Reels and rods, people often forget they’re two different components of the renowned fishing pole. There are many different reels, from spinning reels, baitcasting reels, closed-face bait casting reels, and drop-line reels—to name a few.
If you’re fishing in a lake or generally any freshwater body you’ll likely be using a spinning reel. A spinning reel, or spinner, is an open-face reel with a latch which locks or releases the spool of fishing line.
Dave, an employee at Valley Angler in Danbury recommends a spinner to anyone fishing on Candlewood Lake. He also advises beginners to use a closed-face bait caster with a button release as it’s the simplest reel to use. You just hold the button, cast and release.
As for your rod, it really depends on what you’re fishing for and where. “Everything needs to match up,” says Dave. The line capacity of your reel and the line strength are both factors which contribute to your setup.
It doesn’t matter how you fish or what you use, according to Dave. Smallmouth bass are the most common fish in the lake and it’s what everyone tries to catch. “You can use a stick and still catch them,” said Dave.
So if you’re thinking of breaking the bank for a rod and reel setup that’ll impress, keep in mind it’s all in the technique. You wouldn’t use a lure on a drop-line reel. Different reels have different techniques.
