Level Wind Reels – Pros and Cons
One of the most common questions posed by inshore saltwater anglers is which reel type to purchase. The two options, a level wind conventional reel or an open style conventional reel have both advantages and disadvantages depending on a number of features. This is a decision that nearly ever angler is going to have to make at one time or another, so having the information on the benefits and pitfalls of each type of reel is critical to purchasing the right one.
Offering an answer to a saltwater inshore angler requires understanding how they are going to use the reel, what type of line they intend to use and most importantly, their own personal preference. Each of these questions is important in reaching a final decision about what type of reel is best.
Open wind reels have fewer moving parts, while level wind reels use a pawl that runs across a worm shaft on the front of your reel. While the open wind reel requires interaction from the angler to properly rewind a line, the level wind reel accomplishes this through the mechanism that is inherent to this reel type.
An overwhelming factor in either reel type is of course your own personal preference. Surf-casters will tell you that they would not consider level wind reels because of two major factors (A) they are more susceptible to malfunction and (B) they cast differently. It’s important to remember that a saltwater surfcaster almost always hikes to their favorite fishing spot – the fact is that because of this they nearly always have only one reel and rod with them and equipment failure could completely ruin their day. Level wind reels can fail because of just a few grains of sand in the mechanism and they also create another contact point between your line and your reel – which of course are unique to the level wind reels. Open faced conventional reels simply don’t have these significant pitfalls making it the reel of choice for saltwater surfcasting anglers. Open faced conventional reels simply do not have the moving parts that are found in level wind reels, making them far less susceptible to needing repairs.
Various types of fishing lines are discussed in another article, but for the purposes of reels, you will want to review the line you use most often. If you’re more likely to use monofilament line, you’re more likely to lean towards a level wind reel. Frankly, a level wind reel is best for monofilament line because of the problems that trying to rewind the line manually using your thumb for a guide. Monofilament line tends to bunch up and will literally pile up near the frame and get high enough to interfere with proper reel functioning. If you’re using braided line you’re unlikely to run into these problems as it simply winds better without a lot of help from the angler.
Monofilament is a great line – it’s cost effective, it’s lightweight but it does have some downsides. One of them which can be problematic when you’re reeling in the catch of the day is this lines tendency to pile up in one spot on the spool when you’re reeling it in. Let us face it – we all understand the mechanics of reels – the more line that piles up the more likely it is to get high enough to interfere with proper reel operation. Worse yet, this line can bind the spool against the frame which creates even more problems. It’s a bit ironic – these types of issues almost always occur when you have a fish headed right for you – the line piles up at the back of the reel and you’ve missed your opportunity.
It is probably this single characteristic that means that an angler has to learn how to use their thumb to guide the line back and forth on an open reel. This allows the line to spool nearly evenly back on an open, non-level wind reel. This does take some practice, and unfortunately when you’ve got a fish that is destined to become one of your best catches, chances are pretty slim you’re going to be considering how evenly your line is rewinding.
For anglers who use braided line, this typically is not an issue. Because of the additional weight and its overall construction, braided line doesn’t tend to bunch up on an open wind reel. In fact, braided Dacron line tends to go back on the reel as nearly perfectly as one could expect with very little attention from the angler. For those who prefer braided Dacron lines, an open wind reel is definitely the one to purchase.
I will tell you, and you can confirm with any repair shop owner that far more level wind reels come in for repair than open wind reels. The reason for this is very obvious – an open wind reel has far fewer moving parts which result in far less opportunities for failure. It’s important that anyone purchasing a reel is aware of this issue, and understands that there is no manufacturer that is spared these additional repairs. The fact is that the overall construction of the level wind reel with its additional small parts will result in more breakdowns. The additional pressure resulting from a large fish, minute grains of salt and sand all combine with the pawl to put additional pressure on fishing line. Throw in failure to properly clean and lubricate a reel and the end result is that the reel is going to fail at some point. Open faced conventional reels simply do not have these drawbacks.
Take into consideration your personal preferences and the type of line you’re going to be using and combine this with whether you’re rigging or casting and these factors will help in making your final decision of whether to purchase an open wind reel or a level wind reel and you’ll ultimately make the right choice.
Making sure you have the best fishing supplies will make sure you have an enjoyable fishing experience. Some of the most popular fishing supplies out on the market include: Daiwa Sealine 30 and Penn 965.
Fishpond Dakota Carry-On Rod & Reel Case – Leland Fly Fishing Outfitters