The art of backreeling is an art in itself. It does take coordination and quick reflexes to have the confidence to use it during a long battle with a fish of a lifetime. It does not apply to all species of fish; for instance try to backreel fast enough during the first surge of a 20lb. striper and you might loose a knuckle or two. It does however help in the control of line stretch at a critical time when a fish takes off. Another thing to think about is that a smallmouths surge in 44 degree water temp is dramaticaly slower than 80 degree. Add a 10ft. FNF rod to the picture and this backreeling can be a great asset to not only keep the 4 or 6lb line from breaking but also help from straighting out the light wire hook. (Which HAS happened to elnutsmalljaws a few times in the past)

Elnut, have I ever steered you wrong before?
Dont you trust me?!

Try it on some trash fish this spring.
Get confident with it first, if you dont like it then it will always give me something to rib you good with when we are on the water and you break one off.


Remember...eat sleep fish!