User Guide for Conventional Reels
Congratulations! You have purchased the finest fishing tackle made. Since 1933, Fin-Nor has built world-class tackle to meet the demands of the most experienced anglers. Innovations in the use of new materials and new designs, created specifically for the latest fishing techniques, have given anglers more opportunities to boat the fish of a lifetime. More than 900 I.G.F.A. records. . .
Lever Drag Reels Drag lever “Strike” lever position “Strike” stop/release button Full/Max drag lever position Free-spool lever position Santiago Strike/Stop release button is located on the lever Drag pre-set knob
Star Drag Reels Spool release lever (flip down to release spool, flip up to engage spool) Spool tension knob Drag adjustment star (turn clockwise to tighten drag, turn counter-clockwise to loosen drag)
Filling the spool with line Your reel is designed to be used with any type of monofilament, Dacron, fused or braided super lines. After selecting the correct type and weight of line for your application, tie the line to the arbor pin on the spool so the line does not slip under pressure. Fill the spool 90-95% of full capacity, leaving a gap of 1/8” to 1/4” until full spool. Be sure to leave extra room if you intend to add a top shot.
Setting the drag on a lever drag reel Before using any lever drag reel, the drag must be adjusted to the desired range. You will use the pre-set knob to do this. Here are the steps involved: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Always move the lever to the “Free” position before making any adjustments to the preset. After setting the drag you will only use the lever to apply more, or less, pressure on the fish.
Using the lever drag Now that your drag is set, here are a few things you need to know before using your reel: 1. 2. 3. 4. Once the “Strike” drag position is set, you should not adjust the pre-set knob again until making significant drag range adjustments. Keep in mind that the drag at strike can vary depending on the difference between the temperature when set, and the operating temperature during usage.
Setting the drag on a star drag reel Here are the steps for setting the drag correctly on a star drag conventional reel: 1. 2. 3. 4. Before checking your drag, make sure the Release Lever is in the up, or engaged, position so the spool is engaged and not in the free-spool casting position. Turn the star clockwise to increase the drag, and counter-clockwise to decrease the drag. Test the drag with a scale.
Information about drag performance Heat Build-Up When a fish goes on a screaming run, friction from the drag causes heat to build up in the reel. All Fin-Nor reels have drags that are designed for extreme conditions to minimize and dissipate heat rapidly. If a fish is allowed to run excessively, the heat could build up faster that it is possible to dissipate, and you could potentially see a small affect on the drag setting.
Casting and releasing line: Star Drag Reels NOTE: To set up your reel for casting, we recommend adjusting your tension knob until most of the sideto-side movement of the spool is removed but the spool is still free. When making a cast with a star drag reel, place your thumb on the spool to prevent line from coming off while flipping the Release Lever down to the release position.
Casting and releasing line: Lever Drag Reels While most anglers use lever drag reels for trolling, many Fin-Nor lever drag reels, like Marquesa, were also designed for casting bait. With a super-free spool, these reels can easily cast a bait or can effortlessly drop the bait back on a fish. When making a cast with a lever drag reel, place your thumb on the spool to prevent line from coming off while moving the lever all the way back to the “Free” position.
Using 2-Speed Reels Certain lever drag models may have a 2-speed mechanism. All 2-speed FinNor reels feature an Easy Shift™ 2-speed control that allows you to shift on the fly. Without taking your hand off the handle, you can quickly extend your index finger, push in the button, and shift down to low, powerful gearing. With a quick twist of the dial, you’re back to high-speed. The hardened stainless steel spline provides smooth, positive gear changing without fail.
Basic Reel Maintenance All Fin-Nor reels are designed to handle the harsh saltwater environment for many years when properly maintained and lubricated. After each use, mist your reel thoroughly with warm fresh water to remove salt and grime. Wipe it dry and lightly mist it with water displacement lubricant or protectant. Be careful not to wash reel under high pressure that could force contaminants into the reel. You should periodically clean and re-lubricate your reel to maintain proper function.
Fin-Nor Limited Warranty This Fin-Nor fishing reel is warranted for a period of one (1) year from date of the first retail purchase against defects in workmanship and/or materials. This warranty is offered only to the original owner of the reel. Fin-Nor reserves the right to make all decisions, at our sole discretion, regarding whether a claim qualifies as eligible warranty work. During the warranty period, Fin-Nor will repair or replace the product, at our option, at no charge to the original purchaser.
Fin-Nor Parts & Service It is the goal of Fin-Nor to provide you with the very best customer service possible. For service, you can select an Authorized Repair Center near you or return directly to Fin-Nor. When returning your Fin-Nor product, the following information is require to process the service: 1. Provide your Name and Address, Telephone Number and E-Mail Address. 2. Properly package the product so there is no further damage during shipping. 3.
For more information about this or other great Fin-Nor products, or for specification, warranty info or parts and service, you may contact us in several ways: E-Mail: email.finnor@zebco.com Phone: (toll-free) 800-588-9030 Web: www.finnorfishing.com Also, become a Fan on Facebook for updates, images, stories and more! ©2011 Fin-Nor, a W.C. Bradley Co., 6101 E.
