The different types of fishing reels available might be perplexing if you’re new to angling.
As any angler will tell you, knowing the advantages and disadvantages of each type of reel can make or break your day on the lake.
Thankfully, things are much simpler than they appear, and you’ll discover how to pick your today.
Below are the different types of fishing reels.
1. Bait-casting Reels
Backlash, or “bird’s nest,” is probably the first thing you’ve heard about bait-casting reels.
Backlash happens when the braided line used in these reels comes off the spool too quickly, forming a tangle known as a ‘bird’s nest’ around the reel.
This was true long ago, but modern bait-casting reels include anti-reverse and brake mechanisms that drastically decrease backlash.
The features have been greatly enhanced to assist anglers in learning how to use this unique fishing reel.
The essence of using a bait-casting reel is the versatility and casting control that a braided line provides. Monofilament is weaker than braided line.
It has a smoother flow off a fishing reel, allowing for longer throws, and it is stronger than monofilament or fluorocarbon line, giving you an advantage.
If you’re a bass angler, this is the reel of choice for serious largemouth fans, and it’s the reel that most pros use.
Bait-casting reels are one of the different types of fishing reels. They offer a significant advantage over other reels, allowing for considerably more touch and feel than spinning reels. However, it is a skill that takes time to master.
Bait-casting reels are more expensive than spin-casting or spinning reels. They have one of the broadest pricing ranges on the market.
Ensure you know what you’ll fish for, what kind of circumstances you’ll be fishing in (freshwater or saltwater), and how well the reel fits in your hand.
2. Casting Reels
The casting reel is a different type of baitcasting reel that is less common. They’re usually bigger than a typical bait-casting reel, having a side lever or button that enables a freewheel spool for longer casts.
Unlike bait-casting reels, casting reels do not have an automated line guide that bobs back and forth as you reel in your catch.
Instead, as the line is reeled onto the spool, you must manually push it left and right. For heavy-duty use, these reels are usually cast with both hands!
A sliding button release with an override option allows the angler to delay or stop the cast altogether by thumb friction on the line is one of the latest casting reel innovations. A casting reel requires skill and practice.
Offshore fishing for pelagic species such as Mahi Mahi, Swordfish, Tuna, and others is mostly done using this fishing reel. Casting reels are more expensive than bait-casting reels and are more sophisticated than the other types.
3. Spin-cast Reel
The spin-cast is the most basic modern fishing reel available. This fishing reel is perfect for novices or budget fishermen because of its simple style.
Spin-cast reels aren’t as popular as once, although they were popular a few decades ago.
Spin-casters have a metal nose cone that conceals all the reel’s key components.
A button on the back toggles the line between free-spool and locked. Spin-cast reels, last but not least, contain a drag adjustment mechanism.
This system effectively allows you to control the resistance a fish encounters when pulling on your line. The “drag” on a spin-cast is normally on the side of the reel or near the handle.
Casting with a spin-cast reel is easy. All you have to do is hit the spool control button, swing, and let go.
After releasing the button, the line will shoot out to where your rod tip is pointing. Push the button one more when you’re ready to end the line.
The major benefits of using a spin-cast reel are that they are effortless and barely produce line tangles. Furthermore, they are the cheapest form of fishing reel available.
Spin-casters, too, have a certain “x-factor.” These are most likely the reels the ordinary middle-aged angler began their fishing career.
Spin-cast reels are inexpensive and simple to use but have a few disadvantages. Their closed-face style traps water and dirt within the reel, causing it to rust over time.
Second, most spin-casters aren’t particularly well-made and barely survive more than a season.
Three, and perhaps most importantly, spin-casters have a restricted casting range and are less exact than other reels.
4. Surf fishing Reels
Surf fishing may be done with both bait-casting and spinning reels. It all depends on the anglers and the style of fishing they enjoy.
Some prefer spinning surf reels because of their lightweight feel, adaptability, and better recovery rates.
The most effective Surf reels are built to survive the severe elements of the sea, which include saltwater, sun, and sand, to name a few.
Good surf fishing reels are built of anodized aluminum, graphite, or a combination of both materials, with sealed drags and stainless steel ball bearings for maximum corrosion resistance.
They must be able to handle a lot of fishing lines and offer precise and long throws when partnered with a good surf rod, in addition to being durable in the surf.
Surf reels are used for various fishing tactics and fish species, and this adaptability is a major concern.
Surf anglers will need a reel that can handle a variety of artificial lures and live and cut baits while chasing everything from fast Spanish mackerel to massive, powerful Striped bass.
5. Conventional/trolling Reels
The Conventional or trolling reel (also known as a casting reel) is most commonly used for heavy deep-sea/big game offshore fishing.
Conventional reels are one of the different types of fishing reels that are useful for trolling or bottom fishing for large game fish in the deep blue or a deep lake.
A dual-speed reel allows you to effortlessly transition from fighting massive, reel-smoking brutes like tuna and marlin to power-cranking up big fish off the bottom with the flick of a lever.
This is another feature to look for in trolling/casting reels. You’ll also need a loud, audible clicker to hear the line being pulled over the engine noise.
6. Centerpin Reels
The Centerpin or Centrepin reel is a fishing reel that spins freely on its “center pin” or axle and goes back to the early nineteenth century.
Long-distance casting is possible because the reel’s big diameter spool rests perpendicular to the fishing rod.
These reels have two unique features: they are free-spooling and drag-free. The line might payout as the water pushes a “float” or special bobber downstream.
When used with a centrepin float rod, the reel gives the fish a more natural presentation.
Instead of using a mechanical drag, anglers typically use their thumb to manage the fish on the line.
However, certain centrepins include a drag or resistance mechanism. Centrepin reels are ideal for large game fish like carp because they provide great control.
During the 1960s in the United Kingdom, the centrepin reel, an important gear for “float fishers,” was at its peak of popularity.
It was not unusual to see people fishing with them during that period. The Centrepin reel is still popular among Australian and European saltwater and freshwater fishermen.
Otherwise, this reel is not as popular as others, and it is primarily used for coarse fishing nowadays. That’s all there is to it. This is one of the most popular varieties of fishing reels today.
You should pick a reel appropriate for the type of fishing you want to conduct. There’s nothing like having the perfect tool for the job regarding fishing.
7. Offshore reels
Offshore reels are built to last. They can be both bait-casting or spinning reels. These tough, generally more costly reels are built to withstand the most extreme offshore conditions, which would destroy conventional reels.
They’re designed to fight monster-sized fish and withstand the saltwater splashes that come with the territory.
Offshore reels were traditionally bait-casters, although numerous high-quality offshore spinning reels are now on the market.
It is common to pay over $1,000 for a top-of-the-line offshore fishing reel due to its additional saltwater corrosion protection. You can get it for much less if you are a smart bargain hunter.
