When it comes to choosing a fishing reel today this can be a very exciting process. As seen on the market there is an endless amount of options to choose from. Spinning reels, bait-caster reels and hand reels are just to name a few. To help you select the right fishing reel we’ve put together a list. The list below breaks down the various fishing reels you will encounter online or at your local tackle shop.
When selecting the right fishing reel, one thing to keep in mind is a fishing rod. All except a hand reel has been designed for an intended fishing rod. To help you select the right fishing rod click here.
Spinning Reels
Spinning reels often referred to as eggbeater reels. These fishing reels are paired up with spinning rods and larger spinning reels with surf rods. Often the most common set-up you will find is the spinning rod and reel combo. Spinning reels are great for beginner to expert level anglers as they come in various size and price ranges.
Bait-caster Reels
Bait-caster reels paired up with bait-caster rods aren’t the most common set-up you will come across. This rod and reel combo are often reserved for advance anglers. As they offer greater accuracy while fishing structures near mangroves, piers and freshwater banks. Without the correct technique used to thumb the drag on these reels it can leave you with a bird nest of lines to handle.
Overhead Reels
Overhead reels paired with overhead rods are a very heavy duty combo and with good reason. Overhead rod and reel combos are often used on boats for large game fishing. With plenty of space on the spool and heavy duty construction of the drag and handle these rods do well when targeting any type of game fish including marlin, Giant Trevally, Cod, Kingfish and Snapper etc.
Alvey Reels
Alvey reels in comparison to other fishing reels is in its own category. Alvey reels will be paired up with fly fishing rods for fly fishing in streams, rivers and even ocean fishing from estuary’s to surf. For any beginner angler fly fishing requires a whole different skill set and method but once mastered this can be a very exciting method of fishing.
Hand Reels
Hand reels for hand line fishing is one of the oldest and simplest form of fishing. If your looking for the cheapest of the cheapest alternative then this is it. Don’t knock of hand-lining until you have tried it. As this can be very exciting as there is literally nothing between you and the fish at the end of the line. You’ll feel every bite and strike on your hand.
This is some great information and lots of people will benefit from this. Especially of course the fishermen and women that are interested. Some great information here and lots to learn from. There are so many beginners and many people that are long time fishers. I am a beginner and this information will really help me ! Thank you
Hi Trevor,
I’m happy this information has been well received and thanks for taking the time and leaving a comment
Cheers,
Vinnie
Fishing is such a great relaxing time. Where I am from in Canada, I grew up around a lot of lakes and always lots of fishing.
Your post covers all the necessary reels we could ever need. Great information filled article. The hand fishing is something I think would be kind of fun to try sometime. In the right scenario. I really enjoyed reading and you did an excellent job.
Thanks
Hi Coralie,
Thanks for the positive feedback 🙂
I am definitely a beginner fisherman and your information you have posted here will be very helpful to me. As you stated for angler fishing for a beginner like me the spinning rod and reel would be best? I am bookmarking this article, so I can refer to your website for more helpful tips and to find the right kind of rod as well.
Robert
Hi Rob,
Thanks for taking the time and reading the post. If you do require any guidance on fishing rods I’ve written a brief article on this also. Feel free to check it out here.
Awesome developments in fishing gear. I’ve been fishing since I was 5 years old or so. Mostly land-based fishing on the side of a lake in our mountains here where I live. I’ve had the same setup for a few years now. It was a Mother’s gift a few years ago. 🙂 I can see some other exciting ways to go now for when I go fishing with my kids. They all like to fish too. And my grandchildren. I haven’t really kept up with the gear available so this is a very enlightening and great, article. Thank you.
Hi Paula,
Thanks for leaving a comment and you’re right fishing reels have definitely come a long way. All the best, fishing with your grandchildren 🙂