Fishing Reels

Fishing reels can be purchased in many forms, but broadly speaking there are four main categories. There are bait casting reels, spinning reels, spin casting reels and fly fishing reels. All of these reels have different features that greatly affect casting. They are also placed in different positions on the fishing rod. Spinning reels and fly fishing reels are suspended beneath the rod, while bait casting reels and spin casting reels are positioned on the top of the fishing rod. Each reel is designed to support certain line strengths and weights. They must also be able to deal with the tension exerted on the line by hooked fish. Typically the larger the reel the stronger it will be. There are of course specialized reels designed for the various fishing techniques, such as surf casting reels, big game reels and boat reels.

Usually beginner anglers who are learning to cast start off with spin casting reels. These are usually cheap and are some of the simplest reels to use when learning to cast. The spin casting reel has a release button incorporated into it. When casting the release button is first depressed, and then released at the optimum moment to throw the hook forwards.

A spinning reel is slightly more complicated than a spin casting reel, and also slightly more expensive. The spool is fixed, but has a bail which rotates around the spool in order to reel in the line. Spinning reels take a little bit more time to master, but they do cast the hooks further. When casting with a spinning reel, the line is held with the index finger and must be released at precisely the right moment in order to cast the hook in the correct direction.

Bait casting reels are designed to cast further than both spinning and spin casting reels. They usually incorporate gears and ball bearings. The spool in this type of reel rotates and they are designed to prevent backlash. There are two types of bait casting reel, round and elliptical. The round bait casting reel has end plates that are circular, and can carry more line than the standard bait casting reel. Elliptical bait casting reels have end plates that are shaped like an ellipse, and are not as heavy as the round bait casting reels. Elliptical bait casting reels are generally used to catch bass, while round bait casting reels are useful for freshwater fish that can cover ground quickly. They are also used for saltwater fishing.

There are some variations on the fly fishing reel design. Most have rotating spools, with no gears. Some are automatic, controlled by a trigger action with a spring component. These are usually used in freshwater fishing, for smaller to medium sized fish. If you choose to fish for game fish, in fresh or saltwater, you will need a larger fly reel that is capable of handling heavier line.

These are the four major types of fishing reels. Less common reels include surf casting reels, boat reels and big game reels. Surf casting reels have to be bigger than typical reels in order to handle the heavier lines and longer line lengths needed for this type of fishing. They are also wider than the standard reel for the same reason. Boat reels vary depending on whether they are intended for freshwater or offshore fishing. In general bigger reels are required for offshore boat fishing, as they also need to hold heavier, longer line.

As with all aspects of fishing tackle, there are many variations and adaptations on the basic design of the reel. In many cases the choice of fishing reel is dictated by the fishing technique being employed, while in other situation fishing reels are chosen based on preference.