Sea Isle Tackle

Butterfly jigging with Shimano Rods?

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What is butterfly jigging?

The Butterfly Jigging System was designed in Japan in the 1990’s to catch Blue fin tuna at depths of up to five hundred feet. This system of fishing is called a butterfly jig because of the distinctive butterfly like zigzag motion of the lure under water. This unique motion of the butterfly jig attracts a larger multitude of fish as compared to regular jigs.

How does it work?

Butterfly jigs are designed to present a vertical profile to fish. These jigs are designed to catch fish from a hundred and fifty feet and more. The design of the jig is such that it drops quickly to the bottom with a swinging motion. Jigs are shaped and colored to resemble species of fish that are eaten by bottom feeders. The lively action of the jig has been dubbed action/reaction. This means that the jig not only attracts fish looking for food, but also startles the other fish into attacking it because of its sudden movements.

What are Shimano Rods?

Shimano is a Japanese manufacturer of high-quality, precision-engineered sports equipment. It was started by Shozaburo Shimano in 1921 in Kansai, Japan. Shimano aims to make the highest quality products and the immense popularity of Shimano products in the world of competitive fishing is a testimonial to the standards of this Japanese multinational. Shimano began producing fishing rods in 1970 and since then it has steadily carved a name for itself as one of the foremost manufacturer of fishing tackle.

Shimano introduced butterfly jigs into the United States in the year 2005. Since then, this unique system of fishing has rapidly been gaining in popularity. Since the introduction of the butterfly jig in the 1990’s, Shimano has steadily consolidated its lead in the market, and today it is one of the most popular manufacturer of butterfly jig systems.

Which Shimano Rods should I use for butterfly jigging?

Shimano rods for butterfly jigging are specially designed to take the strain of fishing at these extreme depths. These Shimano rods allow the fisherman to feel every movement while retrieving the lure. The rod amplifies every movement of the lure so as to enable the angler to judge precisely the action and the motion of any fish that take the bait.

There are many Shimano rods that will let you set up a butterfly jigging system. The best Shimano rods for those looking for a heavy duty setup are the Shimano Trevala and Shimano Trevala F series of rods. These Shimano rods can be combined with patented Shimano jigs and reels to provide you with a complete butterfly jigging system. You can choose from spinning and casting variants.

Shimano rods for butterfly jigging are designed to be powerful yet lightweight, with increased sensitivity. These rods also have a very fast recovery rate. This helps to increase the jigging action and subdue the fish faster. The popularity of the Trevala can be judged from the fact that it is the winner of the American Sport Fishing Association’s Award for Best in Category Rod.

For more information on the perfect butterfly jigging system visit our website http://www.seaisletackle.com.

Tips and Tricks for Using Fishing Lure

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Perhaps the most thrilling manner of catching fish is by using fishing lures. Broadly speaking, lures can be divided in three categories. Spinners and spoons are typically made of metal; move about or spin in the water similar to real fish. Plugs, which are made of wood or plastic, move along the surface of the water or sink deep below the surface, sometimes staying somewhere in between.

Here are a few tips and tricks that can help when using fishing lures.

Where to fish?

Ideally, it’s advisable to not stay in one position for too long. A good way to start is by doing a complete reconnaissance of the water, and then finding a suitable point. Remember, bigger fish prefer still water, so you’ll probably find them off the main current.

Finding the right fishing lure

When you a buy a lure, ensure that you pay attention to its every detail. Most fish have extremely sharp vision, so the more alike your lure is to a real fish, the more are the chances you’ll catch one. Things to look out for are the eyes, scale pattern, and color.

Correctly using a lure

Even if it appears that the line is only being cast and retrieved, there is method to using fishing lures. The only way you’re going to be able to catch fish while using a lure is if you can successfully make your lure resemble a fish or an insect. Remember, fish are not attracted to metal, wood, or plastic, so it’s your job to make the fish think there’s a meal in there somewhere for it. Hence, cast accurately and carefully, once you’ve cast your line keep moving the rod tip so that the lure keeps changing its direction of motion.

Some pointers

Almost any fish is attracted to a fishing lure that resembles a minnow or crayfish. For bass, the most effective lures are spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and plastic worms. If you’re fishing for trout, it’s good to know that trout enjoy fish like pike and saltwater fish, so use shiny metal lures.When it’s time to catch some big fish, use plastic worms or jigs.If you’re fishing on the surface, which is by far the most exciting, cast your line near the cover and hold still for a few minutes. Then, slowly tug the rod tip in such a manner so that the fishing lure appears to be moving on the surface.

If you’re having trouble catching fish, or there appears to be few fish in the water, opt for a smaller fishing lure. For instance, you could use a small plastic worm. Make sure to attach a small weight about a foot and a half above the hook. Again, cast the line accurately and then wait patiently for the lure to rest on the bottom of the water. After this, very slowly begin to retrieve the line. This will cause the weight to bounce on the bottom, which, in turn, will cause the worm to move around in different directions along the bottom.

For more information on the types of fishing lures available and the range of methods that can be used for effectively attracting and catching fish, visit http://www.seaisletackle.com.

Servicing a Fishing Lure

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Maintenance

Almost as important as it is to buy the right fishing lures, it’s equally important to take care of them after purchase to ensure that you can get the most out of them. Typically, storing fishing lures does not require much care, simple boxes will do. However, there are certain factors such as the climate that can cause you to take extra require. For instance, if you stay in a wetter climate zone, it becomes extremely important to not allow the metal parts of your lure to be exposed to air, if you do, you’ll end up with rusted hooks and corroded metal. Also, lures with feathers should be kept in air-tight containers to avoid moths and other insects from getting to them.

Repair

Regardless of how well you keep your fishing lures, damage is inevitable. However, most lures can be made as good as new with a few simple tricks. Below are some basics for fishing lure repair.

Plugs

If you find that your plug is slightly chipped a simple touch up with some enamel or lacquer should easily solve the problem. On the other hand, severely damaged wooden plugs require a complete paint job; you can do this with either a brush and enamel or a spray gun and lacquer. Remember to remove the hooks if they require replacement or if you’re using a spray gun. Also, before you begin painting, it is important to sandpaper the plug. A few coats of white enamel, followed by additional colors should bring excellent results. When it comes to hooks, if they’re rusted, they need to be replaced; however, if the damage is minimal, cleaning with steel wool, followed by some oil coating, should solve the problem temporarily.

Spoons and Spinners

When it comes to spoons and spinners the golden rule is to wipe them dry after every use; this prevents them from tarnishing or corroding. Also, if you’re fishing in saltwater, ensure that you rinse the fishing lures with fresh water and then wipe them dry before storing them away. Wiping them with an oil cloth also goes a long way in maintaining the lures. If you notice that the lures are tarnished, some metal polishing could bring them back to good condition. However, if your lures are severely damaged, your best would be to take them to place that does nickel or chrome plating. Chrome plating is ideal for spoons that are used in salt water.

