Fishing reels are like cars and trucks in many regards.
You could have a specific model for every type of driving you do throughout the week, but most of us choose models that fit our needs on a daily basis. After all, how many of our homes feature three- and four-car garages?
Yes, we can utilize the brutish off-road vehicle for the weekend trips into the desert or the vintage muscle car for those road trips to Florida, but taking the same vehicle to drop off the kids at school really isn’t practical. One or two practical vehicles—not three or four– geared to our needs and our environment is clearly the way to go.
It’s not that different with fishing reels. In this guide, Fishbox will help you choose the best types of reels based on your experience and how efficient you want to be while fishing. Like some vehicles, some fishing reels come with a learning curve; do the wrong thing at the wrong time, and you’ll have a daunting bird’s nest of line to deal with. Others are so simple that a five-year-old can manage them.
Get Hot Spots Where
Fish Are Active Now!
Select the type of water you usually fish in:
The key to choosing the right reel typically comes down to finding one that’s less expensive (than a car payment) and has plenty of versatility. Yes, there are innumerable options from manufacturers such as Penn, Daiwa, Shimano, Okuma, and others, but we’re here to help.
The global fishing reels market size was valued at $US4.83 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow 8.5 percent annually from 2025 to 2030, according to Grandview Research. Growth in fishing tourism, recreational fishing (specifically fly fishing and fishing from kayaks), demand for compact reels, and technological advances are all fueling the growth, Grandview reports.
With that in mind, here’s our guide to fishing reels:
Spinning Reels
Best for catching: Trout, largemouth bass, walleye, redfish, crappie and more.
Price range: $50-$125 (all prices U.S.).
Spinning reels are the most popular reels on the North American market, thanks to their ease of use, versatility, and durability. In fact, according to Grandview Research, more than 32 percent of all anglers in North America owned at least one spinning reel in 2024.
Sitting under rods, spinning reels feature open-faced designs with metal bails that offer superb casting accuracy and control. In fact, most anglers say spinning reels are unsurpassed in their maneuverability and casting distance. What’s more, there are numerous sizes and designs manufactured for various fishing styles, which adds to their appeal.
What to look for when considering a spinning reel:
- Body/casing: Simply stated, look for aluminum bodies for durability
- Spool design: Long cast design features on the spinning reel’s spool – the spool size and the spool lip—are preferred by most anglers. Both design elements reduce friction. “Fat” spools allow more lines to leave the spool with only one tap on the lip. Instead of hitting the traditional flat lip, the line glides over a beveled lip to minimize friction as the top wrap leaves the reel.
- Drag system: Most anglers recommend a front-drag system on a spinning lure, as it is closer to the spool and easier to access and adjust when battling a catch. The drag system should let out the line smoothly and seamlessly, without pulling and jerking as the line goes. If it jerks and stutters like a car with a bad transmission, it may not be the right choice of reel.
- Gear ratio: The gear ratio of a reel determines how quickly you can retrieve a line. A higher gear ratio (6:1:1) retrieves the line faster, which can be beneficial when fishing for species that tend to fight hard or move quickly, such as bass or trout. A lower gear ratio (5:1:1) provides more power, which is useful when reeling in larger, stronger fish.
- Bearings: The more bearings a spinning reel has, the smoother it will crank. Go with the spinning reel with the most bearings, whether stainless steel or ceramic. If faced with the choice of more bearings made of lower grade material or fewer bearings of stainless steel or ceramic, select the spinning reel with the better bearings.
Baitcasting Reels
Best for catching: Freshwater species including largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, muskie, catfish
Price range: $100-$150
The durable and dependable baitcasting reel is the ultimate choice for serious anglers when they are targeting bass and other freshwater species in the rivers and lakes throughout the country. Whether fishing standing timber, weeds, rocks, boat docks, or brush piles, anglers depend on baitcasting reels with heavy lines to wrench fish out of tight environments.
Read also: Lake Fishing: Essential Tips for Catching Fish in Lakes
Baitcasting reels are preferred by experienced anglers looking to make precise casts into specific locations, such as under a tree limb or near a field of lily pads. They make it easy to manage thick braided and fluorocarbon lines, which is necessary for these situations and can manage areas typically not suited for spinning reels.
It can be a challenge to learn to use a baitcasting reel. The spool tends to keep rotating even after the lure has reached its target, causing a tangled up “bird’s nest” of fishing line that can take a lot of time to undo, but for intermediate anglers and ambitious beginners, a baitcasting reel is a great tool for anglers to have in their arsenal.
What to look for when considering a baitcasting reel:
- Body/Casing: Baitcasting reels are housed in either aluminum or graphite. Graphite housings are preferred for use with lightweight bait, while aluminum is praised for its durability and longevity.
