Sougayilang R18 Spinning Fishing Reel Instruction Manual

Welcome

Thank you for choosing Sougayilang products. Sougayilang is an emerging high-tech company focused on fishing gear development and research. Our elaborate fishing gear has been providing good service for fishing enthusiasts worldwide, attracting many with its high cost performance.

Sougayilang is committed to continuously improving and updating our fishing gear. Fishing for a better life has always been our vision. We hope you are pleased with both the product and service you received.

Safety Warnings

DANGER

• Electric Shock Caused by Touching Electric Wires: Due to high-voltage wires, lines, iron bridges, and other conductive materials, touching them with the fishing rod can cause electric shock and death. Always ensure the fishing rod is folded away when changing fishing locations. Do not use the rod near or under high-voltage wires, lines, or iron bridges.
• Electric Shock Caused by Thunder: If thunder occurs during use, immediately move away from fishing rods and seek a safe place.

WARNING

• When Throwing: Pay attention to your surroundings to ensure no other people are nearby. Hooks, lures, or plumb bobs can cause serious injury if they hit someone.
• Hanging Bottom Solution: If your lure or line gets entangled with obstacles (water or land), do not forcefully swing the fishing rod. This can break the rod, cause it to bounce, and lead to injury. If possible, use your hand to pull the line and cut it. Wear gloves or use hand protection with a towel to prevent cuts.
• Damaged Rod: If the fishing rod is damaged (broken, missing parts, peeled), the damaged area may cause hand injury. Handle with care.

NOTE

• This product is not a toy and should not be used by children under 5 years old. Use only under adult supervision.
• Do not insert anything other than the recommended bobber into the product. This can lead to severe injury.

Specifications

Package Includes: 1 * Fishing Reel

Product Features

• Robust Metal Spool: Built with a durable metal spool for enhanced strength and consistent performance, ensuring reliable operation even in demanding fishing conditions.
• Optimized 5.0:1 Gear Ratio: Delivers an ideal balance of speed and power, enabling quick line retrieval while maintaining full control for efficient fish landing.
• Strong Dual Crank Handle: Features a sturdy dual crank design that provides increased cranking power and comfortable handling, capable of landing catches up to 8kg with ease.
• Metal Gear Alarm System: Integrated metal gear alarm system for audible alerts during retrieves.
• Anti-Twist Line Roller: Designed to minimize line twisting for smoother casting and retrieval.
• Premium 3-Layer Weaving Drag System: Advanced drag system for consistent and reliable drag performance.

Figure 1: Overview of Sougayilang R18 Spinning Reel features including gear ratio, aluminum spool, and double rocker arm.

Figure 2: Diagram illustrating the premium 3-layer weaving drag system.

Setup

1. Spooling the Line (Baitcaster Method)

1. Thread the Line: Begin by threading the line through the line guides of the rod and the line guide of the reel itself. Ensure all line guides are used to prevent added stress on the fishing line.
2. Attach to Reel: Attach the line to the fishing reel spool using an arbor knot.
3. Tensioning the Line: For the next step, you'll need an extra hand. Insert a pencil or screwdriver through the eye of the fishing line spool and have a friend hold both sides. It's important that the line comes off the spool in the same direction it goes onto the reel. If you don't have a helper, use a Reel Spooling Station.
4. Reel In: Begin to reel in the line. As you retrieve, use your opposite index finger and thumb to apply tension to the line. This helps the line spool straight and tight.
5. Fill Spool: Fill the spool until it is approximately 1/8 inch (3mm) from the top of the spool. Tie on your favorite fishing lure and start fishing!

Note for Braided Line:

• If using braided fishing line, it is best practice to use a monofilament line backing or wrap one layer of electrical tape around the spool to prevent line slippage.

Figure 3: The anti-twist line roller ensures smooth line flow during spooling and retrieval.

Figure 4: Visual guide for spooling line onto the reel, ensuring proper tension and fill level.

2. Switching Handle Direction (Right- or Left-Hand Retrieve)

1. Remove Dust Cap: Remove the dust cap from the side of the reel opposite the handle and keep it handy. Hold the reel firmly in the palm of your hand, ensuring the spool does not spin.
2. Remove Handle: Hold the handle near the base of the reel and quickly snap it backward (towards the rear of the reel) to loosen. If it doesn't loosen, try turning the opposite way. Note: Not all models have left-hand thread.
3. Unscrew and Reinstall: Unscrew the handle until it comes off. Place the dust cap over the opening where the handle was, then screw the handle into the other side of the reel.

Figure 5: Step-by-step illustration for changing the handle retrieve direction.

Operation

1. Casting the Spinning Reel

1. Prepare for Cast: Reel in the line until your bait or lure is 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) from the rod tip. If using a sinker or bobber, it should also be within this range.
2. Grip the Rod: Grip the rod behind the reel with your thumb resting over the reel spool. Most fishermen cast with the same hand they retrieve with. If you prefer to hold the rod behind the reel when retrieving, you'll need to switch hands when casting. You can also rest your thumb at a slight angle on the spool instead of pressing the very flat of it on the line for more control.
3. Orient the Reel: Turn the rod so the reel handles point up. This allows you to use your wrist when casting. If casting with your opposite hand, the handles should point down.
4. Release Spool: Press the reel spool release button. Modern baitcasting reels have a mechanism to disengage the spool from the handles for longer casts. Most models feature a release bar behind the spool that you press with your thumb.
5. Bend Casting Arm: Bend your casting arm at the elbow so that the crook of your arm approaches a right angle. Raise your rod until its tip goes slightly past vertical. This positions you correctly for casting.
6. Sweep Forward: Sweep the rod forward until it reaches eye level (about 30 degrees above horizontal, or the '10 o'clock' position). As you do so, lift your thumb off the reel spool enough for the weight of your bait or lure to pull line off the spool as it's propelled towards the target.
7. Stop the Bait: Press down on the reel spool with your thumb to stop the bait when it reaches the target. Not applying your thumb soon enough can cause the spool to continue turning after the bait hits the water, creating an overrun or 'bird's nest'.