Jigs

When it comes to jigs, keep an eye on the hook and the skirts, which are made of the hair, feather, or nylon. If your hook is damaged, it’s best to discard the jig; then again, if damaged part of the fishing lure is the skirt, then one can always remove the old hair, feathers, nylon and tie on new hair, feathers, or nylon. When the paint wears off, sandpaper and remove the old paint completely, before giving it a fresh paint job.

Remember, however, that every fishing lure has a lifespan. After a certain amount of damage, the best option is to discard the old lure and get some new ones. For more information on the fishing lures that are available in the market, visit http://www.seaisletackle.com.

Types of Fishing Lures

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Fishing lures are objects that are attached to the end of fishing lines. They mimic the movement of fish and insects in the water and attract other fish.

Fishing lures are available in many different designs based on the kind of fish that they are being used to catch. Some of them have brightly colored tails that moved through the water when the lure is retrieved. Fishing lures that are used for fly fishing slowly sink below the surface of the water. Here are some of the more common types of fishing lures that are available at http://www.seaisletackle.com.

Jigs: Jigs, or leadheads, are made of a metal head and a flexible tail of animal hair, plastic feather, or soft rubber. When a jig is retrieved it resembles a small fish swimming through the water. To make a jig work effectively, the user needs to apply just the right amount of pressure in order to make the jig move on the bottom of a stream like minnows or crawdads. The action performed by the user is called jigging, hence the name.

Spoons: Spoons, as the name suggest, resemble large metal spoons and have a single hook attached to the curve of the spoon head, or a three-pronged hook attached to one end through a small hole. They are shaped and painted to resemble baitfish so that when they are retrieved, the larger fish go to attack them and are caught. Spoons are the simplest form of a lure. Owing to their durable nature they are also widely used in commercial fishing.

Plastic bait: Plastic baits are molded in various shapes and sizes to resemble crayfish, minnows, worms, and as such. They are brightly colored and probably one of the most popular kinds of fishing lures in the market. They may also employ the use of attractants to lure their prey.

Plugs: Plugs include a large variety of lures and are designed to resemble dead insects. These fishing lures either float on the surface of the water, or slowly sink to a certain depth. They are generally made of plastic or wood.

Spinners: Spinners have blades that spin when they are dragged through the water. Some of them may also have tails of animal hair or soft plastic. The movement of the spinner’s tail helps to attract fish.

Spinnerbait: Spinnerbaits, also known as hairpin lures, are similar to spinners except for slight differences in design. Instead of having one or more blades, they have a skirt of animal hair, soft plastic, or vinyl that spins in order to attract other fish. They also have a trademark safety-pin shape.

Poppers and Flies: Poppers and flies are fishing lures that are used with spin cast or fly cast fishing tackle. They mimic the movements of flies on the surface of the water.

What is a daisy chain? A chain of plastic fishing lures is called a daisy chain; these chains do not have any hooks. Daisy chains are useful in attracting a school of fish toward those lures that have hooks on them.

Questions to Ask Before Purchasing Fishing Reels

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Buying fishing reels is an important part of being a fisher. You don’t want to get out to your favorite fishing area with a shabby reel and not be able to catch the fish you want. You also don’t want to end up with equipment that doesn’t meet your needs or that isn’t easy enough to use for you.

For these reasons, you should ask yourself some important questions before you choose your fishing reels.

Which Type of Fishing Reels Work?

Fishing reels come in a wide variety of types but for most basic fishing you only have two possibilities: spinning or casting reels. If you’re new to fishing then you’d probably be better off choosing a spinning reel because they are easier to use. You’ll also find a number of different types of spinning reels to choose from. Many of these are good for using bait to catch fish.

On the other hand, casting reels are a little more difficult and take some experience to master. If you’re going to be using lures then using a casting reel would be an ideal choice.

Which Type of Water am I Fishing in?

Obviously, you’re going to have two choices: salt water or fresh water. You may also choose to fish in both types of water. Now many experts will tell you to choose fishing reels that are designed specifically for those types of water. You could do that. However, you don’t really need to.

In most cases, salt water isn’t going to be any more destructive to your reel than any other type of water. Of course, you don’t want to dunk the reel into the water and hold it in there for long periods of time. You also want to follow proper maintenance for your fishing reels at all times.

The only time this is going to be different is if the reel contains magnesium. Magnesium is highly corrosive especially when it comes in contact with salt water. However, only very expensive fishing reels contain magnesium so this is rarely going to be a problem.

Fishing Reels and Attracting Fish

Another consideration when choosing your fishing reels is whether you want to use bait or a lure to attract fish. Also, the specific type and size of bait and lure you want to use can also have an impact on the reel you want to pick. The weight of the lure, for example, will have an impact on the reel you choose because of the line capacity that of the reel.

Of course, this means that you’re going to need to know the answer to these questions before you go shopping for fishing reels. If you’re not an experienced fisher, you should do some research and talk to other fishers before you make that decision and start your search.

Finding More Help with Fishing Reels

If you have questions about the fishing reels you are interested in, then you need to talk to specific companies, such as Sea Isle Tackle, about the questions you have.

Caring for Your Fishing Reels

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Fishing reels are an important piece of your equipment. When you purchase one, you’re making an investment in a favorite pastime and that’s going to require some maintenance. You can’t just leave it in the corner when not in use and expect it to continue performing at peek capacity for years to come. That just won’t happen. Following the tips for caring for your fishing reels below will help ensure a long life for your reel.

Preventing Problems with Your Fishing Reels

The main problem with fishing reels is that you simply can’t clean them in just any old way because of the materials they are made from. For example, if you’re using an aluminum reel it could corrode pretty easily and that’s not what you want. However, titanium is pretty resistant to this problem but the average fisher can’t really afford to purchase that type of high end equipment. Even if you could, there are other parts of the reel that are not quite as resistant.

One way to save yourself from having to deal with this problem is by not putting the reel into water unless it’s absolutely necessary. The more contact with water your reel has the more likely it is to be damaged. That’s especially true if you’re dipping it into saltwater. Additionally, if you’re fishing from a boat you want to protect the reel from any of the spray coming back into the boat. The force of the spray can get the water inside the reel and that’s not good.

Cleaning Your Fishing Reels

After you return home from a fishing excursion, you should always make sure to thoroughly clean your reel. Make sure to only use low pressure water and to remove the spool afterward so you can get rid of any extra water before you put it back together. You definitely don’t want that water sitting around inside your reel. If you’ve gone on a saltwater fishing trip, then you’ll want to be even more thorough. You should take apart the reel, scrub everything with soapy water, rinse it all down, and dry it completely. Only when it is completely dry should you start putting the fishing reels back together. Make sure there are no salt crystals left on any part of the reel because these can be very destructive.

Routine Maintenance for Your Fishing Reels

Fishing reels should be well-maintained obviously. If you do salt water fishing, then this is even more critical because that salt can be so destructive. You’re going to want to spend time about four times a year to really take everything apart on the reel and clean it with hot water. You’ll also want to apply new lubricant to the reel at this time.

