Fishing Reels - Which One Should I Choose?

When it comes to fishing reels, there are really only a few main types to choose from. Spinning, spin casting, baitcasting, and fly reels. There are different styles and variations of each. Choosing good quality and branded fishing reels is key to ensuring a great fishing experience.

Spincasting reels are great for both beginners and kids. They work well and are easy to use. These reels have a covered body and are placed on top of the rod. Spincast reels tend to have small line guides and straight handles. These reels work especially well when fishing for different types of panfish.

Fly fishing reels are a more basic design reel with few moving parts. They can be found in an open or closed spool design. Having an open spool will allow the thread to dry much faster, and will weigh noticeably less as a result. Fly reels come in standard size and large shaft designs. Larger shaft design reels tend to pull the line faster and could be useful in larger bodies of water. These reels can also have interchangeable reels and have the ability to move the handle from one side to the other. The drag system is an important factor and can have a cork, disk, or click design. Closed drags typically last longer. You also want to make sure the drag fits easily.

Spinning reels are the most popular and used fishing reels on the market. They have superior performance and are quite easy to use. These types of reels often have the ability to move the handle to either side of the reel. These reels also hang from the bottom of the rod. Spinning fishing reels are typically used with a test line of up to 10 pounds. Replacement spools can also be purchased to accommodate different pound test lines. A person may decide part of the way through a fishing trip, that he wants to change the line of it to catch a different species or weight of fish. This is where having an extra reel or two could come into play. Again, resistance is an important factor on these reels. The drag will apply a certain amount of pressure on a hooked fish, while at the same time letting some line escape during the fight.

Baitcasting reels are typically used when anglers want to cast bigger baits and catch those bigger fish. These fishing reels have a spinning reel and are also attached to the top of the rod. Most are equipped for either left- or right-handed, but not both. When using a left-handed reel, it eliminates the need to change hands after casting. Anglers will most often want to use this type when casting lures that weigh more than 1/4 ounce or when using more than a 10 pound test line. Baitcasting reels are available in mostly round or low profile designs. Round reels tend to have larger reels and contain more line compared to low profile reels which are more ergonomic and can be held more easily. Low profile reels tend to be the most popular. When casting those bigger baits, you will want a reel with a deeper and wider reel that is more often found with round reels.

Most of these fishing reels are made of aluminum or graphite. Aluminum is more durable and can withstand a bit more rigorous fishing, while graphite is definitely lighter. Most of the reels are aluminum. Fishing reels should definitely be sized according to the test weight line you want to use. Drag speed, gear ratio, reel size, and line weight and length can all play a role in choosing the right fishing reel for your fishing needs. Ultimately, it will all be a matter of experimenting with different types and brands and choosing to stock the ones that work best for you in your arsenal.