Multiliers and Fixed Spool Reels

[Old Smoothound]

Hi Guys

I thought it would be an idea to write a piece on Fixed Spool or Multiplier Reels. I apologise to the more seasoned anglers amongst us, who probably know the difference and have already converted to either one or the other.

This is primarily aimed at the novice angler so bear with me.


Multiplier or Fixed Spool

There are 4 types of Multiplier reel

- Level wind
- Star Drag
- Lever Drag
- Non level wind

These are then categorised into Shore and Boat types.

Examples of typical shore type reels: Penn 525, Penn 535, Daiwa Slosh 20/30, Daiwa 7HT, Abu 6500, 6500CT, Abu 7.

Examples of typical Boat type reels: Penn 320 TLD, Abu 7000,

Why is a multiplier called a multiplier?

The reason is that for every single rotation of the reel handle the spool or drum rotates several times hence the name “multiplier” as it multiplies the action of turning the reel handle.
The gearing of the reel rotates the spool so that the line is laid across it and can be aided by a level wind or, just as easy after a bit of practice, by the thumb or finger when reeling in.

Most multipliers have a braking system, some have 2 systems, these are tiny pieces of plastic that are fitted to the ends of metal spigots that are fixed to a central metal rod that is through the centre of the spool drum. The secondary system can be oil or more brake blocks, this is very much dependent upon the brand and type of reel. The way they work is that the initial cast forces the spool to freely rotate at high speed; this is turn creates centrifugal force that forces the brake blocks to be “thrown out” against the sides of the spool, thereby applying inner drag to the drum. It is very similar to the brakes of your car. Some reels do not have a secondary braking system and are prone to birds’ nests as the line coming off the spool tries to catch up with the line that has already been pulled off by the weight of the lead flying through the air. As the weight slows down the spool does not realise this and keeps on going, with no secondary brakes to slow it down….. Disaster!

Rods are normally rung differently for multiplier use.... 7 to 9 rings and the butt ring tends to be smaller as the line comes off the reel differently. It follows the curve or “spine” of the rod and there is less chance of it snagging in the rings so the rod is fished reel up, the line runs through them with less resistance and therefore aiding longer casts to be made.

Most shore multipliers are star drag and the spool is disengaged in much the same way on most of them. This is by depressing or sliding a lever prior to casting and holding the line in place with your thumb. Then when the cast is being made and at the optimum moment the line is released sending your lead into the wild blue yonder! For tournament style casting small multipliers are generally used.

I won’t get into the really technical stuff, because there is not enough time or space!
But a word of warning when selecting a multiplier reel, make sure you purchase one with a metal spool and side plates or overall metal construction, plastics do not hold up to rough shore or boat fishing situations and eventually give up the ghost. And always look for lots of ball bearings in the techno speak of the manufacturer, it will save you a lot of money and heartache later on. Buy the best you can afford. “Buy cheap pay dearly” should be the motto.

Advantages


- The multiplier is a more compact reel and lighter in the hand compared to most fixed spool reels

- It is an “all round” type of reel suited to rough and clean ground

- Good at long distance casting

- Good when using heavy lines

- More robust, plenty of grunt when needed

- Good at rough ground fishing and when fighting big fish


Disadvantages

- Light lines can cause overruns or “Birdies”

- Less distance achieved with lighter lines

- Not easy to use in the dark

- Not as forgiving when rod is overloaded

- Not as forgiving when line is released early

- More complicated construction therefore more complex reel maintenance

Here are some examples pictures of Multiplier reels:








Notice on the Daiwa Slosh20 the handle has a counter balance so it is easier to crank it. That’s why it is a good rough ground type reel.


These are Boat fishing reels:









Fixed Spool Reels


As the name suggests the spool is fixed in position and the bale arm rotates around the spool when the handle is turned and this lays the line in an even manner up and down the spool core. The spool moving up and down a central rod system creates this evenness. This action occurs simultaneously when the reel handle is turned.

There are 3 types of fixed spool reel used in Sea fishing today.


- Rear Drag

- Central Drag

- Bait Runners

Examples of Fixed Spool Reels: Penn Surfmaster, Daiwa Emblem. Shimano Bio Master, Shimano Baitrunner.

The most popular type for shore fishing is the central drag type. Closely followed by the rear drag type and up and coming are the bait runners They are mostly used for light Estuary, float fishing and spinning work.




Advantages

- Easier to maintain

- Handles light lines

- Easy to use in the dark

- Excellent clean ground reel

- Reacts more quickly

- Can “play” a fish on the clutch

- Can be used for float and spinning work


Disadvantages

- Not good with heavy lines

- Some spool lips hinder casting due to friction of the line on them

- Not good in weedy or rough ground work

- Not good for Boat Fishing in deep water



Here are some examples of fixed spool reels:









Multiplier or Fixed Spool?

Well the choice is a very personal one...but for me its still the Multiplier! But a Fixed spool for float fishing and spinning.

I leave it to you to choose!

[wellyfish]

nice article shaun.. .....im the same as you with prefering the multi but have fixed spools for plugging/spining and the odd float fishing ...

[FlyingFox]

Nice info mate

multi for me unless im fishing for thick or thin lip mullet then its a small fixed spool

[kiwimarty]

Fantastic read Shaun. Heap's of time and effort put into it.

Cheers mate.

Kiwi.

[Fishing Forum Admin]

Great read and thank you for the time that these things take to write

Maded sticky as its a great beginners intro ti reels

[Old Smoothound]

Thanks guys,

Its always a pleasure to help people out and point them in the right direction and your appreciation is higly valued.


Long may the fishing forum rule the Ether!

[cbr6fs]

Great article, a very professional lay out and presentation.

I have to disagree with a couple of the FS Disadvantages though.

I find the fact that the FS retrieves faster makes it better than a Multi on rough ground, as it keeps the rig off the bottom, most of the time, depending on the shape of the weight your using, you can retrieve fast enough to get the weight skimming on the surface, missing all the rocks and most the weeds.

A good size pit reel multi like the Shimano Ultegra is ideal for deep water boat fishing; again the faster retrieve really helps when there is lots of line out.

On a good day with the right conditions a Multi will out cast a FS, but the problem I have, is if you look at a whole days fishing I find I spend more time with my baited hook in the water than my Multiplier reeled mates, problems with bird nests and line snagging on rocks while retrieving, not to mention the line bunching up if they take theirs eyes off positioning the line on the spool while retrieving. All problems I very rarely experience, if at all.
And this is during day light, put an overcast night into the equation and it gets way worse, so to me any advantage of an extra 20m or 30m is out of the window.

I understand the advantages of both reel types, but I think that the FS wins hands down; the advantages are more than the Multi and the disadvantages fewer.

Just my 10 cents worth.

Cheers Mark.

[Old Smoothound]

Thanks Mark,

I'm a Multi man anyway, i agree with you it wins hands down.

Thanks for your ten cents worth...it shows you read the articles and proves its worth the effort to write them!

[Pross]

Think you've got your multi and fixed the wrong way round there somewhere Mark.

[cbr6fs]

yea your right Pross, thanks i will change it.

Cheers dude.