Getting Good Fishing Reels

Of course, the best way to ensure that your fishing reels are well taken care of is to pay attention to the maintenance but also to purchase high quality equipment from the beginning at sites like Sea Isle Tackle.

Understanding Different Types of Fishing Reels

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Before you head to the store with your money and start shopping for fishing reels, you need to think long and hard about what you need. If you’re familiar with what’s available, you already know that the selection is pretty wide and can be hard to navigate. That’s why your best course of action is to begin at home with some research and go into the store ready already knowing what type of fishing reels will work best for your specific needs.

Let’s look at those different types of fishing reels.

Fishing Reels: Casting

Casting fishing reels are used for exactly what the name suggests. If you’re doing mostly inshore fishing and you need to get that bait or lure into the water, you’re going to probably focus on these types of reels. They actually have a fairly long history in fishing and most were developed from some early, popular models that developed in the 19^th century.

Within casting reels, you’ll also find level winding and non-level winding varieties. The one you choose depends mostly on what feels right for you so test out a few different models of each before settling on your preference.

Fishing Reels: Spinning

Another popular type of fishing reels is the spinning ones. These reels first hit the United States when they were introduced hear during the mid 20^th century from Europe. After that, their popularity among fishers exploded and they continue to be a popular choice for inshore fishing. One major advantage is cost. You’ll spend a lot less on these types of fishing feels than either of the ones listed below. Keep in mind that these types of fishing reels come in two types as well: open face and closed face. Again, you’ll want to do some hands-on testing at your favorite fishing ground to see which variation works best for you.

Fishing Reels: Fly

If you’re planning on doing any fly fishing, then you’ll want to choose these types of fishing reels for your needs. Nothing else will work quite as well for most fishers. These reels tend to be narrower even when they have larger spool diameters. Most also don’t have gearing. As fly fishing has become more popular, the price of these reels has begun to increase so keep that in mind when you’re beginning to search for the right fishing reels for your needs.

Fishing Reels: Trolling

These are the best reels to use if you’re interested in doing some deep water or bottom fishing, such as for catfish and similar species of fish. Although in many ways they look like fly fishing reels, you’ll probably notice that they are larger and have wider diameters. Prices on these types of fishing reels, which are primarily designed for offshore fishing, can be a bit steep. However, if you’re serious about catching certain fish then you’re absolutely going to need to make the investment.

Remember as you’re searching for fishing reels your best choice is to browse online at shops like Sea Isle Tackle.

Understanding the Label of Fishing Reels

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Before you start comparison shopping for fishing reels, you might want to learn a little bit of the industry jargon so you can understand all of the terminology you’ll find on those boxes. If you’re new to fishing or if you’ve never really tried your hand at buying fishing reels before, then you’ll probably feel like you’re lost in a world of strange terms that may or may not be important clues about the quality of the purchase you may or may not be making.

Don’t worry though. That’s a natural reaction to what you’ll see on the box. Now let’s try to understand the basics of the box so you can start searching for the best fishing reels possible.

Bearing Amount in Fishing Reels

One of the main numbers you’ll see on the side of the box and one that you should pay attention to is the number of bearings. The bearings contribute to the smoothness of the reel. The general, although not universal, rule is that a larger number of bearings are going to give you less resistance when you’re turning the reel and that will make fishing a lot easier and less strenuous for you. However, sometimes other factors can enter the picture and cause fishing reels with fewer bearings to be just as smooth as or smoother than ones with more bearings.

While those numbers can act as a guide, the only real way to know the smoothness of your fishing reels is by testing them yourself. Only when you have them in your hand and can feel them in action will you know for sure. That’s why you should do plenty of tests with other fisher’s rods before you make decisions and start buying.

Fishing Reels & Line Capacity

The line capacity number is meant to tell you how much line can be held by the fishing reels. However, this usually isn’t consistent for all lines. Different sizes of line can change the basic numbers. If you see a line capacity such as 10/(155) that means if you’re using a 10 pound line you’ll be able to hold about 155 yards of line.

Gear Ratios and Fishing Reels

This number is probably not going to mean much to you but understanding its meaning may help give you an idea of which fishing reels you’re more partial to after some hands-on testing. Basically, these ratios tell you how many revolutions the spool or line winder is going to make each time you turn the handle on the reel. Obviously, the more turns it makes the less cranking you have to do and the easier your job is going to be overall.

When you’re reading the ratio, the first two numbers represent the number of revolutions. The last number is almost always going to be a 1 which stands for the one time you have to turn the handle.

Shopping for Fishing Reels

When you begin shopping for fishing reels, you should start your search online so that you can have the biggest selection. Sites like Sea Isle Tackle are good starting places.

Fishing Rods for Your Type of Fishing

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When you’re looking for to purchase fishing rods, you should know that it’s not a one-size-fits-all market. You wouldn’t buy a Ferrari if you just wanted to drive the kids to school and go to the grocery store just like you wouldn’t buy a Dodge Caravan for street racing. You have to know your purpose before purchasing the right fishing equipment for the tasks ahead.

Let’s look at some of the different types of fishing you might want to consider and how that might influence the purchase of your fishing rods.

Fishing Rods for Inshore Fishing

If you’re doing some inshore fishing, you need to realize what that means: working in shallow water and trying to catch fairly small fish. What you are going to look for in the fishing rods is one that will be heavy enough to pull in decent size fish but you want to choose one that is lightweight enough that you can cast it easily without causing your body to ache the next day.

You’ll probably want to look for either casting or spinning rods. These would also be good choices if you’re going to be doing bottom fishing, such as for catfish and other fish that stay close to the bottom of watery areas.

Don’t confuse these fishing rods with what you would need for inshore fly fishing. For that, you’ll still need to purchase fly fishing equipment.

Fishing Rods for Offshore Fishing

When you’re going to be doing offshore fishing, you’re going to want a rod that can handle whatever you throw at it. No matter what type of offshore fishing you’re doing you can expect to spend more the fishing rods you’ll need than you would for ordinary fishing equipment. For example, if you’re going to go trolling then you can expect to pay around $1,000. You may be able to find some cheaper options but you’ll want to shop around and pay attention to the quality of the item before you buy.

Bottom fishing is another example. While you can use the same equipment as you would for inshore fishing, you’d probably want something a little more substantial, especially if you are going to be hunting for big fish. These fishing rods are usually also heavier and less flexible than the ones used for trolling.

Fishing Rods for Surf and Pier Fishing

If you’re going to be doing fishing in the surf or off of a pier, you’ll probably want to look into some fairly specialized equipment. Surf rods are usually designed to help you cast further so that you can actually reach the fish. These rods can also be used for pier fishing as can most types of inshore fishing. However, you’ll want to still focus on choosing equipment that feels comfortable for you.

Looking for Specific Fishing Rods

One of the bigger challenges you’re likely to face is finding these fishing rods at your local store. Instead you should choose an online site like Sea Isle Tackle which has a larger selection to choose from.

