How to Pick the Best Fishing Reel for Your Needs

Finding the perfect reel for a beginner angler can be super confusing! Pick the wrong type of fishing reel, and you’re in for a tiring fishing trip. Nobody wants a slow, hesitant reel that barely pulls in your prize catch. In this post, we’ll explain the different types of fishing reels, their features and specs, and how to choose the best fishing reel for the lures and type of fishing you do. Whether you’re just starting your fishing journey or looking to enhance your angling experience, this guide will help you make an informed decision.

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Fishing Reels Overview: What is a Reel?

Fishing reels are a fundamental tool for successful anglers. Whether for long casts, accuracy, controlled retrieves or fast retrieval, such as burning. Modern fishing reels intend to provide the ultimate lure control. They are essential for various fishing techniques, from fly fishing to ice fishing.

While we are at it, let us not forget the absolute most basic function of a fishing reel:

1. Store your fishing line
2. Dispense the line in a controlled manner on a cast
3. Retrieve the line, hopefully with a fish:), in a controlled manner 

The last thing any angler wants is a problem with these three functions of a fishing reel. Otherwise, you lose line, lures, fish and encounter de-tangling frustration, which leads to spoken words not meant for sensitive ears. It is imperative to match the best fish reel to the job and ensure it has the quality to get the job done.

What Are the Different Types of Reels?

So, how do you pick a fishing reel when there are all types of fishing reels? Don’t worry, in this post, we’ll review the three most popular reels amongst experienced anglers; spincast, spinning reels, and baitcasters. Each reel type has unique features and benefits suiting different skill levels, making it imperative to understand the differences before purchasing.

Spincast Reels

These fish reel types are simple in design, generally with a metal nose cone hiding all its vital components, a button on its back to toggle the line between free-spool and locked, and a drag adjustment mechanism to control the resistance a fish feels while pulling on the line. And when it comes to casting a spincast reel, there are three simple steps:

1. Press the spool control button (aka line release button)
2. Swing your fishing rod, and
3. Release

While it’s that easy, I can’t think of a single angler who uses one! Since these reels are available, we need to address them. However, let’s reserve this as the fishing reel of choice for kids learning to fish for the first time.

Advantages of Spincasting Reels

• Easy to use: very user-friendly and offers a hassle-free fishing experience. The push-button casting mechanism is simple and easy to master.
• Tangle-free: These reels have a closed-face design, which helps prevent tangles and backlash, making it beneficial for beginners who struggle with line management.
• Affordable: Compared to spinning or baitcasting reels, the spincast is very reasonable and offers a good balance between functionality and price.

Disadvantages of Spincasting Fishing Reels

• Limited casting distance: These reels do not provide the same level of casting distance as spinning or baitcasting reels, which is a huge disadvantage when trying to reach fish that are further away.
• Limited line capacity: A limited line capacity targeting larger fish species or fishing in deep waters is a major disadvantage.
• Less control: Spincasting reels do not offer the same level of control and precision as spinning or baitcasting reels. They are not suitable for heavy cover or precise casting.

Spinning Reels

Due to its simplicity, the spinning fishing reel is the preferred choice for many anglers of all skill levels. Although it’s more complex than the spincast fishing reel, it is hands down the go-to for beginners or a child to graduate to. It’s also the most common rod reel you will find and the easiest fishing reel to use – many, if not most, casual anglers will never move past the spinning reel. It’s also a preferred reel for finesse techniques and light tackle fishing.

Design and Operation of a Spinning Reel

This open-faced reel features a metal bail which guides the line back onto the spool. Of course, it also has a fishing reel drag adjustment, usually located on top of the spool. Its design is superior as it offers a natural holding position and a balanced cast when you swing your fishing rod.

A right-handed person will hold the rod in their right hand and reel in with their left.

