Log Catcher Posted February 11, 2019 Super User Posted February 11, 2019 I had never heard of removing the bail until I read this thread. I wouldn't want to remove the bail on mine. I don't have a problem closing the bail by hand. Quote
Crow Horse Posted February 11, 2019 Author Posted February 11, 2019 3 hours ago, Log Catcher said: I had never heard of removing the bail until I read this thread. I wouldn't want to remove the bail on mine. I don't have a problem closing the bail by hand. It's a very popular modification with the surfcasting crowd. Many times reels see underwater service and that can really reek havoc with a bail. Obviously bass fishing doesn't require such modifications but for some it might prove helpful..... Quote
Super User fishwizzard Posted February 11, 2019 Super User Posted February 11, 2019 1 hour ago, Crow Horse said: It's a very popular modification with the surfcasting crowd. Many times reels see underwater service and that can really reek havoc with a bail. Obviously bass fishing doesn't require such modifications but for some it might prove helpful..... I thought it was to remove the chance of the bail snapping shut on the cast, shocking the line and sending your lure into low-earth orbit? Quote
Crow Horse Posted February 11, 2019 Author Posted February 11, 2019 You are correct. It's truly amazing how far one can send a lure without attached line.... Quote
Super User J Francho Posted February 11, 2019 Super User Posted February 11, 2019 I thought the point of a bail-less reel was for surfcasting. Sometimes, through no fault of the angler, the force of the cast would cause the bail to flip in the middle of the cast, which could have bad results. I manually flip the bail, and seat the line on the roller by instinct. The bail actually sort of guides my hand to the line, so maybe removing would add a learning curve. Quote
JLBBass Posted February 11, 2019 Posted February 11, 2019 it's so natural for me to return bail by hand, then tug line, that I don't even notice I'm doing it! I basically do it in one motion. 1 Quote
Super User NYWayfarer Posted February 11, 2019 Super User Posted February 11, 2019 In my younger days I would close the bails on my spinning reel with a turn of the handle. Loved hearing that snap and "ka-*****" sound. Over the years I have re-trained myself to close the bail by hand. It is now second nature to do it that way to me. The reasons? I read it saves wear and tear on your bail spring and closing the bail with the handle supposedly twists your line more. Quote
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