Great Lakes Bass Fishing Forum

What are the pros and cons of back reeling on spinning gear? Do you use this technique to replace the drag? It seems like it could present problems when landing a fish.

I have been back reeling for a few years now. I was having problems with my drag not slipping as it should (old reels) and learned to back reel instead. You can use your fingers on your rod hand to help also by either slowing the reel down or to "lock" the reel into place to help with landing fish. It takes a little bit of time, but I have gotten used to it.

I started back reeling years ago, to ease drag problems.  One of the problems with drags & light line is the "start up" tension of the drag.  A drag thats set to 2 # pressure to break will allow steady line pull with less pressure after slip begins.  You end up with very little drag after the initial start up.

Set your drag at 1/3 of line break strength like usual.  When you get a fish on, allow the handle to turn backward under control when the drag begins to slip.  Only give line to the fish when when it overcomes the drag.  You can also soften a surge by "giving" a little with your arms at the same time.  With time you'll learn to do it without thinking.

To keep up with a burner, drop your index finger down to the spool and apply light pressure to the side of the rotor to slow the spin.  You can't possibly back reel fast enough to keep up with a racer.