Reel Retrieve

Reel Retrieves, where the reel is the primary instrument of the retrieve technique (opposed to a rod retrieve), as the reel is used to move the lure back to the angler.  Reel retrieve is used for tight line presentation (no slack line).

For example, straight retrieves and its different variants are reel retrieves.

Why is Reel REtrieve Important?

Reel Retrieves are important as they:

Reel Retrieve Options
  • Rod Tip Position:
    • Rod Tip Height: [Figure 1] When the rod is pointing toward the lure (0 degrees)
      • Rod Tip Down: The rod tip pointing towards the water (8 to 9 o’clock) enables the lure to be the lowest in the water column.
      • Rod Tip Height: The rod tip pointing high (11 to 12 o’clock) enables the lure to be the highest in the water column.
    • Rod Tip Rod Angles:  [Figure 2] When rod is to the side, typically it is steady at 30 to 45 degrees depending somewhat by the rod tip height..  This angle provides good feedback while allowing room for a good hook set.
    • Lure Action-based Rod Movement – No Slack Line: Typically, any rod tip movement is to impact lure action or lure depth as the rod is a little movements as compared to a rod retrieve as there is typically no slack line to be removed. 
  • Retrieve Speed: Reel retrieves support fishing slow and fishing fast. The fastest reel retrieves are made possible with faster reels for example over 6.5:1
  • Common Reel Retrieves:
    • Straight Retrieve: Very little rod movement typically limited to managing lure depth and secondary action.
      • Burn Retrieve is a very fast straight retrieve.
      • Slow Roll Retrieve, also called Tracing, is a very slow straight retrieve (as slow as the lure will support) in some cases resulting in the lure glancing off bottom and cover.
      • Pop Retrieve is a straight retrieve with multiple horizontal rod pulls (short sweeps). Pop retrieves displace water (commotion), varies lure action (e.g. flare a skirted lure) and varies speed. 
      • Wake Retrieve is a straight retrieve where the lure leaves a surface wake.
      • Dead-Stick – Moping Retrieve: Although there is no retrieve (with rod or reel) a dead stick retrieve, also called tight lining, generally refers to the rod remaining motionless keeping the lure near motionless in the water column typically used to describe holding a Jighead Minnow 10 feet or so above the bass.
Figures 1: Vertical Rod Tip Positions
Figures 2: Horizontal Rod Tip Positions
Additional Considerations
  • Reel Ratio: Retrieve speed can influence the reel retrieve speeds. 
Reel Retrieves - It's About the ALLURE™

Straight Retrieve Lures including burn, slow-roll, pop and wake. 

Dead-Stick Lures

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