Umair Gaines
Electric fishing reels are an innovative way to enhance the fishing experience, especially for those who are physically challenged or elderly. While buying one can be expensive, costing upwards of $4000, building your own electric fishing reel is a feasible option for those on a budget. This involves purchasing a motor attachment for your existing reel or converting your manual reel into an electric one. The process can be complex, requiring careful consideration of components such as batteries, wiring, and switches, but with dedication and the right resources, it is possible to create a functional electric fishing reel.
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What You'll Learn
Electric reel battery box build
Building an electric fishing reel from scratch can be a challenging task and a costly endeavour. The electric fishing reel motors available on the market can convert 220+ Penn, Shimano, Daiwa, Avet, and other reels into powerful electric reels. However, if you are set on building your own, here is a step-by-step guide to constructing an electric reel battery box.
Firstly, you will need to source a battery. A 12V kayak battery is a good option, and you will also require a plastic waterproof ammo box to house the battery. It is imperative that the box is sealed to prevent water ingress and potential short circuits. Next, you will need to wire an Amphenol plug outlet to the box, connecting the receptacle portion to the main battery. It is important to note that red wires are positive, and black wires are negative. You can use a Sea Dog Polarized Connector, which features weatherproof connectors and 16-gauge lead wire.
Additionally, it is recommended to add a fuse box between the battery and the outlet to protect the electronics of the reel. Inline fuses can also be used. When wiring the components, marine goop should be used to seal all holes and prevent water ingress. You can also install a Scotty Plug to connect the battery box to your boat, ensuring that the cord is long enough to provide adequate slack for moving your rods.
Finally, when not using the electric reel, ensure that the power is switched off, especially in saltwater environments, as salt spray can cause corrosion on electrical connections. Dialectic grease can be used to protect the connections, and regular cleaning with baking soda, vinegar, and pipe cleaners can help maintain the system.
Building your own electric reel battery box can be a complex task, and it is important to prioritize safety and functionality to ensure a successful outcome.
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Electric reel motor attachments
Benefits of Electric Reel Motor Attachments:
Types of Electric Reel Motor Attachments:
There are several types of electric reel motor attachments available on the market, such as the FISH WINCH® range, which can convert various Penn, Shimano, Daiwa, Avet, and other reels into electric reels. These attachments offer different features, such as cordless designs, high retrieve speeds, and compatibility with specific reel models. For example, the FISH WINCH® EZ is designed for underspin reels, while the FISH WINCH® Commercial is ideal for daytime swordfishing and high-speed trolling. It's important to choose an attachment that suits your specific reel and fishing needs.
Building Your Own Electric Reel Motor Attachment:
If you're considering building your own electric reel motor attachment, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, ensure that your reel is compatible with electrical modifications. You can contact the reel's manufacturer to inquire about adding an electrical component. When building your own attachment, be mindful of the components you use. Retail motors priced very low may not be reliable, and brushless motors will require a controller. You may also need to significantly gear down the motor to achieve the desired speed. Additionally, consider safety measures such as adding a fuse box between the battery and the outlet to protect the electronics of your reel.
Battery Considerations:
When using electric reel motor attachments, battery setup is an important factor. If you have your own boat, installing a Scotty Plug can provide power without the need for a separate battery box. Alternatively, you can build a battery box, ensuring it is waterproof and properly fused. Consider using a 12V kayak battery and weatherproof connectors for your setup. Always follow safety guidelines and consult experts or online forums for specific wiring instructions and best practices.
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Electric reel for disabled people
Electric reels are a great way to make fishing accessible to people with disabilities. There are a variety of options available, ranging from simple rod holders to more complex adaptive devices. For example, the PowerFish'n Pro features a traditional Shakespeare spinning reel with a strong, quiet electric motor. It can be used for manual hand-cranking or automatic retrieval with the touch of a switch, making it suitable for anglers of all ages with disabilities.
Another option is the Freedom Fisher Power Assist Reel, which replaces a manual crank with a powerful 12V gear motor, enabling effortless one-handed fishing. The Power Drive For Penn Spinning Reel is also designed for individuals with physical challenges, providing enough power to easily overcome salmon, largemouth bass, and other freshwater species without needing to assist the motor.
For those who prefer to build their own electric reel, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you can convert a manual reel by adding an electrical component. This can be done by purchasing a motor attachment, which can cost around $2200 to $2500, or by using a drill with an attachment to bring in the weights. However, keep in mind that a retail motor for $125-$200 is likely to be inadequate and will need to be geared down.
