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.
The decision of what type of reel to purchase requires that you not only consider your personal preferences, but also how you intend to use the reel (what type of fishing) and what type of line that you normally fish with. Each factor must be carefully weighed and once you have accounted for them, you can make the best possible decision about which reel works best for you.
A level wind reel is perfect if you’re fishing almost exclusively with monofilament line. A level wind uses guides that will ensure that your line rewinds smoothly without the bunching up that is common in an open wind conventional reel when you’re reeling in that big catch. The reel uses a simple pawl that runs back and forth across the front of the reel on a worm shaft. This is completely unlike an open style conventional reel which has no guide line. Those who use open style conventional reels will find they have to take certain steps to ensure that monofilament line is correctly spooled back to their reel.
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.
Another article will take on the differences in fishing line types, but it is important that you consider this when you’re purchasing a reel. if you are primarily fishing with monofilament line, you’re probably more likely to need the benefits offered by level wind reels and if braided line is your preference then you’ll be better off with an open wind conventional reel. Dacron braided lines and monofilament lines have significant differences in how they reel back in after that big catch.
Monofilament line is the line of choice for many anglers – it offers stretch and it’s cost effective. It does have its downsides however and these downsides make the use of a level wind conventional reel very practical unless you want to spend time learning how to guide your line back onto your reel with your thumb. While this practice is common and not hard to learn, it’s highly unlikely that when you’re reeling in a big fish you are going to be paying all that much attention as to how you’re rewinding your line if you are using an open wind conventional reel.
This common characteristic forces anglers to learn how to guide their line back on the open reel. This is not difficult to do, it merely takes some practice to learn how to rewind your line evenly. Using their thumb, most anglers will quickly find that their line will go back on an open reel easily. One of the downsides however, is that it’s easy to get distracted from the care necessary for even winding when you’re reeling that big fish in.
The bottom line here is if you’re using monofilament most of the time you’re probably going to want to consider a level wind reel while if you’re angling with braided line most of the time, an open wind conventional reel is probably perfect for you.
Ask any repair shop owner, myself included, and you’ll find that the level wind reel is one of the top items that are repaired annually. It doesn’t matter who made it, each manufacturer is treated equally in this case. Level wind reels are far more susceptible to failure than open reels. This could be in part that when you’re fishing with a 20lb drag, and you land a good sized fish, additional pressure is put on the line guide system. Combine this additional pressure with salt and sand that might be missed during cleaning and insufficient lubrication and you’re no doubt going to have your level wind reel fail. If you use open faced conventional reels, you are not going to have this problem.
While your personal preferences are certainly going to play a significant role in your final decision, also take into consideration your line type and your fishing habits – rigging or casting – and you’ll be able to make a sound decision between the level wind conventional reel and open conventional reel.
With all the different types of reels out there things can get confusing. Doing your research before hand can save yourself a headache. Some of the most popular reels include: Seaborg 300FB, Daiwa Viento, and Shimano Stella FD.
