The majority of the young crowd probably doesn’t even know about the old-timey tactic known as backreeling. In this video, Joel Nelson explains the process and makes a case for it’s application in today’s angling.

The concept of backreeling in fishing and whether it’s still a valuable technique in today’s modern angling world. Backreeling is a technique that originated when drag systems on reels weren’t as advanced as they are now. Anglers would use the back reel switch to give the fish line and prevent it from breaking the line or escaping. While modern reels have excellent drag systems, backreeling still has its place in certain situations. Let’s dive deeper into the topic.

What is Backreeling?

Backreeling is the act of manually controlling the line release by using the back reel switch on a fishing reel. It allows anglers to give the fish some line while maintaining control over the fight. This technique was commonly used when drag systems were not as reliable, and anglers needed to prevent the line from breaking under pressure.

The Evolution of Drag Systems

With advancements in reel technology and drag systems, modern fishing reels now have highly efficient and reliable drag systems. These drag systems are designed to provide smooth and consistent resistance to the fish, allowing anglers to fight and land fish without the need for backreeling. The drag systems on modern reels are so good that they can handle the pressure of a strong fish without the risk of breaking the line.

The Value of Backreeling

While backreeling may not be necessary in most fishing situations, there are still certain scenarios where it can be a valuable technique to have in your arsenal. One such situation is when jig fishing or live bait rigging. In these techniques, it is crucial to provide a strong hookset to ensure that the fish is securely hooked. By tightening the drag slightly more than usual, anglers can achieve a solid hookset. However, once the fish is near the boat, the tight drag may make it difficult to reel in the fish without risking breaking the line or losing the fish.

This is where backreeling comes into play. By flipping the back reel switch, anglers can give the fish some line while maintaining control over the fight. This allows the fish to make its final runs and headshakes without putting excessive pressure on the line. Backreeling in these situations can help prevent the line from breaking and increase the chances of successfully landing the fish.

Practicing Backreeling

Backreeling is a technique that requires practice and finesse. It’s important to find the right balance between giving the fish enough line and maintaining control over the fight. Giving too much slack can result in the fish escaping, while not giving enough line can lead to the line breaking under pressure.

To practice backreeling, start by tightening the drag slightly more than usual when jig fishing or live bait rigging. This will ensure a solid hookset. As the fish nears the boat, assess its behavior. If it’s still putting up a strong fight and making headsh akes on the surface, it may be a good time to engage the back reel switch. This will allow the fish to have some line while you maintain control over the fight. It’s important to pay attention to the fish’s movements and adjust the backreeling accordingly. Practice is key to mastering this technique and finding the right balance.

Conclusion

While backreeling may not be as necessary as it once was due to advancements in reel technology and drag systems, it still has its place in certain fishing situations. When jig fishing or live bait rigging, where a strong hookset is crucial, backreeling can help prevent the line from breaking and increase the chances of successfully landing the fish. It’s a technique that requires practice and finesse, but with time, anglers can become proficient in backreeling and add it to their repertoire of fishing techniques.

So, the next time you find yourself in a situation where a fish is putting up a strong fight near the boat, consider giving backreeling a try. It may just be the technique that helps you land that trophy fish.