Looking at the Attributes of Fishing Rods

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If you’re not familiar with fishing rods or if you’re looking to choose something a little more specific than what you currently have to work with, then you’ll want to start paying close attention to the different attributes of the fishing rods that are on the market.

Let’s go over some of those attributes now and look at how they can impact your choice.

Fishing Rods: Length

If you’ve spent much time looking at fishing equipment, you probably already know that the rods come in a wide variety of sizes. What you may not realize is that the rod size you choose can have an impact on the type of fishing you can do well. For example, if you want to make long casts then you’re going to be looking for longer rods. If you re wanting a heavier line, possibly to catch bigger fish, then you should focus on shorter rods.

Furthermore, if you are interested in doing bottom fishing then you’ll probably want to stick to a shorter rod. These just work better for that type of casting. On the other hand, if you’re going to be using lures or if you simply have a hard time casting, you might want to choose a longer rod because it will make both of these steps easier.

Fishing Rods: Guides

Another important factor when choosing the right fishing rods are the guides. The guides allow the line to move as you want it to. That means your guides will have a big impact on the smoothness of your casting and reeling. Of course, guides made from certain materials can raise the prize of the rod so you may need to find a balance between cost and smoothness. Generally, the best choice is going to be ceramic guides. These are very quiet and smooth. You’ll also have fewer problems with line fraying and long casting.

The cheaper choices are usually stainless steel. They’ll get the job done but will not provide the same high-quality results as ceramics. These do work well, however, for shorter rods and bottom fishing rods when long casting is not such an important issue.

Fishing Rods: Taper

Even the most experienced fishers tend to overlook the importance of taper when it comes to choosing fishing rods. Taper, also sometimes called action, is how much the rod bends under pressure. The greater the bend the more difficult casting and baiting can be. In general, a slow taper will result in a lower priced rod.

At the other end of the scale, you’ll find the extra fast taper which causes only the upper part of the rod to bend. These are very flexible pieces of fishing equipment which work well for lots of fish but also cost a great deal of money.

Comparing Fishing Rods

When you’re ready to make a purchase or do some comparison shopping, online stores such as Sea Isle Tackle can be good choices because of their wide selection and because of the convenience of comparing from home.

Tips for Taking Care of Your Fishing Rods

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Whether you’ve invested a large sum in your fishing rods or just have a lot of sentimental attachment to the fishing rods you’re currently using, you want to make sure you know how to properly care for them so they will last a long time.

The tips below will help you ensure that your favorite fishing rods will have a long and happy life as part of your fishing equipment.

Post Fishing Care for Fishing Rods

Once you finish fishing for the day, you might be tempted to just toss your rod back in the car and then back in the closet when you return home. That’s not a good idea. First, you never want to put a wet rod back in its sheath. If you were fishing in saltwater, all of that salt from the rod will end up getting into the sheath and cause future damage. No matter what type of water you are using for fishing you should wipe down your rod thoroughly with a dry, soft cloth before putting it back in its sheath. If for some reason, you aren’t able to do this, you should wipe it down as soon as you return home and wash the sheath to remove anything that might have gotten into the material thanks to the water.

If you don’t plan to use it for an extended period of time, let it dry and then return it to its sheath. For storage, make sure to hang the sheath on a hook or hanger. If possible, do not just lean your rod against a wall. This can not only cause damage to the rod but it’s also an easy way for your fishing rods to get broken accidentally.

Cleaning Your Fishing Rods

Like all types of sporting equipment, your fishing rods are going to need some thorough cleaning from time to time. How often depends greatly on how frequently you’re going fishing and what type of fishing you’re doing. For example, salt water fishing is going to require more frequent cleaning than fresh water fishing.

To clean your rod, you’ll need a soft cloth and lukewarm water mixed with soap. Get the cloth wet then ring it out before rubbing it over your rod gently. It’s also a good idea to use an old toothbrush to clean out dirt and debris that collect around the guide rings and in other hard to reach parts of the fishing rods.

Inspecting Your Fishing Rods

Never just take it for granted that your fishing rods are in great shape. You might find out the hard way that they’ve been slowly damaged by a minor problem that was never taken care of. For example, if water has gotten under the guide rings and start to cause rusting the rod can be in trouble and the ring should be replaced as soon as possible. To find out that problem, you need to be doing routine inspections of your equipment.

Caring for Your Fishing Rods

You can find out more about caring for your equipment properly by visiting offline or online sporting equipment shops, such as Sea Isle Tackle.

Casting or Spinning Fishing Reels: Which to Use?

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Although there are a large number of fishing reels available in the world, you’ll actually probably end up focusing on only two types – casting or spinning – unless you’re interested in doing some very unique of challenging fishing. Even though you’ve limited your options to just these two types, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going to have an easy decision when it comes to fishing reels.

Let’s look at some of the differences between these two types of fishing reels.

Casting Fishing Reels

If you’re an inexperienced fisher, you’re probably not going to be able to use one of these reels right away. Instead, you’ll need to get a little more experience because they can be a challenge. However, fishers who are a little more experienced do tend to like these fishing reels better. That’s often because these reels allow you to catch larger fish because they can support heavier lures and lines.

At first, you may have trouble casting the reel. However, once you have more experience you’ll find that these reels actually allow you to make more accurate casting.

These are also better for salt water fishing, especially if you purchase a one piece blank. When you use a one-piece fishing rod, it’s less likely to be damaged by salt water. Many of these reels come with built-in drag systems that give you more control over the line’s resistance.

Spinning Fishing Reels

As you can probably guess, spinning fishing reels are a better choice for beginners or for people who just don’t know much about casting. Because the line is propelled by the bait or lure, these types of reels used to require a heavier lure. That’s no longer true and spinning fishing reels can be used with a wide range of bait and lure, as well as for any type of fishing.

If you decide to choose spinning fishing reels, make sure you pay attention to the retrieve on that reel. These can be left-hand, right-hand, or either-hand. You want to choose one that will work best for you.

Like casting reels, you can use spinning reels even in salt water fishing. However, you’ll want to be careful about the reel you choose. You need one that comes with a skirted spool because this will keep out the moisture and water from the reel which prevents the corrosive effects of the salt crystals.

Other Fishing Reels

Of course, these are only two types of fishing reels. You may eventually want to pursue other types of fishing, such as fly fishing, which will require very specific equipment if you’re going to be effective.

In those cases, you’ll want to do some additional research and talk to some experts who are familiar with those specific types of fishing. You may also want to get your own experience with this new fishing experience by borrowing someone else’s reels.

Choosing Your Fishing Reels

When you do make your decision, remember you can find the fishing reels for your needs by going online to stores such as Sea Isle Tackle.

Important Questions to Ask About Fishing Rods

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When you are purchasing new fishing rods, you shouldn’t just go into the store and pick the first rod that catches your eye. If you want the best results possible with your purchase, you need to take into consideration some important factors that should guide your fishing rods.

Here are a few questions to ask before you begin buying fishing rods.

When Do You Use Your Fishing Rods?

