fixed spool vs multiplier

[bhamoggy]

why would you use a multiplier from the shore?
is there any benefits?
all i see is people keep on getting birds-nests using them.

so can anyone please list the pros and cons from using either reel please.

[Rob]

I recently nested a reel for the first time in 3 years. Not bad for someone who fishes more or less once a week.

If all you see is people using them unsuccessfully then those people are not using them or setting them up properly in my opinion. The multiplier has so many advantages, but the main ones are:

No line twisting
Small and light
Smoother casting and retrieving

Fixed spools are:

Easier to get on with
Low maintenance

It's horses for courses, both have their strengths and weaknesess, at the end of the day it's what you feel comfortable using, the fish don't care what reel you have.

[EoinMag]

I've started using multipliers purely to add another skill, it's like fishing for the first time again, feels a lot more precise than a fixed spool.
Has freshened up a sport I've been doing for years no end.

[Ajohn]

Try searching the tackle discussion forum for loads and loads of info. Some people get very excited about it. The basic truth is that each has it's advantage and that there are many many myths about both. I use both but fixed spool is 1st choice for a variety of reasons. Take a complete read through the longest thread you can find. Expect that to take at least 1/2 hr. Then maybe read some more. You will see most of the myths about both types of reel wiped out.
To give you a clue and keeping it short. A reel like a 6500 without level wind will always cast further than a fixed spool reel given a certain level of skill in both casting , reel tuning and laying the line correctly on the retrieve. In truth many people cast more gently to avoid birds nests and there isn't much difference. Multi's will also perform better in winds. Wind will drag excess line of a fixed spool and shorten the cast. Big fixed spools win hands down on retrieve speed - handy over rocks and weeds etc. The claimed cranking power advantage of a multi isn't as simple as it seems as the handle on some fixed spools is significantly longer and it may even have a lower gear ratio. The decrease in the diameter of the line after a cast had a significant effect on this too as well as drag settings. Again fixed spool wins.
Me I mainly use fixed spool because I mostly fish at night and find thumbing the line boring too say the least. My level wind less multi's hardly ever come out. The ones with level wind come out if it's very windy. I also have one where the presence of a level wind doesn't have that much effect on casting distance - the only problem is that it doesn't wind the last 50yds on cotton reel style so it takes a little more care. In short I want to fish rather than have to concentrate on what my reel is doing so I always use the fixed spool when conditions are suitable.

I cant help commenting on the line twist myth. I was started by salmon fishers etc when they started using fixed spool reels where line twist is a complete disaster. It doesn't matter on a multi. The real problem is that they didn't bother to use a swivel and as I said significant line twist on a fixed spool reel is a complete disaster.

John

[bhamoggy]

cheers john,

excellent review and one that a lot of people will find very instructive.
i've never used one apart from a little bait-caster reel i have which i bought for using with my spinning rod. unfortunately, i'm not sure its that good as casting distance is extremely poor.

i need to buy a new reel for a new rod i've just bought.
i have 2 fixed reels and the bait-caster and you reckon a large fixed spool reel would probably be the best choice overall of the 2 types.

so can you give me makes and models of a couple of decent reels i could look into buying.
the new rod is a good one so its only right a good reel goes in tandem with it.

[alan.w]

HI buddy i use a penn 70 surfcaster,gets me the distance required but like i"ve said before on this site that fish feed close in as well

[gibby12]

started off with a fixed spool and it was great then i switched to a penn 525 supa mag and at 1st i was getting more distance with my fixed spool but now i have set it up perfectly for me get alot more distance now with the 525 and hardly any birdies. but i think its wat you feel comfortable with???? and like you said distance is not everything you catch loads close in. i think its all to do with personal preference?????

[bhamoggy]

HI buddy i use a penn 70 surfcaster,gets me the distance required but like i"ve said before on this site that fish feed close in as well

had a look on ebay for the one you're using.

Item No 7233023271

looks like a nice reel.
i'd like to see another couple of recommendations before decision time.
i do prefer rear drag reels rather than front drag.

i see you're a leeds fan.
look forward to taking the mandatory 6 points off you next season.
seriously though, hope you lot stay up. you're on a run at the moment and the home form looks good.
its between you and barnsley.
you don't really wanna visit the withdean again do you?
i hate going there myself

[dangerpowers]

started with fixed spool to learn the art and then moved onto multiplier... more for the advanced user i guess.

[Rich pickins]

Do yourself a favour and get a Shimano Biomaster. Either XS8000 or GTX8000. You can get one on e`bay for about £50. Excellent with Braid.
Tight lines,
Rich