Open faced vs. Level Wind

[BFFG]

I have heard that reels without levelwind are better than ones with levelwind. Someone told me that when you cast or when a fish is pulling your line out rapidly, that the leveling device doesnt move so your line gets abraided quickly. Is this true? Which type of reel do you think is better?
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[JapanRon]

Hi there BFFG,

I assume you're thinking about levelwinds for saltwater fishing. I use two types of conventional reels. The smaller reels like the Abu garcia's and some baitcasting reels for casting plastics and light work have the levelwind mechanism intact. Come to think of it, I'm leaving my Calcutta 400's intact too. But anything over that size, looses the levelwind feature in about half an hour after purchase. Oh ya, be sure you plug any holes left in the frame and keep the mechnanism somewhere.

The heavier line you use the less, I feel, you need the levelwind. A lot of times a bigger outfit is for larger fish. The more stuff you have on a reel, the more that can go wrong.

Nearest absolute line control can be achieved by having nothing else between the first rod guide and the reel besides your hand or fingers. Watch those fingers! Ouch!

That's my experience and humble opinion. ha ha

JapanRon
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[fishfather]

My experience which would fill a thimble[shocked] is if you are going after big game no level wind, smaller fish ok. Freshwater okay in almost all occasions.

I use a Shimano conventional with level line and it works great! Never had an issue[]
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[byrumjr]

[font "Arial"][size 2]I would say It depends on what you’re doing. The level wind makes a lot of sense for fishing with lures. Without a level wind, you must spread line back and forth on the spool with your thumb. If you don’t have to do that, you’ll notice more about the water in front of you. The level wind saves you work. Anglers who fish live bait, or use very heavy mono, or who absolutely have to get that last yard of distance on a long cast, may prefer an open faced reel without a level wind. It’s easier to get a really strong grip on the spool without a level wind in the way, so open faced reels without the level wind are the tool of choice for maximum distance casting.

I’d guess that 80% of all conventional surfcasting is done without a level wind reel. This is because sand is very hard on the paw and runway and can become trapped in the runway and lock the level wind up. [/size][/font]
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[BFFG]

Thanks for the advice japanron[], I figured the open faced reel were better for casting. So when my dad bought his PENN saber rod at big 5 yesterday, I told him to get a jigmaster 500 to go with it.
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[BFFG]

byrumjr, thanks for the reply, it was very informative. I took the levelwind off of my 309 Level wind because it got in the way.
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[BFFG]

hi there fishfather, Is the shimano Levelwind your using a big one?
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[fishfather]

[size 2]Nope. Small one. Perfect for freshwater Cat's and Trout and my local bass Fishing in saltwater bays[/size]
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