Fishing Reels

Selecting which fishing reels you will use when you're planning to purchase gear is fundamental for your success at catching fish. There are many different types of reels, all of which have their advantages and disadvantages. All fishing reels on the market tend to fit a specific purpose, with only a few types being able to be used for many types of fishing.

One of the most common types of fishing reels on the market are open reels designed for river fishing. As many people will go river fishing, these reels are all purpose, suitable for lakes, ponds and rivers. They can be used regardless of whether the waters are smooth or calm, and can be used for bottom fishing as well as light lure and float fishing. What open reels aren't good for is salt water fishing and fly fishing.

If you are planning on going fishing in salt water conditions, you can get away with using standard open fishing reels. However, it is important to note that these fishing reels will be quickly destroyed by the salt water. Open sea fishing reels are designed to handle the abuse of salt, where river and pond open reels are not treated to handle the corrosive effect of salt on the mechanics of the fishing reels. Because of this, a standard open reel will only last one season without deteriorating when used at sea. Sea worthy fishing reels tend to be a great deal more expensive due to the treatment process to make them more resistant to salt water damage.

Due to the nature of fly fishing, fly fishing reels are a great deal more different than standard reels used for river or lake fishing. Unlike standard reels the fishing reels used for fly fishing are designed to handle the fluctuations in the line, and can be more easily controlled with the hand motions used in fly fishing. It is strongly suggested against attempting fly fishing with anything but a fly fishing reel, as this can be extremely dangerous and result in you accidentally setting a hook into yourself. Standard fishing reels are not designed for fly fishing, or for use with fly fishing poles.

When you are purchasing fishing reels, many people will purchase two reels at one time to keep a spare in case their primary reel breaks. Some people many maintain two rod and reel sets and keep them constructed, while others will purchase extra pieces needed but will keep them unassembled. Keeping spare parts is vital for those planning long fishing trips, as broken fishing poles or fishing reels can bring a swift end to a good fishing trip.