Which reel to choose for donkey
For bottom fishing, open-type spinning reels are considered the most suitable. They are capable of winding almost 150 meters of 0.25 mm fishing line onto a spool, which makes it possible to use heavy feeder equipment with a shako or picker. If the fisherman’s choice fell on light equipment, you can use a lighter spinning reel. The rule says: the reel in any case must have a spool whose diameter is equal to or greater than 40 millimeters.
A selection of reliable reels for the feeder
Daiwa 20 Ninja BR LT 5000-C
Excellent combination of price and quality. One of the most popular feeder reels in the “World of Hunting” chain of stores. It is distinguished by excellent mechanics, the force is transmitted smoothly to the rotor, thereby extending the service life and making the rotation smoother. The spool is made in the shape of a reverse cone. The line comes off evenly without tangling. The model is equipped with a baitrunner baitrunner
Inertialess reels are equipped with a baitrunner system to prevent the fish from dragging the rod away during a strong bite. More details, gear ratio 5.2:1.
Reel Daiwa 20 Ninja BR LT 5000-C 6,150 RUR
Reel Daiwa 20 Ninja BR LT 5000-C
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DAM Quick 4 4000FD method
Universal German reel in a rich configuration. In the box you will find two spools of different depths and two handles - one-handed and two-handed. Gear ratio 5.2:1.
Reel DAM Quick 4 4000FD method 6+1bb 6,267 RUR
Reel DAM Quick 4 4000FD method 6+1bb
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DAM Quick 6 4000FD method
An advanced reel for method fishing. It runs smoothly and, thanks to ten sealed bearings, is very durable. A smooth clutch with carbon washers will adequately withstand the rapid throws of fast fish. Gear ratio 5.2:1.
Reel DAM Quick 6 4000FD method 9+1bb RUB 9,422
Reel DAM Quick 6 4000FD method 9+1bb
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DAM Quick 5 LC 5000 FD
The model is suitable for equipping powerful fishing rods for fishing in strong currents and large bodies of water. The 4.8:1 gear ratio is ideal for throwing heavy rigs and retrieving them with ease.
Reel DAM Quick 5 LC 5000 FD 4+1BB 6,839 RUR
Reel DAM Quick 5 LC 5000 FD 4+1BB
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Daiwa 19 N'ZON Plus LT 6000SS-P
Specialized feeder model from a Japanese brand. The 6000 size and 4.7:1 gear ratio indicate that the reel is designed for heavy-tackle fishing. Mechanism Tough Digigear Tough Digigear
— further development of Digigear II. It has improved transmission geometry, ensuring quiet operation and durability of the pair. More details: it has powerful traction and a soft ride. The aluminum housing reliably protects the gears from contact with water. Includes two spools.
Reel Daiwa 19 N'ZON Plus LT 6000SS-P RUB 16,330
Reel Daiwa 19 N'ZON Plus LT 6000SS-P
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Daiwa 18 TDR 4012QD
A top reel that is suitable even for professional fishing. The enlarged anti-reverse lever provides a comfortable grip and provides additional stability when playing fish. Aluminum body Hardbodyz Hardbodyz
— housing made of durable aluminum alloy. More reliably protects the internal mechanism of the reel, allowing you to significantly increase its service life, which is especially important when using heavy feeder equipment.
QD drag QD
is a fast, durable, highly efficient friction brake from Daiwa. More details allows you to instantly respond to changes in fishing conditions. Includes two spools. Gear ratio 4.9:1.
Reel Daiwa 18 TDR 4012QD 20,999 RUR
Reel Daiwa 18 TDR 4012QD
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Daiwa Tournament 4010 QD
A first-class feeder reel that meets all requirements: you can rely on it in the most difficult conditions. The reel is perfect for sport fishing, as it has a smooth ride and outstanding durability thanks to its ten-bearing mechanism. Gear ratio 4.9:1. Three spools included.
Reel Daiwa Tournament 4010 QD 28,000 RUR
Reel Daiwa Tournament 4010 QD
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Daiwa 20 Whisker 25 QD
Large reel for method and carp fishing. The combination of a large and very wide spool with a small and compact body allows for the creation of light and very strong reels with optimal casting characteristics. The special design of the spool edge is combined with the properties of its cone, which leads to minimal line friction when casting, thereby significantly reducing the likelihood of tangling. Gear ratio 4.7:1.
Reel Daiwa 20 Whisker 25 QD 27,000 RUR
Reel Daiwa 20 Whisker 25 QD
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Technical characteristics of a donkey reel: how to choose for a beginner
The main parameters of spinning reels are weight, gear ratio, thrust capacity, and spool capacity. A description of these characteristics can be found on the coil body, as well as in the accompanying documentation (if available). The exception is traction. This parameter can be found out through the gear ratio.
