How to choose a spinning reel based on various characteristics

Spinning reels, along with the rod itself, are a fundamental part of the gear, which has a huge impact on the entire principle of spinning fishing. In addition to the function of storing fishing line, the mechanism plays an important role when casting bait and retrieving it, as well as landing caught fish. Endowed with the ability to regulate the drum rotation brake, known as the clutch, the spinning reel protects the rod from overloads and inevitable breakdowns in critical situations of a fierce fight with the trophy.

Today, manufacturers of fishing accessories with wide parameters and varied functionality offer spinning anglers mechanisms of various budget levels for almost any fishing conditions. You can make the right choice of reel by analyzing the upcoming fishing conditions and comparing them with the capabilities of the device. And it is about the capabilities of the device and its functionality that will be discussed further in the continuation of our article.

Bobbin size

The size of the spool depends on the fishing method and the thickness of the fishing line. On reels you can find some values ​​of 1000, 2000 or 5000. The number 1000 shows that the spool can hold 100 meters of fishing line with a thickness of 0.1 mm, and the number 3000 can hold one hundred meters of fishing line with a thickness of 0.3 mm.

• For light spinning (ultralight), reels with 1000-2500 spools are usually used.
• For medium spinning rod: 2500-3500.
• For heavy spinning, 4000+ spools are used.
• For feeder fishing, use reels with 2500-5000 spools.
• For carp fishing 5000+.

The size and depth of the spool should be selected depending on the length and diameter of the fishing line you are using and the casting distance of the bait.

We choose a reel based on the following conditions: who will we catch, where and with what?

A big role in choosing a reel for a spinning rod is where you will fish, what kind of bait and what type of fish. For offshore fishing, a power reel with a large spool for winding a large amount of fishing line is suitable. When fishing on a river, where long casts are completely unnecessary and the fish are not large, you can use a small reel together with an ultralight rod. Depending on the weight of the bait and the casting distance, you should pay attention to the capacity of the reel spool, and, consequently, its size. When catching large fish, such as catfish or a number of other large predators, especially marine ones, preference should be given to power reels with a good margin of safety, which will allow you to restrain the fish at the time of hooking and at the time of desperate jerks of the predator.

At the same time, when fishing for relatively small fish, such as perch or river trout, you should choose a more delicate reel.

If we talk about the class of reels used on various fishing rods, then we can say that for ultra-light models of spinning rods they use 500 class reels weighing up to 170 grams. Class from 1000 to 1500 is used, as a rule, in light models of spinning rods with a length of 2.7-3.5 meters. Class 2000 is universal and the most common, suitable for medium action spinning rods. Class 3000-4000 is used for feeder rods, but for the largest fish, class 4500 reels are used.

Spool shape

Deep spools hold a larger amount of fishing line, the casting range with such spools is low, and are used for thick braided or monofilament fishing line.

Shallow Air Spool spools are mainly used for thin braided lines. Typically, such spools have an increased diameter.

Long Cast spools are commonly used on carp reels. The long cone-shaped spool provides good capacity and long casting.

There are also reverse taper spools that are used for spinning reels. The reverse cone eliminates loop shedding and reduces the risk of line tangling.

Spool material

The spool can be made of either plastic or metal.

It is better to avoid plastic spools, as they wear out quickly and have high friction. Braid on plastic spools will not be used.

Metal spools are usually made from aluminum, while more expensive ones are made from titanium or composites. There are also aluminum spools coated with titanium nitrite, which have a very smooth surface, wear resistance and strength.

Reels with hard-coated aluminum spools are much more expensive than regular reels.

Friction clutch

An element of a spinning reel that allows you to release the cord or line when reeling in a fish so as not to tear the line or the fish’s lip. With strong jerks, you need to let the fish unwind the line from the reel, as the fish gets tired and cannot break the line. The clutch can be rear or front.

For spinning, reels with a front drag are usually used.

For feeder or carp fishing, reels with a rear drag and a baitrunner are used.

