13 Fishing FAQs

Where can I find a paper catalog of Rapala products?

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How to remove the spool from a Baitcaster

- Move Beetle Wing side plate release switch to the ‘Open’ position. The spring-loaded side plate will release forward.
- Pivot the side plate upward so that the spool can slide horizontally out of the body of the reel.

How to swap handles on spinning reels

- Hold onto the spool of the reel, at the same time, turn the handle away from the tip of the rod. Continue to do so until the handle is completely unscrewed from the reel.
- On the opposite side of the reel that the handle came out of, unscrew the handle cap.
- Simply swap the handle, and the handle cap, each to the opposite side of the reel.
- When screwing the handle into the reel, be sure not to cross thread the handle bolt as this could cause damage.
- Keep screwing in the handle until it is snug, DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN.
- Screw in the handle cap on the opposite side of the handle.

How to spool line onto a Baitcaster or Spinning reel

- On a baitcaster, thread line through the line guide and tie directly around spool spindle, then trim the knot.
- On a spinning reel, open the pail and tie directly around the spool, then trim the knot.
- Wind line onto spool by turning the handle. Be sure not to overfill spool. Proper fill is 2mm from top of spool edge.
- When using braided line it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you FIRST secure a short section of monofilament line to the spool and then tie the braided line to the monofilament backing. - Braided line is very slick and can slide on the spool spindle.

How to properly adjust spool tension on a baitcaster

- To increase tension and reduce spool spin, turn cast control knob clockwise.
- To reduce tension and increase spool spin, turn cast control knob counter clockwise.

How to adjust drag on baitcaster

- To increase drag force, turn star drag toward the tip of the rod.
- To reduce drag force, turn star drag away from the tip of the rod.

Properly adjusting the Low Friction Braking System

- Release and pivot Beetle Wing side plate to expose the braking system adjustments.
- By turning the outer ring of the brake dial you can adjust the brake setting from 0-6. Each progressive number increases the braking force. The dial has a white indicator to determine the setting.
- Close the Beetle Wing side plate and move release switch to ‘Closed’ position.

TIPS: 

- Add brake force for heavier lures and reduce for lighter lures.
- Most anglers use settings between 2-4.
- This feature should be used in tandem with cast control tension setting, both adjustments will affect castability.

What does +S mean on our rods?

- The indicator of +S on some of our rod series means that these rod series are intended for saltwater fishing and have tailored guides, lengths, and actions that fit the need of various saltwater fishing applications.

Drag not working on a baitcaster?

- If you are using braided line, be sure that you have a monofilament backing on the spool that the braided line is tied to. Braided line is very slick and can slide on the spool spindle giving the impression that the ‘drag is loose’.

What is a Quick Tip (QT) action?

- This refers to an ultra-fast, highly responsive tip. It’s ideal for working light jigs, adding action to the lure, and improving bite detection allowing you to feel it happen.

What is a Noodle action?

- This refers to a very soft tip and midsection. It’s perfect for using small jigs and spoons, and helps land panfish like crappie by absorbing their headshakes and preventing the small hooks from pulling out of their mouth. This rod is a great visual indicator to detect bites.

FreeFall reel proper adjustments

- To avoid line tangles / ‘backlashes’, properly adjust the ‘Drop Speed’ dial on the side of the FreeFall reel.
- When pulling the trigger on the reel, the lure should be under a controlled, smooth fall.
- Adjust the dial if you are changing weights of lures for the proper drop rate.

Side plate on baitcaster not locking back into place?

- If you have opened the side plate on a baitcaster and cannot get it locked back into place, be sure to loosen the tension knob. Doing this allows the spool to fully seat in the side plate and you will be easily able to lock the side plate in the closed position.