Bail on a spinning reel: I recently bought a President model new spinning reel and just wonder how you close the bail? I seem to click it shut with a finger about half the time after...

Langer Loc: Lake Havasu City, Arizona

I recently bought a President model new spinning reel and just wonder how you close the bail? I seem to click it shut with a finger about half the time after I've cast and then the other half start reeling and it closes automatically. Don't want it to be a dumb question as I've been fishing well over 60 years but never saw the topic covered.

CamT Loc: La Porte, Texas

Langer wrote:

I recently bought a President model new spinning reel and just wonder how you close the bail? I seem to click it shut with a finger about half the time after I've cast and then the other half start reeling and it closes automatically. Don't want it to be a dumb question as I've been fishing well over 60 years but never saw the topic covered.

I mostly close it with a finger, even though reels close it when you start reeling, on some reels it's hard to close by just reeling

lipsticker Loc: Hartford Wisconsin

By Hand...

Shutupandfish Loc: Transplanted roots back to Wyoming

Langer wrote:

I recently bought a President model new spinning reel and just wonder how you close the bail? I seem to click it shut with a finger about half the time after I've cast and then the other half start reeling and it closes automatically. Don't want it to be a dumb question as I've been fishing well over 60 years but never saw the topic covered.

With any spinning reel you supposedly get less line twist by closing by hand, turning of the reel to engage automatic bail closure induces some measure of twist…..

Bob Browning Loc: Cascade, Wisconsin

I have never had that problem with my Pflueger President reels. You may want to call customer service to see what they say.

Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

I don't know of a single reel that is designed to close the bail with the crank. I know that they all will. But that doesn't mean that they're supposed to. Get used to closing it by hand and your reel will last a lot longer. Or take the bail off. It's really only one more thang to go wrong. You can put that line over the roller with your finger after you cast. They do sell reels without bails. Some pretty damn expensive ones. Or you can make your own. Which is what I did.

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

Langer wrote:

I recently bought a President model new spinning reel and just wonder how you close the bail? I seem to click it shut with a finger about half the time after I've cast and then the other half start reeling and it closes automatically. Don't want it to be a dumb question as I've been fishing well over 60 years but never saw the topic covered.

It's your reel, so it's your choice. I don't think there is an 'official way' so which ever you are most comfortable with is the 'right way'! I expect that with use, cranking to close would get easier. Just Sayin...RJS

OJdidit Loc: Oak Creek Wisconsin

As Spirit stated, it is best to close them by hand to make them last longer.

Grizzly 17 Loc: South central Pa

Get use to closing it by hand. It will save you alot of trouble

Fish4fun Loc: Clinton, NJ & Venice, FL

You’ll get fewer wind knots closing the bale by hand and ensuring the line is reasonably tight before you start cranking.

kandydisbar Loc: West Orange, NJ

Spiritof27 wrote:

I don't know of a single reel that is designed to close the bail with the crank. I know that they all will. But that doesn't mean that they're supposed to. Get used to closing it by hand and your reel will last a lot longer. Or take the bail off. It's really only one more thang to go wrong. You can put that line over the roller with your finger after you cast. They do sell reels without bails. Some pretty damn expensive ones. Or you can make your own. Which is what I did.

EasternOZ Loc: Kansas City Metro

Spiritof27 wrote:

I don't know of a single reel that is designed to close the bail with the crank. I know that they all will. But that doesn't mean that they're supposed to. Get used to closing it by hand and your reel will last a lot longer. Or take the bail off. It's really only one more thang to go wrong. You can put that line over the roller with your finger after you cast. They do sell reels without bails. Some pretty damn expensive ones. Or you can make your own. Which is what I did.

Yep

Langer Loc: Lake Havasu City, Arizona

Thanks a lot for all the replies fellas, sounds like most of you feel it's best to snap it closed with a finger. Also it seems if I see the lure heading for a bush on shore it's instinctive to hit the handle to stop the cast a bit short. I'm guessing I make 300-400 casts in a 5-6 hour kayak trip. I have a 3 day trip planned next Wed to Havasu and Lake Mohave in AZ.

Papa Jack Loc: Indianapolis

I normally close with my hand and give the line a little pull to make sure my drag is where I want it and to pull out any loops on the reel

Foodfisher Loc: SO. Cal coast

Broken bail return spring answers any questions for me.