The Three Types of Fishing Reels

What Are the Three Types of Fishing Reels?

A fishing reel is attached to a fishing rod for casting a fishing line, winding, and stowing fishing lines. There are three types of fishing reels: spincast, baitcasting, and spinning. Outfitting your fishing rod with the right fishing reel is important because each type is used for different types of fishing, skill levels, and functions. To help you choose the right fishing reel, we have listed each type and its functionality for your fishing style and skill level. 

Baitcaster Reel

Baitcasters are suitable for large fish and heavy lures and fishing lines. Many baitcasting reels are fitted with anti-reverse handles, and their drag is designed to slow runs by large and powerful game fish. 

Baitcasting reels sit on the top of the fishing rod, so the spool is parallel to the rod. The line on a baitcasting reel comes off the spool directly in line with the rod while the spinning reel line is let off away from the rod. Baitcasting reels work well with monofilament, fluorocarbon, and braided fishing lines.

When using a baitcasting reel, the spool moves with the casting. If you're not careful, the spool will move faster than the casting line, and you'll be stuck with knots. If this happens, it's called a backlash or bird's nest. This fishing reel is better suited for a more experienced angler. 

Baitcasting reels need a fishing rod with a trigger finger hook. Typically a level-wind mechanism prevents the line from being trapped under itself on the spool during rewind and interfering with subsequent casts. 

Spincast Reel

The spincast reel was invented to solve the backlash problem with baitcast reels while reducing line twists and snare complaints sometimes encountered with traditional spinning reel designs. Like the spinning reel, the line is thrown from a fixed spool and can be used with relatively light lures and baits. However, the spincast reel replaces the spinning reel's large wire bail and line roller with two pickup pins and a metal cup to wind the line on the spool. The spincast reel is traditionally mounted above the rod and fitted with an external nose cone enclosing and protecting the fixed spool.

Spinning Reel

Spinning reels are fixed spool reels, developed initially to allow artificial flies or lures for trout and salmon that are too lightweight to be easily cast by baitcasting reels. Spinning reels are typically mounted below the rod, requiring no wrist strength to maintain the reel in position. Unlike baitcasting reels, spinning reels do not suffer from backlash.  

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We love spending time outdoors, and there’s nothing like being on the water, whether it is a lake, river, or open sea. We strive to provide the products to ensure you have a great fishing trip. Check out our selection of fishing electronics, terminal tackle, baits, and lures. If you love the cold weather, check out our ice fishing section so you can fish all year round!