Why Anti Reverse

[vaparrothead]

Hey all, I did a search on Anti Reverse and found many many forum emails but what I'd like to know is why use Anti Reverse.  I've got about 1/2 dozen spinning reels and have never used it.  I guess I may be missing something but how does AR work and why would you use it?

Thanks for replies to this newbie

[garroyo130]

Never used it as in you backreel all the time? 

 

Or never used it as in its on all the time and you use the drag vs backreeling?

[Team9nine]

You looked up the wrong term - look up "backreel"  

 

I'll stop there...for now 

[MN Fisher]

So you allow your reels to spin backwards if you don't keep hold of the handle?

 

There are those who prefer back-reeling to letting the reel's drag do the work - but some us trust the drag.

[jbsoonerfan]

Here we go.........

[Deleted account]

Nope, not doing this....

[J Francho]

1 hour ago, vaparrothead said:

I've got about 1/2 dozen spinning reels and have never used it.  I guess I may be missing something but how does AR work and why would you use it?

What are you really asking?  Turning AR on and off?  AR does exactly that, you can't reel in reverse.

 

Pic for attention.

[MickD]

Most of the time I fish with AR on so that when a fish hits hard/fast the drag can handle it rather than my being too slow to respond by back-reeling.  Back-reeling can get tricky.  If you let up too much you can get slack line.     I have, when not using it, had the handle of the spin reel quickly in  reverse painfully whacking my hand.  

 

There are times when I leave it off and back-reel.  I like the choice.  I will often turn it off just to let out a little line when I've reeled up too far.  Note that many new reels are coming with full time AR, no switch.  So if you like the switch, buy carefully. 

[BrianMDTX]

I use AR frequently. As in “Darn! I reeled my bait in too close to the tip. Lemme flick the AR off and backreel 10” of line out so I can cast!”  

[Johnbt]

"I will often turn it off just to let out a little line when I've reeled up too far."

 

Me too. Or when the boat is drifting and I want the worm or lure to stay where it is. Or when I'm fishing on the bank or the beach and want to back up a few feet or a couple dozen feet.

 

Sure, I could open the bail, but it's not as precise. 

[The Maestro]

Is this a troll thread?

[jimmyjoe]

20 minutes ago, The Maestro said:

Is this a troll thread?

 

   We don't have any of those around here now, do we?  ??                     jj

[Michigander]

1 hour ago, BrianMDTX said:

I use AR frequently. As in “Darn! I reeled my bait in too close to the tip. Lemme flick the AR off and backreel 10” of line out so I can cast!”  

That sounds way smarter than me just forcing the bail open!

[MIbassyaker]

1 hour ago, BrianMDTX said:

I use AR frequently. As in “Darn! I reeled my bait in too close to the tip. Lemme flick the AR off and backreel 10” of line out so I can cast!”  

Exactly what I do.  Or when sitting in the kayak and I need to re-tie, fix a bait or something, hold up the rod, turn off AR, and backreel the bait down where I can grab it with enough line to work with.  Much less awkward than opening the bail.

 

it seems like such a small thing, but keeps minor annoyances from adding up. When a reel doesn't have an AR switch, I really notice it.

[BrianMDTX]

It’s also a plus when fishing from a yak or inflatable (like I do) and you get snagged, it allows you to maneuver around to free the snag without excess line coming off the spool by opening the bail. 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

These are some real first world problems. 

[Johnbt]

Good thing we're in the so-called first world. Good thing all of the spinning reel makers haven't abandoned AR switches. 

 

A reel without an AR switch is like a drill without reverse. And I have 4 old corded drills I seldom use because I have two newer ones that have reverse. Good drills, too.

[JustJames]

5 hours ago, vaparrothead said:

I've got about 1/2 dozenz spinning reels and have never used it.  I guess I may be missing something but how does AR work and why would you use it?

Thanks for replies to this newbie

You don’t miss anything along with 80-90% of other spinning user. I’d rather have reels without it.

[soflabasser]

This is a good Winter time subject. Some like to back reel, others don't. Do whatever you feel is best for you. Just don't try back reeling a fish that can truly give a hard fight like a big shark since you will learn why they call some reels ''knuckle busters''.

[islandbass]

5 hours ago, BrianMDTX said:

I use AR frequently. As in “Darn! I reeled my bait in too close to the tip. Lemme flick the AR off and backreel 10” of line out so I can cast!”  

Ha! I used to do that, lol. When that happens now I just pull off line or perform what I call an “open bail drop,” when the lure is light enough and I’m going to pitch. 

[Johnbt]

I've never back reeled a fish in my life. I suppose I'm too old to learn that new trick after fishing for 65 years.

[ironbjorn]

Forums like this: "Let's spend $200+ on a spinning reel for the best drag."

 

Also forums like this: "Let's also back reel instead of trusting the drag we paid for."

 

I've never once needed to back reel.

[Bluebasser86]

3 hours ago, ironbjorn said:

Forums like this: "Let's spend $200+ on a spinning reel for the best drag."

 

Also forums like this: "Let's also back reel instead of trusting the drag we paid for."

 

I've never once needed to back reel.

I've never once bought a spinning reel because of the drag ?‍♂️ I have passed on reels that didn't have an anti reverse switch though.

 

You set the drag for the line at it's best, but that's not always what you have in the heat of the moment. Plus, the drag is a constant. If a fish surges towards cover and I need to slow it down, I can easily add pressure. If my line is rubbed against something and compromised, pressure is easily taken away. No middle of the fight adjustments to the drag necessary. I can control a fish far better back reeling than the drag can alone, and for that reason, I back reel.

[OkobojiEagle]

16 hours ago, vaparrothead said:

I may be missing something

this

19 minutes ago, Bluebasser86 said:

You set the drag for the line at it's best, but that's not always what you have in the heat of the moment. Plus, the drag is a constant. If a fish surges towards cover and I need to slow it down, I can easily add pressure. If my line is rubbed against something and compromised, pressure is easily taken away. No middle of the fight adjustments to the drag necessary. I can control a fish far better back reeling than the drag can alone, and for that reason, I back reel.

and this

[Captain Phil]

Back reeling when salt water fishing is a recipe for disaster.  A proper drag is very important in that type of fishing.   When bass fishing, I prefer to back reel.  Bass don't normally run off a hundred yards of line and their surges can be anticipated.  I don't use a drag on a bass casting reel either.   If I hook a big fish and it gets near the boat, I push free spool and use my thumb. 

 

I remember one time when back reeling a bass lost me a fish.  I was fishing in lake "Walk in Water" near Kissimmee.  It was in the spring and I was fishing a big flat out in the open with 8 pound mono on a spinning reel.  I hooked a huge bedding fish and it ran so fast the reel handle started spinning so fast I couldn't catch the handle. I always wondered how big that fish was?