The gear ratio itself indicates the number of revolutions of the rotor around the spool in one full revolution of the reel handle. With a gear ratio below 5.2:1, the reel is perfect for use with heavy equipment, allowing you to easily wind the line onto the spool, as well as for landing large fish.
If the gear ratio is higher than 5.2:1, the reel is more suitable for match fishing rods with casting light float equipment. Models with a value below 4.6:1 are strength models that allow you to pull heavy weights. But the speed at which the line is drawn onto the spool is low for such reels, so their element is carp fishing. Such models are extremely rarely used for feeder fishing.
Having found out the pulling force of the coil, you can narrow down your search. Next, we look at the second important indicator of a spinning reel - the size of the spool, which determines the capacity of the fishing line, the mass of the reel and the dimensions of its body. Everything is logical here: a larger spool will hold more fishing line, but the mass of the reel will also increase. Most manufacturers use the classification system of the large reel companies - Shimano and Daiwa. The second company produces reels that are slightly larger in size.
Where can I find the bobbin size? Of course, on her body. If this indicator is within 2000-2500, the reel is suitable for pickers, if from 2000 to 6000 - for feeder gear. However, it is best to clarify this important parameter with a consultant. Many companies use their own sizing systems to indicate the capacity of a reel spool.
The size of the spool directly affects the line capacity. This parameter is indicated on the spool skirt and the designation looks something like this: No. 3 (0.28 mm – 150m). This means that we have a 3000 size spool on which up to 150 meters of fishing line with a diameter of 0.28 millimeters is wound.
If we talk about the weight of the reel, then it is important to maintain a balance of the scales so that neither the rod nor the reel outweighs. If the tackle is balanced, the fisherman’s hands will not get tired, and casting will become comfortable and accurate.
There is an unspoken rule: the smaller the mass of the feeder coil, the more convenient it is. However, such reels are more expensive, since they use special light alloys to make them lighter. This allows you to reduce the weight of the product while maintaining technical parameters at an excellent level.
How to wind fishing line on an inertial reel
Lines are wound onto inertial reels without backing. Simply take the required amount of fishing line and wind it onto the drum. If you use a Neva reel for long-distance fishing, then take 150 meters of fishing line. Loop one end through the drum and simply tie two knots. Then you install the reel on the fishing rod and begin to wind the line onto the drum from the reel. Press the line with your finger against the blank near the leg and wind it under tension.
Wet your finger periodically in water and maintain the same winding pace. See how smooth the turns on the coil are. After 3-4 approaches, you will know in practice how to wind the fishing line onto an inertial reel.
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How good is the reel for the baitrunner donkey system?
The first batches of reels made using the baitrunner system gave their owners an advantage. But later this system became standard when fishing with a carp rod. The baitrunner is a lever that allows you to fine-tune the reel. During a bite, the line comes off the spool freely, simulating a weakened friction brake of the reel.
The baitrunner allows you to adjust the tightening force of the fishing line. This system is turned off by turning the knob. At the same time, the friction brake, which has been set in advance, is activated.
The baitrunner system is convenient when the fishing rod simply lies on the shore, and the fisherman is at some distance from it. When you bite, the fishing rod will not fly into the water; the line will simply begin to unwind from the spool. Although when fishing for carp, there are times when even a small specimen can snatch the fishing rod from the fisherman’s hands, even despite the baitrunner system being turned on. Carp is a strong fish.
The baitrunner also allows you to make the line flow freely, so that, for example, you can leave a little reserve line when filling the feeder with new bait. This is especially useful for novice fishermen. In addition, the baitrunner allows you to release the line from the reel without changing the drag setting.
Bottom fishing reel
Home | Tackle | Bottom fishing reel
Bottom fishing reels must be powerful. This is one of the important operating conditions for the donkey. This method of fishing uses feeders, so power is important when casting the rig. Open inertia-free reels are best suited here.
The power of the coil is contained in its gear ratio. The lower this number, the more powerful the coil. It is written on the side and is designated, for example, 4:1. This means that for one revolution of the handle the line guide makes 4 revolutions. For bottom fishing, reels with a gear ratio of less than 4.5:1 are suitable.
Another important parameter of a bottom fishing reel is the reverse stopper. It should work clearly, which will protect the rotating mechanisms from strong jerks of the fish being caught. It is also necessary for fine-tuning bottom gear. Its good setting will allow you not to miss even the most careful roach bites.
The next important parameter of a donkey reel is the friction brake. It allows you to preserve the tackle and not break the line when a heavy load occurs. Therefore, it must be of high quality and work like a clock. The friction brake allows the reel to spin and give up a little line when there is a strong load or jerk of the fish being caught.
