using the clutch (or not)

[Anderoo]

I never backwind. I've always used the clutch so backwinding feels really strange to me! I am continually adjusting the clutch though, so it's not just set once and then left. I need it set firm enough that it doesn't slip on the strike, and then I continually tinker with it when playing a fish, especially when it gets in close. That's why I prefer rear drag reels, as I find them a lot easier to quickly adjust.

[BoldBear]

If I am Carping then once the free spool has engaged I usually have my anti reverse set to on until I have hooked the fish and rely on my clutch; If necessary I will then flick the anti reverse off and rely on the backwind while playing it out then once the fish is closer and almost ready for the net I will flick the anti reverse back on again and go back to relying on the slipping clutch so that I can hold my net in one hand.

 

Winding in against a slipping clutch can give horrific line twist which I don't want so I make sure the clutch is set fairly tight.

 

If I am Barbelling then I nearly always play the fish out using a clutch but am continually tightening and loosening the clutch during the fight.

Edited March 7, 2011 by BoldBear

[AddictedToScopex]

I find as a personal preference that if I am on light gear I will always backwind and on heavy gear I use the clutch unless I feel the need to backwind close to the net in case of a sharp lunge (i find it quicker to let line out by backwinding that moving my hand over the reel to let the clutch a little looser). Simply because I feel it gives me more confidence and control over the fish. This is what it boils down to IMO. If you are confident doing something you will likely stick with it. Everyone will have a different opinion on what is the best approach to take but it is down to what you feel most comfortable with.

[tony tinca]

If I am Carping then once the free spool has engaged I usually have my anti reverse set to on until I have hooked the fish and rely on my clutch; If necessary I will then flick the anti reverse off and rely on the backwind while playing it out then once the fish is closer and almost ready for the net I will flick the anti reverse back on again and go back to relying on the slipping clutch so that I can hold my net in one hand.

 

Winding in against a slipping clutch can give horrific line twist which I don't want so I make sure the clutch is set fairly tight.

 

If I am Barbelling then I nearly always play the fish out using a clutch but am continually tightening and loosening the clutch during the fight.

 

 

Me too im always adjusting it up to netting the fish , in matches its different thou and in summer in particular i want to get them in fast and i feel that ive got more control using the clutch , thats not to say i just wind them in on heavy lines thou , the heaviest hooklength i use is 0.18mm on the method in summer , ive landed an 18lber on 0.12 and as long as your using the clutch well and using a balanced rod and keeping a good bend in it it s no propblem.

so far then its a 50/50 divide which means it really boils down to personal preference and what the angler has been used to doing

[Dales]

I find as a personal preference that if I am on light gear I will always backwind and on heavy gear I use the clutch unless I feel the need to backwind close to the net in case of a sharp lunge (i find it quicker to let line out by backwinding that moving my hand over the reel to let the clutch a little looser). Simply because I feel it gives me more confidence and control over the fish. This is what it boils down to IMO. If you are confident doing something you will likely stick with it. Everyone will have a different opinion on what is the best approach to take but it is down to what you feel most comfortable with.

 

Yeah it is one of those area's where there is no right or wrong answer, what ever you are confortable with is the right method for you.

[grumpybum]

I to use both methods. Saying that my closed face reel for float fishing has no anti reverse.

 

I started with the old mitchels which had poor clutches so back winding was the only way. I rapped my knuckles so many times on a fast spinning reel handle I soon gave up. With the more modern reels I found over runs to be a problem when back winding.

 

I'm also convinced that by back winding the pressure applied to a fish is inconsistent and not enough pressure is applied. So prolonging the fight.

[gozzer]

I usually set the clutch a bit light, and then use my fore finger to apply pressure, (similar to a cp). I gain line by 'pumping' the rod, finger on spool, lift rod, finger off, lower rod and wind in, and repeat.

Never wind in against a slipping clutch, or you're asking for trouble.

 

 

John.

[tony tinca]

I to use both methods. Saying that my closed face reel for float fishing has no anti reverse.

 

I started with the old mitchels which had poor clutches so back winding was the only way. I rapped my knuckles so many times on a fast spinning reel handle I soon gave up. With the more modern reels I found over runs to be a problem when back winding.

 

I'm also convinced that by back winding the pressure applied to a fish is inconsistent and not enough pressure is applied. So prolonging the fight.

 

 

I was brought up on abu 501s and my dad always took the anti reverse pawl out and i learnt to play fish using my middle finger but that was years ago now so i hope i soon get to grips with it sunday.

that was also when clutches werent the best and using light lines you need to have control you can trust .

[Tigger]

I was brought up on abu 501s and my dad always took the anti reverse pawl out and i learnt to play fish using my middle finger but that was years ago now so i hope i soon get to grips with it sunday.

that was also when clutches werent the best and using light lines you need to have control you can trust .

 

 

Don't you mean you took the anti reverse pawl out of the 506 (it had a drag and no backwind) ?

 

The 501 has not drag other than a backwind which can be tightend up to act as a drag as the handle backwinds.

[davedave]

I find i can never get the drag set to exactly how i want it, so i tend to backwind quite a bit when playing fish.