The front clutch is considered more sensitive and more reliable and is more finely adjusted.

Bayrunner

A baitrunner is a special mechanism for releasing a fishing line or cord. That is, when the baitrunner bracket is pulled back, the reel spool begins to bleed out the line, and when you press the bracket back, the spool stops bleeding out the line, which is very convenient.

Baitrunner is most often used in carp and feeder fishing.

The baitrunner can also be used as a bite alarm, since during the jerk the fish will pull the line from the reel, which will be accompanied by a characteristic crack that can be heard ten to twenty meters away.

Reel weight

In most cases, the lightness of the reel is an advantage for the angler; a light reel gives greater convenience and freedom of action, and you will be less tired with a light reel.
On the other hand, saving on the materials of the reel parts, which should be made of metal, increases the weight of the reel. Therefore, it is worth looking for some balance and knowing that the reliability and durability of the reel is still more important than its lightness.

In other words, the heavier the reel, the more reliable it is, but not always. The most modern reels can be made from composite materials, which are stronger and lighter than aluminum, but are much more expensive.

The weight of the reel plays an important role in the overall balance of the tackle. The balance of the tackle is the correct center of gravity of the rod and reel; the closer it is to the reel handle, the better. This balance puts less strain on the hand and allows for more efficient wiring.

Particularly light reels are important in ultralight, when the spinning rod itself and baits are as light as possible. The average weight of ultralight reels is 200-260 grams.

Aluminum housings of spinning reels are less deformed under loads, which increases their service life.

Choosing the right spinning reel

It is impossible to imagine most types of fishing without a spinning reel. She takes a direct part in casting the tackle and helps well when pulling in fish, especially trophy specimens. Their designs are complex, but easy to manage. It is also necessary to understand that there are trolling models for float gear, and there are significant differences between them.

Characteristics, how to choose a spinning reel for a feeder

When using feeder fishing, it is used quite intensively, especially if you take into account the weight of the cast feeder. Braided line is often used, which reduces windage and is more susceptible to bites. All this puts a lot of stress on the spool.

Therefore, it is necessary to choose the best spinning reels for feeder that can last for several seasons. Approximate characteristics will be as follows: standard size from 3000 to 4000, gear ratio 4.5:1-5.2:1. The spool should be metal, the reverse stop should work instantly.

Which spinning reel to choose for trolling - durable

In this type of fishing, the primary criterion is strength and the ability to withstand powerful loads. This is explained by the fact that fishing is carried out for large specimens of fish. It is better to choose those models that have a recoilless brake system that is activated when cutting.

The best spinning reel for trolling should have a high-quality line roller. It will be a big plus if it is mounted on a bearing, which will somewhat reduce the twisting of the line when removing it from the water. The reel should be powered; in trolling there is no need to quickly move the bait.

Parameters on how to choose a spinning reel for a float fishing rod

The use of inertia-free fishing in float fishing provides undeniable advantages when compared with blind equipment. In this case, it is possible to fish over considerable distances and at considerable depths. The best Chinese spinning reels show good results.

When making a choice, you should pay attention to the bobbin, which should be smooth, without various roughnesses and serrations. Knowing the diameter of the monofilament used, you can select a spool with the required line capacity. Fill it so that no more than two millimeters remain to the edge of the sides to ensure free flow of the scaffolding.

Let's consider which spinning reel is better for jigging

A jig meat grinder does not have to be expensive and sophisticated. It must have the minimum required characteristics suitable for fishing conditions. When thinking about which spinning reel to choose for a spinning rod, it is important to know that both power and high-speed models can be used in jigs.

The best budget spinning reels may come with an additional spool of a different depth. If the first has too much capacity, then in order to avoid backing, you can use a spool with a small depth for small-section fishing lines.

So, we believe, we were able to quite comprehensively and completely answer the question of which spinning reel is better for spinning. Even among budget models, it is possible to choose very successful options that will faithfully last for more than one season.

