The multiplier reel
written by "Flunder" for our German Forum.
Sooner or later, anglers can't avoid getting one or two multiplier reels. Whether they are drawn to the Irish Sea, the Atlantic, the Channel or the North Sea.
It is a must in these areas, to have a multiplier in addition to a powerful stationary, as heavy pirks and sinkers are used and you can expect large and hard fighting fish.
Like stationary reels, the multiplier has ratio gearing. The spool rotates several times for each turn of the handle. If the reel, for example, displays a ratio of 5:1, this means that for every turn of the handle, the spool rotates 5 times. Many modern reels are fitted with centrifugal drag systems, which virtually eliminate nesting. They are also fitted with a mechanical drag system, which stops the spool from turning further once the bait strikes the surface of the water. There is a further braking system (sometimes called fighting drag) which helps in tiring the fish. A manual line guide system (not fitted to all models) provides for accurate line lay.
For newcomers, angling with a multiplier reel is a little more complicated than angling with a stationary reel, but, as the saying goes, practice makes perfect. Multiplier reels are, due to their ability to cope with the stresses of battling large and hard fighting fish, standard items for sea angling.
Multiplier reels are at their best when battling hard fighting fish. The braking system is fine adjusting, giving you the ability to master almost every fish. It is also the most important feature when it comes to landing fish and ensuring that when the fish makes strong runs, the line does not snap. It is important that you become familiar with the operation and setting of the braking system.
A good multiplier reel should have the following features: a metal spool, a metal or graphite housing, star drag or lever drag (fighting drag), a fine adjusting spool drag system (centrifugal drag) to prevent nesting, a line guide for even line lay, a ratchet and ball-bearinged gearing. The reel should have the capacity for 250 m to 400 m of line with a diameter of 0.45 mm.
Multiplier reels are available as right and left-handed models. They are also available with one or two gears (Shimano, Okuma). Some models which are used for trolling are fitted with a line counter.
After buying a new reel, where you are unsure of the method of operation, it is a good idea to do some dry training to get used to it. I practiced with my multiplier from my balcony. But, careful! Remove trebles from your pirks and ensure that your neighbours are not 'in the line of fire'. Most reels come with cleaning and care instructions. And, that is a completely different subject altogether.