MyOutdoorTV.com

Products You Need From This Tip

Back Reeling to Success (Video Included)

Wade's World Fishing: Spinning reel drags are top notch these days and can slow the run of a fighting gamefish. Sometimes a better option is back reeling, a technique demonstrated by Wade Bourne.

Many top-end spinning reels have great drag systems.
However, many spin-fishing experts prefer to back-reel when playing a fish, thus taking the drag out of the equation. “Back-reelers” claim they have a better feel for the size and strength of a fish, and back-reeling allows them to be more precise in putting just the right amount of pressure on to play the fish down quickly with the least chance of losing it.

To back-reel, turn the reel’s anti-reverse off so the reel handle will crank both forward and backward. Then when a hooked fish makes a run, back-reel to give him line while keeping on slight pressure. When the fish stops running, begin reeling line back up. If the fish wants to run again, give line. When he stops, take it up. Continue this process until the fish tires and can be led to the boat.

The key is to avoid getting in a hurry and putting too much pressure on the fish. Just stay connected until it wears itself down.

Developing a feel for back-reeling takes minimal practice. Also, back-reeling eliminates any possible error in using the drag system. It is the surest way to wear down big fish on light tackle, one of the greatest challenges and rewards in fishing.