- Styles: Casting reels typically come in two different categories, round reels and low-profile reels.
Round baitcaster reels have an enduring legacy for catching both freshwater and saltwater fish. They hold a lot of lines and have the power and drag needed to land sizable (more than 7 lbs.) fish, such as catfish. They are, however, typically heavy and thick for some anglers to manage. It can, however, be heavy and cumbersome for some anglers to manage.
Low-profile baitcaster reels have become more prevalent in recent years thanks to their more compact design and lighter weight. Along with bass, anglers who target mid-sized walleye, pickerel, and pike should look at low-profile baitcasting reels.
- Ball bearings: Purchase a baitcasting reel with as many ball bearings as possible. This will ensure durability and longevity and enhance its performance with minimum maintenance. The optimal number is 10-12 stainless steel ball bearings
- Drag systems: Look for bait casters with an adjustable, reliable drag system. Avoiding line slippage is key when fighting bass. The key is finding a reel that allows fish to pull the line smoothly off the spool to prevent line breakage.
- Gear ratio: The gear ratio of a reel is the relationship between the rotation of the handle and the rotation of the spool, which is shown as rotation (Spool): Rotation (Handle). A higher gear ratio range will handle most bass and other freshwater fishing applications because it allows anglers to adjust retrieve speed easier than low- or high-speed reels. Look for reels with a 6.2:1 or 7:1:1 gear ratio to retrieve faster and still get superior performance.
Spincasting Reels
Best for catching: Panfish, lightweight bass
Price range: $15-$125
When most families start exploring ways to get their children involved in fishing, spincasting reels immediately come to mind. They are designed with simplicity at the forefront; the fishing line is encased in closed metal or plastic cones, and line release is controlled by a button on the reel. This minimizes tangles and makes casting for smaller fish with lightweight lures and live bait as easy as possible.
Spincast reels catch more fish in America each year than any other design. That’s because they’re easy to use, inexpensive compared to other designs, and widely available. Because they are so easy to use, spin cast rods and reel combos are what most parents choose to teach children how to fish; their reels are appropriate for almost any age.
While casting accuracy and range are limited, spin casting reels are typically very affordable and provide the first steps toward a lifetime of fishing. The ease of use of closed-face reels makes them perfect learning tools for the angler just starting out.
What to look for when considering a spincasting reel:
- Casing/Housing: Typically, the available housing will be plastic or aluminum. Always lean toward aluminum for durability and endurance.
- Types: Push-button spincast reels are mounted on top of a baitcasting rod, which makes the cast as simple as possible with the press of a button.
The other type of spincasting reels are trigger-equipped reels which are often called triggerspin reels and are paired with a spinning rod. They sit under the rod like a spinning reel and work like a push-button model but with finger pressure held on the trigger until the line is fully cast.
The reels also serve an important function for young anglers: They can serve as a transition to spinning gear or for youngsters simply wanting to move on from a push-button reel.
- Gear Ratios: Since very few options are available, look for spin casting reels with gear ratios of 2.5:1 or 4.5:1. The rule of thumb is that reels with higher gear ratio numbers retrieve the line more quickly but have less cranking power. When in doubt, opt for reels with 4.1:1 gear ratios, especially for younger anglers.
- Line capacity: Most spincasting reels have between 80-120 yards of line, but the exact amount will vary based on the strength of the line used and the size of the reel.
- Bearings: Look for reels with two and six-ball bearings. For basic fishing, a reel with 2-4 bearings is sufficient, while better reels in the category might have closer to six bearings for smoother operation. Keep in mind that reels with six ball bearings will often carry a higher price point.
Fly Reels
Best for catching: Trout, salmon, steelhead
Price range: $25-$900+
One of the more popular categories in the fishing industry is fly fishing, be it via kayak, on the shoreline, knee-deep in a river, or on a boat. Fly reels are fundamental compared to spinning reels; they are used for holding lines between casts and fighting the fish. The reels often feature large arbors to hold heavy fly lines. Casting requires pulling the line off the reel and then using the reel handle to retrieve it.
What to look for when considering a fly fishing reel
- Materials: Reels constructed of aluminum are typically the most popular in the segment thanks to their affordability, although titanium or carbon fiber housings are also worth investigating. They have an advantage when it comes to anti-corrosive properties when compared to aluminum.
- Sizing: Reels are sized to correspond with rods and are usually designed to match two consecutive rod weights, such as 3-4 or 5-6. They vary in weight and diameter—a trout reel, for example, is smaller than one made for tarpon. Look for a reel that matches your current rod and works with a rod size larger or smaller.
