How to Select the Best Fishing Reel
You’re eager to go fishing, and just need to purchase a reel. This isn’t a difficult task, but you will need to know a few things before you buy.
Know Your Fish and Water
Different sizes and types of fish require different sizes and types of reels. Some fish fight hard, others less so, even at the same weight. A three-pound smallmouth bass is going to react differently from a three-pound musky, so it’s important to understand what size and type of fish you want to catch. Different types of waters impact the type of reel, too. For example, waters with lots of hidden underwater hazards will require a sturdier reel than clear, open bodies of water.
Get a Grip
You need a reel you can hang on to, so make sure the reel has non-slip grips on the hand-crank and on the arm (the resting spot for your non-cranking hand). You’re going to get wet, so you want a reel that won’t slip out of your hands.
Get Your Bearings
Ball bearings control the reel’s stopping speed and the smoothness of the retrieve. More ball bearings mean a smoother retrieve. Fishing rod reels range from 5 or more ball bearings in the top notch reels to 3 or 4 in mid-range reels and 2 in low-end reels.
Stopping speed, particularly the amount of backward spin after you stop winding in your line, affects control. The less backward spin, the better you’ll control your line and lure. As a test, reel in a little bit of line and release the crank handle. Next, pull out some line. If the handle turns backwards, you’ll have less control. Backward spin decreases as the number of ball bearings increase.
Capacity and Strength of the Line
How heavy a line will the reel hold? Check the reel’s maximum pound test to ensure it can accommodate your fish. If you need a 20 pound line and buy a reel with a 10 pound limit, you’ll catch more headaches than fish.
How much line with the reel hold? Check the number of yards/meters the reel can handle. If you’re going to be doing long casts, or going after a fish that will run, you want a reel that can hold enough line.
Level Wind or Spinning?
The type of reel affects the action on the bait and lure. Level wind reels (bait casting) are commonly used for large plugs and bait lures. They don’t allow a lot of action on the lure, but casting is accurate. For trolling and spinner lures, you’ll want a spinning reel, which transfers the action from the reel to the lure.
Light or Heavy?
Reels don’t vary more than a few ounces in weight, but if you intend to be casting for long periods of time, a lighter reel can be less tiring. Lighter reels are good for children, too. Try the reel on a rod at the store, or better yet take your rod with you. Make sure the reel and rod are compatible and that you can cast comfortably.
