A few tips when new to purchasing spinning reels.

When it comes to fishing reels, the spinning version is the most well-known and popular type to hit the water. For light-line applications and certain techniques, a spinning reel reigns supreme in terms of performance and ease of use. But as fishing grows in leaps and bounds, becoming more high-tech and advanced, choosing the appropriate reel when perusing the aisles can often be a challenging event. Take a read through the following guide to pick up some helpful hints for choosing the perfect spinning reel, and look forward to a season full of easy-casting fishing.



The Reel Body



Spinning reels, in comparison to baitcast reels, consist of a wider variety of parts. Choosing a reel with the least amount of parts will be your safest bet in order to reduce the chance of mechanical breakdown.



Reel bodies can be made up of graphite, aluminum, and plastic components. Aluminum housing bodies will be stronger than graphite, however graphite will be significantly lighter. Deciding whether strength or weight is more important is ultimately a personal choice, however; if the focus of your fishing is heavy duty or punishing aluminum should be the eventual winner. If your chosen playing field is made up of saltwater, graphite is the way to go due to its corrosion-resistant qualities.



Another key factor to look for is a solidly constructed reel body. There should be no loose or flimsy parts, and all moving parts should be smooth in performance and have no back play at all.




Reels come in all sizes so make sure you get the right one for you.


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Reel Size



Choosing the correct size of reel can be a bewildering dilemma. For most applications, ten-pound test line should be the highest strength and thickness that should be put on a spinning reel. (This is not applicable for saltwater fishing or heavy trolling scenarios.)



The lighter the line you intend to use, the smaller the reel you should ultimately purchase. Make sure that the reel you will be buying is rated for the pound-test line you intend to use. (This information can be found on the reel spool itself.)



Case-in-point: if you jig for smallmouth and walleye primarily, eight-pound-test would probably be your average line strength. Therefore, choosing a medium-sized reel that is rated for six, eight and ten-pound test line would be your best selection.



Gear Ratio



Gear ratio refers to how many complete revolutions the spool makes with exactly one crank of the reel handle. An example of a gear ratio would be 3:1 - the spool turns three times for every one time you turn the handle. This is considered a slow speed reel as not much line is being "picked up" during the cranking process. The benefit is that these reels provide more torque for reeling in large fish. A 6:1 ratio is considered a high-speed retrieve. Depending on the style of fishing you concentrate on, a high, slow, or medium speed rate of retrieve will be necessary.



If you can only choose one spinning reel, my recommendation would be for a medium speed model (4 - 4.5:1). However, if you can afford more than one reel, choose a high and slow speed type to cover all of the bases.



Drag System



The drag system on a spinning reel is one of the most important aspects of the reel itself. The drag is responsible for applying pressure to a hooked fish, and letting out line during the fight. Without a smooth, high-quality drag the risk of broken lines and lost fish is always a high probability. Always ensure that the reel you will be purchasing has a smooth, non-constrictive drag. The line should pull out steadily and without hesitation at whichever tightness you ultimately set it at.



There are two types of drag systems available on spinning reels: front and rear drag. This basically constitutes the location of the drag controls, although there are some differences between the two. Front drag systems generally feature larger, multiple drag washers that offer increased durability and performance in comparison to the rear drag models. Rear drag controls are easier to access (especially when fighting a fish) yet don't stand up as well to large fish species and the demanding conditions you may face.



Ball Bearings



spinning reels feature ball bearings or bushings placed within the body itself for smoothness, support and stability. Most spinning reels also contain a roller bearing within the line roller. It goes without saying that the greater number of bearings a reel contains, the smoother the reel will perform when in use. (Sealed stainless steel bearings are preferable over bushings for added durability and control.)



Choose a reel with the most ball bearings that your wallet can handle. At the bare minimum, I would suggest a reel with at least four ball bearings. There's nothing worse than having a reel that doesn't perform well, or isn't smooth on the retrieve, so try not to scrimp and save when it comes to this part of the reel equation -- you'll only curse yourself all the way back to the launch ramp.



Spools



The spool on a spinning reel plays an important part, not only for holding line, but also for casting distance and smoothness. Most spools on the market today will be either anodized aluminum or graphite. As I mentioned before, graphite will be the lighter of the two materials, although the aluminum spool will offer greater strength and durability.



Aluminum spools offer greater strength and durability.


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As for the type of spool design, there are two basic styles - internal or skirted spool.


