The reels shown in picture A have one thing in common . They were all online or mail order purchasers .
Reel B was purchased by me from Mo Tackle in Coffs Harbour , New South Wales , about 25 years ago . It is a Mitchell 300 . It was a mail order purchase . Mo tackle at the time were the biggest mail order specialist angling and camping supplier . I still deal with them . Great store and product range .
Reel C was purchased by me from KastKing online . It is a Sharky 111 Baitfeeder reel . ( the same reel I’m reviewing in another post .) I’m more than happy wit it . I researched KastKing before purchasing and most of the reviews I read were very positive . Quite a few out door adventure out fitters in Canada and US are using them and they report the reels are standing up well .
Reel D was purchased online from a supplier that was recommended to me . It is a 3000 size bait feeder style with 13 ball bearings ??? It is marketed on Ebay under various names and is made in China . That is not a bad thing as KastKing , Fin Nor and my Mitchell 300 are manufactured there and they are quality reels .
Now check the photos out . Compare the way the line is laid on the spool . Reels B and C have near perfect line lay . Check out reel D . The line is bunched back and is actually covering the spool . No I did not over spool with line . I have 2 of these reels and the other one is starting to show the same signs of line bunching .
What this will lead to is you casting wind loops i.e . the line will bunch around the first rod guide and cause a " birds nest " . KastKing , Shimano and Daiwa give you shim washers to adjust between the different lines . Mono lays different to braid which lays differently to Fluorocarbon
and Copolymer lines .I have never had to shim adjust these reels .
I think the pictures tell the story . If you buy reels online do your home work . Check reviews etc . The best tip I can give is to go for a known established brand . They did not get to where they are in the market place by selling shoddy products .
Imagine heading off on that once a year vacation fishing trip and you have purchased " bargain " priced no name brand reels online . They spooled up ok so the must be ok . Wrong . If I can get D picture reels laying line properly I will add to this post .
