Fishing Reels

Choosing between the many fishing reels available to you can be difficult. The three major types of fishing reels are baitcasting reels, spinning reels and spincasting reels. Many manufacturers of fishing gear offer combination reels, which help to match the perfect reel with the right rod for your type of fishing. Most manufacturers will even put the appropriate line in the reel for you.

Baitcasting fishing reels are heavier reels that create longer casts. These fishing reels are best used by experienced fisherman. When used correctly, they tend to be more accurate than other reels. They are ideal for offshore reels used off of the edge of a boat, trolling reels dragged behind a boat, or casting reels when long, accurate casts are necessary. Most manufacturers of this type of fishing gear offer variations for different casting styles so that you can avoid casting into the tree behind you. Like most fishing reels, baitcasting reels use the weight of the lure on the end of the line to pull the line and therefore turn the spool. In addition to having variations for different types of casting, most of these types of fishing gear have added drag systems that create resistance necessary to create a strong cast.

Spinning fishing reels release line from the spool manually when a wire over the spool (known as the bail wire, as the spool is referred to as the bail) is flipped into the correct position. This is an open-faced mechanism, so it is usually very precise. Again, the weight of the lure propels the line forward, but the bail wire on spinning reels helps to keep the line in place, therefore preventing tangles in the delicate thread. An anti-reverse system lets go of the bail wire after the casting is completed, keeping the line from completely spooling off. Sometimes this anti-reverse system is manual and sometimes it is automatic. Spinning reels are also more precise because they are generally made with specific characteristics to which hand in which you are holding the fishing gear.

Spincasting fishing reels combine the benefits of both baitcasting and spinning reels. These reels have a simple design that is an excellent choice on which beginners can hone their casting skills. The spool remains stationary until you activate a button with your thumb, which releases the wire and propels the lure forward. Because these are closed-face reels, they are less precise and most experienced fisherman will find them limiting. There is also a set line capacity that is specific to which type of fishing for which your fishing gear is designated.

Overall, when assessing fishing reels, it is important to analyze the spools (note whether they are detachable), the frames, the line capacity, the ball bearings (which help reels to work more smoothly) and the gear ratio (helps to set the speed of your retrieve).