How To Cast a Spinning Reel for Beginners

To cast from a spinning fishing reel, simply:

1. Disengage the bail and squeeze the line against the rod with your index finger to prevent it from unspooling.
2. Cast in the direction of where you want your bait to land, and release your finger halfway through the motion.
3. Do not forget to re-engage the bail manually after the cast – it’s better to practice than cranking the reel, which would automatically close the bail.

When Should I Use a Spinning Reel?

On BushLife, our fishing posts cover fishing in lakes and rivers for species like bass, walleye, crappie, perch, muskie, etc. As mentioned above, most people will not go past a spinning reel. So it’s for good reason you will even find giant spinning reels for muskie fishing / big game fishing. While that’s perfectly fine, it’s not always the right choice.

Comparing Spinning Reels vs Baitcasting Reels for Beginners

Serious anglers will use two types of fishing reels: spinning and baitcasting. The spinning fishing reel is ideal for finesse fishing, which encompasses trolling for walleye with a rubber worm, jigging for crappie, or using soft plastics. Finesse fishing is about using light lures or techniques that don’t work well with a baitcasting setup. Baitcasters are used for precision casting and for casting heavy lures. There is also a steep learning curve with this type of reel. 

To answer why bass fishermen prefer baitcasters over spinning reels, it’s precisely for their long casting capabilities, better control, and improved line placement accuracy.

Advantages of Spinning Reels

• Versatility: Used in many fishing applications, from freshwater fishing to saltwater fishing. It’s also a perfect reel for trolling and fly fishing.
• Easy to use: The ideal choice for beginner anglers. They have a simple casting mechanism and are less prone to backlash and tangles when compared to baitcasting reels.
• Casting distance: Spinning reels are known for their long casting distance, allowing you to reach fish that are further away.
• Smooth drag system: With a smooth drag system, the control of the fight when reeling in a fish is easier.

Disadvantages of Spinning Reels

• Line twist and tangles: When using lighter fishing lines, the spinning reel is more prone to line twists and tangles. Proper line management and maintenance are vital to avoid these issues.
• Limited line capacity: A disadvantage when targeting larger fish species or fishing in deep waters.
• Less control: Spinning reels do not have the same level of control and precision as baitcasting reels and are not suitable for heavy cover or precise casting.

Baitcasting Reels

For experienced anglers and pros, or any angler who wants to take their fishing game to the next level, choosing a fishing reel like the baitcaster is the way to go! There is, however, a learning curve to these advanced fishing reels. The payoff is unmatched power, precision and control, especially for inshore fishing and using live bait.

Unlike regular spincast and spinning fishing reels, baitcasters feature a semi-enclosed design. It allows you to thumb the spool to stop the cast in the correct position. In addition to drag, you’ll also find two adjustable components: the spool tension knob and a braking system. Combined, this forms the braking mechanism to prevent the spool from turning faster than the line is let out, which prevents a giant tangling of the spool. 

Hands down, learning to control and cast without tangling the spool into that dreaded “bird’s nest” is the biggest challenge in learning a baitcaster. But once learned, it’s like riding a bicycle.

Be aware that hands change roles with this type of fishing reel! A right-handed person will hold the rod with their left hand and reel the line with their right. For anyone learning baitcasting, this can be a challenge for those used to spinning setups. If you’re wondering which fishing reel casts the farthest? It’s the baitcaster!

Fishing Reel Baitcaster Uses

Aside from finesse fishing, which lends itself well to a spinning setup, a baitcaster is far superior for all applications. From jerkbaits, crankbaits, topwater, spinnerbaits, and anything else you can think of, a baitcaster offers infinitely more control. With a baitcasting setup, you can precision-throw the fishing line as far as you require, and you’ll open the doors to more options, such as higher gear ratios of 7:1 or even 8:1.

Advantages of Baitcasting Reels

• Casting accuracy and distance: Baitcasters excel in casting accuracy and distance, making them ideal for targeting specific spots or covering larger areas.
• Strong drag system: With a robust drag system compared to spinning reels, it allows for better control when fighting powerful fish.
• Heavier lures and lines: Suitable for targeting larger fish species, thanks to the ability to handle heavier fishing lures and lines, including braided line.

