Kind of curious
.
What are the benefits of using a fly-fishing reel? Never seen one used for crappie jigging.
BLOGGING time...
Before I give you my view, rule #1 is: "To each his own"...
Fly reel is one of the greatest reel to jig for crappie. Fly reel doesn't always work well when you exceed its workable depth. By which I mean, its limit of depth is the only drawback. For example...if I am fishing with anything 15' or deeper, I don't use the fly reel. (Will explain why not below...)
What is the best way for you to get your jig back to the same depth after catching one? There are many ways in which we normally use: a sharpie marking the line, a rubber stopper, etc... Fly reel needs no marking and will allow you to drop it right back to the exact depth everytime until you change your depth.
Those who aren't familiar of using a fly reel while jigging for crappie may think that it would take forever to reel in a fish. Actually, you don't reel in at all. Once the hook is set, the line is pulled parallel to the rod blank with the free hand. Using the hand that is holding the rod, you grab the line, and the free hand is, once again, pulling the line to retrieve you catch. After the catch is landed, you'd drop right back down at the same exact depth and go at it again. Fishing this technique is quick and precise. You will have loose line out of the spool during the process of retreiving, but once familiar with the process it is so much easier to fish than a conventional reel(s).
While using other type of reel, you can also retrieve your catch the same way as the fly reel technique. You will also have the same depth once the catch is completed ready for the next thump. HOWEVER, other reels are made for you to reel, not pulling the line. If you choose to pull the line with other reels, then you must understand the headache of tangling your line on the barrel, handle, etc. Thus, pulling the line technique with other reels is more trouble than it is worth. Notice how the handle on a fly reel is only a knob. There is very little obstacle for your line to tangle. I don't recommend using this technique for the clumsy angler. You will step on your own line and break the line or even rod's tip. This is also why too much loose line is not easy to manage, hence, my 15' depth is my standard practice of whether to use a fly reel or not...
The application of using a fly reel is often seen at many fishing barges and slips for jiggers. Although an authentic fly reel isn't all that common due to the cost factor (the one shown on pix is $120). Most $6.99 plastic reel will hold the line for you to do the same thing. Plastic reel however, does NOT have drag. The fly reel has GREAT drag just incase you wish to fight a Huge green trash fish or stripper while jigging for crappie. I married this rod/reel together because I din't want to put regular unleaded in a Farrari, that's all. Other than that, a plastic reel would have worked just fine. Remember one important factor. The correct size of reel for your rod is not necessarily always a small reel. It should be a reel that counter the weigh of the length of rod.
If you choose a correct size of reel for your rod, then the rod would be easily balance with just one finger at the spot where you intended to hold the rod. Trust me, you will feel the slightest tug on your jig. Fishing for hours tirelessly!
To illustrate this simple explanation, my better 1/2 allowed me to take this photo of her holding a balance rig.
Hope this isn't another boring blog of mine, but since not many usually have much to say in the majority of my post, it really doesn't matter...heheeh... as long as I can help ONE individual (who ever you are) become a bit better at this sport, it's worth it!
