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Selecting the ideal fishing reel for your preferred fishing applications can be a little tricky, to say the least. If for no other reason, the variety available to the modern angler is bewildering.
Understanding the types of reels and their fishing applications can make things easier for the most part.
Moreover, understanding reel types will ensure you make better reel choices. This leads you, ultimately, to more fish and a pleasurable fishing experience.
This article is designed for the beginner, novice and casual fishing enthusiast wanting to progress their fishing skills and knowledge.
What are the different fishing reels and which one is the best for you? Read on to the conclusion.
Once you have digested the information here you should be able to make reel choices confidently.
At the very least you will able to talk to experts and ask questions from an informed position. You’ll be speaking the fishing language, you’ll be speaking reel language.
Page Contents
What are the Different Types of Fishing Reels?
There are three broader reel types or categories. The overhead reel, the spin reel, and the center pin reel. Each of these three-reel categories has further sub-sets that are designed for more specific fishing applications.
For example. A game fishing reel is an overhead reel. A baitcaster reel is also an overhead reel. Their purposes are different.
Here are some great castings options to choose from
They have vastly different applications yet fall into the same category because of the shared design principal.
Importantly, they are called overhead reels because they sit on top of your fishing rod. They are mounted and fished with the rod guides facing upward toward the sky.
Spin reels and center pin reels hang under your fishing rod when mounted. They are fished with your rod guides facing down to the ground.
It’s important to note that the different reel types can cross over many fishing applications. However, usually, there is a reel better suited to an application than another.
For example. You can certainly catch marlin on a spin reel, but an overhead game reel is likely better suited under most circumstances.
There is also the obvious situations where a reel will be completely unsuited to an application.
For example. You simply can’t fish for trout with a big game reel. A closed face (spincast) reel is completely useless from the ocean rocks.
Let’s look at each reel type in detail, discussing the sub-sets, pros, and cons of each reel type and their fishing applications.
What Are the Different Reels?
Spinning Reels
There are two categories of spin reels. Firstly, the spinning reel, also known as the eggbeater or the threadline reel. Secondly, there is the closed face reel also known as the spincast reel.
The Closed Face – Spincast Reel
The spincast reel has a very similar design principal to a standard spinning reel. The significant difference is that a button is depressed for casting and there is a cover that sits over the spool.
Spincast Applications:
A spincast reel is designed for beginners to learn how to fish with a rod and reel. The absence of a bail arm and complex drag systems is all about making things easier.
A spincast reel is only good for catching small fish. Small fish for catch and release or for pan frying.
They are usually connected to lightweight rods 6 to 7 foot in length. They will be deployed from river banks and jetties or small boats in the fresh or saltwater. They are inshore reels only.
The pros:
They are, in a number of respects, easier for little children still developing motor skills. Casting can be complex for the young ones; a spincast can help.
A spincast removes a few of the casting steps making the process a little more manageable for small hands and developing motor skills.
Importantly, the spincast is usually a very affordable reel. This is ideal as they will generally be placed in the hands of small children.
The Cons:
Fishing applications are limited. Landing fish above the size of Whiting is probably out of the question. They are not robust at all and have a limited lifespan.
The closed face is an annoying feature. A snapped line is invariably pulled through the closed face which must be removed to be re-rigged.
Is it the Right Reel Choice for You?
If you have young children that you wish to introduce to fishing, maybe. Quality has improved with spincast reels and they do endure a little better.
I taught my children from age 4 using standard spin reels. Having tried using a closed face I found the same level of supervision and instruction was required for both types.
Their skills developed quickly using standard spin reels and I genuinely found it much less of a hassle.
Personally, I don’t see why these reels are still being manufactured. From an instructional point of view, I found spin better.
The spincast reel is a reel for the little kids to cut their fishing teeth.
Also Read: Choosing a Good Fishing Rod for a Novice Angler
The Spinning Reel
The spinning reel is also known as the eggbeater or the threadline reel. It’s fair to say without the support of oceans of data that this is the most versatile and commonly used fishing reel today.
The spin reel is for every angler and every budget, from beginner to tournament professional.
Affordable quality is a great feature of the modern spin reel. Moreover, it’s so easy to use.
Spin reels commonly have different features that align better with particular fishing applications. For the most part, the spin reel application is determined by size.
From 1000 for ultra-light finesse style fishing to the 25000 (Daiwa) for huge offshore pelagic species.
Spin Reel Applications:
Versatility is the true beauty of the spin reel. You can chase the smallest most delicate trout in the smallest most isolated stream.
You can upsize your reel and hit the blue water on the edge of the shelf and tackle Marlin and Yellowfin Tuna.