Important: Please tighten the drag enough when you cast. If the drag is too loose, there is a possibility of cutting your finger by the spinning spool.

Figure 6: A person demonstrating the casting motion with the R18 spinning reel.

2. Rod Use Cautions

• Guide Ring: When moving the guide ring, ensure it is fixed in place. Always pass the fishing line through the guide ring; forgetting to do so can cause the rod tip to break.
• Line Winding: When winding the fishing line, do not apply unreasonable force to the rod, as this may cause the fishing rod to break.

3. When Rod Seams Are Difficult to Pull Out

If rod sections are difficult to separate, two people should face each other and gently twist in opposite directions to separate them. It is recommended to wear gloves during this operation to prevent hands from getting caught.

Maintenance

1. Cleaning the Spinning Reel

Regular maintenance is crucial for any precision product. Always work on a clean, uncluttered surface.

1. Check for Oiling: To determine if your reel needs oil, flick your finger on the reel to check how freely it spins. If it turns slower than normal, it needs oil.
2. Clean Exterior: Thoroughly clean your reel before oiling. Wash the exterior with a clean cloth and soapy water, using a toothbrush to remove dirt or debris. Rinse with fresh water and dry thoroughly.
3. Remove Spool: Unscrew the retainer cap on your reel and take the spool out.
4. Clean Spool Shaft: Clean the spool shaft with a toothbrush to remove any debris, old oil, or other lubricants.
5. Apply Lubricants: Apply reel grease sparingly to the shaft. Add a drop of gear oil to each bearing every 6 months or as needed. Lightly coat the exterior of your reel with oil to prevent corrosion.

Precautions for Lubrication:

• Less lubricant is always better. If unsure, apply only a little. Too much lubricant can decrease performance and damage the reel.

Figure 7: Visual guide for disassembling, cleaning, and lubricating the reel components.

2. General Reel Maintenance

• After Saltwater Use: After using in saltwater, remove residual salt and dry thoroughly before storage.
• Remove from Rod: Always remove the reel from the rod before storage.
• Rinsing: Rinse the reel gently with fresh water (e.g., using a showerhead at low pressure) to wash away salt and dirt.
• Avoid Heated Water/High Pressure: Do not use heated water as it can wash away grease. Do not immerse the reel in water. Avoid high-pressure washing.
• Drying: Avoid direct sunlight. Let the reel dry in a shaded area after thoroughly draining all water.

3. Fishing Line Maintenance

• After Each Fishing Trip: Rinse the main line under a faucet to prevent salt and stains from drying. Install it on a large ventilated axle until the next fishing trip.
• Deep Cleaning: Flush the line at least 4 times a year (more often for sea fishing). Soak the main and backup fishing line in hot soapy water for several hours to remove salt and dirt.
• Straighten Line: Straighten the line before casting to make it easier. Avoid dragging the line on rough surfaces (stone, sand, marl, dock) as this will damage the surface.
• Casting Practice: Practice throwing on grass, never on roads or concrete. Store the thread in a cool place when not in use and untie any kinks.
• Storage: A damp main line and backup line can become moldy in a closed environment, damaging the surface layer and reducing casting performance.
• Handling Spikes: Take care not to get hurt when handling the line, especially if fishing with spikes.

4. Fishing Rod Bag Cleaning

After any fishing trip, it's a good idea to quickly clean your rod bag:

1. Empty Pockets: Empty all pockets and shake the bag upside down to remove sand and dirt.
2. Wipe Interior: Use a clean sponge (no soap needed) to wipe out the interior.
3. Clean Exterior: Lightly scrub any stains or spots on the exterior with your sponge and a little soap.
4. Dry and Store: Once the bag is dry, place your Sougayilang backpack in its dust-proof packaging bag for storage until your next outing.

Troubleshooting

• Line Twist: If you notice line twist while reeling in new line, stop immediately and fix the problem. Ensure proper tension during spooling to prevent this.
• Handle Not Loosening: If the handle does not loosen when attempting to switch retrieve direction, try turning it the opposite way.
• Rod Tip Breakage: Ensure the fishing line is always passed through all guide rings. Forgetting this can cause the rod tip to break.
• Overrun / Bird's Nest: If the spool continues to turn after the bait hits the water, causing a tangled line (bird's nest), it means you did not apply thumb pressure to stop the spool soon enough during casting. Practice timing your thumb release.

User Tips

• Smooth Casting: For optimal casting, ensure the drag is tightened sufficiently. A loose drag can lead to line tangles and potential finger injury.
• Lubrication is Key: Regularly check your reel's spin freedom. If it feels sluggish, apply a small amount of reel oil. Remember, less is often more with lubricants.
• Protect Your Hands: When dealing with difficult rod sections or handling fishing line, especially with hooks or spikes, always wear gloves to protect your hands.
• Saltwater Care: Always rinse your reel thoroughly with fresh water after saltwater use to prevent corrosion and extend its lifespan.

Warranty and Support

Sougayilang fishing gear is designed for durability and performance. If you encounter any issues with your product, please contact our customer service team for assistance. Our team members are dedicated to helping you improve your experience.

For additional detailed instructions and diagrams, you may refer to the official user manual PDF available at: Sougayilang Fishing Tackles User Manual (PDF).