Shimano Reel Instructions

fishing image by Ben Bolton from Fotolia.com

Shimano reels are a favorite among many anglers for use in both fresh and saltwater environments. From freshwater trout and crappie to saltwater striped bass and bluefin tuna, Shimano manufactures a variety of fishing reels designed to meet the needs of most anglers. Shimano spinning and bait-cast reels feature high-quality components and are made to last. Fishing with Shimano reels is easy to do and typically takes only a short amount of time to learn.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Shimano Spinning Reel

Things You’ll Need:

Shimano spinning reel with matched rod
Shimano bait-casting reel with matched rod
Fishing line
Lure or hook and bait

Step 1

Grip the handle of the spinning rod so that the reel seat foot is split between your second and third fingers. The seat foot is mounted to the rod with rings that are pushed or screwed into place.

Step 2

Turn the handle of the Shimano spinning reel until the roller guide on the bail of the reel is straight up or at the 12 o'clock position.

Step 3

Reach forward with your index finger. Hook the line with your finger just in front of the line roller. Allow the line to rest in the first joint of the finger and hold it tightly.

Step 4

Open the bail of the reel with your other hand so that line can spool from the reel during the cast. Continue to hold the line with your index finger.

Step 5

Bring the rod back and then forward toward a target on the water. As the tip of the rod approaches the target, release the line from your index finger and allow it to spool from the reel.

Step 6

Close the bail of the reel manually or turn the handle to engage the bail when the lure or bait lands in the water and sinks to the desired depth. Turn the handle to retrieve the bait.

Shimano Bait-Cast Reel

Step 1

Hold the rod handle and Shimano reel with your hand. It is necessary to position your hand so that the thumb can access the spool of the reel for control. Typically, the index finger rests just below the front of the reel and the remaining fingers wrap around the rod handle for support.

Step 2

Place the pad of your thumb on the spool of the reel. This is necessary to control the line as it spools from the reel toward the target on the water.

Step 3

Press the spool release button on the back of the reel. Bring the rod back and then forward toward a point on the water. As the tip of the rod approaches the direction that you want the lure to go, raise your thumb and allow the line to spool from the reel.

Step 4

Apply slight pressure to the line on the spool as the lure or bait contacts the water. Pressure on the spool will help prevent an over-run and a resulting backlash of the line.

Step 5

Engage the spool by turning the handle of the reel forward as the lure or bait reaches the desired depth. Begin turning the handle to retrieve the bait through the water.

Tips & Warnings

Practice casting in your yard or open area with a practice plug or old fishing lure with the hooks removed. Cast to a target on the ground, such as a ring outlined with chalk or paint.

Article Written By Keith Dooley

Keith Dooley has a degree in outdoor education and sports management. He has worked as an assistant athletic director, head coach and assistant coach in various sports including football, softball and golf. Dooley has worked for various websites in the past, contributing instructional articles on a wide variety of topics.

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