It might be aggravating to have a fishing reel that does not lock-in. Especially if you’ve hooked a fish and the line is free-spinning without contacting the drag. However, regardless of your expertise or ability level, you can entirely solve this. It’s something that many fishermen have experienced or will experience at some point.
There might be several causes for your reel to lock up. They may include the following: Broken Spool or Bail Wire Anti-Reverse Issues, Line Tangles or Twisting Drag System Malfunctions, Broken Spool or Drag Lock.
Like many other pursuits, learning the intricacies of fishing is not only necessary but may also be enjoyable. As you gain a thorough understanding of how the equipment works, you will naturally improve your fishing skills. This will save you time and allow you to avoid frequent errors.
Read ahead to learn more.
How Does the Spinning Reel Work?
The wide design of the spinning reel makes it user-friendly not just for fishing but also for troubleshooting. When there is a tangle or it becomes stuck, the open form allows for much simpler access.
The rotating reel provides plenty of line room. When compared to other reels, this one has more line capacity. As a result, this may be a wonderful option for anybody looking to spend a long day on the lake without having to change lines frequently.
The reel hangs behind the rod and has a fixed spool, allowing for the unfettered throwing of small lures. This gives the reel a sense of equilibrium, which is one of the reasons why so many people like it and why beginners can pick it up quickly.
Understanding how the reel works, how to set it up, and how to maximize the lifetime of all your equipment via good maintenance can help you avoid problems.
How To Fix A Broken Spool?
A damaged spool or bail wire is by far the most common cause of reel performance issues, so we’ll go over it carefully. Spools, gears, and bail wire are all prone to breaking or malfunctioning.
The same thing might happen inside the reel with some of the most important components, such as the springs. If something inside has been damaged or ceased operating, the reel will almost always fail to lock.
If this is the case, take a set of pliers and a tiny screwdriver, and if you have any spare parts lying around, it’s a good idea to have them on hand. You’ll need to:
- Remove the shorter screw on the side of the rotating arm that supports the bail wire. Most spinning reels enable you to replace just one screw, but certain types may require you to release both.
- You may now check the bail wire for signs of deterioration. Disconnect the bail wire and check the full length of wire. Look for rust and corrosion, as well as any portions that are twisted, deformed, or have snapped. If there is any form of damage, now is the time to replace it.
- If you’ve checked the bail wire and found it to be in good condition, it’s time to examine the line roller. This will be simple: take out the bolt fastening the line roller, and properly check it. You should change it if it is no longer in excellent shape.
- If everything up to this point has looked good, the springs are the next area you should inspect. To inspect it, you must first detach it from the side of the pivoting bail arm.
The Drag System And Other Issues
Your drag mechanism lets huge fish draw the line without snapping it, while still providing resistance to wear the fish down. When the fish applies reverse pressure, the drag mechanism prevents the line from being dragged out freely.
This is another typical case of the reel not locking.
The first step will be to ensure that the drag is appropriately adjusted. If it is set to the lowest setting, this might be the source of the locking difficulties. Essentially, it will cause the rope to unravel too rapidly and too readily.
If it doesn’t work, it might be a problem with the drag itself. This might indicate that any of the components, such as the knob or spring, have been damaged.
If your reel is not locking in because of the anti-reverse mechanism, you may need to consider a more sophisticated remedy. The anti-reverse system is a highly complex system consisting of several gears, tiny springs, and microscopic components that are easily broken or deformed. For this, you’ll need to call in a professional for help.
The most prevalent line problem is line twists. One of the most common causes is simple long-term usage. It’s possible that you merely need to replace it because it’s no longer as powerful as it was previously. It can also be caused by an incorrect setup that is uneven or loose.
Remove the old line from your reel and carefully install a new one (using a professional machine if feasible) to achieve a tight and uniformly distributed line.
As you pull in your catch, the braided line might glide up and down the fishing pole. This is a typical problem that demands more care than simply stopping. You may need to wrap some braided line around the spool to keep it from sliding. Also, if a knot comes undone or a line loop pops, you’ll need to repair it.
Why Does My Reel Keep Spinning?
Many contemporary fishing reels have anti-reverse clutches or devices that allow the reel to spin in both directions. When these gadgets are jostled, they only turn in one direction, such as backward. This is fixed by releasing the clutch and letting it travel freely again.
Conclusion
There are several reasons why your reel may not be correctly locked, and maybe one of these options will assist you. If everything else fails, take it to a specialist for an examination. They will be able to assist you in identifying and resolving the problem.
