Fish-Hawk.Net

Hi,

I've read on this forum for the past half year or more, but finally joined.

I just bought a new 2003 model Chronach SF from a local shop in Bruce County for 305$ plus taxes(that's what they went for last year at the spring fishing show, so I talked him down to it, as the reel had been there for over a year).

I plan on using it for drifting the local rivers(Saugeen, Maitland, Sauble, Penetangore). It has about 6-7 seconds for free spooling, which is crazy.

Does anybody else drift with a casting reel?

Does anybody else use a Chronach and does it take a while to get use to? I assume I'll over cast or get nests from the reverse spins from depressing the thumb(it free spins backwards for a second each time).

I fish the rivers for steel and salmon in spring, fall and winter. I fish from a kayak and a 14.5 Grumman with a 25hp Johnson. I fish walleye and pike up north(yearly fishing trip into Quebec). I fish musky in the kawarthas and the Saugeen (nice species in a large river with no other musky water around for miles). I own thousands in gear and tackle!

My largest pike is 37inches(Quebec), 42inche Musky(saugeen) and walleye is 31inches(from Quebec). Other records are from being a kid, so I need to improve my largemouth skills. Smallies I"m okay on rivers(19inche largest).

I'd love to fish out western Ontario, but enjoy the north, much more. Maybe someday I'll work out there!

Anybody from Brockville? Trillium Health Care? I supply them with a product weekly and would enjoy working there! Also, Shorewood Packaging.

Welcome to the board, I am sure someone will be able to answer your questions before long.

1st of Smitty, Welcome to the Family!!!!!!!!!!!!Glad you joined on, and talk of those rivers mentioned are going to be a great asset here for sure

So now for the drifting?

As per the name I am a die hard Floater.I use a centre pin now, and have for awhile.I began with a small spinning outfited with a 11.5 noodle many moons ago.While wanting to upgrade to A float reel, but still being intimidated by them, I put on A chronarch SF.The drift I recieved was longer, a bit more accurate than a spinning reel, also a bit more comfortable fishing wise(Thumbing your drag and all)I used this method for a season, and then bit the bullet and bought a pin.

The spin, or drift you will get with this reel is great, mind you remember to loosen all but maybe 1 brake, and take you cast control way down.This will provide a much more free spooled drift.Casting regardless(I know you are fishing bigger waters as opposed to the East Tribs)Is alot tougher, for the weight is not there to make a good cast when drifting.A longer rod will help you attain a "Further pitch" to drift.You can get sma;ll casts off, but the best to do is start at the head of a pool to maximize your drift, and see how the line will come off your spool.Educate your thumb to A "T" for you will have to stop the fish with your thumb, because when free spoolin your retrieve will not be engaged.Keep your drag loose enough to mold the fish to your hand, to tight, lost fish.To loose, and burnt thumb and backlashes can occur during a fight.Try spooling with 8 to 10lb mono(Maxima is my stand by)For this will give you a better feel of the line as it flows off the reel.

Now matching the rod to the reel comes in aswell.If you use a regular Float rod designed for a spin or Centre pin reel with a bait cast, technically you are going against the way the blank is formed on that rod.It will work, but after long periods of preasure, the blank might just have hd enough going against.Try a "Noodle" made for a baitcast reel, with the trigger, and reel seat, or check some local "Rod Builders" and have a rod tied, exp, but might be worth it if you plan to stick fishing the Baicast reel.

If there was any reel to chose for this application, Smitty, you sir have found the perfect one to do so!

Best bet, is to try some waters, exp with weights, and get used to the line flowing off your reel a bit, and watch how the line comes back aswell.Bring er back to fast, she will bunch up in the middle of the spool, and then if your next drift offers a fish the line will dig itself in, and cause a nest or snappage.This wont always happen, but its nice when you've got the feel, and you dont have to watch the spool while fishing.

Faster water equals more thumb preasure, for you know if the line comes off to quick"Freespooling" equals disaster in way of backlash.Best bet like all bait caters, and in this application of one, make sure your thumb is educated to the type of water, and bait you are fishing.

The last bonus of having a baitcaster for drifting, is when they stage at the mouth, you have a set-up to go toss poons off the piers for em too

Great to have ya, and anything else I can offer to see ya driftin in no time, ask away bro!

T.L F.F