How to choose a reel for spinning

Fishing with a spinning rod is fundamentally different from other types of fishing, because the spinner needs to make multiple casts over a long distance. To simplify the process and increase the result, you need to carefully choose a spinning reel. She should quietly and without jerks wind a line on the spool that does not get tangled, does not break and does not cling to obstacles. And this, you see, is worth spending a little time on the issue. Moreover, it is important to do this for beginners who are only mastering the technique of spinning fishing.

Selection of a reel for spinning by parameters

All coils are divided into three types: inertial, inertial , multiplier . 

Inertial reels are a thing of the past for most fishermen due to the complexity of the process: the reel unwinds even when the bait is at the right point. If you do not want to untangle the line, you need to manually stop the reel. But there is a plus in the inertia system: the tackle is more sensitive than the others, because fixing the fishing line with his fingers, the fisherman immediately feels the bite. 

Spinning reels are called "meat grinders" because of the external similarity to household utensils. The devices are really similar, but the non-inertia system has a complex mechanism, which not every fisherman can assemble and disassemble. It is good because it is installed on different fishing gear, and is easy to use: after a couple of casts, the hunter begins to understand the principle of operation. You need to fold the spool , pinch the line with your finger, make a cast and release your finger so that the line quietly comes off the reel behind the bait flying to a given place . As soon as the bait splashes down, the line will stop reeling.

Multiplier - modern reels, similar to inertial gear. The main difference compared to its predecessors is the use of the gear ratio. This feature makes fishing easier, making it easier and faster to land the fish. The braking system, which prevents the line from tangling , will save a lot of time when untangling it.

Coil size

The parameter, which is also called the standard size, depends on the size of the spool and affects the power performance of the reel : the larger the reel , the greater its power, which will allow you to hold a large fish. 

The size is indicated on the packaging of the goods and on the tackle. It is measured in thousands: 1000 , 2000 , 3000 , etc. These figures make it clear how much fishing line and what diameter fits on the reel. If 3000 is specified , then the spool contains 100 meters of 3 mm line or 300 meters of one mm. 

When choosing the size of a spinning reel, a table of standard sizes is used, which was compiled by the engineers of the Japanese corporation Shimano (now it is popular with all world manufacturers). If you don't want to go into the details of the characteristics from the table, just remember that medium reels 1000-2500 are suitable for domestic fishing with small predators such as perch; 3000 mark - the choice for fishing in difficult fishing conditions, with trophies in the form of large specimens of fish, larger than 4000 will help in catching large fish that live in the seas and oceans.

Coil line capacity

This parameter, already based on the name, is very similar to the standard size. It is indicated on the product packaging and speaks about the characteristics of the line - diameter and length. 

Another example: the manufacturer Shimano marks the product with the prefix "C" - Compact body, which means a reduced size of the body and mechanism of the spinning reel. So, a coil marked with the abbreviation C2500S is a "two thousandth" with a reduced line capacity, which is marked with the letter "S" - Shallow Spool (small spool). If you see the C2000S on the package , it means the “thousandth” spool size and a spool of 2000 with reduced line capacity.

Some Shimano product models are super shallow spools marked with “SS,” which stands for super shallow. They work with the finest cords and are used on ultra-light reels.

Coil weight

И, снова-таки, данный параметр тесно связан с двумя предыдущими. Самая малая по типоразмеру катушка для спиннинга будет, соответственно, и весить меньше всего. 

Не нужно выбирать снасть самого легкого веса: мощные механизмы почти всегда достаточно массивны, так как состоят из металлических деталей, что и приводит к утяжелению удилища и конструкции в целом.

Самые легкие — пластиковые модели, которые выбирают для ультралайтовой ловли. Среди их недостатков — хрупкость. Учитывая, что даже мельчайшая зазубрина укоротит дальность заброса на треть, опытные рыбаки выбирают металлические, более увесистые вариации. По таким катушкам леска хорошо скользит, закидывать приманку намного проще. 

As an alternative to light weight and high quality, branded companies offer goods made of aluminum, titanium, various durable polymer alloys - this significantly reduces the final weight of the product and does not interfere with the spinning player's comfort.

Spinning reel bearing system 

When choosing a coil, take into account the number of bearings. They provide a smooth ride and guarantee the durability of the tackle. It is noteworthy that the number of bearings is not always proportional to the quality: a low-quality coil can have at least 12 bearings, and a good, decent tackle can be equipped with 4.

Rather, the overall smoothness performance depends on the correct bearing location on the spool axle and in the line guide roller. The parameter of durability and comfort also depends on the conscientiousness of the manufacturer.

Friction system

Almost all spinning rods are equipped with a friction brake , but it is not always in demand among fishermen. This element is used when catching very large fish, which is not always possible to catch. It will also help out with strong jerks - a reel with good brake evenly deflects the line .

A distinction is made between front and rear brakes. The front friction brake is more sensitive and smoother, and the rear one is more comfortable, it is easier for them to adjust and, in case of failure, to repair or replace with a new one, along with the spool .

Line Layer

The addition ensures good winding quality. By throwing back the bow of the line guide when casting the bait, we make it easier for the line to come off the spool evenly . Closing the bow, we stop the line coming off, which does not cling to anything and immediately falls on a special roller.

The best line guide roller makes constant rotations - otherwise the line will quickly wear off (especially for braids). Erasing the line isn't a bad scenario. It can wrinkle, and then completely get stuck in the coil, which will have to be changed, so pay attention to this indicator.

The stability and strength of the spinning reel depends on the quality of the material used for the bow of the line guide, and the quality of the roller directly affects the safety of the line: the material of its manufacture or coating.

Spinning reel gear ratio

The parameter tells how many rotations the spool makes in one turn of the handle. Beginners should ignore this indicator - for them it plays a secondary role, since without skill and sufficient experience it is difficult to choose the gear ratio for their fishing technique. For experienced fishermen, most likely, the answer to this question has long been found: they know their optimal reel stroke .

If you are no longer a beginner, but still not a pro, check out the classification of spinning reels by such a parameter as the gear ratio. There are only three types of them:

• Power, designed for hunting large individuals or in difficult conditions for catching. Their gear ratio is in the range of 4.0-4.7.
  
• Universal - a worthy choice for beginner spinning players. With such a product, a beginner can train until he begins to feel the tackle. The number of revolutions in the universal reel is 5.0-5.5.
• High-speed ones with a number of revolutions up to 7.2 are best suited for ultralight spinning rods.

Let us remind you once again that coil performance is not the most important criterion. To a large extent, the quality is determined by the reputation of the manufacturer and the materials used in its production. To make the best selection of a spinning reel and not to be mistaken, take a closer look at the products of the brand names: the Japanese corporation Shimano is considered the best player in the market , the goods of Brain Battle, Daiwa will be a worthy choice .

Useful video for choosing a spinning reel

Summarizing the above, we suggest watching a video on choosing a reel for spinning. It will help you organize information and highlight the most significant moments of your choice! Good catch!