Fishing Reels
Reels have made major advancements just during the past 40 years that I have been using them. The improvements in fly, baitcasting and spinning reels are amazing. My first reel was a closed faced spincast reel. They are cheap and the better ones work fairly good. I stepped up to a Mitchell 300 spinning reel in my early teen years and it was a big step. I could use heavier line, cast farther, and had fewer problems. Although worn out, I still have that old reel in my garage!
My wife gave me an Ambassador 6000 baitcast reel for Christmas when I was 21 and I have been hooked on baitcasters since them. Although that reel was stolen, I still am using some of the Ambassadors I bought in the mid-1970's. They work well for me, hold up and I can get parts to keep them working.
You can get many other reels, some specialized for different fishing. I use my Ambassadors for bass and hybrid fishing. I also like spinning reels for throwing light lures and use a variety of kinds. For saltwater fishing, walleye fishing or other specialized fishing, there are lots of kinds to choose from. You can get advice from pro fishermen, look over discount houses like Bass Pro Shops, Queens Creek, and Cabela's offerings or check out special made reels from smaller manufacturers like Ayer and Peetz. You can also get your reels engraved, personalizing them.
Most fishermen clean and keep their own reels running, but you can usually find a local service center that will clean and repair them. You can also send them back to the manufacturer. Check out Zebco's and Abu Garcia's internet site or look up an 800 number for other manufacturers.
Get a good reel, take care of it and it will last you many year. Match it to the right rod and it will make fishing even more enjoyable! You can catch fish after fish on it and it will become a treasured possession!
1-800 numbers for tackle manufacturers
Free calls to many tackle manufacturers.
Abu Garcia Specs
Detailed specifications on all the new Abu Garcia equipment.
Ayr Reels Ayr reels are old-style looking reels, built in a modern way. Here you can look over the product line, get up-to-date pricing, order a catalog or locate a dealer near you.
Bass Pro Shops
Outdoor World Online. A tackle catalog but much more. Retail stores, lodge info and fishing boats
Cabela's
Catalog, news, stories and other info
The Evolution of Fishing Reels
Discussion of the changes in fly, baitcasting and spinning reels, from Alloutdoors.com, by Herb Allen
Peetz Manufacturing
Quality reels from Canada.
Penn Reels
Information about reels, rods and downriggers from this well known manufacturer - you can choose to read the site in English, French, Spanish, Dutch and Italian
Queens Creek Reel and Downrigger Sales and Service
They sell several brands of reels.
Reel Colors
Tom Testa offers several specalized services for reels, including engraving.
Rod and Reel Pro Shop
Read pro tips on this page then check out the items on sale from this on-line tackle shop.
Rods and Reels for the Modern Walleye Fisherman
How to choose your equipment for catching walleye
Zebco Service
Choose the type equipment you own from a menu window and get service info on it
Any comments on reels? Tell me about any experiences you have. Do you have a favorite reel? Do you have any stories about it? If so, you can also post information about it for others on my message board - you must register to post but can read the board as a guest. Also, if you have a story about fall fishing, let me know about it at fishing.guide@about.com. for a "Fishtale"or discuss it in the chat room on every night at 8:00 EST. Tell others what you like.
Check out Coming Next Week - Next week's column topic, contest prize and new additions to the resources lists.