Coil load

Regarding the load, it is only worth noting that the larger the reel, the larger its internal parts, and as a result, in theory, it should withstand heavy loads and be able to install large spools. This is why carp reels are made so large.

The load on the friction brake is also affected by the gear ratio of the coil. The lower the number, the more powerful the traction coil.

Example: a reel with a gear ratio of 4:1 will be more powerful than a similar reel with a gear ratio of 5.5:1.

Top spinning reels for various types of fishing

For each type of fishing, you can create your own rating of spinning reels. As always, brands such as Shimano, Mikado, Daiwa, Salmo, Banax are at their best. The rods produced by these companies have excellent characteristics.

The best spinning reels for spinning rods rating of brands

Daiwa Sweepfire X

. Budget spinning reels are topped by this model. Very durable and of good workmanship. Designed for fishing on monofilament thread with uniform fishing. True, there is a minus - the quality of the line winding suffers, and besides, it contains one bearing.

Daiwa Megaforce A

. At first glance, the heavy reel has excellent ergonomics and remarkable qualities. The mechanism is equipped with five bearings and has a reverse stop. Suitable for fishing with monofilament and braided line.

Shimano Nasci13 HG

. Included in the rating of manufacturers of spinning reels. Due to the flat body it is easy to distinguish among competitors. Supplied with an aluminum spool. The scaffolding roller is made with a bend, due to which scaffolding overlaps behind it are minimal.

Okuma Artics RTX

. With eight bearings it has a low mass. The rotor is made of graphite, all other components are made of aluminum alloys, which together gives a soft ride and long-term operation. It is included in the rating due to a special mechanism that protects the clutch from moisture and abrasives.

Daiwa 10 Revros MX

. The review of spinning reels is completed by a very light model with a planetary laying system. Equipped with four bearings. Different modifications differ in gear ratio. But, according to fishermen, there is a slight backlash that cannot be eliminated.

Rating of spinning reels for jigs: the best of the best

Jig fishing involves the use of not only inertialess meat grinders, but also multipliers. It is believed that if the mass of the bait does not exceed fifteen grams, then it is more comfortable to fish with a spinning rod, although there are models that work well with large weights.

DaiwaCertate Hyper Custom 3000

. The best spinning reel with an appropriate price. The mechanism is securely protected from moisture and sand and has twelve bearings. Very light spool with titanium sides. With a small weight it has sufficient power.

Ryobi Excia MX 3000

. The model is more intended for professional fishing. With nine bearings it has a gear ratio of 4.9:1. The clutch is located at the front of the body; depending on the cross-section of the line, the spool capacity reaches up to 300 m. A spare spool is not provided. It is one of the top spinning reels for budget class spinning rods.

Shimano Twin Power 4000 PG

. It is considered a powerless inertia-free vehicle, the gear ratio is 4.2:1. It has very powerful characteristics, thanks to which it can withstand heavy loads. Most suitable for heavy jigs.

DaiwaTD-SOL

. It cannot be said that it is included in the rating of inexpensive spinning reels, but the price is quite acceptable for its class. Aluminum body and reverse taper spool. Front clutch with decent sensitivity. Gear ratio – 4.7:1, seven bearings. The kit includes an additional spool.

Shimano Biomaster FB

. The inertia-free plant easily tolerates sea water. Quite a powerful meat grinder with smooth running. Seven bearings, gear ratio – 5.2:1. The scaffolding is wound on the drum in a cross way.

Spinning reel for twitching rating of the best

The top 10 best spinning reels have been compiled above. Let's try to add a couple more meat grinders, whose purpose is twitching. With this method of fishing, the bait either keeps the line in tension or loosens it, which as a result leads to the formation of beards and the dropping of loops. This is why twitching requires a meat grinder with good scaffolding.

SHIMANO TWIN POWER 15 2500S

. Heads the review of spinning reels. This device is a premium one. It has incorporated the maximum of advanced and innovative developments. Features include rugged design, water resistance and amazing power.

