Fishing reels are essential tools in the sport of angling, serving as mechanisms that manage and control fishing lines. Reels play a pivotal role in the casting, retrieval, and landing of fish.
There are various fishing reels designed to maintain proper line tension and ensure the line is released smoothly during casting and reeled in without tangles or knots.
However, finding the right reel for your needs can be challenging because there are many types of reels built for varying purposes, experience levels, and preferences.
Fortunately, you can learn how to navigate all the options and buy a new reel or explore rod & reel bundles to prepare for your next trip. Keep reading to learn all about fishing reels and how to find the right one for your needs.
What are Fishing Reels?
Reels come in various designs and configurations, each catering to specific fishing techniques and the targeted species. The primary purpose of a fishing reel is to store, dispense, and retrieve fishing lines efficiently and without any issues.
Reels allow anglers to cast their baits or lures at different distances and depths, offering a wide range of fishing possibilities, whether for freshwater or saltwater fishing. The chosen reel type depends on the angler's skill level, preferences, and the specific demands of their fishing style.
It can be confusing for beginners to understand all the types of reels and how to pick the right one; that’s why we’ve built this comprehensive guide of various types of reels and which one you’ll need.
The Various Types of Fishing Reels
Selecting the right fishing reel is crucial for a successful fishing experience since each reel type is designed for specific fishing techniques and target species. So, let’s dive into our detailed guide to help you understand different reels to make an informed decision.
Spinning Reels
Spinning reels are versatile and beginner-friendly with an open-faced design. They are ideal for light to medium-sized fish, offering easy casting and a smooth drag system. Spinning reels are commonly used in various fishing environments and techniques.
- Best for: Beginners or those needing a versatile reel for both freshwater and saltwater.
- Advantages: Easy to use, suitable for light to medium-sized fish, versatile, allows for long casts, and great for finesse techniques.
- Disadvantages: Spinning reels may not handle large, heavy fish very well.
Baitcasting Reels
Experienced anglers favour baitcaster reels for their precision and control. They excel at handling heavy lines and lures, making them suitable for big-game fishing. However, they require skill to avoid backlash.
- Best for: Experienced anglers, especially for large fish and precision casting.
- Advantages: Excellent control over casting accuracy, can handle heavy lines and lures, and versatile for various techniques.
- Disadvantages: Requires more skill to prevent backlash; they may not be ideal for beginners.
Spincasting Reels
Spinning reels, or closed-face reels, are beginner-friendly and minimize backlash. They are great for teaching basic fishing skills and are suitable for light to medium-sized fish. However, they offer limited casting distance and accuracy.
- Best for: Beginners and kids learning to fish.
- Advantages: Easy to use, minimal backlash, great for teaching basic fishing skills, and suitable for light to medium-sized fish.
- Disadvantages: Limited casting distance and accuracy, not ideal for advanced anglers or heavy-duty fishing.
Fly Reels
Fly reels are essential for fly fishing, primarily serving as line holders. They are specialized for finesse and controlling fish during the fight. Fly reels come in various sizes to match different fly line weights.
- Best for: Fly fishing enthusiasts targeting trout, salmon, bass, and other freshwater species.
- Advantages: Designed for fly fishing techniques, it assists in controlling the line during casting and is suitable for handling larger fish on light tackle.
- Disadvantages: They are specific to fly fishing and not versatile for other techniques.
Trolling Reels
Trolling reels are designed for offshore fishing and trolling techniques. They are sturdy and feature large line capacities to handle deep-sea fishing. Trolling reels are the primary type of reel used for targeting deep-sea species.
- Best for: Offshore and deep-sea trolling in saltwater, targeting species like tuna, marlin, and sailfish.
- Advantages: Designed for trolling techniques, large line capacity, built for heavy-duty use, and often comes with lever drags for precise control.
- Disadvantages: Not suitable for most freshwater fishing, overkill for smaller fish.
Musky Reels
Musky reels are fishing reels explicitly designed for targeting muskellunge, commonly called muskies. Muskies are large freshwater predatory fish in North America, primarily in the northern United States and Canada. Muskies are known for their aggressive behaviour and can grow to impressive sizes, making them a popular target for dedicated anglers.
- Best for: Catching musky, which is the core purpose of this specialized type of reel.
