Spinning Reel Locks Up

I recently discovered a solution to a problem that many fellow anglers have experienced and believe it to be the fault of their spinning reel.

First we should explain that this problem will only occur when our reel has anti-reverse bearings. Most reels being produced today are using anti-reverse bearings but there are exceptions. In the exception the reel has a blade that falls into a cog wheel to prevent the reverse rotation. This method is a more basic application and can have problems of it's own. The spring appyling tension to the blade can break and in extreme cases the blade itself can break.

Let's get back to the problem. I've just had a bite and hooked the fish. My anti-reverse switch is in the 'on' position and I begin cranking the reel. When this problem occurs the fish is probably over a pound in weight. As an example let's say it's an 18 to 20 inch Walleye. The fish makes a run while I'm cranking. When this happens the anti-reverse bearing is trying to do it's job and at the same instant I'm trying to reel the fish in. This is when the problem occurs. The tension on the line is trying to make the reel reverse direction, the bearing is trying to lock up while I'm trying to reel the fish in. I'm frustrated and trying harder to make the reel respond and it won't crank. The bearing is doing it's job and not allowing reverse rotation of the reel and I'm helping to make a bad situation worse by maintaining the tension required for the bearing to do it's job. I lose the fish and immediately the reel is fine.

#$%@&^*!!!

Now let's replay this fish using an alternitive method. I've hooked the fish with the anti-reverse in the on position. The anti-reverse has done it's job. I immediately turn it to the off position and proceed to fight the fish with the reel now able to back reel. If my drag is set properly I can hold the reel handle stationary and if the fish runs the drag will do it's job. I can reel at any time and the anti-reverse can not affect the out come.

A second possibility is to train ourselves to reel the fish in using the 'by the book' method. This is the pump and crank method of retrieving the fish. I've set the hook with the anti-reverse 'on'. Now I crank while allowing the rod tip to sweep downward toward the fish. By doing this I'm relieving the tension on the anti-reverse bearing which 'unlocks' it. When my rod goes just below horizontal I stop cranking and raise the rod back to 12 o'clock. Repeat the sweep down while cranking, stop cranking while raising the rod. All the while your using the anti-reverse in the manner intended. Pump and crank.

Richie

Independence, Ohio