Ten bearings make the operation of all mechanisms smooth and soft. The friction brake is located at the front, and the small weight of 240 g does not disturb the balance of the gear. The gear ratio of 5.2:1 classifies the device as universal. Twelve types of coatings are applied to the elements for protection.

STINGER PRIORITY 2500

. Can be added to the top budget spinning reels due to the low cost, which does not in any way affect the excellent data. It is considered the most acceptable version for beginner fishermen, and also has good line laying.

A spare drum with a shallower depth is included. The weight is small - 245 grams, the gear ratio is 5.2:1. The reel has a fairly gentle stroke thanks to ball and roller bearings.

If we consider the rating of spinning reels for feeders, the leaders here are those manufacturers who primarily consider the reliability of these devices, capable of working with large weights. The fact is that the feeder uses feeders that need to be thrown over long distances.

Reel handles

Handles come in the following types:

1. screw-in
2. screw fastening
3. with rivet.

There are no particular differences in operation between the types of fastening, but the handle itself should be comfortable and reliable. Preference is given to handles made of metal or hard plastic that are rubberized and without significant play and do not bend under load.

When choosing a spinning reel, pay attention to the play of the handle; the smaller the play, the better.

What parameters do the best spinning reels have?

The choice of a spinning reel, the design of which we wrote about in the article “Fixed spool reel: winding fishing line on a spinning reel,” depends on several parameters that affect fishing efficiency:

• inertia-free size;
• spool line capacity;
• coil mass;
• number of bearings;
• friction brake location;
• gear ratio.

To understand which inertialess reel to choose, you need to start with its dimensions, on which, among other things, the power indicator depends. The so-called standard size, the step of which is 500 units, precisely characterizes its classification. Thus, size 1000-2500 is used with light spinning rods, 3000-5000 with more solid ones.

Reputable companies try to make their best spinning reels from fairly durable and yet lightweight materials, which is why models made from titanium or aluminum alloy, as well as polymers, are in use. That is, among competitors, these inertia-free vehicles will be lighter in weight.

When thinking about how to choose the right spinning reel for a spinning rod, it is worth finding out how many bearings the product has. It is due to them that the device can have a smooth running and no backlash. True, it should be taken into account that a sufficient number of bearings does not always indicate quality, because “leftist” companies put them where they are not needed.

The next characteristic that the best budget spinning reels should have is a good line laying mechanism. Today there are two of them:

• based on a crank transmission;
• laying is carried out by a worm gear.

There are also two ways to wind the line, but it is impossible to say which spinning reel is better - cross-wound or straight. The straight line ensures the laying of coils to coils, but due to failures the forest can get stuck between the coils. Cross is more reliable, but the line capacity of the spool is reduced.

If you are deciding how to choose the right spinning reel depending on the gear ratio, then you must remember that they are all divided into three types. The gear ratio is determined by the number of revolutions of the coil per turn of its handle. Power grinders are suitable for trolling or fishing for trophy specimens; high-speed ones are appropriate for fishing over long distances, for example, during a match.

Bearings

It is worth noting here that the more there are, the better, since the reel parts will have less friction and, accordingly, will be more durable. And overall the reel will be smoother and more enjoyable.

Reel bearings vary in quality and shape. There are ball and roller bearings. Roller bearings are considered more efficient.

Here are the main parameters of the coils that you need to pay attention to. When comparing similar reels, you should give preference to reels from Daiwa, Shimano and Ryobi, as they have long been considered among the highest quality and most reliable.

Basic parameters when choosing a spinning reel

Materials used in reels

The main materials used in the manufacture of spinning reels are metal and plastic. Moreover, there are hundreds of varieties of both the first and second materials, differing in their performance properties. Very often, combinations of these materials are used in reels. For example, the body is made of durable plastic or light metal alloys such as titanium or duralumin, the spool is made of aluminum alloys or plastic. The line handle is made of composite materials or stainless steel, etc. Despite the fact that various materials are used in reels, there are models where only plastic or only metal is used. The durability of all-metal reels is much higher, but they lose sensitivity when biting, and also cost much more than their competitors.

