What Is a Reel on a Fishing Pole?

A reel is an important piece of equipment used by fisherman to store, cast and retrieve fishing line. A fishing pole typically consists of a long, flexible rod with a reel attached at the bottom.

Fishing reels come in a variety of shapes and sizes designed for different types of fishing. The most common type of reel is the spinning reel, which is suitable for all types of freshwater and saltwater fishing.

Spinning reels feature an open-faced design with a rotating spool that distributes the line evenly when casting. The line is wound onto the spool by turning a handle on the side or back of the reel.

When casting, anglers can easily control the direction and distance of their bait or lure by adjusting the speed at which they turn their handle. Spinning reels are lightweight and easy to use, making them ideal for beginners.

Another popular type of reel is the baitcasting reel, which features a closed-faced design with a revolving spool that holds more line than spinning reels. Baitcasting reels are typically used for larger fish species such as bass, pike and walleye due to their superior casting distance and precision control over the bait or lure. They require more skill to use than spinning reels, so theyโ€™re not recommended for beginners or novice anglers.

Fly fishing reels are specifically designed for fly fishing and feature an open-faced design similar to that of spinning reels but with larger arbor diameters for increased line capacity when casting large flies such as salmon flies or steelhead flies. Fly fishing reels also feature larger drag systems that provide more resistance when fighting large fish species such as trout or salmon.

Conclusion:

A reel is an essential piece of equipment needed for successful fishing trips and comes in three main varieties: spinning, baitcasting, and fly fishing reels. Each type has its own distinct advantages depending on what kind of fish youโ€™re Targeting and how skilled you are at using it. Regardless of what type you choose, having a quality reel will make your time on the water much more enjoyable.

Photo of author

Lindsay Collins