Some fishing advice on reels please.?

Question

Hi, I am a bit confused as to the difference between front drag and rear drag on reels and for what type of fishing each is suitable/best for. Also I have been told for float fishing a closed face reel is best but I haven't seen many people using them, is this true and if so why? Many thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Well, there are facts scattered around in different answers, so if you sort through it, you might figure it out.  I'll try to just answer what you asked.  

The difference between front and rear drag - rear drag is more convenient when adjusting drag during a fight/on the fly.  However, the drag is less consistent, less durable, not a smooth, and more prone to problems.  Front drag, although "harder" to adjust during a fight, is more durable, more consistent over the duration of a pull, and will perform better in general.  They are built differently, as another answer mentioned.  Front drag is created using washers (ceramic, felt, stainless steel, etc....lots of different materials can be used here) that when tightened down on each other, create friction and pressure on the top of the spool.  Rear drag uses a series of washers (at the back of the reel) as well, but the spool is pulled downward by the pressure created by the rear k**b as it tightens down.  This creates stress at the spool, since it's in a "fixed" position, and can put too much strain and cause breakage or weak points in the gears of the reel.  

The types of fishing is not really determined by the drag.  It's more a personal preference.  

Closed face reels are not necessarily better or worse than other reels when it comes to float fishing.  If you're just casting out and letting the float sit, where there's no current to worry about, then it makes no difference.  If you're casting out into a river or somewhere you want the current to take your float and move it along the current, then other reels are much more suitable.  If you're working with current, then the ultimate most "appropriate" reel is a centerpin.  They are frictionless reels (they look like fly reels - but have no drag).  This allow the float to travel exactly with the current, creating the most natural offering possible.  Aside from the centerpin, since it's not all that common, a baitcaster would be next since most have the ability to "freespool" and offer little resistance.  However, since most float setups are light weight, most baitcasters aren't effective in controlling the cast properly.  Therefore, spinning reels are the next best thing.  They can cast a light setup that baitcasters might have trouble with.

Answer 2

Front drags are better drags than rear drags because they are nade up of washers and rear ones use pressure against a small portion of the spool.

So for best all round use the front drags reels would be better and if you get a larger fish you will have better control.

Answer 3

Front drag is on top of the string spool.

Rear drag is at the back of the reel.

Either one can be used to fish for small to large fish.

The rear drag is for convenience and you don't get your hand tangled in the string... But rarely do I ever get my hand caught in the string on a front drag... Maybe twice in 40 years.

Most closed faced reels are geared towards smaller fish and are usually starter reels for youth. There are some good one's for adults and larger fishes though.

It's more about individual preferences than anything else.

Answer 4

I haven't used "closed reels", like the Zebco 33 spincaster is ages, but it is great for beginners and kids.

Open faced spinning reels, whether front or rear drag (which has been answered greatly already), are great all around reels, also for beginners...used for "shaky head" a LOT lately, spinning baits, like RoosterTails, and small/ lite crankbaits and LITE line. They seem to "line twist" more...

My favorite are the baitcasters, for heavier lures, more accurate casting (if you know how to set it and thumb it, because backlashes suck), winching fish out of deep waters, or muck in lily pads and grass, and flipping and pitching techniques with HEAVIER lines. Best reserved for advanced fishermen/ women...Less "line twist" with these too.

I have both front and back drag spinning reels, and it really is personal preference, but that rear drag is handy to adjust when a big fish & fight is on. :D

Hope this helps!

Answer 5

once got my mate to ask for a tub of master bait in fishing shop, was funny as f***. he never realised till they told him they didnt sell it. it was meant to be power bait. cant help bout reel tho

Answer 6

front drag is adjusted at the spool. its more consistant but its harder to adjust when you are fighting a fish. rear drag is at the back of the reel and is more convienient to adjust but is less consistant. i think its just a matter of preference what type of reel to use for floats.

Answer 7

I find that front drag reels are more sensitive than rear drag reels, also they are better when going for big fish as the reel is more robust. Although if you want to change lines with rear grag reels ,the spool will have a button to push in and change the spool easily.Front drag reels you have to undo the drag setting to take off the spool.Saying that my Mitchell 300(over 30 yrs old and still going strong) have a button on the front to take off the spool and are front drag. Reel manufactures these days don't seem to make any reels of this style .Most bait-runner style reels are rear drag and if you use larger models they are a lot heavier than non bait-runner reels.As for closed face reels Diawa still make two models, I have the120M it's a sound little reel, I use it when trotting an avon float on the river. Its best used of smaller fish like roach, dace and small chub.The good thing with it is after you cast out you can hold the line with your finger and let out some as the float runs down stream, when a fish takes you strike and when you wind in it takes the line off your finger and your straight into the fish. With this reel you can only use fine lines, anything over 3lbs bs and the line will jam in the reel.For this reason I wouldn't use it on a lake where bigger fish are present. Hope this helps some, any questions you have your better going to your local tackle shop .They will have a large selection of reels and can point you in the right direction. Tight lines.