This is an important factor. You need to take into consideration how often you’re going to be using the equipment you buy. For example, many fishers just consider this a hobby they can do on the weekends as a way to unwind and relax. It’s not a competition. Other fishers take their fishing very seriously; some even compete in tournaments and strive to break catch records. Obviously if you are the latter then you’re going to want to choose your fishing rods more carefully. You might even want to build a custom rod. On the other hand, if you’re just a hobbyist then you’ll still want to choose carefully but you’ll be able to find something in the average online store that will meet your needs.

Where Do You Use Your Fishing Rods?

One of the big decisions you’ll want to make when looking at your fishing rods is how far you travel to reach the fishing location and how easy you want your fishing equipment to be to transport. For example, if you can simply walk to your favorite fishing hole then you’ll want to look at fishing rods that can be transported very conveniently, possibly one that can collapse into a much smaller, easier to carry piece. On the other hand, if you’ve got plenty of room you might prefer to choose a single piece fishing rod that can be placed in your trunk or stored in the garage.

What Are You Going to Catch with Your Fishing Rods?

The majority of fishing rods are designed for specific types of fish. They were built to cast a certain distance or were built to withstand the environmental differences of saltwater over freshwater, etc. You may be able to find some fishing rods that can be used for a wide range of fishing applications but you’ll probably pay more and you’ll find they don’t do as well as more specific types. Instead, go in with either a fishing location or a type of fish in mind. Look at what each of the fishing rods claims to be created for. If you do plan on fishing in multiple types of environments, go ahead and invest in multiple fishing rods. You won’t regret the decision.

Where Should I Buy Fishing Rods?

When you’re looking for fishing equipment, you’re best bet is to do some research and get a good idea of what you’re wanting. Then go to online stores with larger selections and lower prices to make your purchases. Sea Isle Tackle, for instance, is one possible location to consider.

Rod Building and Guides - Everything You'll Need to Know

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When you’re rod building, you need to choose the guide you add to your equipment carefully. One of the advantages of developing your own equipment is that you’ll have full control over what elements you choose to add to your fishing rod so make sure you inform yourself about the options so you’ll make the best decision possible and created a finished product that will make you very happy.

Let’s start by looking at a couple of guides you might need, especially if you are interested in building a fly rod. We’ll also look at the different type of material used for those guides.

Types of Guides

One of the types you might want to consider is stripping guides. If you go with this option, then you’ll want to purchase a couple of them, especially if you the length of the finished rod you’re building is going to be on the long side. You could choose either the two-legged or the three-legged styles depending on your personal preference. Remember that’s the whole point of rod building: personal preference.

You could also choose running guides instead. If you choose this type of guide, it would be wise to go with a variation of the snake guide. These can minimize the chance of your line getting stuck to your blank which can make proper casting a real challenge. You won’t have to worry about friction as much either but they do stand a better chance of breaking. For that reason, you may want to purchase extra running guides.

Tips tops are the third possibility. These come in a couple of styles as well, including wire frame loops and ceramic inserts. The ceramic inserts are slightly heavier which could be a disadvantage if you’re worried about the weight of the product after your finished rod building. However, because these provide reduced friction the casting is much quieter. That reduced noise can be a huge advantage when you’re fishing.

Guide Materials to Consider when Rod Building

Choosing the best guide for your rod building is only part of the issue. You’ll also need to pay attention to the material you pick. The materials are used for plating and that’s important because it is responsible for ensuring the longevity of the guide itself. In many cases, the plating you choose can also have other benefits, such as reduced friction.

You can choose hard chrome plating which is definitely one of the best choices for a variety of guide types when you’re rod building. It provides increased protection over stainless steel but also helps keep friction to a minimum thus reducing noise and wear.

If you’re interested in finding some type of material that will be able to withstand the harshness of salt water while you’re fishing, consider titanium for your guide. It’s also lighter to use than other types of material and much more expensive. However, if you want your rod building to produce the highest quality finished product it could be a good choice.

Rod Building: Picking the Right Blank

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An important decision when you are rod building is to choose the ideal blank. There are a number of considerations when you choose these blanks – it is the most important part of your fishing rod. Again, this is one place where you don’t want to skimp on the equipment. Just don’t take the plunge without doing your homework.

Rod Building: Blank Considerations

You definitely don’t want to just start choosing blanks at random. That isn’t going to help you be satisfied with the rod building you end up with. First, you’re going to need to try out as many models as possible to decide which choice is the right one. Test cast the numerous models available. You want to find a blank that is going to work with your specific length and line needs.

Do keep in mind that not every rod you test will be available as a blank. You may want to do research on that before you start testing so you don’t waste your time or fall in love with a cast you won’t necessarily be able to build.

If you’re looking for a good place to do some test casting, don’t rule out dropping by your local sporting equipment store. Of course, you probably won’t want to make your rod building purchases there before of their poor selection. Instead, you should visit several stores and also try out the rods used by your family and friends who are also doing fishing. If you have friends who also do rod building, you may want to ask them about their recommendations and ask if you can test drive their custom rods, too.

Other Rod building& Blank Buying Issues

When you’re taking some of these rods for a test drive, you also want to remember that you can purchase identical blanks that are designed to be divided into multiple sections for easier transportation. Even these small differences in the blanks can make a huge difference in the way they handle. For example, if you’ve tried the two-section variety but end up purchasing the three-section variety instead you’ll notice a difference and may not be satisfied with the results.

While we’re on the subject of these sections, you should take into consideration how many sections you want for your blank. Generally, there are two to four sections in the average blank. If you haven’t thought about it, now is the time. Two sections are fine but the finished rod will still be rather large for transportation. Three to four sections generally works better for rod building, even though it does require a little more effort.

Finally, you don’t want to make a purchase without checking the warranties on the blanks. Today, the majority of blank manufacturers do offer warranties but these aren’t all created equal. When you’re rod building, you want to make sure that the components you purchase are going to be protected and that you won’t end up having to replace something as soon as you finish your rod building.

Rod Building Basics, Because Basics are Important

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Rod building is one of the smartest moves a fisher can make but it shouldn’t be undertaken without careful consideration and planning. You’ll want to make sure you understand what you’re getting into before you start spending time on your rod building activities.

Rod Building Advantages

First, you need to understand the benefits of rod building. In some cases, people make the assumption that creating your own fishing rod will be a more affordable option. Technically, it could be because you might be able to choose lower priced components. However, that should not be the main reason you choose for creating your own.

That doesn’t mean there aren’t any advantages. In fact, the primary benefit of is that you can build the best fishing rod possible. When you purchase ready-made rods, you often have to make compromises regarding what you purchase. You might, for example, end up with one element that you really want but you might also get stuck with a lower quality reel seat or some other element. That’s not what you want if you’re serious about fishing.

When you start rod building on your own, you can pick all of the elements you want. You can pick the top of the line pieces you want and you don’t have to make any concession. That’s the best benefit of rod building.

Preliminary Steps

Before you invest a great deal of money in purchasing these elements for your fishing rod, you should practice on creating a few early versions. You want to make sure that you know exactly what you want and understand how to put everything together effectively in order to create a fishing rod that will meet your needs.

