Spinning Reels (Threadline)

The most versatile reel type for Australian recreational fishing. The spool is fixed (does not rotate) and line comes off the end — this means the lure's weight is the only thing that needs to overcome line friction during the cast. Spinning reels work with light lures that would not have enough weight to pull line from a rotating spool reel.

Size is determined by line weight: a 2500 reel holds 150m of 6lb mono (appropriate for small freshwater fishing), a 4000 reel holds 200m of 10lb braid (general inshore saltwater), a 6000–8000 reel is suited for heavier saltwater work. The number is not universal — it varies between manufacturers, but the general principle holds.

Overhead Reels (Conventional)

The spool rotates during the cast — line comes off a rotating drum rather than a fixed spool. Provides better line lay for heavy work (offshore, heavy surf), excellent drag systems for large fish, and more direct connection to the fish during the fight. Requires more casting skill than a spinning reel — a poorly executed cast creates a "birdsnest" of tangled line. Used predominantly for boat fishing, deep jigging, and offshore applications.

Baitcasting Reels

A small, low-profile overhead reel designed for casting lures. Popular in North American bass fishing; gaining use in Australian soft plastic and lure fishing applications. Provides better lure presentation control and sensitivity than spinning reels for experienced users. Higher learning curve. Not the right choice for beginners.

The Drag System

More important than any other specification for reel longevity and performance. A smooth, consistent drag that applies even pressure throughout a run prevents fish breaking off and reduces tackle wear. Carbon fibre and stainless steel washer drag systems outperform felt drags significantly in both performance and durability. Browse our fishing accessories range.

Baitcaster Reels

Baitcasters sit on top of your rod and feature a rotating spool that releases line during the cast. While they have a steeper learning curve than spinning reels, experienced anglers prize them for precision casting and superior line control. When it comes to choosing the right rod to pair with your baitcaster, the spool rotates as you cast, meaning heavier lures work best – typically 10 grams and up.

The main challenge with baitcasters is preventing 'backlash' or 'bird's nest' – when the spool spins faster than line comes off, creating tangles. Modern baitcasters feature magnetic or centrifugal braking systems to control spool speed. Start with the brake set high and gradually reduce it as your technique improves.

For Australian conditions, look for baitcasters with corrosion-resistant bearings if fishing saltwater. Entry-level models range from $80-150, while premium reels with advanced braking systems and sealed bearings cost $200-400. The Abu Garcia Black Max Baitcasting Reel represents excellent value for beginners at around $120.

Baitcasters excel for targeting bass in freshwater impoundments, casting spinnerbaits around structure, and throwing heavier lures for Australian salmon from the beach. The gear ratio (how many times the spool rotates per handle turn) affects retrieve speed – 6.3:1 is versatile, while 7.1:1+ suits reaction baits and 5.4:1 provides more cranking power for deep diving lures.

Overhead/Conventional Reels

These workhorses handle Australia's biggest fish. The spool rotates during both casting and retrieve, making them ideal for heavy tackle situations. Unlike baitcasters, overheads typically mount below the rod on a gimbal.

Two main types dominate Australian fishing: trolling reels for offshore work and surf fishing reels for beach angling. Trolling reels feature powerful drag systems (often 15-30kg) and high line capacity for species like marlin, tuna, and kingfish. Quality trolling reels start around $300 and can exceed $1000 for premium models with advanced drag systems.

Surf reels prioritise casting distance and corrosion resistance. The long, powerful rods used in surf fishing can propel sinkers and baits over 100 metres with the right reel. Look for reels with large spools (improving casting distance) and sealed bearings. Before heading out, practice tying fishing knots that can handle the powerful casts these reels deliver. The Penn Squall Lever Drag Reel offers excellent saltwater performance in the $250-350 range.

Level-wind mechanisms automatically distribute line evenly across the spool during retrieve, preventing line from building up in one spot. While helpful for beginners, experienced anglers often prefer non-level wind reels for their simplicity and casting distance.

Fly Reels

Fly fishing in Australia targets everything from trout in alpine streams to barramundi in tropical waters. Fly reels serve primarily as line storage – the reel's drag rarely engages when fighting smaller fish, as most control comes from your line hand.

However, when targeting powerful species like barramundi, Australian salmon, or saltwater species, drag becomes crucial. Large arbor reels (with bigger spool diameters) retrieve line faster and create less line memory than traditional narrow spools.

Saltwater fly reels must resist corrosion completely – even brief exposure to salt spray can damage unsealed reels. Fully sealed drag systems prevent salt intrusion but cost significantly more than standard reels. Budget around $150-300 for quality freshwater fly reels, while saltwater models often exceed $400.

The backing capacity matters for species that make long runs. A quality reel should hold your fly line plus 100-200 metres of backing for most Australian applications. When organising your tackle, gel-spun backing offers superior strength-to-diameter ratio compared to traditional dacron.

Selecting the Right Reel Size

Reel sizing directly impacts your fishing success. Too small, and you'll lack line capacity or drag power. Too large, and the setup becomes unwieldy for the target species.

For spinning reels:

• 1000-25