Internal spools are mostly a thing of the past, although some manufacturers still have models available for sale. Although simple in design, the one flaw was the ability for line to become entangled within the housing of the reel. The newer skirted variety helps in eliminating this frustrating problem.



Another interesting design is the "long cast" spool. Much as the name suggests, this spool is shallower than the regular style, although much longer in length. This elongated spool allows for less line friction, allowing increased casting distance for the angler. (A definite benefit for clear-water or sight-fishing applications.)



Spare spools are also a nice bonus when purchasing a reel as they allow you to outfit each with different pound-test line. This is great for changing applications, and is as easy as alternating spools while out on the water.



Anti-Reverse Handles



Anti-reverse handles are a prerequisite when searching for that perfect spinning reel. This function simply implies that the handle will not spin backwards whatsoever, meaning that hook sets will be more powerful and accurate due to the lack of play in the reel handle. If the reel you are interested in has any sort of play or backwards motion, my advice would be to look for a different reel. Your landing net will thank you.



Choosing a spinning reel may seem like a tough decision, however; learning some of the traits and beneficial components can shorten the learning curve dramatically. Pick wisely and purchase the best that you can afford. Remember, it's going to be your "best" friend out in the boat for a lot of years to come, so make sure it won't let you down.

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When I was going to open it...I was thinking you were buying a new one and wanted to see what ya picked...

just helping out new comers

always helpful...

sometimes i prefer throwing spinning gear more than the baitcaster...just waiting for them to come out with a 7-1 Speed

Great read, stuff like this is why I like coming here.

I buy em by the color. Some years I like black ones, some years green ones. This year white is my color!

as long as you don't shoot them and make a racial comment like the NY post you will be ok.

i preffer spinning reels 4 almost all of my setups,i just fish certain lures on some,depending on the speed of the reel,the only time i use a baitcaster is with heavy line and only in heavy cover,anywhere else it 8-14 pound test on a spinning reel

Jason one thing you should think about is the Samari Braid from Daiwa. I have been using it on my spinning reels and hands down it is amazing in certain applications. I will post later on what my set-up is. I believe it is equivalent to 4lb diameter. The sensitivity is incredible.

What kind of spinning rod would you recommend. If you only had one.

6'6" Medium power, fast action. Price point of $60 to $100, more if you can afford it. Throws most of what you would want on a spinning rod, Handles a wide range of line weights. 2500 size reel.

i am going 2 have 2 try that line,i have tried a couple of different braids like spider wire and iron silk, but so far power pro has been the best i found so far,but i will try that out, what do u throw it with?

I'll agree with Frank, but only because I know that you purchased that St. Croix Bait Casting rod...

Bassboy,

Check out the reviews that the prostaff did on the braid. It is a top of the line braid. I used to use power pro until I started getting the mysterious breaks. Let me tell you while fishing a tournament the last thing you want is line failure. I use many berkley line products but choose not to go with the braid. You can see the reviews at the following links.
Review on braid
also check out the review on the flourocarbon. You will be very impressed.
Steez Flourocarbon

wow sounds like the perfect braid 4 a spinning reel fisherman like me.i am going 2 try some and i have had a simular problem u have had with power pro and the break offs,but only in saltwalter and thought that was the reason 4 them

Wasn't the St. Croix, it was the Daiwa Procyon. It fills so many uses. Small worms to Small spinnerbaits. Jerkbaits, flukes and dead sticked wacky stuff. If I wasn't the 13 rods on the deck guy that I am, Two of those and one med baitcaster and one medium heavy baitcaster would do just fine for 99% of fishin.

I wasn't talking to you Frank about the St. Croix... LIfisherman purchased a St. Croix that I recommended to him...

It must of been the clams in the peanut butter sandwich that has Frank thinking you are talking about him.

and now i'm looking at a one piece spinning reel. my two piece ugly just ain't cutting it. i'm ready to throw it.

I assume you are talking about your rod? not reel. I also have joined the St. Croix world thanks to the great advise and guidance from Brendan, Frank and the crew. I now have better hook sets and believe it or not I am not having the pain in my elbow (almost like tennis elbow). It is amazing what a difference a good rod will do. Thanks for the great advise.

LI,

The 6'6" medium power fast action rod will let you throw smaller lures (like I was showing you and your brother at D-ick's sporting goods), but you'll be limited with heavier lures.


PS66MF 6'6" M Fast 1 6 - 12 1/4 - 5/8 3.8 4 $100

Clams talk to me!

All right, I'll buy new rods. I'm tired of hearing my brothers mouth.....Well to tell the truth. I tryed his rod and I can feel the bottom better. But don't tell him that.