You also should do some research. Don’t just go into the first fishing equipment store you find and start buying the highest priced components. That won’t necessarily earn you the best fishing rod possible Instead, you need to devote a considerable amount of time to figuring out which materials will be the best for your needs. There are major differences in materials and in equipment so you want to make sure you’re getting what you want. Again, this is a good reason to build a few practice fishing rods before embarking on the one which will be your best.

Creating Top of the Line Fishing Equipment

Once you’ve developed the fishing rod of your dreams, you’ll never want to purchase another rod out of the store. It’s that simple. Just remember that you want to get some practice first using lower quality equipment before you start purchasing the components you really want.

The only potential drawback of your rod building activities is that you might not have access to enough selection locally. That’s why online stores can be a better choice. You’ll find a much wider selection of components from additional manufacturers on the web sites, such as Sea Isle Tackle. At the end of the day, a great selection is key to the best rod building possible.

Rod building Materials - The Dos and Don'ts

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If you’re interesting in rod building, you need to start off by thinking about the specific tools you’re going to need. Without these tools, you won’t get very far in the process. Now you could choose to use a kit the first time you try the process and that could be a good way to get some rod building experience. These kits usually include everything you’ll need but when you’re ready to build your dream fishing rod you’ll want to invest in buying the materials discussed below.

Non-Fishing Specific Rod Building Materials

First, you’ll want to gather some of the non-fishing specific materials that you’ll need to have on hand when you are engaging in rod building. Many of these items may already be in your home or may be purchasable from local hardware stores.

One of the best examples is an Exacto knife – these are ideal choices because they are very sharp and also thin which is ideal for the work. You’ll also need to purchase a few other basic items, including a rat tail file, rubber bands, a tape measure, a marker, some paint thinner, and masking tape.

Having a lighter is also a good idea. Additionally, purchase some epoxy. Epoxy is a type of resin that can be added and that hardens to make things stronger and to give protection. You’ll want to get the fastest drying formula you can find. It will probably cost a few dollars more but the speed will make it worth the extra expense.

Finally, invest in a small paintbrush that will make it easier for you to apply materials to small parts of your work area while you’re rod building.

Specific Fishing Equipment

There are a number of items that you’ll want to purchase which will be specific for your fishing rod. Do your homework before choosing the items you want to have on your equipment. Remember the idea is to have a finished product at the end of your rod building that is superior to anything you could purchase off the shelf so you’ll want the highest quality products possible even if they cost more. You can always buy pieces one at a time if necessary – your patience will be repaid in the end.

Some of these items you’ll want to look for include guides. Aftco, Fuji, and Pacific Bay all make some very high quality guides which might be worth your consideration. Remember there are a number of styles of guides you might want to consider when rod building. Pick the one that will be best for your needs.

You’ll also need a good quality blank. This is the basic part of your fishing rod so pick with care. Calstar, Gator Glass, Lamiglas, and Pacific Bay are four of the companies with the highest reputation when it comes to blanks. Before you buy, do some test casting of some of the ones you’re considering so you’ll choose the right choice when you start shopping online.

These are just a few of the fishing materials you’ll need when rod building.

Starting a Custom Rod Building Business

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Do you enjoy rod building as a hobby? Have you ever heard other people compliment the finished result of your rod building? If you answered yes to either question or if you are just interested in testing the water, then starting a custom building business could be a good option for you.

Basically, to get started there would be a few considerations you would have to keep in mind. Those are listed below and should help you decide if a rod building business is in the cards for you.

High Quality Workmanship

If you’re serious about starting a rod building business, you’ll need to be very confident in your skills. Don’t start such a business if you’ve never crafted your own fishing equipment before or if you’ve only used kits to develop the finished products. The more experience you have going into the industry the more capable you’ll be of satisfying the needs of your customers.

Another good idea is to have built several finished products that can be showcased for potential clients through a web site. People respond well to photographs and to testimonials so build some for your fishing friends and get their feedback for your site.

Setting the Price

Another good reason not to jump into custom rod building as a business without plenty of experience is that you won’t have a good idea of what to charge for your efforts. Although the actual building process doesn’t take much time, you may need to do some shopping and some research to make exactly what the client wants. You also to keep in mind that you’ll charge two prices: one for parts and one for labor. It’s the labor price where you’ll have the most flexibility.

Setting the right price is important. If you don’t charge enough, you’ll be wasting your time and will have nothing to show for it. If you charge too much, you won’t get any business. It’s a delicate balance.

Finding Customers

When you’re starting a rod building business, you’ll need to figure out how to attract new business. You could focus your initial efforts on local customers but eventually you’ll end up wanting to expand. The Internet can be a good source for customers if you do some marketing, such as writing a blog or submitting articles to submission services.

Another idea for finding rod building customers is to create some pieces and sell them on online auction sites. You’d be surprised at how much you could possibly earn for your efforts. Plus, it could be a good way to attract attention to your site and to your services.

Having Good Rod Building Vendors

An essential part of being successful in your rod building business is the vendors you choose for supplies. Obviously, you’ll need to buy components and all of the other elements that go along with rod building so having a place you trust and a place that you can reach conveniently to place orders, such as Sea Isle Tackle, is going to be important.

Learning the Basics of Rod Building

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When you’re first rod building, you might feel like there’s too much for you to grasp and there’s no way you’ll ever be able to put together a finished product that will make you happy. Looking at all of the options available can be scary but it doesn’t have to be intimidating and you shouldn’t let that fear deter you from rod building. It’s one of the most rewarding activities – apart from fishing – that we can engage in.

My recommendation is to get involved in learning the basics of rod building now so you’ll feel more prepared for what’s ahead. Below are some recommendations.

Rod Building Kits

You may want to test the waters by using one of these kits first. They are usually affordable and include anything you would need to make a very basic fishing rod. You’re not going to end up with your dream fishing equipment from any of these sets because all of the components are generally fairly cheap. However, if you want to get a hands-on experience this might be the easiest and most affordable way to break the ice.

Step by Step Rod Building by Flex Coat

One of the must-have’s of rod building is a good instruction booklet. Step by Step Rod Building is one of the best books of its kind on the market. It was written by the president of Flex Coat himself and is a thorough explanation of the entire rod building process.

The guide contains 50 pages so it’s definitely a manageable read but also 100 illustrations which show you exactly what needs to be done at each step of the process. The book completely takes the guess work out of rod building. If you’re serious about rod building, you’ll want to get this book. And at under $5 it’s a huge bargain.

How We Do It DVD by Flex Coat

Flex Coat really is one of the leaders in producing how to materials for rod building. This DVD is one of the best examples. It covers everything you need to know, including choosing materials, shaping the handle, and more. The footage is divided into 20 chapters so the information is easy to access when you need it. The DVD costs around $20 which is a very good deal as well.

The best way to use the DVD is to watch the entire thing first to pack everything into your mind and to get you familiar with the basics. Then as you get started watch each of the chapters again so that material will be fresh in your mind but will also make sense with the rest of the process.

