Reel guide
Which Sea Fishing Reel
Your reel is the heart of any sea fishing outfit, so it pays to match it to your rod and the way you like to fish. The good news is that choosing one is simpler than it looks once you understand the two main types and how reel sizes work. This guide explains fixed-spool and multiplier reels so you can pick a dependable sea fishing reel with confidence.
The right reel balances the rod, holds enough line for your method, and gives a smooth drag that protects your line when a fish runs.
- Best for
- Anglers matching a reel to their rod and method, from light spinning to distance beach casting.
- How it fishes
- Choose by type and size first: a smooth fixed spool covers almost everything a beginner will do.
- Tackle
- Look for a sensible size (2500-5000 for lure and float, 6000-8000 for the beach), a progressive front drag and a smooth, well-bedded retrieve.
- Safety
- A reliable drag set correctly is your insurance against a snapped line, so prioritise smoothness over a long list of bearings.
Stay safe
A reliable drag set correctly is your insurance against a snapped line, so prioritise smoothness over a long list of bearings.
Our Beginners Guide to Buying Fishing Gear....
Which Sea Fishing Reel?
Deciding which sea fishing reel you need will very much depend on which type of fishing you are planning to do and also which rod you have or are going to purchase. A lightweight rod will obviously need a lightweight reel and likewise, a heavier duty rod will need a larger reel. We do not stock hundreds of reels as the choice can be overwhelming. Instead, we have a selection of lightweight rods, medium weight rods and heavier weight reels. Please see the comparison tables below
Sea Fishing Reel Specifications explained...
Reel Types
Fixed Spool
(also called Spinning Reels)
The majority of the reels we stock are fixed spool reels. This is because they are versatile reels that are easy to use for beginners and novices and are ideal for shore fishing.
These reels have a bail arm that is released allowing the line to flow freely from the fixed spool during casting. When retrieving, the bail arm rotates winding the line back on to the fixed spool.
Multiplier
(also called Baitcasting Reels)
Multiplier reels have a revolving spool which can be disengaged to spin freely when casting. The spool rotates multiple times when retrieving the line which is where the name multiplier originates.
Multiplier reels are not so easy to use for beginners or novices.
Gear Ratio
When comparing different reels, each reel has a different gear ratio such as 4.1:1 or 5.2:1
Put simply, these numbers let you know how many times the spool rotates for each turn of the handle - for example, 5.2:1 means that the spool rotates 5.2 times for each turn of the handle.
Front Drag / Rear Drag
The drag is the tension of the spool and can be adjusted to allow you to change how tightly or loosely the spool moves. The knob to adjust this tension is either positioned on the front of the reel or the rear, hence the names Front Drag and Rear Drag.
Due to the way that rods are constructed, it is generally accepted that front drag reels tend to be smoother.
Bearings
The bearings inside the reel will determine how smoothly the reel operates. The more bearings the better.
Lightweight Fishing Reels
Suitable for light spinning and float fishing
Light / Medium Weight Fishing Reels
Suitable for light to medium spinning, float fishing and light bottom fishing
Medium / Heavy Weight Fishing Reels
Suitable for medium or heavy spinning and bottom fishing