You also need to buy a couple of spare spools. Their houses need to be filled with fishing line of different diameters. This will allow you not to waste time while fishing on rewinding the fishing line, but to quickly change the spool. The spool must have a diameter of at least 40 mm. The fishing line must be wound within 1 mm of the edge of the side. This will allow you to make the longest casts of the equipment.
The line layer should operate clearly and without knocking and immediately move the line onto the roller. It also needs to be treated with special attention, since all the friction of the fishing line and reel occurs through this roller. It should rotate well, without jamming.
The number of bearings is also an important parameter. There must be at least 4 of them. They allow the reel mechanisms to rotate freely.
The mount of the selected reel for bottom fishing should fit the reel seat of your rod. It must also properly balance the entire tackle, that is, the center of gravity of the assembled bottom tackle should lie slightly above the reel seat. This will allow you to fish comfortably, and your hands will not get tired while fishing.
Reels for bottom fishing from the following companies have proven themselves to be quite good: Shimano, Daiwa, Black Hole, RYOBI, Cormoran.
Is it worth choosing a reel for the figting drag donkey system?
These reels do not use a baitrunner system, but a slightly different type of drag setting. Instead of a baitrunner, these reels have a Figting Drag system lever installed at the back, which allows you not to turn off the friction brake, but to adjust its operation. Moreover, this happens much faster than in the battlerunner system. The "fast friction brake" has the ability to adjust the free play. Turning the lever to the left completely releases the brake, turning the lever to the right adjusts the clutch. This system has proven itself to be excellent. It allows you to adjust the friction brake faster than other systems, even when playing strong and large fish.
Both the freewheel adjustment lever and the Figting Drag lever are located on the rear of the reel, which in turn allows for significantly easier spool changes, which have become much easier to remove.
Universal wiring reel for donkey
The universal reel allows for various types of fishing. Fishing “with wire”, with donk, “overlap”, spinning fishing - a universal reel can be used everywhere.
The concept of “line reel” is generalized and includes inertial and inertia-free reels that allow for both amateur and sport fishing.
Inertia-free versions of the wire reel come with a closed and open spool. Multiplier reels are also used for line fishing.
Wiring reels are used depending on the place where the fish will be fished. A flowing reservoir or standing water in it, the width of the reservoir, the depth and type of prevailing currents - all this gives an understanding of what characteristics the reel should have. Among the main parameters of wiring coils are the following:
- weight and material from which the reel is made;
- brake system and its type;
- ease of descent of the fishing line and smooth motion when reeling in;
- line reeling speed;
- type of attachment to the rod, ergonomics.
Many fishermen cite the advantage of an inertial reel as the ability to make more efficient retrieves, tighten the line by simply rotating the drum, and also keep the line in constant tension, which increases the sensitivity of the gear. You can also feed the line by simply rotating the drum. This is especially convenient when fishing under overhanging bushes and snags: there is no need to once again tug on the line with the rod.
The most popular is the cone reel model with ball bearings. When fishing in line, such reels allow you to keep the line in constant tension due to the reeling speed, thanks to which the angler has the opportunity to maneuver the tackle.
If fishing involves catching small fish in still water, you can use a thinner fishing line, which does not affect the casting distance and accuracy.
When fishing in the current, it is better to use a reel with a spool. This will allow you to control the accuracy of casting the reel by hand. Catching large and strong fish is carried out with inertial reels made in a strong and durable housing. When fishing this way, constant monitoring of the spoon in its depth is necessary.
Advantages and disadvantages of monofilament fishing line and cord
One of the main advantages of fishing cords is that they provide the highest sensitivity of the gear. This property is important both when transmitting a bite to a quiver tip, and when examining with a special marker sinker to determine the bottom topography and its composition, as well as in identifying a promising fishing point.
Feeder monofilament also has its advantages over cord. First of all, it is the cost, which makes it accessible to everyone. Many high-income fishermen do not recognize this factor as an advantage, but for others this can be quite a serious argument, since when using monofilament it is possible to save on gear in general. In addition, if we often have to fish on edges dotted with colonies of bivalve shells or sharp underwater rocks, we must keep in mind that they can easily cut the line, which cannot be said about monofilament. This, of course, is a minus. But, however, it can be compensated by using a shock leader made of a larger diameter fishing line or fluorocarbon equipment.
Special feeder monofilament differs from ordinary fishing line in its lower degree of elongation. But the latter is still present and can reach up to 10-15% of its length, which is already a lot at distances over 30 m. Although, when comparing braided and monofilament feeder lines at a casting distance of up to 30 m, you will not notice a significant difference in sensitivity. And even in this case, depreciation will be very useful - the stretchability of the fishing line dampens the jerks of the fish, and the likelihood of bringing a large specimen to the landing net increases. But in the process of fishing at longer distances, especially over 50 m, fishing with monofilament will become problematic. For example, if you are using a line, then to hook you only need to remove the feeder from the stand, but in the case of monofilament you will also need to take a couple of steps back.
