Fishing Reels

A fishing reel is basically defined as a spool-like device used for the deployment and retrieval of fishing line. The spool is mounted on an axle allowing for the spinning motion to occur. Fishing reels were first used in the recreational sport of angling, but are now most often used in conjunction with fishing rods. There are several different types of fishing reels available today. Many fishing rods are even mounted on the backs of boats and are there to assist the heavy-duty fisherman.

Fishing reels have been around longer than most people realize, first appearing in England around 1650. At that time even the small London-based fishing shops were advertising to fisherman about their fishing reels. Over the last few hundred years fishing reels have developed and of course become more advanced. Now there are numerous brands and types of reels available. It seems whatever your fishing need may be; there is a type of reel that is available for you.

Though there are countless brands and sub-brands of fishing reels, they are still most commonly broken down into four basic categories. Each fishing reel category is of course expanded by brand divisions, as well as what functions are available with the reel you choose.

Bait-Casting Reel

This type of reel is not quite as advanced as the other three. Using a free-spool rather than a fixed-spool, the crank mechanism is often times disengaged from the cylinder when casting the line. This is turn leaves the cylinder to spin and allows for very little drag; drag is very important because it gives you a tugging feel when there is a bite on the line. When setting your reel it is important that you adjust the tension knob, once you have it set you shouldn't have to do it again.

Fly-Casting Reel

Relying on a different method of casting then other reels, the fly-casting reel does not use the weight of its lure and sinker; instead it uses very lightweight lures that are made of feather and fur that is tied together. This kind of reel does not pull the line along after it. This is good because you want as little drag as possible to accommodate the thick and heavy line you will be using with this type of reel.

Spin-Casting Reel

The spin-casting reel is probably the easiest and most "user friendly" reel available. This is more often than not the type of reel you will be using if you are a beginner or if you just don't want too much hassle going into figuring out your fishing reel. Whenever you see families fishing from a boat, or individuals fishing off a dock or on shore, the spin-casting reel is what they are using. Though not the most accurate of reels when cast, this is definitely the best fishing reel for beginners.

Spinning Reel

Like other reels, the spinning reel relies on a fixed spool. Unlike other reels, the front of the spinning reel is open. The advantages of using this type of reel include; being able to check if you are running out of line, allows for a larger variety of lure and line combinations, and is much more accurate when you are casting. Although more accurate, this type of reel is better used by those who have a fishing background.

Each of these reel categories have spin-offs and different brand options available on them. If you are thinking about taking up fishing then you can use some of this information to help you through the process.