Tackle Frenzy - Multiplier Reels

The multiplier is the staple diet of the traditional see angler. It is strong, durable and built to withstand the heavy use that sea fishing offers the ardent angler. How does a multiplier vary from fixed spool? Well, with a multiplier the spool itself spins around and the line is pulled onto the spool as against the fixed spool whereby the spool is fixed and the line spins around the spool.

The advantage of the multiplier is it's ability to take on line smoothly whilst keeping the line in a straight line which in theory helps to reduce drag and therefore stress on the line. For distance casting the multiplier holds the record and it is likely that the fixed spool will never beat this record. For the boat angler the multiplier is the usual choice if you are fishing in deep waters or game fishing such as blue shark off the Cornish coast. These reels are larger than the reels used for beach casting as they need to hold a lot of heavy duty line, enough to fish deep and cater for the sharks massive runs across the channel!

The multiplier requires work to master, a good multiplier has a drag system the same as a fixed spool and is available as a star type drag operated next to the wind or a lever drag, fixed to the side of the multiplier. There is also a braking system on a multiplier to control the spinning of the spool, this can be a mechanical pad system or magnetic system, the latter being preferred by most anglers.

The settings of the braking system is crucial. If set too high the distance cast or drop rate of the rig will be adversely affected and set too low and you will get a birds nest of line appear on top of the multiplier and that takes time to sort out! In my early days I wanted a boat rod with runners instead of rings and a multiplier because they looked great. The rod is now collecting dust as I don't go 'shark fishing' which is what a full roller rod is best suited to and the multiplier is being used by 'Old Hob' as I just couldn't master the breaking system and got fed up with the birds nest. This is more due to my coarse fishing days than a problem with the reel and if you have not fished before you can probably master the multiplier to your benefit. If you want a multiplier we will send a How To.. guide with it outlining how to set up and use your purchase!

There are a number of factors to look for in a multiplier reel such as:

The number of ball bearings
The construction of the case and spools
The rewind ratio
The line capacity
Drag system - star drag or lever drag
Braking system

Ball Bearings	Both fixed spool and multiplier reels run on ball bearings to provide smooth operation and longevity. The higher the number of ball bearings the smoother and longer your reel should operate. As with all advice offered on Tackle Frenzy there is sensibility about the amount of money spent. There is no point buying a high-end reel if it will be used once a month for a couple of hours but the more money that you can afford to spend within reason you will get a better quality reel that as long as it is maintained will last for many years to come.
Construction	This can be important if you are looking for a low maintenance reel as you will be subjecting the reel to sea water, sand, fish slime and the general abuse that reels get during to coarse of fishing. Carbon bodies offer light weight and anti-corrosion properties but these come at a price. Stainless steel also has anti-corrosion properties but at the expense of weight. Most reels will provide years of good use if looked after and once again the budget will dictate. Remember that the products that Tackle Frenzy has selected offer value for money and even our entry level reels will provide good service to the weekend angler.
Rewind Ratio	This is the speed at which the spool rotates and therefore how much line is retrieved for every turn of the handle. If a fast retrieve rate is required such as lure fishing for Bass then a retrieve rate of 4.5:1 or higher is recommended. If however you are pirking for Cod off a wreck then you may be looking for a lower retrieve rate to allow time for the fish to follow the pirk and make it's charge. Faster is not always better but for the weekend angler we recommend a ratio of 4:1 or higher.
Line Capacity	Different reels are designed for different tasks. If you choose a multiplier for beachcasting then a light reel with a spool large enough to handle up to 300 yards of 15lb line is required but if pier fishing or spinning is your thing then a smaller lighter reel capable of holding 140 yards of 18lb line or less is ideal. For general use I recommend that you purchase a reel capable of holding up to 200 yards of 18lb line.
Drag System	This is a very important tool on any fishing reel as when set properly it allows the fish to take line at around 75% of the breaking strain from the reel without the angler needing to let line out. This is most important for hard fighting species such as Bass or Conger as they will allow you to bring them in but when they see you or your boat they usually make a dash for it and your reel will allow them to do so whilst maintaining pressure on the fish and wearing them out in the process. The choice of drag setting on the reel is personal, the popular system for the weekend angler is the star system whilst 'Old Salty's' tend to use the lever drag.
Braking System	A braking system is a must for a multiplier reel. Without a braking system you need to rely on your thumb to control the speed of the spool and in my view the weekend angler will find this difficult. Of the two types of system the preferred method of braking is the magnetic braking system. This works through magnetic pressure, the closer the magnets the more drag and visa versa. The mechanical system involves pads, usually of cork, applying pressure to the spool drive and again the higher the pressure the slower the spool run!