Fishing reels can be quite a source of confusion when you're first starting out in fishing whether it be sea or coarse fishing. We aim here to explain the different types of fishing reels there are and which is most suited to which application.

Rule of thumb (in sea fishing) ... typically a multiplier reel is used for boat fishing and and a fixed spool reel is used for shore fishing and spinning.

If you've only just started and are unsure which is which then the multiplier reel is the one on the left of the picture opposite and the fixed spool reel is on the right.

FISHING REELS AT A GLANCE

Multiplier Reels
(known as Bait Casting reels or Conventional reels in the US)

The main feature of a multiplier reel over a fixed spool reel is that the spool itself rotates as you cast and as you reel in. When casting from a multiplier reel, the bait and rig need to be heavy enough to turn the spool and release the line for a good distance cast. Because of the big baits and more heavy duty technology, these fishing reels are best suited for boat and deep water fishing.

Fixed Spool Reels / Spinning Reels

As the name suggests, these reels have a fixed spool and are used when the tackle and lures need to be much lighter and therefore, the rig won't have the necessary weight to pull line out from a multiplier reel. Instead the line unravels itself off the top of the spool once the bail arm (thin metal loop standing just outwards from the top of the spool) is flipped over and when reeling in the bail arm is what turns and thus lays the line back onto the spool as the fisherman reels in.

Centrepin Fishing Reels

Always used for fly fishing but now making a comeback in coarse fishing. They are great for float fishing on a fast flowing river where normally, the float would be pulled under because of the fast current, but the centrepin reel automatically releases line, thus making the float stay in its optimum position at the waters surface.

FISHING REELS TERMINOLOGY - an explanation

Ball bearings - the more bearings you've got, the smoother and more stable the reeling action. Few ball bearings normally equals creaky resistance or instability in the reel which can lead to tangled line and lost fish. More bearings will also generally translate into a greater lifespan of the reel. Two bearings used to be good, now four to six ball bearings is the norm. Some even go up to 12!

Level-wind - to lay the line evenly across the spool to avoid line twisting and tangling under itself. For multiplier reels, the mechanism runs back and forth across the spool as you reel in to lay the line evenly. On fixed spool reels, the spool goes up and down as the fisherman reels in so as to lay the line evenly top to bottom on the spool.

Instant Anti-Reverse or IAR - anti-reverse is for the purpose of stopping the handle from spinning out of control the opposite way to the reeling in motion. Without it, a fish could just run away with the line and you'd have to try hard to stop the handle from spinning backwards as the fish pulls more line.

Gear ratio - one turn of the handle results in multiple turns of the spool. The gear ratio tells you how many turns of the spool to every single turn of the handle. Higher gear ratios allow much faster retrieval of line although if it's too high, it can sacrifice some power, just like a low gear on a bike allows you to peddle easily but without actually going very far!

Drag - is a mechanical means of applying pressure to the turning spool in order to act as a friction brake. Properly set drag will cause the reeling in to "slip" at a point below the breaking point of the line to avoid the line from snapping whilst playing a fish, but at the same time keeping up relentless pressure on the fish to tire it out.

Backlash - Associated with multiplier reels where the spool can overrun as momentum keeps it spinning and thus foul the line.

POPULAR FISHING REELS

Multipliers
Click to view Click to view	Abu Garcia and Penn are two of the top brands in fishing tackle and make great reels. These fishing reels will always be amongst the most popular but unfortunately, because of that and their long term standing in the fishing industry, they will also be amongst the most expensive. These particular reels are very popular and come in Right handed or Left handed versions. Whether they're worth the high price tag though is a personal opinion.
Click to view	Quantum fishing reels are made by the Zebco/Brownings company. Brownings have been a household name in fishing tackle for a long time in the coarse fishing market and their sea fishing range goes by the name of Quantum. This particular reel is a favourite amongst beginners as it is a lovely, well made reel in a beginners size and gearing and the price is a great place to start! For more experienced anglers the reel also comes in a larger 330 or 350 size. Available in right or left handed.
Click to view	I have listed this Okuma reel here, not because it is particularly known as a big favourite amongst UK anglers but because it has been so popular here at Sea Fishing Supplies that it has become an all rounder multiplier reel. We've had all levels of experienced anglers buy this reel and we have witnessed it be a huge favourite amongst our customers. A good brand name, good price, easy handling and available in right and left handed.
Fixed Spool
Click to view	Fixed spool fishing reels tend to have less of a marked following than multipliers unless you're looking to spend a great deal and then you can go for the lovely Cabo reels or the Shimano baitrunner reels. When you're starting out though this Daiwa CrossFire-3iB Spin Reel (left) is one of our bestsellers at Sea Fishing Supplies and you won't go far wrong. Daiwa are an excellent make and this reel has a great price tag as a beginner reel. The Quantum fishing reels from Zebco/Browning are also fantastic, very well made starter reels and will last you way beyond your beginner years. Take a look at the Quantum Smart Surf or the Cool Proton S from Zebco or for a very low cost starter reel the Cool Express Reels from Zebco

Your feedback