Ok, even the best spinning reel won’t quite bring you an endless supply of fish, but having the best one in your arsenal can certainly help you bring home the bacon, or fish in this case. All experienced fishermen have gone for a weekend away beside the river looking forward to spending an afternoon with some trout or bass, only time find the spinning reel couldn’t catch and cold, let alone a prize sized river monster!
Let’s be honest here, choosing the best spinning reel can be quite a challenge if you don’t know what you are looking for, so we have wrote this small guide to help you make an informed decision. One of the first things any angular needs to distinguish is their level of expertise. Most spinning reels are relatively easy to operate, but selecting the correct weight to suit you will take time.
Normally the way to go is to try out a lighter model and take it from there, as fatigue will play a huge part on those just starting out. Other attributes that you will need to keep in mind is the location of where you will be fishing. Generally, there are two types of spinning reels, aluminium and graphite reels. Angular’s looking to fish around saltwater will normally opt for the graphite reels as they are most robust and better equipped for its corrosion-resistant qualities.
The drag system on any spinning reel is yet another important aspect to consider when searching for the perfect spinning reel. The drag system is responsible for applying extra pressure to a hooked fish, and casting out line during the battle. Reels without a smooth, high-quality drag system run the risk of broken lines and lost fish. Always ensure the reel you opt for has a smooth, non-constrictive dragging effect. The line should cast out steadily, without hesitation, at the tension you set the drag at.
There are two different types of drag systems available on spinning reels: rear and front drag. This basically refers to the location of the drag controlling system. Front-drag systems normally feature multiple, large washers that offer extra durability and performance in comparison to its counterpart rear-drag models. Rear-drag controllers are easier to access (especially when you have hooked a fish) yet they don’t hold up as well to larger fish species that enjoy a battle.
A couple more important factors to keep you eye on is the quality of the spinning reel and size. Quality reels normally have less parts on the main chassis, essentially, giving the reel less options for a mechanical breakdown. Finally, the size of the spinning reel will again depend on the type of fish you are looking to hook. The lighter the line, the smaller your reel need to be.