- Advantages: Manufactured with the strength and durability to handle the strength and size of musky fish.
- Disadvantages: Musk reels require more skill to operate than other reels and are not ideal for other uses.
Centerpin Reels
Centerpin / Float reels specialize in float fishing and are known for their free-spool design. A centerpin reel allows for precise drift control in rivers and streams, mainly when targeting salmon and steelhead.
- Best for: Experienced or beginner anglers focusing on float fishing in rivers.
- Advantages: Designed for centerpin float fishing techniques, offers precise line control and presentation and allows for long drifts in river currents.
- Disadvantages: Specialized for float fishing, not versatile for other styles.
Ice Fishing Reels
Ice fishing reels are compact and designed to withstand freezing temperatures. They often feature simple designs, like inline or spinning reels, to accommodate the unique needs of ice anglers.
- Best for: Ice fishing in frozen lakes and rivers.
- Advantages: Compact, designed for cold conditions, and often has features like built-in line counters.
- Disadvantages: Limited to ice fishing, not suitable for other seasons.
How to Pick Your Ideal Best Fishing Reel
Selecting the right fishing reel is crucial for a successful angling experience, as different types of reels are designed for specific fishing techniques and target species.
It can be confusing, so we put together a step-by-step guide to help you choose the appropriate reel:
Start By Determining Your Fishing Goals
Your goals will largely dictate the type of reel you need. Consider the type of fish you want to catch, the fishing environment, and your preferred fishing techniques.
Your experience and proficiency as an angler also play a significant role in reel selection. For example, spinning reels are generally more beginner-friendly, while baitcasting reels require more skill and practice to master.
It’s wise to start off with a beginner-friendly reel to get the hang of core fishing skills before moving on to more advanced reels.
Choose the Reel Type Based on Your Goals
There are several main types of fishing reels, which we defined above. A quick recap of all the options:
- Spinning reels
- Baitcasting reels
- Spincasting reels
- Fly reels
- Trolling reels
- Musky reels
- Centerpin reels
- Ice fishing reels
Each reel is designed for specific purposes and techniques. Understanding which reel you need allows you to start drilling down into the specific models, so have a strong understanding of the reel type before you proceed.
Evaluate the Specifications of Possible Reels
The different models and options available for each type of reel are described with several specifications. Some of the essential specs to understand and help inform your decision are:
- Line capacity: Ensure the reel you choose can hold the appropriate amount and type of fishing line for your target species and fishing environment. Consider the line capacity, diameter, and pound-test rating.
- Drag system and smoothness: The drag system controls the amount of pressure the reel applies to the line when a fish pulls. Ensure the reel has a reliable and smooth drag system to prevent line breakage and wear.
- Gear ratio: The gear ratio indicates how many times the spool turns with each handle crank. Higher gear ratios offer faster retrieval rates, suitable for techniques like fast-paced lure presentations.
- Match the reel with the rod: Ensure that your chosen reel is compatible with the fishing rod you plan to use. The reel and rod should be well-matched for balanced performance.
- Durability and build quality: Invest in a reel with a sturdy construction and materials that can withstand the conditions you'll encounter. Look for features like corrosion resistance for saltwater fishing.
Budget and Brand
There are a wide range of brands that manufacture reels. Some brands specialize in one or two specific types of reels, while others develop and offer a more comprehensive range of reel types. For example, Daiwa reels cover almost every type of reel we discussed above and provide the quality anglers have come to expect from the high-end brand.
Reels come in various price ranges, and while quality often correlates with price, there are good options at different price points. Understand which brands offer the right blend of cost and quality for your budget and needs.
Beyond pricing, consider reputable brands known for their reliability, longevity, and customer support. Additionally, look for brands that offer warranties, as they provide peace of mind and protection against manufacturing defects.
Find Your Ideal Reel at Angling Sports
Choosing the right reel depends on your fishing experience, target species, preferred fishing technique, and the specific conditions of your trip. Put in the time to match your reel with an appropriate fishing rod and line for the best results, or buy a bundle.
Angling Sports offers a wide selection of reels from leading brands, so you can find everything you need. Ready to find your perfect reel? Shop all reels at Angling Sports to prepare for your next trip.
