Clamps

[Keta]

I always have used rod clamps on my reels if they came with them.  I know it can help with large fish and gear but are clamps needed for reels used for under 80lb?

[Dominick]

I always have used rod clamps on my reels if they came with them.  I know it can help with large fish and gear but are clamps needed for reels used for under 80lb?

Lee:  I always use them.  If they don't come with a used reel I buy one.  I never quite thought about it.  However, now that you brought up the subject rod clamps are probably not necessary on something like 20-30lb, although I've had some big fish on 30lb.  So having thought it out loud here, it's like your comment "that's why I wear a belt and suspenders."  Dominick

[Keta]

Yup.

I'm thinking just "a belt" will be good for my light gear.  Possably as heavy as my 50lb-60lb halibut reels. 

What brought this up is I broke another SS clamp stud on an Avet MX this morning and I'm not happy about it.  It will take me at least an hour to remove the broken stud and the reel work is a favor.

[wallacewt]

i like the ones that accept the lanyard.extra safety.

[Maxed Out]

I like to think they do serve a purpose other than just looking cool.

When properly attached, a rod clamp will keep the reel very stable and secure even if the seat clamp on the rod works loose.

Ever tried reeling on a fish when the reel is coming loose from the rod I have and it ain't no fun.

[Jimmer]

On under 30# gear i just use a zip tie in a figure 8 around the reel seat - works good so far.

[Irish Jigger]

i like the ones that accept the lanyard.extra safety.

Good point Wallace,that's the only reason I use them on my 20/30 lb gear.

[Keta]

I rarely troll less than 40lb and my trolling rigs all have lanyards.  I'm thinking that for my small stuff to leave them off, especially the ones I use for casting iron and swimbaits.

[doradoben]

I think it's a good idea to use a clamp for fishing irons because the strike/hook-up is much more violent than when flylining a bait.  I install clamps on any of my reels that will accept them, just as an added safety measure..

[alantani]

yeah, i'm a belt and suspenders guy, too!

[floating doc]

yeah, i'm a belt and suspenders guy, too!

Me too. I've always installed them if the reel came with one. It never occurred to me leave it off.

[Norcal Pescador]

yeah, i'm a belt and suspenders guy, too!

Me too. I've always installed them if the reel came with one. It never occurred to me leave it off.

Ditto here. If you clamp a 3/4" pipe in a vise, attach a reel with hose clamps and no rod clamp, and then wind some line on under just 8-10 pounds of drag, you'll be amazed and how much the reel stand (foot) flexes under the turning of the crank.

[Brendan]

     Several of my mid range rods have cork tape handles and no reel seat, so I have to use the clamps. I have heard of people using them as a very minimum security measure on party boats for all of their rods. The thought being a thief will bypass the reel with a clamp and grab the one without one. I don't like fishing Places where that's an issue.

[Panama]

I put clamps on all my setups.  Good point on the thieves (never thought of that).  Most of my rods are deckhand handle so I have to attach them securely.  In addition I feel the old adage applies  "Better be safe than sorry"

[Bill B]

Belt and suspenders here too....if they provide them why not use them