Choosing the good fishing reel can be challenging for many anglers. Many make blunders when shopping, and it’s critical to choose the right reel. The reel forms an integral part of the fishing session and can ruin your experience.
Again, there are multiple reel varieties available, and this complicates the selection process. If you’re shopping for fishing reels and unsure of what to go for, here’s a guide to help you.
What are the different types of fishing reels?
You’ll find various reel types in the market, and all suit different types of fishing. These include baitcaster, spinning, and conventional reels.
Let’s understand their features and uses.
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Spinning reels
Spinning reels are pretty common. They feature a stationary spool and a line wound with a rotating wire at the handle. Most spinning reels come with the reel located under the rod for easy changing and operation. If you prefer winding with your left hand, this is a crucial aspect to keep in mind. And this is because most reels feature a right-hand wind.
Spinning reels are simple and easy to cast. They are handy for any light to heavy fishing. If you’re starting your fishing journey, spinning reels make perfect choices. But for big game fishing, visit https://www.meltontackle.com/big-game-reels for a wide variety of options.
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Conventional reels
These devices feature a rod that operates as a cylindrical spool. It rewinds the line to the spool when you crank the handle. It also has a lever that activates the pool to let out the line. What’s more, conventional reels feature an in-built clicker that signals the angler when the fish takes a bite. These reels are pricey but are handy when targeting big fish in salty water like sharks and the bluefin tuna.
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Baitcasting reels
Baitcasting reels are best suited for light freshwater fishing applications. They are harder to cast compared to spinning reels but are lightweight and ideal for beginners. Also, they are less costly to suit all anglers on a budget.
What are the standard reel sizes?
Most reels come with a number, and this can be in tens, hundreds, or thousands. This can be 30, 300, or 3000. Always pay attention to the forts number; this indicates the reel size, frame dimensions, and pool capacity.
For instance, most miniature spinning reels come in 500 sizes. These are ideal for ultra-light angling like ice fishing and micro fishing. Similarly, 3000 sizes are great for anglers targeting fish up to 20 lb on small baits. Fishing reel sizes of 4000-8000 can handle bigger fish in one line.
What should I consider when choosing a fishing reel?
A good fishing reel features more bearings and offers easy and smoother operations. Cheaper reels come with fewer bearings and feel less smooth. If targeting larger fish, pick a device that provides substantial drag pressure without sustaining heat damages.
Other traits to consider are;
- Reel weight
- Body material
- Durability
- Price
The bottom line
There are different fishing reels in the market. To choose the best types, determine the type of targeted fish, and acquire a device to match your needs. Also, consider the size of the reel, the material, and its durability. Quality reels last long and require minimal or no maintenance.