With a spin reel, you have access to every fish and location, from the deep ocean to the most remote inland stream.
The only application a spin reel will not cover is fly fishing. However, such is the versatility of the spin reel, I reckon a clever fly angler would even be able to manage it somehow.
Most importantly. The spin reel needs few skills to manage well enough to catch fish everywhere. They are relatively easy to maintain and the good ones will last a lifetime if cared for.
Inshore, offshore fresh and salt. You can bounce the bottom, troll, cast, jig, fish live baits, fish lures. Wherever there is a body of water that holds fish.
Spin reels will often have particular applications attached to them. For example. Some are designed with features ideal for fishing the surf such as a long casting spool.
Others are designed with features ideal for fishing saltwater, such as sealing. Bigger reels come with features that are designed for playing massive fish such as heavy reel drag systems and huge spool capacities.
The Pros:
You can catch everything on a spin reel…truly, everything from anywhere. They are the easiest to use of all the reels and quality is affordable.
You can select your reel with particular features that assist with your specific fishing application. Reel sizing is very easy for even the novice to understand.
A mid-sized spin reel can cover an enormous range of applications. If you only have a budget for one reel, a mid-sized spin reel provides outstanding access.
The Cons:
There are very cheap spin reels available. Take care to avoid them. These very cheap reels spoil the joy of fishing and are a waste of money.
Is it the Right Reel Choice for You?
In short, always. A good spin reel chosen based on application is a good reel for you regardless of your skill level.
Wherever you are, whatever puddle of water you choose to fish, a good spin reel will be ideal.
Overhead Reels
Overhead reels look very impressive, and the good ones really are. The overhead reel has 5 different types.
Others might define that further and add another category or two but that’s kind of misleading.
The overhead reel category includes the low profile baitcaster, the round or ‘barrel’ shaped baitcaster, the overhead reel, the game reel, and the electric reel.
Some confusion comes because there is a subcategory named the same as the parent category. The overhead.
When does a round shaped overhead baitcaster reel drop the baitcaster label and become just an overhead reel?
When does an overhead reel become a game fishing reel? There is certainly an in-between point which is often categorized as a trolling reel. This is not so accurate and can be misleading.
Basically, it comes down to reel size, manufacturers purpose, and the reel’s versatility.
A good rule of thumb is that a round baitcaster sits comfortably in the palm of your hand.
Once it becomes larger than this, we can drop the baitcaster label. Overhead is sufficient. But when does an overhead become a game reel?
Often the grey area is clarified by the intentions of the manufacturer. They label the reel appropriately based on the reel’s intended purpose.
Let’s look at the overhead reel types in detail and we’ll reveal some clarity here.
The Low Profile Baitcasting Reel
The low profile baitcasting reel is a master of casting accuracy and fishing close quarters.
They are brilliant lure reels and incredibly strong, punching well above their considerable light-weight and diminutive size.
This style of reel while highly efficient is more difficult to master, especially casting.
As it’s a more advanced style of reel it should be purchased with caution if you have no experience with them. These reels are very popular with tournament pros.
Don’t be deterred, however. These things are pure fishing joy and practicing will see you master the finer casting arts.
Low Profile Baitcaster Applications:
These reels are brilliant in the rivers and estuaries from the banks, boats, and kayaks.
Casting at the banks and structure with lures is especially good with these reels.
Speed, power, and accuracy ensure you are well armed for battling belligerent fish from structure. They are suitable for salt and freshwater.
Don’t be fooled by the size. A correctly spooled reel will see you armed for fish in excess of 25 pounds.
The regular target is smaller than this, however. They are perfect for Bass or casting spinnerbaits at trout, for example.
The Pros:
Casting accuracy is unsurpassed and a skilled angler can cast them a mile. They are brilliant at close quarters and incredibly powerful relative to their size.
There is little they won’t do throughout the inshore waters and they are brilliant for lure fishing of all types.
The Cons:
Despite modern technology making casting easier, they are still challenging to master. Good models can be expensive and they need to be well maintained.
Is it the Right Reel Choice for You?
If you like to fish the inshore grounds, casting lures at banks and structure, the low profile baitcaster is a brilliant option.
If you have never used one before, be prepared to make some mistakes as you learn the casting skills.
The Round Baitcasting Reel
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The round baitcaster allows you to fish a much broader variety of applications than its smaller cousin.
They are incredibly strong and can hold a tremendous amount of fishing line; braid or mono.
Again, like its smaller cousin, learning to cast them is the challenge.
However, once mastered this reel type will take you to an abundance of different fishing applications.
The Round Baitcaster Applications:
These reels are brilliant for boats, the beach, and the ocean rocks. A skilled angler can cast them a mile and they are ideal for chasing a large range of fish sizes.
