Are Reel Clamps Necessary?

REK · Jul-10-2009, 03:56 PM

Reel wobble, alignment......takes but a couple to install, uninstall.

BigHammerKing · Jul-10-2009, 04:34 PM

whats a reel seat?

nonong · Jul-11-2009, 08:49 PM

Reel clamps are absolutely necessary for conventionals and/or larger level-winds. They support the reel on the reel seat and absorb stress in a big fish fight. I have never gone out without them.... secured finger tight.

nonong · Jul-11-2009, 08:57 PM

A reel seat is the immediate area where you mount the reel "T" stem on to the rod. See the reel stem "T" holes forward and astern? The locking ring is tightened and is usually astern towards the main handle. You can tell when the locking ring is loose by just doing a shake/rotate action. This is felt by hand the moment that reel swings slightly on the seats. Tighten the lock ring hand tight.... Just enough to achieve positive seating and lock.

Az.monkey · Jul-11-2009, 08:57 PM

reel clamps make it hard for me to turn right hand reels into left hand reels on cattle boats , thats why I carry a set of small tools

Born 2 fish · Jul-23-2009, 08:46 PM

-After almost loosing my reel I wont fish without it ! Be safe

Fishingtuna1 · Sep-14-2009, 10:36 PM

Its like driving a car with out a seat belt (no clamp). Its all good until you crash! I use the clamp as a added safety.

freshonefish · Sep-14-2009, 11:44 PM

I use them for other reasons.

fishnazzi · Sep-15-2009, 12:06 AM

Your supposed to pull on the rod ......not the reel.

FINSEEKER · Sep-15-2009, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by REK

Reel wobble, alignment......takes but a couple to install, uninstall.

I was going to say NO but this explaination makes very good sense and as an after thought the clamp probably takes some of the pressure off the shoe even on 20 to 40lb stuff. I go without them all the time, but may start to second guess myself...I do notice myself tightening the reel seat after a good session.