Hunting in North America Hunting in South America Hunting in Africa Hunting in Europe Hunting in Asia Hunting in the South Pacific

How to Choose a Fishing Reel

There are many types of fish in the world, and many types of gear to use to catch them. As a result, trying to buy new equipment can be quite confusing, especially when buying a fishing reel. Before you head to the local fishing retailer, you need to arm yourself with some information.

Know Your Fish
Before you can buy any reel, you must know what type of fish you want to catch, and where you’ll be catching them. There is no “one size fits all” reel. You need to match the reel to the fish and the conditions. If you’re going fly fishing, you’ll need a reel designed for that sport. If you prefer casting out your fishing line, then you need to investigate spinning reels.

Fly fishing reelReels for Fly Fishing
Fly fishing is enjoying a surge in popularity, which means there is also a surge in the availability of fly fishing reels. First, be honest about your skill level. Fly fishing requires practice and knowledge of some specialized techniques. If you’re a beginner, choose a lightweight, high quality reel made specifically for novice fly fishers.

Spinning Reels
Spinning reels can be separated into two broad categories: closed face and open faced reels.

Closed-face spinning reelClosed Face
The closed face spinning reel is great for children and for anyone who has never cast a fishing line before. The spool within the reel is completely covered, which helps to keep out debris. In addition, the closed face reel has a button on the outside of the case. The button holds the fishing line and helps control the casting movement, making it easier for a novice to learn.

First, you press the button down with your thumb, and then as you swing the rod forward in a casting motion, you release the button. The fishing line will then sail out over the water and, hopefully, land the bait right where you know fish are eager for a snack. The closed face reel makes it easier to learn how to cast, and offers the angler more control over the fishing line.

Spinning reelOpen Faced
An open faced spinning reel takes a little more skill to operate than its closed face counterpart. Still, this type of reel is the most popular. With this reel, the spool is exposed, and may have either a bail or a lever. Often the bail can be lifted so that the angler can hold the line with his thumb, then release it as the rod moves forward. The reel with the lever, however, doesn’t allow the fisherman to hold the line. The lever does that job and releases the line at the right moment.

Open faced spinning reels can be used for all types of fishing, whether you’re fishing from the shore or from a boat. The key is matching the reel to the fish. A lightweight fishing rod reel might be fine for small trout, but if you’re hunting swordfish, you’ll need a reel that can handle heavy line, and the fight of landing a big fish.