Fishing is a sport that combines a challenge with relaxation. But, in order to make the most of your fishing adventure, it is essential that you have the right equipment. A fishing reel is one of the most important pieces of equipment you will need. It is what holds the fishing line, fight or play with the fish and most importantly, it allows you to pull in your catch. There are several different types of fish reels, each of which is suitable for a particular type of fishing. This mini-guide to fishing reels will help you make an informed decision when choosing the best one for your fishing needs.

Factors to Consider

When choosing fishing reels, there are three important factors to consider:

• The size of the fish you are pursuing
• The size of the casting rod
• Where you are fishing, such as from a boat, on the shore or from a pier

Left or Right Handed

The majority of fishing reels are available with both left and right handed models, so make sure you buy the correct configuration. The number of ball bearings should also be considered when choosing a fishing reel. Typically, the best reels are those with at least three or more ball bearings. A good quality reel typically comes with at least five, anti-rust bearings that will usually last much longer than standard ball bearings.

Gear Ratio

It is also important to take into consideration the gear ratio when choosing a fishing reel. The higher the gear ratio, the better the reel, because with a high gear ratio, you are able to put more line on the spool with each turn of the handle, which saves you time. Also, make sure the reel moves smoothly when you turn the handle. The smoothness can make all of the difference when you are reeling in a large fish, the last thing you’ll want is a tight line on the reel.

Basic Reels

There are two basic types of reels: spinning and casting.

• Spinning reels are the easiest reels to use, so they are ideal for beginners. If you are fishing for small fish in a confined area, an ultra light spinning reel that is designed for a two to six pound test line is the best choice. If you prefer to bottom fish while sitting on a boat, consider using a conventional reel and line with a 30 to 80 pound test. The best advantage with a spinning reel is that they can cast light weights, something that other reels have difficulty doing. The majority of spinning reels come with a spare spool, which allows you change the line weights by simply pushing a button or replacing the spool.
• A casting reel, also known as bait casting reels, are a conventional reel that allows the line to be stored on a revolving spool that is bearing supported. A casting reel typically require practice, especially when using light weights. They are ideal for heavier line and larger fish. When using a casting reel, the weight of the lure or bait is used to drag the fishing line from the spool, while using your thumb to control the line when casting. This type of real is popular for inshore fishing. Casting reels typically use line weights that range from 12 to 20 pound test.

When shopping for a fishing reel, the options to choose from may seem overwhelming to a beginner. The best way to choose the appropriate reel for you is to talk with an expert. Visit your local sporting goods store and ask for recommendations. Also, you can check out our picks for the top reels for various types of fishing as a great starting point for your shopping. If you are on a budget, fishing rods and reels are often sold together, but they are usually made for basic fishing, which is ideal for those new to fishing.

The debate over whether a spinning reel or a baitcasting reel is better is as old as fishing reels themselves. It is a fun debate perhaps, but the bottom line is personal preference, most fishing experts say. They do have different strengths and weaknesses though, and in some situations one is more appropriate than the other.  The biggest drawback to the traditional baitcaster is backlash, and spinning reels do reduce that greatly. But there is a lot more to fishing than just backlash. Weather and water conditions, whether it is saltwater or fresh, and the type of fish you want to catch, are all part of the things to be considered when purchasing a reel.

Renowned fishing expert Tom Rowland says a spinning rod is his preference for most conditions, but he adds that either one is a tool. He suggests finding the one that you like best and then using that. He said in a recent article a person needs to find what works for them, and they should not worry about what works for other people or even the entire industry.

Very generally speaking, baitcasting reels are more durable and better for harsh conditions. Spinning reels allow you more accuracy and are best in tight or small areas. This is why baitcasters are more popular for saltwater fishing and spinning reels are often more popular in fresh water. But even then conditions can make the opposite more true, and it still comes down to what you feel best with personally.

Baitcasting reels are the oldest, and they have a toughness that is hard to beat. Baitcasters can handle fighting fish and big fish, and is designed for a battle between man and the fish. The drag pressure is also a be benefit when you are battling a fish for more than a few seconds, or if the conditions are harsh. The problem, or negative, with baitcasting is backlash. It was backlash and trying to do something about it that led to the creation of the spinning reel in the first place. Too much slack in the line, or not having the drag set right, can cause backlash.

Spinning reels are designed to eliminate most backlash, but you can still get it if the line is not properly spooled on the reel. Still, you do get less backlash, and that is a benefit. Another benefit of a spinning reel is  that it is easy to cast with it with accuracy. It is easy to cast under trees, or above plants in the water. It also uses a lighter line, which is good for certain types of fishing. The drawback to a spinning reel is you usually cannot use quiet as heavy of a line, and it is not as durable against big fish.

Even with saying the baitcaster is better in rough conditions, fisherman like Rowland still prefers the spinner for saltwater fishing. He uses a reverse psychology in a sense. He says the accuracy of the spinning rod gives you a better chance of getting the bait to the fish. He also said the spinning reel lets you fight a fish with a lighter line than you would have on a baitcaster. Especially in the waters off the south Florida coast, the water is very clear, and that makes accuracy when casting more important

For freshwater fishing there are also situations where you might prefer one over the other. When fishing on a lake for bass, you could use a heavier line and cast further with a baitcaster, so that might be better when you are not as concerned with accuracy. When fishing closer to shore for other types of fish, the more accurate spinning reel would be better.

Fishing in saltwater closer to shore though, a baitcaster reel would be better. The baitcaster can more easily handle heavier lures used in marshy areas and the baitcaster also stands up to saltwater better.

As a result, it seems that one is not really better than the other. It depends on the type of fishing you are doing, and the conditions you find yourself in. Personal preference and conditions are the major concerns when choosing a reel or a type of reel.