How to Make Speed Reels for Smelt Fishing

Ice fishermen know that certain fish congregate at certain depths under the water. Smelt are no exception to that rule. These small, deep-water delicacies challenge fishermen to lure their bait to just the right depth. Because of the considerable depth, reeling in smelt with a normal rod and reel can be quite time-consuming. Some fishing accessory manufacturers offer speed reels to overcome this problem. Rather than invest in this specialty equipment, however, you can make your own custom speed reel.

Things You'll Need

  • 1 round piece plywood
  • 2 different diameter wooden dowels
  • Tape measure
  • Power drill
  • Screws
  • Rope cord
  • 100 feet 6-pound, mono-filament fishing line
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the diameter of the round piece of plywood and mark the center point. Drill a hole through the center point. Make the hole wide enough to put a straight object through to allow the reel to spin freely when smelt bite your bait.

    • 2

      Mark the center point of each dowel diameter.

    • 3

      Drill a pilot screw hole through the center of the large-diameter dowel. Do the same for the smaller-diameter dowel.

    • 4

      Drill a pilot screw hole through the plywood toward the outer edge. Drill another pilot screw hole through the opposite outer edge of the plywood. Ensure that both pilot holes will align with the dowels in such a way that neither dowel will hang over the edge of the plywood.

    • 5

      Attach the large-diameter dowel to the plywood using a screw.

    • 6

      Attach the small-diameter dowel to the other side of the plywood with a screw. You should now have dowels sticking out of both sides of the plywood.

    • 7

      Wrap fishing line around the large-diameter dowel.

    • 8

      Wrap rope cord around the small-diameter dowel in the opposite direction in which you wrapped the fishing line. You have created a speed reel for catching smelt. Bait your line and drop it in the water. When smelt bite, pull the rope cord to pull in your fishing line.