Choosing the Right Tool

By Paul Nixon

REEL reviews can be found all over the internet and in many publications,but what we don’t hear much of are the pros and cons and worry points between various size reels as well as entry level through to high end price comparisons.

The information in this article is based on a very objective opinion and forms a basic guide;there are obviously many other factors to take into consideration as well as a myriad of other reels to choose from.The reels discussed here are what we see on a regular basis in my workshop where we see close-up how they withstand South African fishing conditions, and the opinions have been formed from our experiences with these reels.

The term “use enough gun”comes to mind in deciding which reel to use when.For example,when fishing with livebait for dorado versus pulling konas for sailies or tuna,certain reels are more suited to these styles of fishing and unfortunately there is no “jack of all trades”reel.If you really want to compare,then one needs to factor in durability,reliability,drag capabilities and,of course,budget!

For the average holiday or weekend angler,there is a necessity to spend as little as possible,but you do still need something that will last and be reliable,and these reels are a good fit.

Problem points:Drag washers are fairly rudimentary and compress and wear down over time,but these can be upgraded which dramatically improves the drag responsiveness.

These reels will suit the more avid fisherperson with deeper pockets who is looking for a reel that is nice and smooth yet won’t break the bank.

Problem points:Torium standard washers made of dartanium are brittle and do wear down and get sticky.These too can be replaced with carbontex washers which greatly improves drag responsiveness.

These are cream of the crop star drag reels,well made and with great internals.They have plenty of line capacity and a

great retrieve ratio.

Problem points:Being metal-bodied reels,they do have a corrosion susceptibility if not pre-serviced.

This is where lever drag reels really do come into their own when targeting dorado,sailfish and tuna.

These have all proven themselves time and again for everyone from the weekend fisherman to charter boats needing reliable and affordable equipment which is easy to maintain.

Problem points:The drag cams are brass and often strip if not placed correctly in the lever housing.Tyrnos can get a lot of boat rash,but otherwise is really solid.

A problem factor throughout the range of lever drag reels is water ingress on the drag cam and pinion bearing.Regular checks and services should be mandatory.

It goes without saying that with reels like these being used the world over on professional outfits,and enduring relentless seasons of work,they are all phenomenal tools built to catch fish,easy to service and made to last.

When trying to decide between these reels it really comes down to personal preference rather than one reel outperforming the others.

Problem points:If the reel is poorly maintained,screw ports seize,making opening the reel a real nightmare.Pitting occurs on body internals if left unserviced and not season prepped.

by Inge Southey (14)

AFTER all the chaos that had been going on I didn’t think we would have a Mozam fishing trip in 2021,but we did! This story is about our challenging,adventurous fishing trip to Legogo,Mozambique.

After six hours of driving we arrived at the Mozam border to find it was closed for the weekend.We were extremely disappointed,but when we booked into Palm Tree Lodge at Kosi Bay we met an old friend,Oom Hennie Kaufman the Mozam fishing legend! He helped me out by sharing his Mozam fishing HOT SPOTS and what to use and when — after I used my puppy eyes and best smile to retrieve the information!

On the Monday we headed for the border.Just 5km over the border one of the tyres on our boat trailer started smoking — the bearings had seized!

After another five hours of running around trying to find the right tools and pumping the jack up and down several times and getting grease everywhere,we were back on the road.I was just grateful that we continued going north! After travelling all of that day and the next we finally arrived at Legogo!

The next day my brother,dad and I went fishing.There was quite a swell that day and lots of shallow reefs which made the launch tricky,but thanks to my dad we got out safely.When we reached what we call our HOT SPOT,we put out Oom Hennie’s suggested spread of rappies (Jannie Nel,Carrot,Morne,Pink and Silver).None of these names make sense to me — fishermen and their code names! After trolling for two hours the rods suddenly started screaming! My heart actually skipped a beat and I was so excited.My brother and I brought in two ’cuda and a bonnie.Dinner was served! Our second day of fishing produced nothing but a skipjack and almost a solid 18kg ’cuda that bit through the line. The third day was beautiful — blue water,no wind and no swell.My whole family went out that day to the HOT SPOT.The reef that we jigged on was 40m deep and my sister and I both got our first bluefin kingfish.We were vas at the same time.We carried on jigging and as my dad said “lines up”I was busy retrieving,I shouted “Ek’s vas!”I had caught an 8.5kg ’cuda using a squid jig. After a long drift of jigging we saw a big bait ball and tuna jumping.We decided to troll with rappies again.Next thing,there goes our rods! My brother and I were working up and down, across,under and over each other.We eventually landed our yellowfin tuna.My brother’s weighed 7.5kg and mine 10.5kg.We then planed all the way back to shore entertained by dolphins and whales jumping.

The next few days were bad weather,but we went back to sea on the day straight after all the rain and huge gray clouds had passed.On the way to the HOT SPOT we probably saw 20 whales! We trolled for ages and as we were about to get sleepy the rods went vas! My sister and I each landed a ’cuda.The rods kept going off again and again,and my mom,brother and dad all landed huge bonnies.

When we eventually beached after one of our best days of fishing,we discovered that one of the front wheels on our truck had torn! Our friends then helped us replace the wheel and we treated them that night with tuna sashimi.

This was my favourite adventure ever,and from all our ups and downs I learnt that you have a choice to get through them,and that as you overcome the obstacles it gets easier,so never give up!