non levelwind reel question

[BILLY JOE]

i bought 4 okuma cv55 reels to add some 45# copper rigs to my set up but they are not levelwind is it a big pain to guide the the line and fight a fish or do you get used to it will only use them about 4 times a year just a part time salmon guy

[fishsniffer]

i dont think youll have an issue at all..pretty much all they use offshore fishing for big fish..just dont let it all spool on one side of course:)

[mriversinco]

Not a problem at all. The only time I see a problem is if you tilt the rod and reel as you bring the line in. Of you tilt it then it'll want to spool all on one side and it becomes a mess. In fact, I have one setup that's not a levelwind and it's my favorite. Just wish it wasn't so expensive so I could get all my long lines setup with that.

[BILLY JOE]

thanks guys

[Aaron_Mcfly]

put the butt of the rod in your armpit as you reel in and hold the foregrip and guide the line on with your index finger and thumb...

iv taken a few offshore charters and this is how they taught me

the nice thing is that with no level wind the birds nests are much more manageable.

[BenLubbs]

I used to have a couple of old Penns that weren't levelwind. I didn't mind using them but it was hard for my little brothers and noobs to use them. I replaced them with Okuma Classics.

[EdB]

Have you guys saying no problem used copper without a level wind?

I have a old double core rod/reel with no level wind and it is not a problem if you pay attention and I don't think mono or braid would be a big issue. I never tried copper on a non level wind reel but I think it would be risky if you had a rookie on that reel who got excited on a big king and they didn't keep it spooled level when they reel it in. With as bulky as copper is, you could have it wacko on your spool with 15 yard of it if the angler was not paying attention to the spool. I see problems with that. I would not have a non level wind reel with copper on my boat.

[ChampionShip]

If you have noobies reeling fish you need to be making sure they don't mess with the drag/etc anyhow- may as well help them with manually guiding the line side to side. Word to the wise- use mono backing............if you get a screamer and have to use your finger and it takes off or you have to reel in fast- braid will absolutely carve your fingers up.

[BILLY JOE]

thanks again guys