Why Use a 1:1 Reel

We see on our West Coast angling shows the long wimpy parabolic rods set up with a single action 1:1 direct wind ratio reel. On the West coast waters of British Columbia fishing for salmon it the most common challenged method. Why do we punish our selves with a 1:1 ratio retrieve? It’s the challenge on tackling a large salmon on equal terms. Giving him a more equal chance during the battle on who can win. This is not meant to be a snobbish approach. There are many reels like spinning reels or level wind reels with huge return ratios that are great to fish with. The direct single action reels looks like enlarged fly reels. They were known as knuckle busters. The early versions had poor breaking systems and when the salmon decided to run you would want your hands to be away from the handles of the reel. Often the pain of having your knuckles smashed by an uncontrollable spin taught you to put pressure on the rim of the reel known as palming. By varying the pressure one can control the speed the line as it comes off the reel. This is old school technique that is applied even on today’s modern reels. It allows more fun and challenging ways to play your salmon. Another problem an angler experienced is reel slippage during trolling deep waters. To reduce the reel from unwinding during the heavy tension that occurs during deep trolling the angler would increase the break tension but often they could not apply enough allowing free spin. Or not enough tension and miss the strike. Add to much break tension and the reel would not give line out during the battle and we lose the salmon. Different materials in the past were applied as reels evolved. Manufactures sought out better ways to create the perfect breaking system. Degradation of the breaking system having reels exposed to the caustic salt water and the heat friction made various metals, cork, and lubrication break down eventually. Today’s reels now are produced with varying types of breaking systems. Then came synthetics. Less wear and tear, self-lubricating, sealed encasement and most of all not degrading from the high friction heat that occurs. Yes 1:1 reels retrieve is tough on the body but it's the most challenged way on our British Columbia coast for our huge salmons. https://castingaline.com