I learned something awhile back with regard to spinning reels and I got to wondering how many other folks out there know this little bit of information. If you look at the spool on late model spinning reals, chances are that somewhere on that spool is a little plastic line keeper. There is another very useful thing you can use that keeper for. If you know, or think you know the answer, please post it.

i thought they put those on there so you can get back to the same depth every time.

You are absolutely correct. I didn't get the memo until recently

i'm a baitcast guy myself. fishing vertical with a spinning reel doesn't feel right for some reason. my only spinning reel is on my dock shooter/bobber rod. but it is a very handy tool to have.

I believe that its original purpose is to keep the line in place without being unspooled (before the reel is installed and line is ran thru the guides). Although it can be use as a depth finder (and I've used such unintended feature myself), just keep in mind that there are 2 draw backs:
1) your line is potentially pinched... A nick in a line is the weakest link for a potential breakage in the near future....(that plastic clip varies and smoothness/sharpness from reel to reel, and there is no guarrantee that your line is unharmed)
2) your drag is now obsolete! For some of us who spent good $$$ for a good reel with many ball bearings, it is ironic to loose the good drag system...

Although many like myself don't care about the drag if we happened to hook on a big whisker or green trash, just thought I would mention it, just in case. ...there is no time to unhook the line from the clip once hook on a potential big catch, just make sure your current line is strong enough to at least endure a 3# crappie.

Another draw back. It stops you from BACK REELING!

what the heck is back reeling?

Oh no you di nt.

I am a Bait Caster guy also. As for Back Reeling, that has to be reserved for the real or should I say REEL Pros. For the new comers, this is an inside joke that would take much too long to explain. I am LMAO. Red is just stirring the Pot.

apparently i missed some good reading about 7 months ago. been lookin' for the "back reeling" thread and i'm guessing it got so bad the mods had to yank it. that said, is it an actual technique? or is it just a bunch of nonsense? i still don't know what back reeling is.

It's an actual technique Lane, but on this forum, you really don't want to get that conversation started again. That was one of the funniest nightmares that I've ever seen.

Yeah Lane....I was being neutral about this issue (Although I don't know how to backreel and never used it, but I thought it would kinda like "to each his own"), but OH BOY...did I get bashed or what? and full of hatred toward me for not agreeing with the majority to think Back Reeling is a joke...Oh well, it was funny though that one thread started from someone (can't remember his handle name) can stir up the forum that much...

i always miss the good stuff. probably fish too much, too.

What is this fish that you speak of?

Angler management, if you don't know what Back Reeling is, trust me, you don't want to know. Like Guy said, it was a nightmare. Over and Out.

Did the slabslayer (JD) show you that trick by chance?. It is a good idea for maintaining depth setting, until you pop the line at that anchor point. I never wanted to chance it after the first lesson...

Tell me you did not go there!

Red is the man!

Here is the Japanese version of back reeling.

thats the problem with marshall arts,, im not going to let mr ponytail play patty cakes in my face, then snake hand around to my butt, and slide his foot in front of my and trip me. a quick elbow to to jaw and his little plan is over.. lol

NotaNibble: Actually Kendel showed me that little trick. Yes it does disable your drag, and yes that keeper will cut your line. That's why you set your keeper three or four feet below where you want to fish. When you pitch your line out retrieve that three of four feet of extra line and then your drag works normally and the keeper won't cut your line. I don't use spinning reels much anymore. Bait Casters seem to work better for me.