Taking the plunge...

[gozzer]

Hadnt even crossed my mind!

 

So is it a matter of personal choice as to whether the line comes off the top or bottom of the spool?

 

Whatever your comfortable with.

 

 

We discussed it in this thread,

 

http://www.anglersnet.co.uk/forums/index.php?/topic/4982041-top-or-bottom/

 

John.

[ayjay]

I'm no lover of lineguards but they do help to stop the line going round the back of the foot in windy conditions.

I'm sure you're right, but I've never left a line guard on a pin long enough to find out.

 

The line will go around the foot in windy conditions if you let it: as soon as I know it's going to happen (like, after the first time) I get in the habit of turning the rod as I cast (just a turn of the wrist is all that's needed) so that the line is blowing away from the reel foot, it may sound complicated but like anything with using a pin it soon becomes second nature - I probably even do it when I don't need to now.

[Matthew Simmons]

All great advice. Mine would be to try it on an 'easy' trotting water with loads of dace/roach if you have a such a thing locally and get used to handling the beast. I would also suggest you start with quite a heavy float set up - say a 3AA chubber or avon - you'll find it much easier to control with some weight down the line.

 

 

Have fun!

 

M

[Tigger]

I'm sure you're right, but I've never left a line guard on a pin long enough to find out.

 

The line will go around the foot in windy conditions if you let it: as soon as I know it's going to happen (like, after the first time) I get in the habit of turning the rod as I cast (just a turn of the wrist is all that's needed) so that the line is blowing away from the reel foot, it may sound complicated but like anything with using a pin it soon becomes second nature - I probably even do it when I don't need to now.

Yeah, I turn the rod as you say you do ayjay. I very rarely use a line guard and mostly when it's very windy and i'm fishing a small river where long casting isn't required. Imo there is a place for them all be it on few occasions.