By improving the technical characteristics of reels, manufacturers are constantly updating their model line. Achieving greater strength in structural units, manufacturers are trying to reduce the weight of the structure. The cost of such reels is not small, but it justifies itself when fighting fish. The most common reels are those with a carbon fiber body due to their strength and relatively low price. It must be said that modern carbon fiber is in many ways superior to various types of metals.

When choosing a spinning reel, you should not blindly succumb to the principle that the more expensive the better, you should read what materials it is made of, and only then make a purchasing decision. Although, as practice shows, the price directly depends on the quality of the fishing reel.

Gear ratio of spinning reel

The gear ratio of a spinning reel is the ratio of one full revolution of the handle to the number of revolutions of the line guide. Based on this definition, all coils can be divided into 2 types:

• power
• expressways

The ratio of these revolutions is indicated directly on the reel in the form of 5.0:1 or 5.3:1 - this means that one revolution of the reel handle corresponds to 5 (5.3) revolutions of the line guide. The higher the first value, the faster the coil is and vice versa, if this value is lower, then the coil is more powerful.

Reels with a gear ratio of 5.0 or less are usually called power, and those with a gear ratio greater than 5.0 are called high-speed.

The value of these coefficients depends on the pitch of the gear teeth. In simple terms, power reels are designed for catching large fish, such as catfish or a number of other marine fish, and high-speed ones are for more delicate fishing, for example, with jig baits or small wobblers.

A ratio of 5.0 is the golden mean between these reels, so if you don't know what kind of fish you'll be catching tomorrow, opt for versatility.

Dimensions and weight of coils

With the release of each new model of fishing reel, manufacturers try to reduce its weight while maintaining all other technical characteristics, and often improving them too. This is done to make fishing more comfortable, and the emotions from using such equipment brighter. The weight of the reel directly affects the balance of the spinning rod. There is an unspoken rule among professionals that the weight of the reel should be twice as heavy as the weight of the rod. Of course, it should not be taken as a postulate and followed unconditionally, but as practice shows, it is very suitable for most cases when equipping a spinning rod.

All reels are numbered by manufacturers, but there is still no uniform classification, so if on the store counter you see two completely different in appearance, but with the same reel markings, keep in mind, this is exactly the case. Spinning reels are marked as follows: 500, 1000, 2000, 2500, 3000 and 4000.

It is worth saying that the classification of reels proposed by Shimano has found its approval among other manufacturers of this equipment and they also use it.

To correctly select a reel for a fishing rod, you need to take into account at least two parameters: the test of the rod and its length. Based on these considerations, below we provide a table for selecting a reel for a fishing rod, which connects the technical parameters of a spinning rod with the size of the reel.

In other words, if you have a rod 240 cm long with a test of 10-30 grams, then based on the table above, a reel of size 2000-2500 will be most suitable

Smooth ride

The smooth running of the reel directly affects the sensitivity of the bait, as well as the uniformity of winding the fishing line onto the spool. With a poorly spooled line, the casting range will decrease, and the action of the bait will look twitchy and unreliable, which will affect the number of bites and, as a result, the fish caught.

The main elements that you should pay attention to when choosing a spinning reel:

Spinning reels are a complex mechanism consisting of several components assembled into a single whole. Therefore, the operation of the entire mechanism depends on each element separately. Let's take a closer look at the main elements of a fishing reel that you need to pay attention to when choosing one.

Spool

A spool is an element of a spinning reel designed to store fishing line. Spools are produced in both metal and plastic. The most common are metal spools, as they are more versatile and suitable for both braid and monofilament lines, while the plastic spool is used only with monofilament lines. Refusal to use braided cords in plastic spools is due to the fact that over time the side of the spool wears down and leads to cord breakage. Moreover, the quality of the plastic does not greatly affect this, but only increases the delay in spool wear, and as a result, the rapid breakage of the cord.