- Types: Fly reels are available in three variations– single action, automatic, and multiplier– single action reels are recommended most to beginners due to their simplicity; it’s a spool to hold a line surrounded by a frame.
The multiplier is identified as reels that feature spools that rotate more than once on retrieval. Automatic reels are designed so that the line is retrieved by pushing a lever, but they are heavy and rarely.
- Drag control: Look for fly reels that have adjustable drags to control the amount of friction on the line when a fish hits, along with a mechanism to control backlash when the line is stripped.
Surf Reels
Best for catching: Flounder, redfish, striped bass, bluefish, red snapper and more
Price range: $40-$150+
Surf reels are oversized spinning reels adapted for surfcasting; they’re designed for longer casts and have larger line spools to increase line capacity. This design provides anglers an advantage over traditional reels when fishing in surf environments.
Look for models that offer strong protection (i.e., sealed bodies) from saltwater and have stronger drag.
Read also: A General Overview of Surf Fishing
What to look for when considering a surfcasting reel:
- Size: Reels are often sized using a four-digit numbering system. In general, the smaller the number, the smaller the reel. For example, small reels will have numbers ranging from 1000 -3000; while larger reels are numbered 5500-7000. For most applications, look for 6000-sized reels, but keep in mind that while they will feature amazing cranking power, they will be weighty.
- Gear ratio: While often a personal choice, look for gear ratios of approximately 5.7:1 with a size 6000 reel. Most of the time, the features of a reel this size will include a large handle and larger spool diameter, providing serious cranking power.
Trolling Reels
Best for catching: Tuna, marlin, or any large game fish in freshwater or saltwater environments.
Price range: $100-$600
Trolling reels are designed for trolling, a type of fishing involving baited lines dragged through the water behind a moving boat. Designed to manage heavy lines, substantial fish, and extended fishing periods, these reels are crucial for both freshwater and saltwater deep-sea fishing. Trolling reels are characterized by their durable construction and large line capacity, making them optimal for lengthy fishing excursions.
In addition, these reels can be used for vertical jigging and bait fishing. A 6 7 -or 7-foot, medium-heavy rod matched to a 20- to 30-pound reel spooled with 50 50-pound braided line and a topshot of 100 yards of 20 to 30-pound monofilament can easily handle these applications.
Keep in mind that some trolling reels are designed for experienced, professional anglers, so speak with local experts in your area to find one that fits your needs and expectations.
- Housing/casing: Look for sealed, carbon composite, aluminum casings for optimal protection.
- Gear Ratio: When trolling, the emphasis should be placed on lower gear ratios (4:1 or below) for slower, more powerful retrieval when using heavy bait to target game fish. Higher gear ratios (6:1 or above) should be reserved for when fast-moving lures are being employed or when covering larger areas.
- Drag: Trolling reels are typically designed with a lever drag or a star drag. A star drag can be set at a specific drag pressure for the duration of battle with a game fish, while lever drags can always be adjusted for the fight.
- Handle Design: Choose a reel with a comfortable and ergonomic handle design that allows for extended use without causing fatigue. Consider the length and grip material for better control and comfort while retrieving the line.
How to Maintain a Reel
The key to ensuring your reels last several seasons or several years— depends on how vigilant you are when it comes to maintaining them after each use.
At the very minimum, whether used in freshwater or saltwater, reels should be rinsed with fresh water after each use using light water pressure. Make sure to rinse all areas of the reel by holding it upside down or with the drag facing toward the ground.
Before rinsing, tighten the drag to keep water from getting inside.
Another sound idea is to lubricate all external moving parts of the reel with gear oil or a spray lubricant (avoid WD40, however). Just a few drops will do the trick. Wipe off any excess with a clean, dry rag.
At the end of a busy season, to prevent damage, most anglers suggest loosening the drag and completely disassembling your reel. There are oils for specific uses and reels (i.e., Daiwa), so do your homework for the best results.
Conclusion
The importance of understanding reel types can’t be understated. Knowing the type of fish you are targeting, the environment in which you are fishing in, and your experience, all come into play. For beginners, the obvious choice is a spin casting reel, thanks to its one-button casting simplicity. That said, even experienced anglers may keep a spin casting rig in the trunk of their car/truck for when inspiration suddenly strikes.
For more experienced anglers, the spinning reel is a solid option, given its versatility. They can easily be used for everything from baitfish to striped bass. Baitcasting reels have a little steeper learning curve, but when it comes to targeting largemouth and smallmouth bass, they are the most natural option.
From there, fly fishing, surfcasting, and trolling reels are more the more experienced or those seeking a specific reel for a specific purpose. Having these reels in your quiver is a luxury, but for those fishing more than 40-50 days a year in specific environments, they are certainly worth exploring.