Going Online

Another way to learn more about rod building is to ask professionals. The staff at online sites, such as Sea Isle Tackle, is very knowledgeable about this topic and can answer questions you might have. Most of them can be contacted at your convenience through email which makes it easy for you to reach them and get the answers you need.

Rod Building: Cutting Costs 101

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One of the most common questions people have about rod building is how much does it cost. Most fishers dream of doing their own rod building but many never try because they are worried that it would simply cost too much. To some extent, these concerns are warranted. The good news is there are some ways to achieve your dream without draining your wallet.

Practice Cheap First

The first thing you should always do if you’re new to rod building is to practice using the cheapest equipment you can find. While it isn’t difficult if you have everything you need and also have some good instructions, rod building can seem a little overwhelming at first. You should be prepared for that feeling. Think of it this way: if you’re just learning how to swim you don’t climb the diving board and jump into the deepest part of the pool. That’s a recipe for disaster.

Instead of jumping ahead and building your dream rod as your first project, practice using a few inexpensive rod kits first then gradually start working your way up to the type of fishing rod you’ve always wanted. It will save you money because you won’t end up wasting those expensive pieces you’ve purchased.

Think like a Computer Geek

Some people are as passionate about computers as we are about fishing. Those folks are also interested in building their own units in order to create a “dream machine” that does exactly what they want. However, the costs for such a system can be pretty exorbitant when compared to getting a computer right out of the box. It’s the same story with rod building, of course.

One solution used by many of these computer people is to purchase the equipment they need one piece at a time as the money becomes available. Sure, they need more patience but they are able to get exactly what they want for their system and don’t have to make compromises just because of cost. In the end, they are usually more satisfied with the finished results.

Make Concessions if You Must

One of the nice things about rod building is that you do get to create the fishing rod you want without some manufacturer deciding which components should be used. All of the decisions are completely yours. That means if you are on a budget you do have the option picking and choosing your components and making compromises somewhere if need be. For example, you may want to spend more on your guides but you may be willing to choose a cheaper blank to compensate. You get to make those choices when you’re rod building so you have more control over costs.

Shop Online

Another way to save money is by purchasing your components online at stores such as Sea Isle Tackle. You’ll generally find lower prices because these stores have less overhead costs. Plus, price and selection are two of the key ways they sell themselves. At the very least, you’ll save on gas because you won’t have to travel to the store to make your rod building purchases.

Our Thoughts on Common Questions about Rod Building

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If you’re one of the many fishers who have wondered what it would be like to do some rod building, but you always had some unanswered questions about the process now you can the answer you need. Below we’ve compiled some of the most commonly asked rod building questions and supplied the answers so you’ll finally have access to enough information to decide whether you’re ready to take the customization plunge.

Is Rod Building Time-Consuming or Difficult?

The answer to both of these rod building questions is no. Generally, constructing a fishing rod once you’ve gathered all of the materials takes just a couple of hours. You will have to let the finished product set for a while to let the finish set but we’re not talking about an all day or all week activity here. It’s something you could easily start doing on the weekends.

As far as difficult goes, it’s not as challenging as you might think. In fact, some Boy Scout troops have start doing rod building activities. If you’re worried about the challenge, get some guides and see for yourself how simple it can be. You’ll probably be surprised.

Is Rod Building Expensive?

That’s a difficult question to answer because it really depends on you. Because you have full control over what you add to the finished product, you are the only one who decides how expensive it’s going to be. On average, most builders do spend more on their equipment than other people but that’s because they want the highest quality components they can get and that does add to the price significantly.

The first time may also cost a little more because you’ll need to purchase a few pieces of equipment, such as a utility knife and a brush for applying the epoxy that will be used repeatedly for all of your rod building.

What are the Benefits of Rod Building?

The biggest benefit is that you’ll end up with a finished product that is exactly what you want. If you want something a little heavier, you can make it happen. If you prefer ceramic guides, you can have them. If you want silk thread instead of nylon, you can have it. That’s the beauty of the process – you make all of the decisions.

Another benefit is that you should also see an improvement in your performance and you’ll have a fishing rod you can show off to others. Plus, going through the process can be fun, especially if you’re working on the project with other avid fishers.

How can I Get Started?

The best way to start rod building is to by a guide. You can read through the steps and see what is required in the process, including the specific materials you’ll need to purchase for the project. Once you’ve done that, you’ll just need to start buying the items and preparing your work space. A good place to purchase the equipment is an online store, such as Sea Isle Tackle, because of their selection and convenience.

Four Reason to Start Rod Building in the Fall of 2008

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Reasons to Start Rod Building

While we all understand the magic of casting your line into the water, feeling that sharp tug, and reeling in an outstanding catch, not everyone who loves fishing completely grasps the good reasons for rod building. Some people wonder why it’s worth all of the trouble. They say the time, energy, and money used to create a custom rod could be better spent actually fishing. Of course, they wouldn’t say that if they understood some of the good reasons to get started in custom rod building.

Let’s look at some of those reasons.

Reason #1: Customization

Today, we are obsessed with personalizing everything from our cars to our laptops to our bodies so it’s no wonder that some of us don’t want to walk around with the same fishing rod as the person on the other side of the water.

Rod building allows you to have complete creative control over the process. You can choose each specific piece of equipment. You can mix and match manufacturers. You can pick different colors. You can add decals, lettering, colored thread, and more. The sky’s the limit when you’re doing rod building and that’s a huge part of its appeal.

Reason #2: Higher Quality and Rod Building

Because you do have total control over what goes into the finished product, you’ll probably end up with a piece of fishing equipment that is superior to nearly anything you could find pre-made and for sale at your local sporting good store.

With that said, you’ll probably also end up paying more for that higher quality because pre-made rods keep prices affordable by cutting corners. If you’re not interested in saving a few dimes and nickels here and there then you’ll be able to produce a first-class piece of fishing equipment that you’ll be proud to use for years to come.

Reason #3: Higher Performance

The characteristics of our fishing equipment can determine our performance at the water. For example, if we are using a rod that is bit too heavy for us then that could be just enough to throw off our cast and reduce our ability to catch the fish we want. That’s definitely not conducive to good fishing.

With rod building, you can construct a rod that is custom-designed to fit your needs in terms of weight, action, friction, and more. You’ll be able to choose exactly what you want for your rod and have complete control over designing a fishing rod that will let you truly show off your fishing skills.

Reason #4: Rod Building as a Team Effort

Fishing for many of us has always been a family affair. It’s a time when we bond with our kids or our friends or our parents. Rod building allows for a continuation of that bonding, even off the water. While the actual construction of the rod only takes a couple of hours, you’ll have to spend time researching and buying the different components, as well as on deciding what to include in the product. That can give you plenty of time to enjoy being together and bonding over fishing.