When building an electric reel setup, you will also need to consider the power source. If you have your own boat, installing a Scotty Plug with enough cord length to move the rods around is a good option. Otherwise, you can build a battery box with a 12V kayak battery and wire it to the reel, ensuring you add a fuse box inline to protect the electronics.
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Electric reel for swordfishing
Electric reels can be a costly investment, with some of the most popular options like LP, Hooker, and Dolphin costing upwards of $4000. However, if you're handy and want to save some money, you can try building your own electric reel for swordfishing. Here are some things to consider and steps to follow:
Motor
First, you'll need to decide on a motor for your reel. You can choose to buy a motor attachment specifically designed for fishing reels, with options like Hooker and Dolphin quoting around $2200 to $2500 for the motor only. However, some people in online forums have argued that these motors may not be worth the high price tag. Alternatively, you could try using a starter motor or even a drill with an attachment to bring in the weights, which is a much cheaper option. If you go with a drill, be aware that you may need more than 10lbs of weight, and even the best drills might struggle in strong currents.
Reel Compatibility
If you already have a reel, you'll need to ensure that it's compatible with the motor you choose. Some companies may offer to add the electrical component to your manual reel, but this can be expensive. FISH WINCH® offers electric reel motors that convert over 220 Penn, Shimano, Daiwa, Avet, and other reels into electric reels.
Battery and Connections
You'll need to decide on a power source for your electric reel. If you have a boat, you can install a Scotty Plug and ensure the cord is long enough to move your rods around the vessel. Otherwise, you may need to build a battery box. For this, you'll require a waterproof box, a battery (12v kayak battery, for example), an Amphenol plug outlet, an on/off switch, and fuses. You'll also need to consider the correct way to wire the Amphenol plug, ensuring you get the positive and negative connections right.
Safety and Maintenance
When building your own electric reel, it's important to consider safety. Inline fuses can help protect the electronics on the reels. Additionally, using marine goop to seal all the holes in your battery box can be beneficial. Remember that any motor you buy will likely need to be geared down, as it may be too fast straight out of the box.
Swordfishing with an electric reel can be an exciting challenge, but it's important to remember that the primary function of the reel is to retrieve the lead, not fight the swordfish. When you get a bite, set the hook and then let out some line to let the weight start pulling the fish down. The fish will instinctively swim towards the surface, and that's when your actual fight begins.
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Electric reel for freshwater fishing
Electric fishing reels are a valuable tool for anglers with physical limitations, as well as those fishing in deeper waters. Smaller electric reels for freshwater fishing are often battery-operated and can be useful for trolling at specific depths. They can also enter a "jigging mode", which repeatedly brings in the line, stops, and resumes to trigger bottom fish to bite.
If you're looking to build your own electric fishing reel, there are a few methods you can consider. One option is to purchase an electric reel motor, such as the FISH WINCH®, which can be attached to various reels to convert them into powerful electric reels. These motors typically range from $350 to $2500 and can be a convenient way to add an electrical component to your existing manual reel.
Alternatively, you could attempt to build your own electric reel from scratch. This method requires more technical knowledge and creativity. One approach is to attach a motor directly to the reel's handle adapter, as described by a user on Reddit who created their own electric reel. They used a 3D-printed part, a custom adapter, and a low-resistance motor. However, they noted that their creation was not perfect and that a diode to handle back EMF was necessary.
Another creative solution suggested on a fishing forum is to use a conventional reel with a drill attachment to bring in the weights. This method may not be ideal for serious fishing, but it can reduce the drudgery of checking baits and hauling in.
When building your own electric fishing reel, it's important to consider factors such as motor speed, gearing, and the need for a controller, especially for brushless motors. Additionally, keep in mind that hand crank reels were not designed to have motors attached, so your creation may still function primarily as a hand crank reel with added assistance.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a few ways to build an electric fishing reel. One way is to buy an electric fishing reel motor and attach it to a manual reel. Another way is to buy an electric drill and attach it to a conventional reel. You could also try to build your own electric reel from scratch.
FISH WINCH® sells electric fishing reel motors that convert 220+ Penn, Shimano, Daiwa, Avet, and other reels into powerful electric reels. They offer both cordless and conventional options.
Electric fishing reels can be beneficial for those who are physically challenged, disabled, or handicapped. They can also make the sport more accessible to elderly people who want to continue fishing but may not have the dexterity they once had.
There are a few things to consider before building an electric fishing reel. First, any motor bought at a low retail price is likely to be poor quality. Second, any brushless motor will need a controller. Third, motors will likely need to be geared down significantly as they will be too fast straight out of the box.
