Fishing Reels

Welcome! I am a beginning saltwater angler, so I’m still learning along with you! Today we are discussing “Successful Saltwater Fishing in Galveston-Part 2” and I will be looking at several types of reels used for successful saltwater fishing in Galveston and reel casting techniques. Be sure to watch the YouTube videos following the casting techniques I’ve mentioned. By watching the videos, you’ll learn how to improve your casting skills to have a fun, exciting, and successful fishing trip. Don’t forget-fishing isn’t just about catching fish! It’s the best way for families and friends to relax together as they enjoy being outdoors and learn new skills.

Spincast reel

Spinning reel

Baitcast reel

Casting Tips

Spin Casting-Saltwater Fishing in Galveston

A spincast reel has a button that you push with your thumb to release the line.

1. Grasp the handle or pistol grip with one hand.  Push the reel’s thumb button and hold it in.
2. Face the target area with your body turned about a quarter turn.
3. Quickly and smoothly bend your arm at the elbow, raising your hand with the rod to almost eye level.  When the rod is straight up and down, the rod will be bent back by the the weight of the practice plug.  As the rod bends, move forearm forward with slight wrist movement.
4. When the rod reaches eye level, release the thumb button.

Note: If the plug landed close In front of you, you released the thumb button too late.  If the plug went more or less straight up, you released the thumb button too soon.

📹 Spincast Casting Demonstration

Link:  How to Cast a Spincasting Reel – YouTube

Casting with a Spinning Reel-Saltwater Fishing in Galveston

With a spinning reel you use your finger to release the line.

1. Grasp the rod’s handle, placing the reel “stem” that attaches the reel to the rod between your middle fingers.  Extend your forefinger to touch the spool cover.  Open the reel’s bail with your other hand.
2. Face the target area with your body turned at a slight angle, about a quarter turn.  The arm holding the rod handle should be closest to the target.  Aim the rod toward the target at about eye level.
3. Swiftly and smoothly, using just one motion, bend your casting arm at the elbow and raise your forearm so that your hand is almost at eye level.
4. When the rod is almost straight up and down, it will be bent by the weight of the practice plug.  As the rod bends, move your forearm forward with a slight wrist movement.
5. When the rod reaches eye level, straighten your forefinger to release the line.

Note:  If the plug lands close in front of you, you straightened out your index finger to release the line too late.  If the plug went more or less straight up or behind you, you straightened your index finger too soon.

📹 Casting with a Spinning Reef Demonstration

Link: How to Cast a Spinning Reel/Rod – For Beginners – YouTube

Baitcasting-Saltwater Fishing in Galveston

The bait casting reel has a button either on the top right-handed side of the reel or a “thumb” button behind and center of the spool that you push with your thumb to release the line.

1. Grasp the rod’s pistol grip or handle with one hand.  Push the reel’s thumb button down and move your thumb on the spool.  Release the line so that the casting plug falls to the ground.  Adjust the spool tension knob (located on the side of the reel) so that the spool stops when the plug hits the ground.  It may take a couple of times to accomplish this and adjust it correctly.  This will reduce the reel from backlashing when cast.  Backlashing occurs when the momentum from the cast allows the spool to keep rotating causing the line to ball up once the plug hits the water or ground.
2. Face the target area with your body turned at a slight angle, about a quarter turn.  Aim the rod tip toward the target, about level with your eyes.
3. Swiftly and smoothly bend your arm at the elbow, raising your hand with the rod until it almost reaches eye level.  When the rod is almost straight up and down, it will be bent back by the weight of the practice plug.  As the rod bends, move your forearm forward with a slight wrist movement.
4. When the rod reaches eye level, release your thumb off the spool.  As the practice plug hits the ground, place your thumb back on the spool to reduce backlash.

Note: If the plug lands close in front of you, you released your thumb too late.  If the plug went more or less straight up, you released your thumb too soon.

📹Casting with a Baitcasting Reel Demonstration

Link: How to CAST a Baitcaster for Beginners – YouTube

If you enjoyed this blog and learned something about successful saltwater fishing in Galveston, visit “Successful saltwater fishing in Galveston-Part 1 “(mygalvestonrealtor.com) to learn more about basic saltwater rods and tackle.