Complete Guide to Magging a Fishing Reel

What is Magging a Fishing Reel?

Magging a fishing reel refers to the process of installing a magnetic braking system in a fishing reel, typically a baitcasting reel. This modification aims to enhance the reel’s performance by providing better control over the spool’s speed during casting, reducing the likelihood of backlash—a tangled mess that can be difficult to undo when the spool spins faster than the line can leave.

While some reels come with this technology built-in, for those that don’t, magging a fishing reel yourself using neodymium magnets is a cost-effective way to boost your reel’s performance. Neodymium magnets are ideal due to their strong magnetic field.

Why Mag a Fishing Reel?

Magging a fishing reel offers numerous benefits, making it a worthwhile modification for any angler.

Plan the Magnet Placement:

• Determine the best location for the magnets, typically around the inside perimeter of the side plate, near the edge of the spool. The exact placement will depend on your reel model.
  
• Measure and mark the spots where the magnets will be glued. Even spacing is crucial for balanced braking.

Test and Adjust:

• Test the reel with a few practice casts to see how the magnetic braking system performs.
• If you experience too much or too little braking, you may need to add or remove magnets or adjust their placement. This might require some trial and error to find the optimal setup.

Recommended Magnet Sizes:

• 3 mm diameter x 1 mm thickness: For subtle braking adjustments. Click here to view
• 5 mm diameter x 1 mm thickness: Commonly used size for moderate braking control. Click here to view
• 10 mm diameter x 2 mm thickness: For stronger braking force in heavier reels.  Click here to view
• 12 mm diameter x 2 mm thickness: For maximum braking control in high-speed, heavy-duty reels. 
• Click here to view

Tips for Selecting Magnet Sizes:

• Consider Reel Size: Larger reels might benefit from larger or more powerful magnets, while smaller reels might only need small magnets.
• Adjustability: Starting with smaller magnets allows for incremental adjustments. You can add more magnets if needed.
• Space Availability: Ensure the chosen magnets fit comfortably in the designated area without interfering with the spool’s operation.

Benefits of DIY Magging with Neodymium Magnets:

• Cost-Effective: Using neodymium magnets is an inexpensive way to add a magnetic braking system to your reel.
• Customizable: You can tailor the braking system to your specific needs by adjusting the number and placement of the magnets.
• Improved Casting Control: Properly magging your reel will help reduce backlash and improve casting distance and accuracy.

Example Setups:

• Light Duty Reel: Use 4 magnets of 4 mm diameter x 1 mm thickness, spaced evenly around the side plate.
• Medium Duty Reel: Use 3 magnets of 10 mm diameter x 2 mm thickness.
• Heavy Duty Reel: Use 2 magnets of 12 mm diameter x 2 mm thickness, positioned opposite each other for balance.

Tips for Success When Magging a Fishing Reel:

• Start with Fewer Magnets: Begin with fewer magnets and add more if necessary. It’s easier to increase braking power incrementally.
• Symmetrical Placement: Ensure the magnets are placed symmetrically around the spool to maintain balance and avoid any wobbling during casts.
• Test Different Configurations: Experiment with different numbers and placements of magnets to find the configuration that best suits your casting style and conditions.
• Use Caution with Strong Magnets: Neodymium magnets are very strong and can snap together with considerable force, which can pinch your fingers. Handle them with care.
• Test Gradually: Make gradual adjustments to the magnetic brake to find the optimal setting for your casting style and conditions.
• Maintenance: Regularly check the magnets to ensure they are secure and clean. Dirt and moisture can affect their performance.

By following these steps and tips, you can successfully mag your fishing reel with neodymium magnets, enhancing its performance and making your fishing experience more enjoyable.

How Magging Works in Practice: The Science

When the spool of the fishing reel is made of aluminium, which is not magnetic, you may wonder how magnets interact with it. Magging a reel leverages principles like Lenz’s Law and eddy currents.

Conductivity vs. Magnetism: Aluminium is not magnetic but is a good conductor of electricity. It can support the flow of electric currents when subjected to a changing magnetic field. Eddy currents are induced in any conductive material, regardless of its magnetism. The key requirement is electrical conductivity.

Induction of Eddy Currents: Eddy currents are loops of electrical current induced within conductors by a changing magnetic field. When the spool spins through the magnetic field created by the magnets, it induces eddy currents in the conductive material of the spool.

Lenz’s Law: Lenz’s Law states that the direction of an induced electromotive force (emf) or current opposes the change in magnetic flux that produced it. This principle is fundamental in creating eddy currents.
When the spool of a baitcasting reel spins, it moves through the magnetic field created by the neodymium magnets. This change in magnetic flux induces currents in the metal spool.

The Detailed Steps

1. Spool Acceleration: During casting, the aluminum spool accelerates, rapidly increasing its rotational speed.
2. Interaction with the Magnetic Field: As the aluminum spool spins, it moves through the magnetic field created by the neodymium magnets, changing the magnetic flux through the aluminum material.
3. Induction of Eddy Currents: The changing magnetic flux induces circulating eddy currents within the aluminum spool. These currents are loops of electrical current generated in response to the changing magnetic field.
4. Opposition to Motion: According to Lenz’s Law, the eddy currents create their own magnetic fields that oppose the change in magnetic flux, acting to slow down the spinning spool and providing a braking force.
5. Braking Effect: The opposing force generated by the eddy currents slows down the spool, helping control its speed and reducing the risk of backlash during casting.
6. Adjustability: By adjusting the number, size, and position of the magnets, you can fine-tune the braking force. More magnets or stronger magnets increase the braking effect, while fewer or weaker magnets decrease it.

Magging a fishing reel leverages the principles of electromagnetism, specifically Lenz’s Law and the creation of eddy currents, to control the spool’s speed during casting. If you are looking to upgrade your fishing magnet, check out our range of Disc Magnets that are ideal for the project.