Disadvantages of Baitcasting Reels

• Learning curve: Baitcasters are more challenging to operate, especially for beginners. They require proper technique and practice to avoid backlash and tangles.
• Line management: A greater tendency for backlash and tangles, baitcasting reels require more attention to line management when compared to spinning reels. 
• Higher price range: Quality materials and features contribute to the higher price tag, resulting in more expensive baitcasting reels.

Key Fishing Reel Type Features to Consider

When purchasing a fishing reel, you will come across the following terminology. Let us look at what each fishing reel term means:

• Instant Anti-Reverse Handles are a feature that prevents the rod reel from turning backwards and engages the drag. Other styles stop only in 1 position, causing unwanted slack in the line.
• Ball Bearing Count – Ball bearings are what keep the gears and driveshaft aligned. The count and quality of ball bearings help determine a reel’s smoothness.
• Gear Ratio is measured by how many times the spool turns for every single turn of the fishing reel handle. For instance, a fishing reel ratio of 6.4:1 means that for every turn of the reel’s handle, the spool inside will turn 6.4 times. Compared to a 7:1, a 7:1 retrieves the line faster.
• Drag on most reels uses friction between two plates to regulate the force required to spool offline, usually measured in pounds.
• Spool Capacity – how much line the fishing reel can hold

How To Choose a Spinning Reel

When buying a spinning reel, test it by turning the handle while feeling for the smoothness of the reel. More ball bearings = more smoothness. When you stop winding the reel, make sure there isn’t any reverse play – a sign of a not-so-good reel. 

What Does Fishing Reel Size Mean?

Spinning reels come in various sizes, starting at 1000 and measured in 500s. For bass and walleye, we typically use a 2500 or 3000 reel series. The reel size has a direct correlation to the weight of the fishing line and spool capacity. A fishing reel size of 2500 is a good all-around spinning reel. Anything in the range of 1000 to 3500 is considered a small reel, which is great for crappie, trout, panfish, walleye and bass fishing.

What To Look For In a Spinning Fishing Reel:

• Infinite anti-reverse
• Ball bearings
• Precision cut, stainless-steel gears
• Smooth, consistent drag washers
• Anti-twist line roller
• Slow oscillation speed
• Sufficient drag for species you are targeting

What Spinning Reel Should I Buy? 

We recommend buying the Shimano Stradic Spinning fishing reel. 

Back in the day (as recent as the early 90s), one could buy a rod and reel combo for $100 and expect to use it for 30 years. Sadly, those days are gone, and we are finding issues with budget fishing reels. Even with a warranty, it’s not worth the hassle and lost time during the season to skimp on a good fishing reel.

While far in price from top-tier professional fishing reels, our choices are still pricey compared to budget models. But it is WHAT WE USE and comes highly recommended. If you’re wondering what spinning reel size for bass you should use, look for a 2500 or 3000 series. 

The Shimano Stradic fishing reel is a dream to fish with and our favourite and go-to spinning reel. Any Shimano Stradic in the 2500 or 3000 series is a fantastic choice. The best fishing reels in Canada right now are the Daiwa Fuego LT Spinning Reel in a 2500 series, which we absolutely love as a budget-friendly reel. Other best fishing reels for freshwater fishing to consider are the Daiwa Tatula MQ and the Shimano Vanford.

How To Choose a Baitcaster Reel

When choosing the perfect baitcaster, look for smoothness as you turn the handle. Next, pay attention to the size of the reel, which is measured in 100s. 

A good standard baitcaster reel size for walleye and bass fishing is a 200 series. We typically use low-profile baitcasters in the 100 to 150 range for palmability reasons. For bigger species like muskie, a 400 series is the recommended size, but we’ve gotten away with a 300. The problem with using an undersized reel is the risk of burnout, which drastically affects the reel’s longevity. For example, a 200 series is not recommended for muskie fishing. 

