SPIN MASTERS
REEL REVOLUTIONS
Over the last decade , there have been drastic improvements in spinning reels in terms of reduced weight , increased reel ratio and better drag systems . With that , pros have been able to increase the size of their spinning reels . Years ago , finesse fishing called for little 1500- or 2000-size reels . Nowadays , these pros have all moved up to at least a 3000-size reel .
Lucas and Bertrand both prefer Abu Garcia ’ s Revo MGX 30 reels for most of their finesse fishing . Daniels uses a Bass Pro Shops Johnny Morris Platinum 3000 as his go-to . Team Daiwa members Meyer and Ehrler both rely on the Tatula LT : Meyer uses the 3000 while Ehrler even goes a size bigger to the 4000 for a majority of his finesse work .
According to the specifications of these reels , they ’ re similar in size and weight . The MGXs and the Tatulas weigh in at just 6 to 7 ounces , while the Bass Pro Shops 3000 is 9 ounces . All the reels sport at least a 6.0:1 gear ratio and take up between 33 and 39 inches of line per reel turn . Their line capacity for 10-poundtest braid is between 140 and 200 yards .
Even with finesse techniques , Ehrler finds bigger reels to be advantageous in terms of better casting distance , fewer wind knots and better overall control when fighting fish . He wants the biggest reel he can get away with .
“ We used to use small reels because they were lighter ,” Ehrler explains . “ These days , the bigger Tatula LT reels weigh only 6 or 7 ounces – that ’ s amazing . It essentially allows me to use a bigger reel without paying a price for increased weight .”
Meyer finds increased reel ratios to be the biggest improvement in modern reels .
Justin Lucas
PHOTO BY GARRICK DIXON
Cody Meyer
“ The highest spinning reel ratios used to be 4.8:1 or 5.0:1 ,” he says . “ That ’ s like a snail compared to the Tatulas ’ 6.2:1 ratios . Now I can reel up line to make another drop so much faster . Also , I can now catch up to fish in two turns of the handle when setting the hook .”
Meyer also likes the improved drag systems on the new generation of reels .
“ I used to be a back-reeler when fighting a fish because I didn ’ t trust the drag ,” he says . “ Daiwa ’ s drag system made me a believer in drag – back-reeling is a thing of the past .”
Bertrand touts the drag of the MGX as being exceptionally precise .
“ I set my drag to slip just a little on the initial sweep set , when I ’ m applying the most pressure .” he says . “ I can leave the drag set right at that point and it ’ s consistent ; it slips at that exact same pressure point every time .”
BACKING BEFORE BRAID
If you plan to put braided line on a spinning reel as the main line , spooling it up with backing first is a must .
“ The problem with spooling pure straight braid to a brand-new reel spool is it ’ s prone to slip and spin on the spool ,” Meyer says . Daniels knows exactly what Meyer is talking about . “ I spooled up 200 yards of new braid on a spinning reel once and it slipped around and around on the spool .” Daniels recalls . “ I thought my drag was slipping , but it was my braid . It couldn ’ t find any grip on the spool .”
Most of the panel prefers using either fluorocarbon or monofilament in the 8- to 15-pound-test range for backing . It can initially be tied directly onto the spool using a simple overhand knot with a few extra twists . Once the backing “ grabs ” the spool , it will self-tighten . Meyer believes it takes at least 50 to 75 feet to create a reliable bonding base for the braid . Some anglers even spool up as much as 50 to 60 yards to fill deeper spools with backing .
PHOTO BY CHARLES WALDORF
38 MAJORLEAGUEFISHING . COM | FEBRUARY-MARCH 2021