Fishing reels are, for obvious reasons, the most important equipment in your fishing arsenal. Whether you are just starting out in fishing or have been fishing for years, knowing how to choose a fishing reel that is right for you and the type of fishing you will be doing is essential. Using a fishing reel that is beyond your skill level will make for a miserable fishing experience. Using a fishing reel below your skill level will not make the fishing adventure as satisfying as if you had the right equipment. There are several things you should take into consideration when you are choosing a fishing reel. Before we go any further, lets look at the types of fishing reels available.



Essentially, there are 5 types of fishing reels; closed face spinning reels, open faced spinning reels, bait casting reels, fly fishing reels and electric fishing reels. Here we will not be discussing fly fishing reels and electric fishing reels. Neither of these reels are used by a broad group of beginner fishermen. Both are very advanced and designed for very specific situations. So, here we will be sticking to closed faced spinning reels, closed faced spinning reels, and bait casting reels.

Choosing a reel that is right for you is primarily based on your skill level. Fishing can be a wonderful hobby and a highly satisfying hobby. But, if you do not have the basic skills to match your equipment, you will spend more time fixing your equipment than actually fishing.

The closed faced spin casting reel is meant for those that are either new to fishing or are just looking to do some leisurely fishing. The skill level necessary to use this type of reel is minimal. This type of reel is fairly easy to operate. The spindle holding the line as well as the casting mechanism are encased in a covering. There is a button on top that you depress when you start your cast and then release at the end of your cast. This type of reel allows the user to concentrate solely on casting. Using a spincaster you do not need to be concerned about line bunching or releaseing line etc, like you would other reels.

On the other hand an open face spin caster requires a little more skill. Once you have become more skillful at casting and have mastered smooth casting and release timing you are ready to move to the next level. The major difference between a closed face and open face reel is obviously that the open face is not completely encased. It has a greater line capacity, and the release mechanism is more of a lever. The lever itself enables you to use your thumb to determine the amount of line that is let out during the cast. This allows for more accurate casting. Unlike the closed faced model the skill your are looking to develop with the open faced model is accuracy and control. With closed face models you are looking to casting from strength and open faced models you are casting with skill.

Once you have mastered the skills of casting with an open faced model you can move onto using bait casting reels. Bait casting reels are some of the most difficult types of reels to learn how to use. The expectation with these types of reels is that you have a clear understanding of the purpose of the cast and the relation ship between the cast and control of the reel itself. You are expected to understand how different weights will affect you cast and the operation of the reel. If you do not have the proper skills necessary to use this type of reel it will be an exercise in frustration.

So, choosing the right type of reel for you is by the most part based on your skill level and your knowledge of reels and how they work. Could you start fishing with a bait casting reel right from the get go? Sure. But, no matter how much instruction you might get on how to use it you will be frustrated and stymied using it. It is all about whether or not you have the right skills for the reel. If you are honest with yourself and choose reels for your skill level fishing will be a much greater experience for you in the long run.