Another feature to consider is speed. A baitcasters reel speed ratio ranges from 6:1 to 8:1. The higher the fishing reel ratio, the more line the reel retrieves from the crank. A slower gear ratio is more suited for crankbaits, and a higher gear ratio is excellent for popping. As you pop the fishing lure and work it, the higher gear ratio will pick up the slack in the line. Many believe it’s easier to crank a fast reel slower than to crank a slower reel faster. 

From there, we want to pay attention to the braking system. Unlike spinning reels, where the spool is stationary, with the baitcaster, the actual spool is spinning. If you don’t have your brakes dialled in properly, you can run into a scenario where the spool spins faster than the reel’s ability to dispense line, causing the dreaded bird’s nest. Popular braking choices are either magnetic or centrifugal, which means adjusting tabs. We find that both systems work very well, and the choice between them is a matter of personal preference. 

However, magnetic brakes are easier to adjust, typically with a dial on a scale of 0 to 10, where the brakes can be set in seconds. This can be very convenient when dialling in your brakes. The brakes affect casting distance, and you want your reel set to use the least amount of braking while avoiding a bird’s nest. Reel manufacturers will always spec maximum drag capabilities, but it’s a number we generally ignore. They all seem to have sufficient drag, but what you should watch for is the smoothness of the drag when it’s in operation. 

What to Look For in a Baitcaster Fishing Reel:

• Infinite anti-reverse
• Ball bearings, stainless steel bearings on both sides of the spool
• Precision cut, stainless-steel gears
• Smooth, consistent drag washers
• Anti-twist line roller
• Quality reel seats
• Solid frame
• Sufficient drag
• Low gear ratio where power is needed
• High gear ratio where speed is needed
• Braking system

What Fishing Reel Should I Buy When Looking at Baitcasters?

We highly recommend the Daiwa Tatula baitcasting fishing reels. We have a few Tatulas in the BushLife family, and they are outstanding! They’re super smooth and cast far. Casting distance has improved drastically due to Daiwa’s proprietary t-wing system, which opens the reel guide upon casting. We can’t say enough good things about this reel, and as a bonus, the price comes in lower than our recommended spinning reel.

While we use a Tatula 300 series for muskie fishing, we highly suggest the Daiwa Tatula 100 or the Shimano SLX in 100 or 150 sizing for everyday bass and walleye fishing. This reel size fits so well in your hand, and you’ll find no fatigue after a long day of fishing.

If unsure of gear ratio, a 7.1:1 is a happy sweet spot, allowing the best of both worlds from 6:1 and 8:1. Ours here are 7 or 8, but it’s a matter of preference that newer anglers may not even notice.

The Shimano Curado is the best fishing reel and the gold standard, also our go-to. For something a little more budget-friendly, opt for the Daiwa Tatula Elite 100 or the Daiwa Tatula P/F.

How To Choose Fishing Reel Types?

With an understanding of the different types of fishing reels and features, there are a few factors to consider before buying your perfect fishing reel.

1. Fishing Technique and Target Species

The fishing technique you plan to use and the target species you want to catch play a significant role in reel selection. For example, a fishing technique like jigging or trolling is best suited for a spinning reel – it’s lighter and easier to work with. If you plan to do a lot of freshwater fishing with light lures, a spinning reel will be your best bet. On the other hand, if you’re targeting larger fresh or saltwater species, a baitcasting reel would be more suitable. Bottom line: make sure to match your reel to your fishing style!

2. Fishing Location and Conditions

Water conditions and locations also play an important role in reel selection. Are you fishing in tight spaces with lots of vegetation? Depending on your skill level, a spincasting reel is easier to handle for beginner anglers. If fishing in open waters with strong currents, a reel with a solid drag system, like a baitcasting reel, is more advantageous. Make sure you choose a reel that can withstand the specific conditions you’ll be fishing in.

