Finger Reel Fishing on a Raft

What is Finger Reel Raft Fishing?

Raft fishing is a special fishing style that takes place from small fixed boats (rafts), bridges, shorelines, near-sea net cages, floating platforms, piers, or breakwaters. It mainly targets bottom-dwelling or near-bottom fish.

In this method, the finger reel  is one of the most commonly used reels. It is very different from spinning reels or baitcasting reels. Its main features are:

  • No drag system: Most finger reels don’t have a built-in drag. When a fish runs, you can’t just rely on the reel to release line automatically. Instead, you must control the spool by hand, relying on skill and touch. This makes the fight more challenging and fun.

  • Smooth line release: The structure is very simple, and the line comes straight off the spool with almost no resistance. This makes it ideal for dropping your rig accurately to the bottom.

  • Unique handling: You don’t cast like with other reels. The rig drops mainly by gravity, so it’s not for long-distance casting. When reeling in, you turn the spool directly with your hand, which gives you a very clear feel of the fish’s movement.

A finger reel is usually paired with a raft rod. These rods are short and have an extremely sensitive tip, which makes it easy to detect even the tiniest bites.

Things to Know When Using a Finger Reel

  • Manual control: Because there is no drag, everything depends on your hand control. You’ll need practice to know when to release line as the fish pulls and when to reel quickly once the fish slows down.

  • Not for long casting: Finger reels are designed for vertical fishing close to the boat or platform, not for distance casting.

  • Line setup: Since there is no drag, the risk of breaking the line is higher. Using a proper leader (softer line section) helps absorb sudden pulls. Line strength should always match the target species.

Overall, fishing with a finger reel is a more traditional and skill-based style. It requires practice, but once mastered, it brings a unique sense of achievement and excitement that other reels can’t match.

Features and Advantages of Finger Reel Sea Raft Fishing

  1. Direct fish fighting, more challenge
    Sea fishing with a finger reel is even more exciting than freshwater fishing. Saltwater species like snapper, sea bass, or grouper are stronger and fight harder. You must control the spool speed with your fingers—fast enough to avoid break-offs but tight enough to control the fish. This creates an unmatched sense of direct battle between angler and fish.

  2. Light and sensitive, great for cautious fish
    Finger reels are small and lightweight. Paired with a sensitive raft rod, they are perfect for detecting subtle bites from cautious fish like black bream. You can feel every movement instantly through the rod and reel.

  3. Precise depth control, ideal for vertical fishing
    In sea raft fishing, the water is usually deeper. Because a finger reel releases line with almost no resistance, you can drop your rig quickly and precisely to the exact depth where fish are schooling, such as around net cages or floating platforms.

Rod and Line Setup

  • Rod: Sea raft rods are stronger than freshwater versions. They have more backbone to handle powerful saltwater fish but still keep a sensitive tip for bite detection.

  • Line system:

    • Main line: Fluorocarbon is often used for its sensitivity and durability. Common line sizes range from 0.8# to 6#, depending on the fish and conditions.

    • Leader: Fluorocarbon leader is recommended for abrasion resistance and elasticity. It helps absorb sudden pulls. Leaders are usually 0.3–1.5 m long and slightly thinner than the main line.

    • Sinker and hook: Choose sinker weight based on water depth and current. Hook types vary by target species, with popular options like “Chinu” hooks.

Skills and Safety Tips

  • Locking the spool: Once the rig reaches the bottom, lightly lock the reel or press the spool with your finger. Otherwise, waves, current, or sudden fish strikes may pull out line unexpectedly.

  • Reel fast when needed: In strong currents, lines can tighten and break if you don’t reel quickly after a fish bites. Finger reels make fast retrieval easier.

  • Watch the rod tip: Fish bites at sea can be tricky—sometimes just a tiny tap, other times a strong pull. Stay focused on the rod tip.

  • Stay safe: Sea fishing involves waves, wind, and tides. Always wear a life jacket and be careful with footing.

Conclusion

Finger reel sea raft fishing combines a simple reel design with a high-skill, high-challenge fishing style. It offers direct contact with the fish, precise depth control, and unmatched sensitivity.

For anglers already familiar with freshwater finger reel fishing, moving into sea raft fishing is the next step up—a tougher, but far more rewarding, challenge.

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