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After processing in a previous article rod choice, let's take a look at how to choose the reel that will complete your vertical fishing outfit.
Constraints
For this technique, a sturdy reel with a solid mechanism is recommended. Elevator fishing (reeling in the lure directly with the reel without using the rod) puts a heavy load on the mechanics, especially if you're using lures weighing more than 150 grams.
A saltwater-resistant, treated reel is obviously recommended.
The brake must be powerful enough to counter the rushes of large specimens.
Its capacity should allow you to spool a 200m spool of braid in 20 or 25 lbs.
As for the ratio, i.e. recovery in cm per crank revolution, it should be high (over 80/85 cm).
Casting or spinning
In the article on rod choice, I didn't go into detail on this point. Now it's time to consider the choice between a casting reel and a spinning reel.
Spinning is the traditional reel used by the vast majority of anglers. If you're a beginner, you'll naturally turn to the type of reel you're used to using. You'll be spoilt for choice, and many models are available for the marine environment. For vertical use, a minimum size of 4000 is recommended. This will give you sufficient drag, ratio and capacity.
The choice of a casting reel is not the one made by the majority of anglers. Just take a look at what your retailer has to offer and you'll see that the choice is more limited. These reels are often more expensive than spinning reels, and it's hard to find a model that combines retrieve, power drag and capacity. However, over the last few years, with the popularity of vertical fishing, brands have been developing more and more casting models.
Why I chose casting
Ever since I first tried vertical casting, I've never looked back. It may have taken me a while to find the right reel, but I've found many advantages.
- The lure descends faster. The spool turns on itself and you don't have the friction of the braid on the spool that you have with spinning.
- I can control the lure's descent with my thumb without letting go of the hand holding the crank.
- You don't have to close the pickup with the hand crank.
- For the more experienced, you can use your thumb to compensate for the brake.
My selection of casting and spinning reels
Although all my personal sets are cast, I use spinning sets dedicated to guests.
In this case, I use Shimano Stradic FL 4000 or Tica Talisman 4000 rods. Their high ratios and brakes make them perfectly suited to the task.
In casting, the choice was more complicated. I started with a TICA KC51H (which I still use). Inexpensive, its brake sometimes reaches its limits when I come across very large specimens.
More suitable is the TICA Victor. A genuine winch which, with its large capacity, 15-kilo brake and 93-cm recovery per crank turn, is my favorite for this technique.