They can be cast, jigged and trolled. Bounce the bottom, whatever you choose. They have significant versatility while being profoundly strong.
They are usually deployed in the salt water against a larger class of fish. This is not an immutable law, however.
Learning to use them and get the best out of them is the only impediment. But it needn’t be. Just practice.
The Pros:
They are super strong and incredibly versatile. They can hold a tremendous amount of line for chasing a larger class of fish. Once mastered, they can be cast a country mile.
They are ideal for land-based fishing or fishing from your boat. They are used predominantly in salt water but can be deployed anywhere.
The Cons:
They’re heavy reels for chasing a smaller class of fish. Cheaper ones will need to be very well maintained.
The good ones tend to be a little pricey. This type of reel will take some practice to master casting.
Is it the Right Reel Choice for You?
If you are chasing a larger class of fish from your boat, the rocks or the beach, the round baitcaster is superb in every way.
Just remember. These reels take some learning. Only with practice and frequent use will you come to master casting this type of reel.
When you do, you will never put it down.
The Overhead Reel
It’s not a baitcaster. Far too big for that. It’s not a game reel either, but it can certainly handle the oceans biggest. It’s an overhead reel.
They can hold copious amounts of fishing lines and have powerful drag systems for slowing big, powerful fish.
Overhead Reel Applications:
These reels are designed for chasing big fish. They are usually fished from a boast using heavy reel gear but they a commonly used from land.
They are deployed from rocks, jetties, breakwaters and the surf. Some models can cast well enough, some are indeed designed to be cast.
For the most part, however, an overhead such as this is used for trolling, jigging, setting large live baits and other applications where you don’t need to cast your bait far.
The pros:
The overhead is a big fish master. They have incredible cranking power and they’re built to handle tough fish.
They can be deployed onshore or off and they’re perfect for setting really big live and dead baits or for trolling big lures. Some models will cast well.
The Cons:
These reals can be quite expensive and take some time to learn and master. They’re designed for big fish and many do not cast well or cast at all. Therefore they are not the most versatile of reels.
Is it the Right Reel Choice for You?
These reels are pretty serious. They require some pretty high-level fishing knowledge to achieve the most out of them.
However, they are absolute masters of the blue water chasing massive fish. They are also extremely capable for land-based game action.
If your feeling confident about grappling with the technical aspects of these beasts, then give it a shot. Watch your wallet. The price can be a little painful.
The Electric Reel
Perhaps thought of as a gimmick, the electric reel has gained significant traction in the deep water fishing market.
The electric reel is a large overhead designed for doing most things that an overhead can do, but with electric power.
The battery-powered reel can also be plugged into a power source on a boat.
They have digital readouts telling you depth etc, with memory functions and other useful features.
Electric Reel Applications:
The electric reel comes into its own when fishing deep water. Fishing deep is physically strenuous.
With the press of a button, the low geared machines whip in copious amounts of line with the press of a button and no effort required.
Press another button, and you bait drops at pace to a pre-set depth.
They can be trolled and used as a normal overhead, but most anglers would use them for fishing deep where great table fish dwell. Big ones too.
The pros:
These reels are awesome for taking the strain out of fishing the darker depths of the ocean. They also allow anglers less physically capable to enjoy fishing for larger species.
They can be deployed without the use of power and handled in the same way as a standard overhead reel.
The Cons:
They are very expensive and a power source is required to use them to their potential. They are pretty specific in application and therefore lack versatility.
These are very heavy reels. Also, they require care to ensure they are not compromised by water ingress.
They are definitely more complicated than a standard reel. Maintenance can be very expensive.
Is it the Right Reel Choice for You?
If you’re cashed up and have a boat why not? If you like to fish the depths but don’t appreciate the physical exertion, they can be very useful. Applications are limited for the hefty price, however.
Big Game Reels
The game reel is the king of all fishing reels, not just the overheads. These reels are designed for hunting the oceans biggest of the big.
They are astonishingly powerful have incredible drag systems and holdover a mile of fishing line.
They have too. If your fish is 1000 pounds, you need a superpower to turn it back to the boat.
Game Reel Applications:
Game reels are for game fishing. Usually trolling big lures behind big boats.
These days you will see game reels deployed on the beach.
Kayakers paddle big baits out behind the breakers, they paddle back then fish from the tray backs of 4 wheel drives. Some mounted with games chairs.
Others just stand on the beach and hang on for dear life. Game reels are deployed in similar ways in different locations.
Predominantly, however, game reels are used for trolling up the oceans biggest.
The pros:
There is nothing better for catching massive marlin and record-breaking sharks. Nothing has the power and the endurance of a game reel for beating game species.
