Reeling It In: Exploring Different Types of Fishing Reels

There are three basic types of fishing reels – spincast, spinning, and baitcast reels. The first two can serve well as beginner gear, but that doesn’t mean more experienced enthusiasts shy away from using them. Besides these, there are a few more reel types that are designed for specific fishing styles and circumstances. These are the fly fishing reel, the offshore reel, the trolling or conventional reel, the surfcasting, and the centrepin reel.

It’s Simple – There Are Many Different Types of Fishing Reels Because There Are Many Different Styles of Fishing

Any beginner fisherman can be easily overwhelmed by just how much there is to learn about this outdoor activity. There are so many different types and so-fish-ticated styles of fishing, and the situation doesn’t get much simpler when it comes to the equipment. Each part of the gear comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, and the fishing reel is no different.

There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Fishing Reel – Here Are the Most Important Questions to Ask While Choosing the Right Type

No matter if you’re just starting to dip your toes into the fishing waters or if you’re a seasoned veteran, it can be difficult to figure out which fishing reel to get next. There’s just no ultimate option that will catch you all the fish in the sea.

So, to help you get closer to your final decision, here are a few important questions you need to think about when looking through options:

• What style of fishing are you interested in?
• What is your level of experience in handling fishing equipment?
• What other equipment are you interested in or already have?
• How long do you want to use your fishing reel?
• How much are you willing to spend on it?

The Spincast Reel Has a Simple Design, Which Makes It Perfect for Beginners of the Sport

With its simple and basic design, as well as low cost, the spincast reel is ideal for anyone that is just getting into the sport. However, that doesn’t mean it’s not used by more experienced fishers – many of them learn the craft by using the spincast reel and continue to do so for a long time.

The Simple Design of the Spincast Reel Makes It Easy to Handle and Cast

The spincast reel has the most basic design out of all of the available options. With a metal nose cone and a button on the back used for controlling the line, angling doesn’t get easier than this. You need to simply push the button when throwing your cast and release it until you’ve got the desired length out.

Last but not least, on the side of the spincast reel, there is a drag adjustment mechanism, which allows you to adjust the resistance the fish feels once it’s caught on your fish hook. So, the simple design consists of only a few parts that are very easy to use. The only downside would be that the spincast reel has a limited casting range, which makes it not suitable for all fishing styles, and it’s also not as precise as other, more-advanced reels.

The Spinning Reel Is by Far the Most Popular Option Out There

The spinning reel is a bit more difficult to handle than the spincast reel, but it’s much more durable and efficient. Because of that, it’s probably the most popular option among all of the different types. Suitable for the more committed beginners and the reel of choice for many fishing enthusiasts who swear by it, there are many reasons why the spinning reel is a fan favorite.

The Spinning Reel Is a Very Efficient and Durable Choice

Spinning reels are easy to recognize because they are attached to the bottom of the fishing rod. With an open-face design and a metal bail used to lock the fishing line, the overall design offers great balance while angling, all while holding the equipment in a natural position.

The spinning reel is not only an efficient and durable choice – it also gives you the versatility you need if you like to switch things up once in a while. Using your finger to hold the fishing line, you can simply cast it out or even drop it all the way to the bottom for some jigging. With some commitment and a little bit of patience, any beginner can master handling the spinning reel.

It’s a Very Capable Piece of Fishing Equipment, and That’s Why It’s So Popular

As mentioned, spinning reels are very versatile – they work great both with smaller baits and lures, as well as with bigger catches and a number of different habitats. That’s because they can produce serious pulling power when combined with a strong, thin line, and they also have impressive casting range. Add their reasonable pricing, that’s somewhere between $50 and $150, to the mix, and you’ll easily understand why spinning reels are so popular.

Baitcasting Reels Are an Efficient Choice Suitable for the More Experienced Enthusiasts

Out of the three basic types of fishing reels, the baitcaster is the most advanced and difficult to get the hang of. There are more moving parts than with the spincast or spinning reel, and that’s why it can be almost impossible for beginners to figure out. However, mastering the baitcasting reel comes with many rewards, as it’s unmatched in both precision and power.

The Baitcasting Reel Has a Durable Design Made From Many Advanced Mechanisms

The baitcast reel sits on top of the fishing rod, and it has a semi-enclosed design which provides a more durable design. There’s the drag mechanism, the spool tension knob, and the braking system. This smart design increases casting distance and betters the accuracy, and with it, you’ll surely end up with a lot of fishy surprises, even when you’re angling near shorelines or in weeds.

There’s No Such Thing as the Perfect Fishing Reel – The Baitcaster Comes With a Few Drawbacks

All those advanced mechanisms and a variety of options come with a few drawbacks. First things first, it’s the price – the baitcasting reel is the most expensive choice, ranging from $100 to $500 for quality equipment. Secondly, with so many ways to use it, mastering all the techniques can be difficult. But, for those that are dedicated and stick to the craft, the baitcast reel might turn out to be your one true love. Just prepare yourself to do lots of detangling until you’re there.

Pros and Cons of the Three Basic Types of Fishing Reels

Before we get into the more specific types of fishing reels, here’s a brief overview of the pros and cons of the three basic types I’ve just discussed:

There Are a Few More Options Suitable for Specific Locations and Styles of Fishing

Now that you o-fish-ally know all of the ins and outs of the three basic types of fishing reels, let’s take a look at some of the more specific equipment:

Knowing What You Plan to Use the Fishing Reel for Will Help You Find the Best Choice for You

By now, it’s pretty clear that there are several different types of fishing reels available. Knowing exactly what you want to do with it will be the biggest help in narrowing down the selection. A beginner fisher should opt for an easy-to-handle spincast or spinning reel, while a true professional will always have a couple on hand. With the right equipment, you’re bound to end up with a fishy surprise!