10 Different Types of Fishing Reels
Do you ever make the decision to go fishing? Then you will be all too aware of just how much fun fishing can be. Fishing is a great experience; the kind of engagement that can pass a full day if you let it. However, if you want to fish – and fish well – then you need to a good quality fishing reel. The only problem is that there are so many different types of fishing reel!
If you want to get around that issue, then we have broken down some useful information for you down below. This should help you to work out what kind of fishing reels will be most suited to the kind of fishing that you intend to do. With the help of a fishing reel, you can often turn a confusing and annoying process into a far more enjoyable experience overall. As ever, you just need a bit of knowledge to help you inform that choice. So, what kind of fishing reels should you be looking for? What would be a good idea for you to consider as you move forward?
Here are some of the most common types of fishing reel you are likely to come across.
Which Fishing Reel Is Right For You?
That’s a toughie to answer! We recommend that you take a look through the whole guide and take a swing at the one most suited to you. Everyone who enjoys a spot of fishing will find a different fishing reel for their own personal purpose. So, make sure you look at each of them so that you can quickly determine what does and does not match up with the fishing reel type that you need.
Fishing Reels Types
So, without any further delay, let’s take a look at ten different types of fishing reel:
- Spincast Reels
- Trolling Reels
- Spinning Reels
- Baitcasting Reels
- Offshore Reels
- Surf Fishing Reels
- Center Pin Reels
- Fly Fishing Reels
- Ice Fishing Reels
- Kids Fishing Reels
#1 Spincast Reels
The most common fishing reels that you are likely to find out there will include spincast reels. Spin-casts are so easy to use, and they give you a solid solution for getting started with. For most kids, this is the first kind of reel that you will ever come across.
They will come with a push-button release for absolute simplicity. They are so user friendly that most people will keep on using them after they become a solid fisherman. However, if you are dealing with a long-range cast then you might need something larger. Spincast reels tend to be quite stunted in terms of how far they can stretch, making it hard to use for longer-distance fishing.
#2 Trolling Reels
Commonly known as old-school conventional reels, trolling reels are among the best in the business. They offer a high quality solution that should allow you to go trolling with ease. They also suite big game hunting, too, so you can use this for a vast majority of the normal kind of fishing experiences that you might be going for.
They are normally quite easy to use, but you should be looking to ensure they are made from secure, sturdy materials. If your device is made from something that you can trust, such as graphite, then you should get a good deal. They are good for beginners but should be a must-have for all fishing fans who want simple, versatile reels.
#3 Spinning Reels
Next on our list would be the popular spinning reel – this is one you will probably see a lot of fishermen using. They make a lot of sense as they can be used with so much ease, and they are probably a good choice for those who want a more general, all-purpose reel. This particular type of reel should easily fit in with the style you are going for if you want something that is good for all anglers.
You should also find that they are useful for those who are still learning but perhaps find a classic Spincast reel to lack suitability. They are good choices for both beginners and veterans, due to their easy to utilise versatility.
#4 Baitcasting Reels
Next up would be the baitcast reel – a very common choice for a lot of people. They might just be the most popular kind of fishing reel. For one, they have no twist line so you don’t need to worry about things getting caught up in them as you try and cast. They also are among the most accurate and versatile reels around, giving you total control and accuracy over every part of your reel management.
However, please note that your average baitcasting reel is not suitable for a beginner. The skill level that you need to land an accurate cast can be quite tough to work out. With the help of some time, though, you’ll get there.
#5 Offshore Reels
When you want a fishing reel that you know can take plenty of punishment, do your favour and invest in offshore reels. These are very popular choices for numerous reasons, and they tend to be one of the most choices for you if you wish to get more done with less.
Offshore reels are definitely one of the best choices when you are looking for something that is mainly aimed at combatting larger fish. An offshore reel will cost you a pretty penny, but it’s going to handle the kind of fishing battles that would normally tear your line up into pieces. Great for those who want something that offers ample bite and fightback.
#6 Surf Fishing Reels
While it might not be a common choice, surf fishing reels make an excellent general choice. They work well because they are so versatile and lightweight, and this makes them good for making your retrieval rate a touch more consistent. Surf fishing reels is useful if this is what you are looking for, as they can be perfect for making sure you can enjoy this highly enjoyable kind of fishing.
They are also great for those who need to put a lot of line on. Generally quite durable and made from a mix of stainless steel and graphite, these tend to be among the most structurally sound of the surf fishing reels that you might decide to try out.
#7 Center Pin Reels
Out of all the fishing reels to pick from, going for center pin reels can make a lot of sense. These are high quality and durable reels that give you a lot of durability and a lot of simplicity when it comes to fishing. They are among the most basic fishing solutions, so even total newbies to the art of fishing should be able to grasp how they can and cannot be used.
We recommend that you pick one of these up if you are looking for something that is quite durable. They are best suited to long poles as they need a fair amount of room to move around, so please keep that in mind during your search.
#8 Fly Fishing Reels
A good pick for a lot of people would be a fly fishing reel. Fly fishing is among the most enjoyable forms of fishing around, and you should find that fly fishing is among the most enjoyable ways to have some fun. It allows you to get into a really aggressive and fast paced kind of fishing. With one of these fly fishing reels, though, you should not have to make another investment.
Good quality fly fishing reels will make sure you can enjoy using a simple and reliable solution. They will give you a durable solution that could, if you care for it, easily last you 40 to 50 years. So, buy one, and it should last!
#9 Ice Fishing Reels
When you are going for a classic bit of artic fishing, you will want to make a wise investment and buy an ice fishing reel. These are brilliant for you to use if you are looking to find something suitable and reliable that can handle the intensity of winter fishing. They are made to give you a solid and secure set of mechanics which are less likely to freeze up or otherwise stop working as they should.
This is a big reason why we always recommend that you look to buy some ice fishing reels if you are going to be fishing in snowy and/or arctic conditions. Trust us, you’ll thank us later down the line!
#10 Kids Fishing Reels
Last but no means least, you can often find reliable kids fishing reels. These can be used to help add a sense of comfort to your kids fishing experience, as working with an adults fishing reel is not often a fun thing to do. You should look to try and find a fishing reel for kids that suits the size of your child.
They are generally going to be very similar or identical to a spincaster. However, some might be more like a classic center pin reel; it can change based on where you buy from.
With all of the above, you should have a better idea about what kind of fishing reels you should be searching for. It can be tough to get it right, but with enough time and effort it should be perfectly possible! Let us know if you have any questions with regards to any of the different types of fishing reels and any others that should be added to the list.
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.
© 2019 Bradley Morrison