They also differ in the capacity of the reeled fishing line. On each spool there is written the length of fishing line that fits on it of a certain diameter. The parameters indicated on the spool apply only to fishing line and do not apply to braided cord.

Another indicator of the spool is the ratio of its depth to width. In classical variants this ratio is equal to one. For Long Cast spools, this ratio is less than one, in other words, its length is increased compared to its depth.

The main advantage of spools is their casting range. Some manufacturers make reel designs in such a way that it can accommodate spools of various geometries, both “classic” and Long Cast. Therefore, by changing the spool, we can actually get a size 2000 reel from a size 1500 and vice versa.

Many manufacturers immediately equip reels with interchangeable spools, this is very convenient; you can wind fishing line on one of them, and braided cord on the other. While fishing, changing these spools will give your gear versatility. There is no need to carry two spinning rods with you at the same time for different fishing methods. Since a cord is better for jig fishing, but a fishing line is better for spinners and various spinners. At the same time, a spare reel will save you if the fishing line suddenly breaks; a quick spool change will allow you to continue fishing.

If you are unlucky and your reel does not have a replacement spool, then it does not matter: you can always purchase it at any fishing store, but you must understand that not every spool fits a specific reel model, so if you go to buy a new spool, take it with you reel for good measure.

Bearings

Many people have probably heard how scrupulous experienced fishermen are about such a parameter as the number of bearings when choosing a spinning reel. After all, the durability and performance of the reel directly depends on the quantity and quality of bearings. However, there must be a balance in their quantity, and having a large number of them does not mean the quality of the reel.

Each reel has several ball bearings and one (central) roller bearing. On some reels it is written like this: 4+1, 6+1 or 8+1. It is believed that the more bearings, the better the smooth running, and therefore the less wear, this applies to top-end, expensive models. In most cases, a large number of bearings is a marketing ploy.

For beginner spinners, a 4+1 reel with four ball and one roller bearings is suitable.

Reel handle

There are several options for the location of the reel handle:

• permanently installed on the right;
• permanently installed on the left;
• interchangeable arrangement: both on the left and on the right, depending on who is more comfortable.

The last option is the most common, although the first two options are not uncommon, so be careful when buying a reel: on which side the handle is located.

If we talk about the shape of the handle, then there are hundreds of their varieties, both in terms of ergonomics and different materials: and here it is pointless to give advice, since everyone chooses for themselves what is more convenient for them. The only thing worth paying attention to is how the handle folds into the transport position. The best option for bringing the handle into the working position is to unscrew the screw; all other mechanisms, such as latches, begin to give play over time due to wear.

Line handle

It seemed that such a small and insignificant element of the reel as the line guide should not deserve attention, but there are several very important points:

1. he must carefully and evenly lay the line on the spool;
2. when opening the bow, it should not spontaneously return back;
3. There should be no gaps between the roller and the bow itself, otherwise you risk breaking the line if it gets into the gap and losing the bait.

Friction brake

The mechanism by which the fishing line is released at the moment of a strong jerk caused by a fish bite or a hook is called a friction clutch. Thanks to this device, the likelihood of line breakage is reduced to zero with the right setup. The number of fish failures or gear breaks will depend on the correct operation of the clutch. It should be smoothly adjustable and have an anti-lock feature. The presence of such a function in the clutch allows you to release the line even with the brake tightened to the maximum, but with greater force. This function is very useful in cases when a fisherman forgets to adjust the clutch and when a large fish bites, the fishing line is released. In the absence of such a function, the fisherman runs the risk of breaking the tackle or breaking the fishing line.

Physically, the clutch can be located either in front of the reel or behind it. From the technical side there is no difference, but from the point of view of ease of use, everyone decides for themselves. But if you are used to using the clutch at the rear, it will be very difficult to relearn.