Fishing Reels

Fishing reels are a fundamental part of any angler’s gear—responsible for casting, retrieving, and controlling your line during the fight with a fish. The right reel enhances performance, helps match your rod setup, and ensures smoother operation whether you’re coarse fishing on a canal, spinning for trout, surfcasting for bass, or jigging from a boat. Since 1988, we’ve helped beginners and experts alike find the perfect reel for their target species, fishing style, and water conditions—offering a curated selection of spinning, baitrunner, multiplier, and fly reels from the most trusted names in angling.

Why Fishing Reels Matter

✅ Control line release and retrieve with precision
✅ Match rod power and technique for optimal casting
✅ Drag systems help manage fighting fish without break-offs
✅ Available in sizes and styles for every species and scenario
✅ Modern reels are lighter, stronger, and smoother than ever

The right reel not only complements your rod, but improves your entire fishing experience—from cast to catch.

Types of Fishing Reels

Reel Type	Best For
Spinning Reels	Versatile and easy-to-use—perfect for coarse, lure, and light sea fishing
Baitrunner Reels	Designed for carp and specimen fishing—features a free-spool mode
Multiplier Reels	Used in boat and sea fishing—great for handling heavy lines and deep drops
Centrepin Reels	Traditional reel for float fishing with ultra-smooth line control
Fly Reels	Balanced with fly rods—used to hold fly line and manage tension
Baitcasting Reels	Accurate casting for predator anglers—requires thumb control

Key Features to Consider

Feature	Why It Matters
Gear Ratio	Determines how fast the line is retrieved (e.g. 5.2:1 = 5.2 turns per handle rotation)
Drag System	Helps control line tension during a fight—look for smooth, sealed drags
Reel Size (1000–10000+)	Match to rod and species—smaller for perch, larger for pike or sea bass
Ball Bearings	More bearings = smoother operation (look for 4+ bearings)
Spool Design	Aluminium or graphite spools affect weight and casting distance
Left/Right Hand Retrieve	Many reels allow reversible handles for user preference

Common Reel Size Guide

Target Species	Recommended Reel Size
Perch, roach, trout	1000–2500
Zander, chub, tench	2500–4000
Carp, pike, barbel	4000–6000
Sea bass, cod	5000–8000
Boat/wreck fishing	7000–10000+

Top Fishing Reel Brands We Stock

Daiwa – Precision engineering and smooth drag systems
Shimano – World-renowned for durability and performance across all styles
Penn – Built for sea fishing and big species under pressure
Abu Garcia – Excellent for predator and baitcasting setups
Okuma – Affordable yet reliable reels for beginners and intermediate anglers
Mitchell – Great value coarse and spinning reels
Fox & Sonik – Specialist reels for carp and specimen fishing
Greys & Orvis – Premium fly fishing reels with lightweight control

Choosing the Right Reel for Your Setup

Fishing Style or Technique
- Float/coarse fishing → Spinning reel, 1000–3000 size
- Lure fishing → Lightweight spinning or baitcasting reel
- Carp fishing → Baitrunner reel with dual drag
- Sea fishing → Fixed spool for beach, multiplier for boat
- Fly fishing → Matched fly reel (5wt–9wt) based on rod weight
Water Conditions
- Freshwater reels are lighter and corrosion-free
- Saltwater reels need sealed drag and corrosion resistance
Line Type
- Match spool and drag to braid, mono, or fluoro—some reels come braid-ready

Reel Maintenance Tips

✅ Rinse after each use, especially in saltwater
✅ Keep drag loose when storing your reel
✅ Oil bearings and gears with reel-specific lubricants
✅ Avoid overfilling the spool—leave a 2–3mm gap from the lip
✅ Store in a padded case or with a rod holdall for protection

🧠 FAQ: Fishing Reels (10+ Questions)

1. What’s the best reel for a beginner?
A 2500–3000 size spinning reel is easy to use, versatile, and suitable for most coarse and light lure fishing.

2. What is a baitrunner reel?
A reel with a free-spool function—commonly used for carp fishing—allowing fish to run without resistance.

3. What size reel do I need for carp?
Generally, a 5000–6000 size baitrunner reel is ideal for carp up to mid 20s, with a larger spool for big lakes.

4. Can I use a spinning reel for sea fishing?
Yes—choose a saltwater-rated spinning reel in the 5000–8000 range for shore or pier fishing.

5. Are expensive reels worth it?
Higher-end reels offer smoother drags, better materials, and more durability—especially for heavy or frequent use.

6. How do I spool a reel correctly?
Use a line winder or ask in-store—we can spool your reel with braid, mono, or fluoro, perfectly tensioned.

7. What’s the difference between a multiplier and spinning reel?
Multiplier reels sit on top of the rod, ideal for boat/sea setups. Spinning reels hang beneath and are easier for beginners.

8. Can I use braid on any reel?
Most modern reels are braid-friendly, but check for line capacity and spool design. Use a mono backing to prevent slippage.

9. What does gear ratio mean on a reel?
It’s the number of spool turns per handle rotation. Higher = faster retrieve, lower = more torque for heavy loads.

10. What’s a good reel for pike or zander?
A 4000–5000 size spinning reel with a strong drag and braid-ready spool is perfect for predator fishing.

11. Do reels come pre-spooled?
Some entry-level combos do. Higher-end reels typically require manual spooling, allowing for custom line choice.

Reel Experts Since 1988

Whether you’re gearing up for coarse fishing at the local lake, chasing bass off the rocks, or landing carp on syndicate waters, we’ve got fishing reels for every skill level, species, and budget. Backed by decades of angling experience, we help you pick the right reel—and even offer in-store spooling for a true ready-to-fish setup.

🎣 Spin, cast, land—browse our fishing reels online or visit us for personalised advice and setup help.

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