And Frank stop talking to your food........Cause it lies

that's what i kinda planned on. again thanks brendan and everyone for the help. i've been just going down to the water to practice casting and to see how my lures work.but this ugly just won't stop coming apart.


I tryed his rod and I can feel the bottom better. But don't tell him that.

to late.

Never mind feeling the bottom better, you are missing the key fact. You feel the fish taking the bait. Then when you set the hook you will not be worrying about the rod going into two pieces or spinning on you the line tangling on the eye and the 7 lb bass breaks the line. I actually replaced 80 percent of my rods. Like I mentioned earlier it has produced me more fish and it also has helped me physically. I was lucky enough to have a friend upgrading his rods and I purchased his used St. Croix's at a fraction of the price. They are all Premiere's. He upgraded to GLX and avid. This is also something you may want to think of.
It does make a difference. Check the papers, our site, craigs list, ebay. You might find some good deals.

Have to tell you the last two rods are bought new were:


and my new favorite. I use this one for drop shotting. I also use it to throw hair jigs. Hands down it has become one of my spring cold water go to rods.

I have the

CRS-DX72M 7'2", Med Power, 6-12lb Line Rating, 1/8-3/8oz Lure Rating, Ex Fast Action, 1 Piece

they also have Shimano® Crucial® Drop Shot Spinning Rod - 6'8" / M / 6-12lb


High modulus IM-9 graphite blank.
New Concept Fuji Alconite guides.
Spinning models feature a clicking Fuji reel seat.
Shaped grade “A” cork handles.
Gudebrod thread wrapped guides for added strength.
Convenient hook keeper.
Etched Badge butt cap.
Model


CRSDX68M 6'8" 6-12lb. x Fast 7+ tip

Sorry bad way to say it. I ment it as. If I can feel that much of a difference in the why the bottom feels. It must feel different when A fish hits it.


Nunz have you heard anything about St Croix Mojos

Its a new line St Croix came out with this year as far as I know. Harry at J&H Tackle told me anyway. they range from $90 to $120.00 not bad.

Need some help on treble hooks. I'm in the process of changing 90% of them, that's a lot. Where can I get a good amount at a good price ?

Dicks has em, so does J&H. Clams are singing now!

Thanks frank, I'm heading up to Auburn Saturday to bass pro shop with my daughter, It's my first time you think they would have 20 packs or more, J&H and dicks sell them but only seen them in 4 or 6 pack. By the way nunz does look like he's buying your house very similar backyard. how is the lake doing haven't fished it in awhile ?

Don't listen to Nunz... he's just teasing you. You want to feel as much as you can... including what your making contact with on the bottom.

By the way Nunz... Joey never sprang for the GLX, he wimped out and bought an IMX... after trying out my GLX last spring, now he wants to upgrade his IMX to GLX...

LIfisherman and S.S., Nunz is talking about Joey that you met at D-ick's Sporting Goods that night.

You guys should go to the Rockland County show in Suffern, NY. You'll be able to check out all the different rods you could ever want, ranging from $25.00 to $500+

BC

Sorry about that. I forgot he didn't spring for it. I have to tell you guys the GLX is amazing. I can't spring for one right now but it is definitely on a wish list. Watching Brendan use his you can see he feels everything he comes in contact with. From the bottom to the slightest bite. Who would think that he can improve his fishing even more? It is scary. That’s one immense personality trait Brendan has. Always willing to learn, consume and share information. That’s why this site is so great. He shares all that information with everyone across America.

You are too much buddy... like everyone I have a lot to learn. I wish I was as good as you make me sound!

I think it's important to have that thirst for knowledge, otherwise we just get stagnant. What really makes this site great is that everyone shares information with each other. I can always learn something new when I read these posts and participate in the conversations going on between our members.

BC

Thanks for the info guys.. and the comic relief! Now can someone come over to my house and "supertune" my baitcasters?

Send me a ticket, I'll come out!

We all might as well go. I have my ladder ready....I say we all do a trip to Castaic Lagoon.

I'm a recent convert to st. croix as well and so far I really like them. I just picked up an AVS68MXF paired it up with a Shimano Stradic 2500 and hoping to break it in at Castaic Lagoon tonight.

Ever

That Crucial dropshot rod looked pretty good to me if I had to take just one.

I have a custom made job that a friend made for me... looks just like that.

I keep mine loaded up with 6 lb. P-Line Halo. Graeat all round performer for small plastics and jerk baits.