With so many reel options available, how can you possibly make an informed decision? The first step is knowing the types of reels that are available:
Spincast Reel
The Spincast is a great introductory fishing reel that is easy to use. Its mechanics are super simple and require little effort. With a push of the button and flick of the wrist, your lure is in the water and ready to attract fish! This is a great reel to start with for children, a newbie, and the casual angler. Not to mention, prices are relatively low, so losing a reel won’t break the bank.
Benefits of a Spincast Reel
This is an introductory reel that is easy use and inexpensive.
Drawbacks of a Spincast Reel
Because it is a beginner’s reel, the spool inside is typically shallow, allowing for lighter and less test line. The Reel is aimed at targeting small panfish and bass, much larger fish can cause damage. Parts are not as durable and accuracy is lacking. Additionally, the gears are either cast metal or white plastic and prone to break over prolonged use.
Spinning Reel
A spinning reel, or open-faced reel, is probably the most popular type of fishing rod among anglers. This is a great selection if you are fishing small to medium-sized fish like bass, redfish, and crappie. This reel is situated on the bottom of the rod, or blank, whereas the spincast reel and others sit on top. You can tell a spinning reel rod by the larger sized guides.
Benefits of a Spinning Reel
All around versatility is the biggest reason people choose spinning reels. They can be used to cast many different types of tackle, including artificial lures and live bait. Because they only need to pull the weight of the fishing line, spinning reels are especially useful for light tackle and bait. Also, spinning reels gives you a more solid construction than the spincast reel, while also giving you more options for the line to use. This reel is ideal for ice fishing, panfishing, and other small fish species. They are also constructed to be used in the open ocean, tackling trophy striped bass, mahi-mahi, and other medium sized ocean fish.
Drawbacks of a Spinning Reel
While spinning reels are great for casting practically everything in your tackle box, they don’t always provide the best effectiveness for heavy lures. They are also not as accurate as baitcaster. If you are just getting started in fishing, a versatile and easy-to-use spinning reel is your best option.
Baitcaster Reel
Baitcasters, also known as the conventional reel, are advanced reels for more experienced anglers who want better control and accuracy. Proficient anglers can specifically target bigger, stronger, fish because of its unparalleled strength, durability, and cast accuracy. With a baitcaster, the spool rotates as you cast. These types of reels require experience and skill, often requiring a full season of practice before they can be used effectively.
Benefits of a Baitcaster
Advantages of baitcasting reels are control and accuracy. Baitcasting reels can handle much heavier, much stronger forms of line. This is necessary when you fish thick cover or are targeting monster fish.
Drawbacks of a Baitcaster
You need patience to use a baitcaster effectively. Operating a baitcaster is difficult as you control the release of the line with your thumb. Making casting a very manual process, anglers must master how much pressure to apply on the spool or they will face backlash on the spool which almost always ends with nasty knots that will need to be untied. They are also used for lures alone, so they don’t have the versatility of other reels. A baitcaster is the preferred reel of professional bass anglers, so their equipment reflects an increased price point.
Trolling Reel
Similar in design to baitcasting reels, trolling reels take on a more rounded profile allowing more room for the line but are not meant for casting.Trolling reels are designed for big freshwater fish, like large lake trout, catfish, walleye, musky, salmon as well as saltwater giants like marlin.
Benefits of a Trolling Reel
Allows you to fish a larger area quickly and at various depths to find the strike zone for large freshwater fish and big game fish.
Drawbacks of a Trolling Reel
Like baitcasting reels, this is for more experience Anglers with an increased price point.