Read: Innova Ultralight 2004 reel
But the inextensible “braid” loses to monofilament in the process of fishing. It is especially justified to use feeder monofilament on carp reservoirs, where the fish bite will be clearly visible, and the fishing process will be simpler and more effective for the fisherman. But let’s not forget about using a feeder-gum insert, and also thoroughly adjust the friction brake of our reel, which, coupled with the soft action of the rod, will more than compensate for the depreciation of the monofilament.
But what to do if you are just learning to fish with this gear - and your friction brake, for example, is not set up perfectly? In addition, any clutch also has a delay time. This is especially true when trophy specimens are being caught. But if the situation is in the current, then the cord on the spool is already a big disadvantage, and you need to have very good experience working with the rod and drag so as not to get a broken leash. So if you are fishing in ponds where, for example, carp are bred, you still have to give preference to monofilament.
With the same cross-sectional diameter, the “braid” is several times stronger than monofilament of the same diameter. For still water, such superiority is not of great importance, but when fishing on a current, the diameter plays an important role: the thinner it is, the less windage there will be and the less it will carry the feeder. Accordingly, it becomes possible to work with lighter feeders, and in this case it is more advisable to use a cord rather than a monofilament line.
Let's also not forget about the side wind when fishing. When casting a feeder rig in gusts of wind, a fishing line, for example, with a diameter of 0.25 mm, is very windy, resulting in a hefty loop being formed. And this leads to inaccurate casting and missed bites when choosing extra fishing line. So “braid” is preferable even during strong winds.
But there are a few more disadvantages of the cord - for example, the fact that it is a real “magnet” for debris floating on the surface of the water. This is especially acute when fishing near poplars. After the first cast, the small rings of the quivertip can become clogged with poplar fluff, which is then quite difficult to clean out. And, of course, when fishing in subzero air temperatures, the line freezes right before your eyes. There is no need to argue - in these conditions, monofilament wins.
And what is better for a feeder - a cord or a monofilament line? As you can see, there is no definite answer to this question, because both materials have positive and negative properties, so for effective feeder fishing you need to keep both of them in stock. This leads to the first requirement for a feeder reel - the mandatory presence of two spools.
Another characteristic feature of the cord is that it can saw through objects that are in direct contact with it. Consequently, not every reel or rod can withstand prolonged use with braided line. This is directly related not so much to the roughness of the cord, but to its ability to collect all sorts of debris. In clean water, even the cheapest rings with no-name aluminum oxide inserts last for many years. But muddy water is perhaps the biggest enemy of rods and reels. A suspension of microscopic particles in the water column during fishing settles on braided fishing lines, turning them into a real abrasive tool, which only the highest quality ceramics can resist. Metal, alas, gives in. And not only on rod guides. If for some reason the roller of an inertia-free reel stops rotating freely (the bearing wears out, the bushing becomes wedged, or some thin spacer-washer wears out), then cutting it with a cord will happen very quickly. On the rollers of very expensive reels, distinct grooves appear, which can subsequently severely damage the working section of the cord. And stuck or jammed rollers on budget reels are literally cut right through. True, such misfortunes do not await all fishermen. For pedantic people who regularly maintain their reels, the rollers last much longer, but still do not last forever.
Thus, if we want to fish using a line, there is a mandatory requirement for the feeder rod - the presence of rings with inserts made of silicon carbide (SiC) or at least Alconite. This will prevent their rapid wear, and will also extend the service life of the not-so-cheap braided fishing line.
At what price is it profitable to buy a donkey reel?
Now you can find on store shelves a wide variety of models of bottom fishing reels. Usually in the segment up to 1000 rubles, the difference between the models is small: it is not a fact that a reel for 400 rubles will be better than a reel for 250. Moreover, they are all produced in Chinese factories and have similar characteristics.
If a donkey reel is not chosen for catching strong fish, for example, catfish, then the optimal range is a price of 300-500 rubles. Many well-known manufacturers also make their reels under license in China. So, a well-known brand whose name is printed on the body does not mean that the reel was produced somewhere in Europe or America. As a rule, it is produced in the same Chinese factories.
If you are ready to spend a good amount of money on a reel for a bottom fishing rod, take carp models, as they are designed for catching large and strong fish, which means they have a good margin of safety and wear resistance.
If your target is a large fish, take an expensive and durable reel, but it will require the same rod. In principle, the difference is small, whether you buy an expensive branded or a simple Chinese reel, it, firstly, should meet your needs, and secondly, be comfortable, ergonomic and provide pleasure from comfortable fishing.