Shimano Reels Part III: Round Baitcasting Shimano Reels & why they’re so popular

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Baitcasting reels are typically some of the most popular fishing reels for a number of reasons. First, they’re great for wrestling with a fish. Nothing holds out strong in a fight like a Shimano Reel, particularly a Round Baitcaster.

Do you ever have trouble casting? These Shimano Reels are great for casting if you have trouble keeping the cast under control.

If your preference is heavy line, grab one of these Shimano Reels. For light line, no so much, but for you deep sea fishermen out there, these Round Baitcasting Shimano Reels handle heave line like a charm.

And, if you’re like me, you might have trouble (occasionally – let’s face it, even the best have issues sometimes…) placing the lure exactly where you want. Round Baitcasing Shimano Reels facilitate spool thumbing, thus allowing you to place the lure exactly where you want it. Pretty cool, huh? Personally, I wish more reels had this feature.

I know I said the Round Baitcaster was a piece of cake to cast, and I might have exaggerated a little bit. Let me clarify:

Shimano Reels are easier that most to cast
Baitcasters, by nature, require more skill to cast
Round Baitcasting Shimano Reels take practice to learn but are easier than most

Also, as discussed above, this is a Fishing Reel for a heavy lure / line combo. Don’t even think about tossing out a light lure – this Shimano Reel won’t do it.

The good news is that you can expect pricing to start around $70 bucks. Not bad for Shimano Reels, right?

Ok, let’s talk about the negatives. I know I’ve been pumping up Baitcaster, but I have to be honest with you – there are a few ugly truths about baitcasters.

With Baitcasters, you’re going to get backlashes. Just a matter of fact. Certainly nothing against Shimano Reels. So if you’ve got your heart set on a round bait casting Shimano Reel, just expect to spend a little (and I do mean a little, not a lot) of time working out backlashes.

Another downer about baitcasters is that they’re one of the more complicated reels (part wise) out there. Cleaning this puppy will be a chore. But then, cleaning any reel can be a chore! Luckily, Shimano Reels are constructed extremely well, so you’ll be impressed when you take it apart for that initial cleaning. Then again, you could always out-source your cleaning…

All in all, every true fisherman needs a baitcaster. My preference: Shimano Baitcasting Reels. They’re the best, hands down. Round out your collection if you don’t own one already. You’ll regret not being able to use the round baitcaster when you’re in a situation that demands one. And trust me, the cleaning isn’t that bad. That’s the best part about going with Shimano Reels – any negatives are so few and far between that they’re totally worth it!

It’s like comparing coca-cola and pepsi (sorry pepsi fans!).

Seriously though, one is clearly better. And in the case of Round Baitcasters, nothing beats Shimano Reels.

Round out that collection, check out Shimano’s line of Round Baitcasters today.

Shimano Reels Part II: For Low Profile Baitcasting, nothing works quite like a Shimano Low Profile Baitcasting Reel

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You won’t believe the sleek design and elegant performance of Shimano’s line of Low Profile Baitcasters - these babies are awesome!

Today, we’re going to have an educational post about Baitcasting reels. Of course, for baitcasting, Shimano Reels are the best, but we’ll let you form your own opinion.

First, if you’re a bass fisherman, you’ll definitely want to invest in a baitcasting reel. Bait casting reels were designed specifically for bass fishing. Although learning to use a baitcasting reel can be tough, they are well worth the time and patience.

Of course, your experience with a baitcasting reel will largely depend on the brand you select. It will be important to pick a great brand in fishing reels, like a Shimano Reel. Not only are these reels a leader in their industry, Shimano Reels take the effort out of fishing. With baitcasting being a more tricky type of sport fishing to learn, having a Shimano baitcasting reel will put you ahead of the curve.

You’ll want to spool your baitcasting reel with a moderately heavy test line, anywhere between 14 and 20, and be sure to use a monofilament line. By spooling with a heavier line, you’ll have a much easier time learning to cast.

Next, only spool about half of the reel. Spooling the entire reel causes two problems:

1. A heavier reel

2. Potential backlashes

Save yourself a little frustration and just start with a half spool. If you decide you need more line, you can always add more later.

Casting a baitcaster is all about your thumb. This is going to take practice, so both practice and patience will be key here. Your thumb will be controlling the spool of line and will need to engrain a few new habits. A bit of good news is that the thumb can easily be trained without being on the boat, so don’t worry – you won’t be wasting precious fishing time. Practice loosening the spool control on your baitcasting reel, letting the weight drop, and using your thumb to catch the line right before the weight hits the floor.

Here’s the best part – this can be practiced at home in front of the TV, on your back porch, or practically anywhere.

Picking the right low profile baitcaster is as important as learning how to cast one correctly. In my experience, Shimano’s low profile baitcating reels are the best on the market. I’ll tell you a little about my favorite Shimano Reel and why I like it best.

The Shimano Curado is very light reel and is extremely easy to learn to cast. As discussed above, casting a low profile baitcaster is no piece of cake! However, the Shimano Curado sure makes life much easier. Let’s face it, who wants to spend valuable fishing hours practicing?

The low profile baitcasting line of Shimano Reels is of the most compact and light weight lines of fishing reels available. If these are your criteria then the low profile baitcasting Shimano Reels are for you.

With Shimano Reels like the Curado, you’ll be out on the water and fillin’ up the boat in no time!

Check out low profile baitcasting Shimano Reels like the Shimano Curado today!

Shimano Reels Part I: Are you fishing with the right reel? Maybe you should try Shimano Reels.

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Whether you’re a freshwater or saltwater fisherman, you’ve probably asked yourself the question, “Am I using the right fishing reel?” Because let’s face it - if you’re not catching fish, something has to give! And guys, we all know it isn’t us! It’s undoubtedly the fishing rod, fishing reel, the weather – basically anything but us!

Well, I have good news: Shimano has a fishing reel for virtually every type of fishing, whether you’re a fresh or saltwater fisherman. Let me walk you through a few different types of Shimano Reels. We’ll go through these in 5 different posts, and when we’re finished you should have a good idea whether or not you’re using the Shimano Reel that will best suit your fishing style.

It’s important to understand that Shimano Reels are grouped into five major categories:

Today we’ll discuss Shimano’s Conventional line of fishing reels. Shimano Conventional reels are an excellent choice for both offshore saltwater fishing as well as blue water fishing.

For blue water fishing, the Shimano Torsa is an excellent choice. This stellar fishing reel was awarded the best choice award for Bluewater fishing as well as a “best in show” and “best in category” by the American Sporfishing Association.

If you’re an angler, don’t miss the Shimano Tekota. This great Shimano Reel has a built-in line counter so you’ll know exactly how deep you’re fishing.

Is Marlin / Tuna fishing your sport? The Shimano Tyrons is an absolutely stellar fishing reel for all heavy duty saltwater fishing applications.

Finally, the Shimano Torium is a great reel, light in weight yet durable in construction, that will work well in all live bait or bottom water fishing application.

Be sure to check back for Part 2 of our 5 Part session on Shimano Reels. Part 2 will be about Low Profile Baitcasting Reels – yet another excellent line of Shimano Reels.