Putting a good fishing reel on your fishing rod is very important, as each different type of fishing reel is different and will require different skills and functions. This is one of the most important pieces of your fishing gear, so it is important to take the time to find and use the right fishing reel. So what are the different types of fishing reels?
Spincast Reels
A spin-cast reel is often referred to as the easiest fishing reels to use which is why they are often the best choice for beginners and children. These reels will have a cover or closed face that keeps all of the moving and working parts of the reel protected. Using these reels only requires an angler to push a thumb button down while casting, and once it is released, the line will stop once the reel is started to be used. While these reels aren’t the best for accuracy, distance, or power, they are still a great choice for many anglers. Here are a few of our favorites!
1. Zebco Spincast Fishing Omega Reel
- POWERFUL REEL: The Omega Pro Spincast is a closed-cast fishing reel that comes pre-spooled with 10-pound Zebco fishing line. This reel features aluminum covers, an extra Dual-Paddle handle, and a soft-touch thumb button for smooth and easy casting.
- SMOOTH RETRIEVAL: This reel features 7 bearings (6 + clutch), a 19-inch retrieve rate, right/left hand retrieve, and all-metal gears to stand tough for many fishing adventures to come!
- RELIABLE: The Omega Pro brings an elevated fishing experience to a trusted spincast. The instant anti-reverse technology on this reel helps you secure your next prized catch, enhancing any fishing trip due to its smooth feel and reliability.
- VERSATILE USE: With a mono capacity of 85/10, this reel is especially ideal for heavy species such as walleye, bass, catfish, and striper. Set a new gold standard for angling achievement with Omega Pro.
- TRUSTED: Since 1954, Zebco Brands have helped people enjoy and discover the outdoors through fishing. Zebco products are warranted for a period of (1) year from date of original retail purchase against defects in workmanship and/or materials.
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Zebco was the original inventor of the spincast reel, so it is no surprise to see them on this list. With their Omega reel, an angler can get a quality reel at a great price. It is the first 7 bearing spincast reel, making it much smoother and easier to use than its competitors.
2. Abu Garcia Abumatic 170 Spincast Fishing Reel
- QuadCam Pickup System
- 4 ball bearings
- Pre-spooled with Berkley Trilene XL
- Smooth and consistent multi disc drag system
- Aluminum Body and C
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Abu Garcia is one of the most popular fishing brands in the entire world. They have many classic designs and styles on their fishing equipment, and take something simple and make it high quality. Their spincasting reels are no exception, and this reel is very small, lightweight, and functions flawlessly. It is a good reel at a great price with a very modern appearance to it.
Baitcasting Reels
Baitcasting reels are usually only used by more advanced anglers as they are very difficult to control and can be much harder to use. But once you can properly use it, a baitcasting reel will allow you to have much more control and accuracy while fishing. When you cast, you must keep the spool under control or else it will turn into the infamous “birds nest” where the line builds up and tangles on itself. If you an experienced angler or want to give them a try, here are a few great picks.
1. Abu Garcia Black Max Baitcast Fishing Reel
- Fishing rod and fishing reel combo delivers exceptional sensitivity, durability, and power
- Sleek, lightweight reel design with 1 piece graphite frame and graphite side plates
- 4 stainless steel ball bearings and 1 roller bearing for reliable operation and effortless retrieve
- Power Disk system ensures smooth drag performance through the entire drag range
- 24 ton graphite rod offers a lightweight, supple feel and superior responsiven
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Another great offering from Abu Garcia, the Black Max baitcasting reel is a great choice for anglers who are on a budget. It has a very low profile design and will be very comfortable to fish with all day long. The sides of this reel are made from graphite, and the spool and mechanical parts are all machined aluminum to give it extra strength. It can be bought in either a left or right-hand version to better suit more people.
2. Daiwa Tatula CT Type R Baitcasting Reel
- TWS (LONG CAST WITH MINIMAL BACKLASH)
- Custom Soft-Touch Handle Knob
- Ultimate Tournament Drag (13.2lb)
- 7BB + 1RB, 6.3:1 Ratio
- Line Capacity (Lb. Test / Yards)-MONO: 14/125, 16/110, J-BRAID: 30/140, 40/
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One of the best baitcasting reels out on the market, the Daiwa Tatula is a great option for everything freshwater fishing. Like the Abu Garcia reel, it also has a low profile design that will give you great ergonomics while out fishing all day. It has a super lightweight aluminum design-build that will protect it and make it last for years to come.
Spinning Reels
Spinning fishing reels are easily the most popular types of fishing reels used by anglers on all levels of expertise as they are easy to use, accurate, and have a great design. Thanks to their open-faced operation, they have great versatility and will be able to handle and use many different types of fishing lines. Here are a few of our favorite spinning reels!
