Using a finger reel primarily involves paying out and winding up line for short deployments, typically for marking a position or navigating a short distance underwater. Here's a breakdown:
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Preparation:
- Ensure the finger reel is correctly spooled with line. Overfilling can cause jams.
- Attach the end of the line to a fixed point (wreck, guideline, SMB). If using for a delayed surface marker buoy (DSMB), attach it to the buoy.
- Check that the line is free of knots or tangles.
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Deployment (Paying Out Line):
- Hold the reel comfortably in one hand.
- Carefully pay out line by unwinding it from the reel. Control the speed of the line payout with your fingers.
- Maintain slight tension on the line to prevent it from becoming slack and potentially tangling.
- While paying out line, observe your surroundings and ensure you are deploying the line in the intended direction.
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Winding Up Line:
- Hold the reel securely.
- Use your fingers to guide the line back onto the reel.
- Wind the line evenly to prevent it from bunching up on one side.
- Maintain tension on the line as you wind it to ensure a tight, neat spool.
- Continue until all the deployed line is retrieved.
Key Considerations:
- Line Thickness and Material: Choose a line appropriate for the intended use (e.g., thicker line for wreck diving). Common materials include nylon and braided line.
- Visibility: Consider using brightly colored line for better visibility in low-light conditions.
- Practice: Practice using the finger reel in a controlled environment (pool or shallow water) before using it in more challenging conditions. This will help you become comfortable with the operation and avoid entanglement issues.
- Gloves: Consider wearing gloves to protect your hands when handling the line, especially in cold water.
- Safety: Avoid deploying the line in areas where it could become entangled with obstacles or other divers.
Finger reels are great for short deployments.
