It’s easy to get bogged down by fancy jargon when you are figuring out what size fishing reel you need. Here’s a straightforward guide on finding the perfect fishing reel size for your needs.
First, determine whether you are fishing in freshwater or saltwater since that narrows down your choices.
Then, learn about the different types of fishing reels: bait caster reels, conventional reels, and spinning reels since they each affect your fishing experience.
Lastly, learn about the different reel sizes to best cater to your fishing needs. The reels break down into three size categories. This section also explains the terms used for each size.
The first section describes the smallest commercially available sizes (500-1000). Then, we break down the more appropriate sizes for casual consumers (2000-6000). Then, we briefly explain the uses for sizes larger than any casual fisher would need (8000+).
Freshwater or Saltwater?
First things first: Are you fishing in freshwater or saltwater?
Commercial fishers tend to fish in open saltwater or sell farmed freshwater fish.
Beginners should start near the shore on a dock. Freshwater is preferred in this scenario. Although finding a place with good scenery is nice, start with places with lots of fish to ease into this hobby.
Freshwater
Freshwater fishing is by and large considered the best type of fishing for beginners. The water tends to be more still and clear. The fish also tend to put up less of a fight. Freshwater fishing is a great way to test out your basic skills and learn how to use your fishing gear.
Freshwater fishing tends to be more relaxed. The fish tend to be smaller and so they require less strength to reel in.
Saltwater
In general, most saltwater reels will do fine in freshwater. The inverse is not true. Most freshwater reels shouldn’t be used for saltwater fishing. Saltwater fishing requires protection from salt. Without salt-proofing, they quickly gather salt and become unusable.
Saltwater fishing is not usually recommended for beginners since the water tends to be rocky which makes fishing harder. The fish also tend to put up a fight. It is better to master basic fishing skills before trying to fish in saltwater.
Types of Fishing Reels
Each of the many different types of fishing reels serves a unique purpose. As we explore the world of fishing reels, it´s important to avoid getting caught up in the details. The three reels I will explain below will provide a basic introduction to the most practical reels for beginners.
Often, cheap beginner kits include spin casting reels. Experts do not recommend these because they tangle frequently and are often cheaply made.
Learn the basics of fishing reels and become a successful fisher almost immediately! Here are three of the most basic types of fishing reels.
Bait caster Reels
If you have a lot of experience, this is the reel for you. Bait caster reels sit above the rod. The spool allows the fisher to crank the handle to retrieve the line.
However, bait caster reels tend to tangle more than other reels. Once you gain more experience, this reel becomes very satisfying to use. It’s light and practical, but it has more features than most other reels, so it is not ideal for beginners.
There are two main types of bait caster reels. Low-profile baitcasters, often used for bass fishing, are small and compact with a heavy casing. Full-size bait casters tend to be heavier than their low-profile counterparts. Full-size baitcasters are perfect for deep saltwater fishing and other offshore fishing practices. They can handle much heavier weights.
Both types of bait caster reels have many moving parts. The tension, braking system settings, and even the bait need to change every time. It takes someone with a lot of fishing knowledge to understand how to set all these moving parts to the exact setting you need.
Conventional Reels
Conventional reels also sit on top of the fishing rod and retrieve through a line. They have a much wider set of applications including off and inshore fishing and freshwater fishing. There is also variation within this category.
Small conventional reels are used for catching small fish. The rest tend to be used for bigger fish and deep-sea fishing. Conventional reels tend to be more expensive but they are used for sharks or big fish.
There are two main types of conventional reels. The first is designed to simply drop down from the edge of the boat, pier, etc. These are not meant to be cast. The second type is meant to be cast and tends to be used on a beach or shoreline.
Each of these two types, as well as all other reels, must be used with the appropriate rod. Each rod will contain information on the label about which reels are recommended.
Spinning Reels
Spinning reels are the most common reels used by both expert and casual fishers. They are like the most stereotypical fishing reel because they are very popular.
Since they are easy to use in many scenarios, they are often recommended for beginners and casual fishers alike. It is used in light saltwater and freshwater for small and large fish alike.
Unlike the other two types of fishing reels described above, this reel sits below the fishing rod. It also can be easily modified to be easier to use for left-handed people. This is important to keep in mind if you are left-handed since most reels are designed for right-handed fishers.
Sometimes it can be a little tricky to learn how to use spinning reels but once you get a hang of it they are pretty straightforward.
Spinning reels are versatile but are not ideal for large saltwater game fish or freshwater giants. They cannot handle heavier fish.
Fishing Reel Sizes Explained
Finally! Let’s learn about what size fishing reel you need. There is no industry standard for labelling reels. Once you know the size you are looking for, it is easiest to ask an employee at your local fishing gear store for help.
500-1000
These reels fit in the palm of your hand, so they are often used for small fish. 500-level fishing reels are perfect for ice fishing since that requires a more delicate hand.
This size is also often used for micro fishing. Micro fishing is a fun new trend that encourages people to catch the smallest fish they can find.
1000-level fishing reels are labelled with a “10”, and this size is more common than 500-level reels. Experts recommend using a mono of around 2-4 lbs. Fishers commonly use them in lakes for small Trout and Whiting.
2000-6000
Finishing reels anywhere from 2000 to 6000 are most likely the perfect fishing reel sizes for you. These are the most commonly used for many types of casual fishing.
2000-level fishing reels work best in lakes and bays for casual fishing. These can withstand between 4 and 11 pounds, making them perfect for bass, trout, and whiting. Sellers often advertise these as “200” or “20” on the packaging label. 2000-level fishing reels (as well as 2500, 3000, and 3500) are considered small sizes.
Medium sizes begin at 4000 and are often labelled “40”. These are great for light offshore boat fishing, as well as for fishing in lakes and harbors. Since they can hold up to 22 lbs, fishers prefer 4000-level reels for many kinds of fish, including snapper, cod, and bonefish. Medium sizes also include 4500, 5000, and 5500.
Large but still casually usable fishing reel sizes include 6000 and 7000, which sellers label “60” and “70”. Large fishing reels work best for aust salmon, kingfish, and even small groupers. These large sizes work on both boats and beaches, and their maximum weight capacity can go up to 44 lbs. That’s twice the weight capacity of size 4000 fishing reels!
8000+
Fishing reel sizes go beyond 8000-level, but it is unlikely that you will need these sizes as a beginner. As you may have guessed by now, reel size typically indicates the weight the reel can handle. 8000-level fishing reels require fishing rods that exceed 12 feet in length and are designed to catch large fish.
Fishing reels can go up to 10,500 for fishing Sharks, Tuna, and other large fish. Fishers can technically use reels of this size from the shore, but they are more typically found on large boats that can handle the weight and pull of fish of that size.
Most of the fish that can be found at the average grocery store can be fished with fishing reels of these sizes. Fish like Salmon, Tuna, and Cod that tend to weigh tens or hundreds of pounds.
These big fish should not be fished by unprofessional fishers. Catching fish of this size often poses safety problems if the fishers are not well equipped.
Happy Fishing & Tight Lines