3. Budget

Reels vary significantly in price. On average, a high-quality fishing reel costs between $65 and $500, with the most popular models around $250. No matter how or what you fish for, a higher quality fishing reel is a better investment – it affects your casting, line management, and reeling in fish. More expensive reels often come with higher-quality materials and features, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find a reliable and functional fishing reel within your budget. Do your research and read reviews to find the best fishing reels within your price range before committing to a reel. We mentioned a few options earlier that won’t break the bank.

What are the Best Fishing Reel Brands and Models to Consider?

In fishing, there are some long-running and trusted brands. When it comes to the best fishing reel brands, we strongly suggest buying a Daiwa, Shimano or Abu Garcia. And let’s not forget Penn, which is legendary for offshore fishing, but that’s beyond the scope of this post.

Our spinning choice by a landslide is the Shimano Stradic. It’s an industry standard, and we have years of experience with ours, as do our friends. Anything pricier is not necessary. If the budget doesn’t permit, we suggest buying a Daiwa Fuego LT.

When it comes to the best baitcasting reel brands, we have some options. Daiwa Tatulas are outstanding! It would also be criminal not to mention Shimano’s Curado series of reels, and stepping down a bit in price would be their SLX series. We suggest these as the best fishing reels without getting into tournament-level pricing. And you’ll find several tournament anglers using these very models.

How To Maintain a Fishing Reel?

Using proper fishing reel maintenance techniques will ensure that your precious reel will last for many years to come. Check out these four easy and practical steps to ensure your fishing reels operate smoothly.

• Spray: Lightly rinse saltwater reels with fresh water from a spray bottle. Avoid using a hose, as the pressure can push salt and dirt into the fishing reel.  
• Clean: Use rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) and a toothbrush or cotton swabs to remove dirt, old grease, and grime. 
• Grease: Do not over-grease. You only need to use a bit of fishing reel oil and grease. Too much can inhibit casting distance and presentations.
• Rebuild: Lay out all fishing reel components in order of disassembly before reassembling. Use a light-coloured cloth as your work surface to prevent dropped parts from being lost.  

When greasing and rebuilding your fishing reel, we suggest searching for your specific model on YouTube. There’s a chance someone has made a video on maintaining the fishing reel you own.

How To Clean a Fishing Reel?

1. Gather your tools and cleaning supplies before you start.
2. Pull your fishing reel apart on a mat and mark the parts for easier reassembly.
3. Try holding your fishing reel with the same hand without switching or rotating as you go.
4. Use tweezers to handle small pieces.
5. Before removing the spool, ensure your fishing line is secure.
6. To remove impurities, use a toothbrush and a cleaner that is safe for plastic.
7. Apply a light coating of grease to the bottom of the gear teeth.
8. Verify the reel’s bearings spin after oiling.

Conclusion to Choosing Different Reel Types

Buying the proper fishing reel will greatly enhance your fishing experience. Investing in cheap reels brings on unnecessary headaches – you’ll spend more time fighting your reel than catching. If affordability is an issue, you’ll find quality reels that are barely used on Marketplace, Kijiji or even from your pro fishing buddy that’s looking to offload a few of their fishing reels.

Still not sure? Check locally, but in Ontario, we have a Tackle Share program put together by OFAH that allows you to try out various fishing equipment. Or check with a friend – most have a rod or two lying around.

Whether you opt for a spinning reel, baitcasting reel, or spincasting reel, each type has advantages and disadvantages. Take the time to test the different reels to find the one that feels comfortable and suits your fishing style. Your fishing reel will serve you well for many upcoming fishing adventures with proper maintenance and care.

👉 What’s your go-to fishing reel? If you’ve been fishing for awhile, have you moved onto a baitcaster yet? Comment below, and don’t forget to share this fishing reel buying guide.

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