The Cons:
They are highly application specific, they are not meant to be versatile. They also cost an arm and a leg.
These reels are not at all for the beginner or novice unless supervised on a charter. Game fishing is a highly advanced and equipment heavy.
Is it the Right Reel Choice for You?
This is highly specialized equipment for highly experienced anglers and probably not on the radar of the novice or casual angler.
If you are investing in game fishing, land-based or from a boat, then game reels are the pinnacle of reel technology.
A significant level of fundamental game knowledge and experience is required to get the most from them.
Center Pin Reels
Center pin reels have really advanced in the last decade with advances in materials. They are quite specialized reels and have a few sub-categories.
They are a very basic reel with few moving parts. Each center pin reel type has a fairly specific and often difficult casting method to master.
Primarily center pins like the one pictured left are used for float fishing for various species.
But there are other reels that fall into the center pin category. Center pins include fly reels and side-cast reels.
It is important to note they have the same design principal as a fly reel yet they are quite different.
They are also very different to a side-cast reel but again, share the same foundational design principal.
The center pin purist will argue with me until they’re blue in the face. A center pin is a specific reel.
But I am talking about broader categories based on a shared design principal.
Looking at the pictures, it will be obvious why I have put these select reels below in the same broader center pin category.
The Center Pin Reel
The reels pictured are genuine center pin reels. That’s their correct name.
They are very old style reels but are now manufactured with very high tech processes and materials. The application is very specific.
Center Pin Applications:
The design of the center pin makes them well suited for float fishing.The line connects to the float while avoiding touching the water.
They are an inshore reel and they have no drag and gear system. They are used exclusively for float fishing.
The Pros:
This is highly specialized equipment ideally suited to float fishing. They are beautiful to hold and use for this purpose.
The Cons:
Nowadays a good center pin costs a lot of money. It’s not a reel you pick up and use without experience or tuition. Alternatively, face a lot of trial and error.
Is it the Right Reel Choice for You?
If you are looking to get into float fishing, there is nothing better. You will need to get some experience, however.
Look to others for advice and tuition, it will be faster than working it out by yourself.
The Fly Reel
These are fly reels. Looking at the pictures you can see why I am prepared to step on the toes of the center pin (and fly) purists and call them center pins.
Obviously, they are very similar, they have few working parts but fly reels do have two different types of drag systems.
Fly Reel Applications:
Fly reels are for fly fishing. This is a highly specialized and indeed very old fishing technique. Traditionally fly fishing is all about trout and Salmon from rivers and streams.
However, saltwater fly fishing is now incredibly popular with fly anglers chasing everything from bonefish to trevally.
There are no reel pros or cons of fly reels. To fly fish, you must have a fly rod and reel. It is a highly specialized form of fishing and requires tuition and practice.
Is it the Right Reel Choice for You?
Simply put, if you wish to take up fly fishing, you have no choice. You must have a fly reel. It is one of fishing’s most wonderful fishing styles.
The Side-cast Reel
This is a side-cast reel. Again it will be obvious to you why it sits in the center pin category. The side-cast pictured is a very famous Australian model.
It is designed to be incredibly robust, with rudimentary features that can be broken down and cleaned easily.
This is because it was designed primarily to be fished from the beach.
It has a drag system but no gears. It is for flesh bait fishing and these reels in the right hands can be cast record distances.
The reel is rotated to face the direction you are casting then turn to back again to fish.
Side- Cast Applications:
These are surf fishing master reels and there is nothing quite like the feel of battling fishing with a side-cast.
Chase all of your favorite surf dwelling species. All you need to do is spool up with the appropriate line.
These reels are predominantly land-based reels. They are also are special for ocean rocks fishing as well as surf fishing.
The Pros:
They can be cast incredible distances few reels can match. They are reasonably straightforward to learn and use and they can be broken down and cleaned easily.
There is no more robust and enduring reel. Another bonus is that they are relatively inexpensive and will last several generations.
The Cons:
Line twist is a feature and a real drag. You will also find it necessary to use your finger to get a reasonable line lay.
Is it the Right Reel Choice for You?
Why not? If you fish the surf and really want to cast long with a robust reel, the side-cast is a good choice. Maintenance is super easy as there is so little that can go wrong with them. Perfect for the sand and surf.
Wrapping it Up
That might seem like a lot to digest but in reality, we have only scratched the surface. There really is a lot to know.
However, having read this article you should feel more confident about starting your reel search and asking informed questions of the experts.
With the right language and a little know-how, selecting the most appropriate reel for your fishing application is a heck of a lot easier.
Do you have any questions about the different types of fishing reels? Or do you have any feedback about this page? Let me know in the comments section.