1. Penn Pursuit II Spinning Fishing Reel
- HT 100 carbon fiber drag washers
- Lightweight and corrosion resistant graphite body
- Sealed drag system: Sealed drag washers, always lubricated, always smooth. Slow oscillation gearing: Improves line lay and minimize line tw
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The Penn Pursuit II spinning reel is a great choice for any anglers that might be on a budget and don’t want to spend a ton for quality gear. It has five different models, each giving you a different level of drag and gear ratios. All of the models are very lightweight with their graphite bodies and aluminum spools, and you will be very happy with the price tag and performance out of this reel.
2. Shimano Stradic C14+ Spinning Fishing Reel
- SUPER SMOOTH: The chamfering design of the line cup helps to increase the smoothness by 25% when casting and reeling in, the casting distance has increased by 30%. Corrosion resistant spinning reel designed for super smooth casting and a long life.
- STRONGER DESIGN: Equipped with pressure relief device button to prevent fishing lines’ possible break and effectively control the pressure of shaft when big fish struggles. Great choice for freshwater fishing applications.
- GREAT PERFORMANCE: Hunters tail spinning fishing reels are tested by authorities that the working life of the anti-reverse switch can be up to over one hundred thousand times. Unmatched features built for great spinning reel performance.
- DURABLE GEAR: Fast speed of a 5. 2: 1 Gear Ratio is provided. High hardness gear features great durability that is twice higher than trade standards. Solidly built durable spinning reel with high performance suitable for the experienced and beginners.
- HIGH POWERED: The integrated metal rocker arm is sturdy and durable. When fishing with this fishing reel, it can save 20% of your strength. High quality wooden handle is left and right hand interchangeable, comfortable and durable to use by habits.
- SUPER SMOOTH: The chamfering design of the line cup helps to increase the smoothness by 25% when casting and reeling in, the casting distance has increased by 30%. Corrosion resistant spinning reel designed for super smooth casting and a long life.
- STRONGER DESIGN: Equipped with pressure relief device button to prevent fishing lines’ possible break and effectively control the pressure of shaft when big fish struggles. Great choice for freshwater fishing applications.
- GREAT PERFORMANCE: Hunters tail spinning fishing reels are tested by authorities that the working life of the anti-reverse switch can be up to over one hundred thousand times. Unmatched features built for great spinning reel performance.
- DURABLE GEAR: Fast speed of a 5. 2: 1 Gear Ratio is provided. High hardness gear features great durability that is twice higher than trade standards. Solidly built durable spinning reel with high performance suitable for the experienced and beginners.
- HIGH POWERED: The integrated metal rocker arm is sturdy and durable. When fishing with this fishing reel, it can save 20% of your strength. High quality wooden handle is left and right hand interchangeable, comfortable and durable to use by habi
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For anglers who simply want one of the best spinning reels out there, the Shimano Stradic has a beautiful design and was made to be a luxury reel at a good price. It has very smooth controls and casting, and is very easy to adjust the drag. The gears and spool are all metal and have a perfect mix of power, strength, and smoothness.
Fly Reels
Fly reels are designed to be uses specifically with fly fishing rods. They have a very different design from other traditional types fishing reels. These reels are to be used with a fly fishing line, also very different from the traditional fishing line. Here are a few of our favorites!
1. Piscifun Sword Fly Fishing Reel
- Three-Year Warranty - Your reel has been set at the factory for left-hand retrieve. To convert your reel to right-hand retrieve, please contact us for guidance.
- Solid And Lighter Weight - Precision CNC-machined 6061-T6 aluminum alloy for high-impact durability; Larger CNC hollow design makes the reel lighter than ordinary ones.
- Silky Smooth Drag - Multi-disc cork and stainless steel drag system with one-way clutch bearing for smooth immediate drag engagement. Accurate click drag and silent retrieve.
- Corrosion Resistance - Hard anodized for surface protection increases abrasion resistance and weather fastness; Cold forged and tempered for superior strength and rigidity.
- Mid-Arbor Design - Reducing line memory while also facilitating lightning-quick line pick
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The Piscifun Sword has a three year warranty and very smooth drag. The Piscifun Sword reel is a very solid and lightweight fly fishing reel designed to be as durable as possible. It can withstand fresh or saltwater and is very impact resistant.
2. Sage Spectrum Fly Fishing Reel
- 3/4 and 5/6 reels come with a 100 yard spool of 20lb Rio Dacron Backing - backing is not on the reel
- 7/8 and 9/10 reels come with a 200 yard spool of 20lb Rio Dacron Backing - backing is not on the reel
- One Revolution Drag Knob with numbered and detented settings
- Large arbor for fast line pick-up - Concave arbor for greater strength and capacity
- Easy conversion from left- to right-hand retri
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With a sealed system that keeps water out of the drag, the spectrum fly reel is a very durable reel that pays attention to the small details. It has a full aluminum construction that gives it even more strength, and it comes in at a great price.
Final Thoughts
No matter what types of fishing reels you are using, finding the perfect reel is very important in the process of using the best gear that you can. Using the proper fishing reel will no doubt result in much more success while out on the water. And will be much more enjoyable to use! You might also consider a rod and reel combo.
