Spinning reels are used by both professionals and beginners, but are often a suitable entry-level model to the world of fishing as they are relatively easy to use.
Unlike a baitcasting reel, a spinning reel has a bail whose function is to wind the line onto the spool when retrieving.
A spinning reel is always mounted hanging under the rod. The smallest spinning reels are denoted with lower numbers and the larger ones have a higher number. For example, an Abu Garcia Pro Max 20 is smaller and suitable for perch fishing, while Abu Garcia Pro Max 40 is larger and better suited for pike fishing.
Most have a front drag - that is, a front-mounted adjustment for the drag, but some models have it at the back. We have a spinning reel for every angler and for all types of fishing situations. Feel free to ask us for tips.
Here, we’ve categorized the products based on which fish you want to hook. We’ve relied on what manufacturers specify, but also on experience of what usually works. The list could almost be endless, and many things work for more species than we’ve listed, so don’t be afraid to experiment.
Reel size
This indicates the size class of the reel. The size is specified differently depending on the type of reel, and you can read more about how they’re classified under Frequently Asked Questions in each reel’s category.
Whether the reel comes with pre-spooled line or not. If the line is included, just unpack your gear and start fishing!
Gear ratio grouping
What is gear ratio? The term gear ratio, or 'gear ratio' in English, is a value that indicates how many turns the reel’s spool makes per crank. A normal gear ratio is around 5.0:1 and up, meaning the spool rotates five times per crank. A high gear ratio, 'high speed,' is typically around 6.5:1, meaning 6.5 rotations per crank. Such a reel can be useful, for example, when fishing for sea trout on the coast, as trout often like a bit of speed on the lure.
Are you a beginner and want better control over the lure you’ve cast? Use a reel with a slightly lower gear ratio, around 5.0:1.
Max drag capacity grouping
Refers to how many kilos the reel can brake. The more kilos the reel can handle, the more powerful the drag. Many spinning reels have a braking strength up to 5 kilos, and that’s sufficient for fishing with standard lures (around 10-30 grams) and fighting our most common freshwater fish. However, when casting really heavy lures, like in heavier pike fishing, you want the reel to handle at least 10 kilos of braking strength. Saltwater anglers and extreme fishermen targeting the largest species require a really powerful drag that can withstand all the stresses fishing entails. A super-strong drag with over 20 kilos of braking force is not uncommon in this genre.
Type of fishing
Refers to which type of fishing the product is intended for.
Example: A spinning reel is intended for the spin fishing method.
Rod type
Refers to which type of rod this product pairs with. The most common rod types are spinning rods and casting rods. Casting rods pair with trolling reels, saltwater reels, low-profile reels, and baitcasting reels. Spinning rods pair with spinning reels.
