Fishing Reels
Prior to purchasing your first or next fishing reel and in order to purchase the best fishing reel for your needs, consider factors such as what type of fishing you will be doing, what your level of experience is, and where you will be fishing.
- Saltwater vs. Freshwater Fishing Reels - the primary difference is the primary type of material used in each like an erosion-resistant make-up for saltwater rods. Needless to say, some companies specialize in specific types of reels: Penn Fishing reels are among the many brands used for saltwater while Pflueger reels are commonly used for fresh water.
- Type of Fishing Reel - There are many different types of fishing reels, some of which including Spinning, Baitcasting and Fly reels all of which can be used in various situations.
- Spinning - Generally easy to understand and use, Spinning reels use a bale that winds the line around a central spool. There are a number of Shimano fishing reels offered in this configuration.
- Baitcasting - Featuring a central spool that rotates to pay out and retrieve line, Baitcasting fishing reels are often preferred by those who need to cast further and more efficiently. Daiwa fishing reels are available in a number of baitcasting models.
- Fly - Focused on the delivery of an artificial lure onto the surface of the water, the fishing reel is configured to make this process as efficient as possible
Considerations in Purchasing
Today there are numerous manufacturers and numerous features to evaluate. Since it can be a little overwhelming, you may want to focus on a few basic considerations:
- Line Weight & Capacity - Your success in landing fish is directly dependent on the type and the quantity of fishing line your reel can hold, so fishing reels should be evaluated accordingly. Thicker line used for bigger fish takes up more space, so it’s important to consider fishing line capacity for comparable fishing reels.
- Drag Systems - Drag systems apply friction to the spool and provide some give when fighting a fish in order to avoid the line from snapping. Fishing reels typically feature one of three basic types:
- Spring-And-Pawl - Best suited for lighter fish like trout and pan fish, the Spring-and-Pawl system is a popular geared system used by many basic fishing reels. Lighter Daiwa fishing reels frequently use Spring-and-Pawl Drag Systems.
- Disc - Using a large diameter pad, the Disc Drag System creates friction against the fishing reel’s spool. The result is increased control and efficiency. Penn fishing reels often use Disc Drag Systems.
- Caliper - Often considered a hybrid of the Spring-and-Pawl and Disc Drag Systems, the Caliper system uses a pad that pushes against a braking surface to create friction and slow the spool. These are most often found in Fly fishing reels.
Expert Advice
No matter what type of fishing reel you’re looking for, finding the right one can require some persistent effort and research. Consider these tips to find fishing reels that will fit you best:
- Look for drag systems that allow for some adjustment
- Spinning reels tend to be favored by beginners
- Aluminum reel frames tend to be the most durable when compared to other common reel material
