Sitting on the lakeside, with your fishing hook dipped into the water. as you enjoy the weather, sounds like a peaceful image to paint. But in reality, fishing can be quite complicated and tumultuous. A hundred things can go wrong, including complications with your fishing reel.
This can be due to various reasons, such as a broken anti-reverse, closed bail, or a faulty or uncalibrated drag. The damage to a spinning wheel’s structure can cause it to spin both ways, even when it is locked to spin to only one side. Although spinning wheels are designed to spin both ways, this should not happen when you don’t intend it to.
If you want to learn more about why your reel is spinning both ways and how you can potentially fix the issue, keep reading.
What Is The Purpose Of Fishing Reels?
The reel is one of the most important parts of a fishing rod; it is used to wind the fishing wire. The reel allows the angler control over the hook and the fishing line and helps them catch and pull the fish trapped in the hook.
What Are The Types Of Fishing Reels?
Most fishing reels have either two types of reels, conventional or spinning. While conventional wheels offer more power to the fisherman, they are much harder to control and must be manually stopped when cast to avoid birdnesting the line. Spinning wheels resolve this issue and are generally easier to use, but you can often run into problems with them, such as the reel spinning both ways when you don’t want it to.
What Causes The Reel To Spin In Both Ways
Several factors contribute to this, and we must first locate the problem to find the solution.
The Anti-Reverse Is The Biggest Culprit
The most common culprit is the anti-reverse whenever you have an issue with the reel spinning. The anti-reverse is a switch that restricts the motion of the reel and stops it from moving in the wrong direction and pulling the spool’s line. When turned off, the anti-reverse allows the spool to spin freely.
How To Fix The Anti-Reverse Of Your Reel?
If your reel is spinning in both directions, check if the anti-reverse is turned on and engaged. If not, turn it on, and your problem should go away, but if it doesn’t, it is possible your anti-reverse system may have a problem. To resolve this, you will have to open up the anti-reverse to inspect the parts for misalignments or damages.
How To Inspect Your Anti-Reverse For Damages?
If you have tried re-engaging the anti-reverse and it still does not fix your problem, you could follow the following steps to inspect the anti-reverse for damages.
You first need to unscrew the case cap, take out the spool and unscrew the rotor nut until you reach the clutch assembly. Check to see if the clutch assembly is installed correctly into the nest bushing. By aligning the clutch with the bushing, your anti-reverse system should start operating normally. If any of these parts are broken, you can take your rod to a professional and have the parts easily replaced.
The Bail May Be Open
The bail is a small U-shaped wire, which can be set to either an open or a closed position. In an open position, the handle and spool are unlocked and are used when casting your line so the spool can unwind easily. In the close position, the movement is restricted, and the reel can only be spooled in. Make sure that your bail is not in the open position, as this can lead to the reel spinning both ways.
What If The Bail Is Closed, And The Problem Persists?
If the bail is closed and the reel is still spinning both ways, it is possible your bail is damaged. Carefully unscrew and open up the bail to inspect it. If any pieces seem broken or misplaced, they may be causing issues in your reel. You can buy and replace these parts from your local fishing shop.
Your Drag May Be Broken
A drag controls the fore a fish can apply on the line without reeling backward and releases the spin-lock in case more pressure is applied, so the line doesn’t snap. If the drag is set too low, a fish can easily tug the line and cause the reel to the spin-off.
What To Do If The Drag Is Broken?
In this case, calibrate the drag for the size of the fish you plan on catching, and the reel and drag should start working properly. If this does not work, remove your drag and clean the parts, as dirty parts may be causing friction and can result in a malfunctioning drag. If you notice any broken parts, take your fishing stick to a professional and have it repaired.
When Is It Time To Replace Your Reel?
The average lifespan of a good fishing reel is about six years. But reels are sensitive and prone to damage quickly. Dust and debris can also accumulate within them, and there’s a chance they might rust. If the reel is rusty or is not working correctly, and if you have ensured that all the other problems highlighted are not causing the issue, it is best to replace the reel.
When To Replace A Fishing Rod?
Fishing rods last way longer than reels. You can keep changing the reel on the same rod for about 20-50 years. But if you tend to overuse it or if there is too much exposure to the sun, UV rays, and dust, it is best to replace it whenever you see a decline in efficiency.
The Bottom Line
Fishing reels can spin both ways, but that should not typically happen. If your reel is spinning both ways and causing problems, it is best to attempt to situate where the problem is coming from. Once you find out what is wrong with the reel, the solution is relatively simple, and you can go back to your smooth fishing process.
