Reel
Spinning reel
How to fish a spinning reel for Spinning, Float Fishing, Surfcasting, Feeder Fishing, Eging, Popping, Drift Fishing, Live Baiting.
Characteristics
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Spool
Fixed
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Mount
Under
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Drag
Front
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Retrieve
Manual
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Anti-reverse
Yes
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Habitats
Freshwater, Saltwater, Brackish
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Methods
Spinning, Float Fishing, Surfcasting, Feeder Fishing, Eging, Popping, Drift Fishing, Live Baiting
Spool
Fixed cylindrical metal drum holds the fishing line stationary during casts.
Bail
Metal wire arm flips open for casting and closes to retrieve line onto the spool.
Handle
Cranks the internal gears to retrieve line efficiently.
Reel foot
Flat metal stem secures the entire spinning reel into the rod seat.
What fish can you catch with a spinning reel?
What is a spinning reel used for?
A spinning reel hangs under the fishing rod and is the default reel for casting lures and light baits. Line peels off an open spool with a bail.
How is a spinning reel different from similar gear?
Surfcasting uses a large spinning size (6000 or 8000), not a separate surf reel. It is not a baitcaster.
When should you use a spinning reel?
Use it for spinning, surfcasting, eging, and light boat work whenever the rod has a spinning seat.
What problems does a spinning reel solve?
It lets almost anyone cast without thumbing a spool, and it pairs with braid or mono on the same kit.
Spinning reel size chart
Common sizes and ratings for this part of the kit.
- 1000 5.2:1 3 kg 185 g 64 cm 0.18 mm / 170 m
- 2500 5.2:1 5 kg 220 g 75 cm 0.25 mm / 160 m
- 3000 6.2:1 6 kg 225 g 86 cm 0.25 mm / 210 m
- 4000 5.2:1 8 kg 275 g 101 cm 0.30 mm / 180 m
- 5000 6.2:1 11 kg 290 g 101 cm 0.35 mm / 175 m
- 6000 4.8:1 12 kg
- 8000 4.8:1 15 kg
- 10000 4.9:1 25 kg 810 g 101.6 cm 0.35 mm / 380 m
- 20000 5.8:1 30 kg 997 g 131.1 cm 0.45 mm / 450 m
- 30000 5.8:1 30 kg 1,107 g 166.9 cm 0.55 mm / 530 m
Spinning reel guides and comparisons
- Spinning Reel Size Chart: Which Size Do You Need? Spinning reel sizes from 1000 to 8000 explained: line capacity, line strength, rod length and the fish each size suits.
- Spinning Reel vs Baitcaster: Which Reel Should You Use? Spinning reels are easy and cast light lures well. Baitcasters give more control and power with heavier lures and line. How to choose.
- How to Put Braid on a Spinning Reel (Without Slipping) Braid slips on a bare spool. Use a mono backing or tape, spool it under tension, and fill to just below the lip. Step by step.