OK' So what is a Clicker?

[sturdavj]

As I read through posts discussing various reel types the reference to a ?clicker? is made often.

What exactly is a clicker, when and how is it used while fishing. When letting out line?

I mostly freshwater troll, I use level-wind bait casting and open-faced spinning reels. I free line (thumbing the spool of the level wind) when letting out the gang trolls/ bait/ lures, then with both of these types of reels I turn the handle to stop the line from paying out.

Is a clicker the lever on some reels that is tripped to stop the fishing line from paying out?

 

[Bondo]

Re: OK' So what is a Clicker?

Is a clicker the lever on some reels that is tripped to stop the fishing line from paying out?

Nope,... That's the clutch engagement lever....

The Clicker is the little button on the other side of the reel that causes the Clicking sound...

 

[projecthog]

Re: OK' So what is a Clicker?

The clicker is a mechanical one way ratchet brake that allows reeling in but not paying out.

PH.

 

[LongLine]

Re: OK' So what is a Clicker?

While trolling Lake Ontario, after I let the lures out, I tighten drag & set the clicker on my Penn levelwinds & put rod in rod holder. (push the little button down.) When a fish hits it, the clicker will click something fierce so you won't miss the strike if you happen to be looking away.

I let the lures out with a super loose drag, never free spooling. If a fish hits it on the way out, you asking for an "interesting" birdsnest. With a spinning reel, slowly crank the handle backwards to let the lure out. The line won't twist on you and you'll know exactly how much line you have out. I.E. 50 turns, etc.

Tom B.
(LongLine)

 

[sturdavj]

Re: OK' So what is a Clicker?

Thanks LongLine, good advice for the spinning reel.

 

[bobo1]

Re: OK' So what is a Clicker?

Sturdavj...The clicker is merely an alert. Once that bad boy gets hooked and takes off, the clicker alerts you that you'd better reel him in...Bob

 

[fishrdan]

Re: OK' So what is a Clicker?

Something to consider, the clicker will only make noise if the fish can pull drag. I troll with a fairly heavy drag in a small boat and have caught many fish that didn't make the clicker, click or buzz,,, they pulled the boat around instead Not saying the this is the only time the clicker can make noise, just that you can be hooked up and not know it because the clicker is quiet.

I don't use the clicker unless I'm on a heavy boat, lots of weight/momentum that the fish can pull against,,, or light drag/line in a light boat.

 

[Mark_VTfisherman]

Re: OK' So what is a Clicker?

The clicker is a mechanical one way ratchet brake that allows reeling in but not paying out

My clicker works in both directions- reeling in and paying out. I use it with my leadcore setup.

The way I do it is to set the drag light and when a fish hits, the clicker audibly alerts me as line pays out.

When reeling up I turn the clicker off because after it has done it's job it is annoying.

Sometimes with low speeds and light-drag lures, or when places where the target fish are smaller, I set the rod in the holder and leave the lever down so that the only drag on the reel is the clicker itself and the anti-overrun tension. When a fish hits, I pick up and reel, setting the hooks in one smooth motion.

 

[Tyme2fish]

Re: OK' So what is a Clicker?

The clicker is a lever that when activated produces a "clicking" sound that alerts you that line is being pulled from the reel.

I find this best to use when I'm catfishing. I push the reel release lever in allowing free line play from the reel. The clicker then alerts you that line is being pulled from the reel when a fish is playing with your bait.

If using a circle hook, once you turn the reel to shut off the free line play, the fish is "self caught".