The fishing reel converts your casting energy into line distance, controls the rate at which line pays out during a cast, and manages the fight when a fish runs. Choosing the right reel type for your fishing is important: a baitcasting reel on a float rod is impractical; a fixed-spool reel on a trotting rod is workable but inferior to a centrepin. Understanding what each reel type does and where it excels makes the choice straightforward.
This guide covers the four main reel types used in UK coarse, game, and sea fishing.
[Image placeholder: Four fishing reels side by side showing a standard fixed-spool reel, a centrepin drum reel, a baitcasting reel, and a fly reel, showing the visual differences between each type]
Fixed-Spool Reels (Spinning Reels)
What they are
The fixed-spool reel is by far the most widely used reel in UK coarse fishing. The spool is stationary (fixed) and does not rotate during casting – instead, the line peels off the front of the spool as the tackle flies through the air. When retrieving, the bail arm rotates around the spool and winds line back on in a series of overlapping spirals.
The fixed-spool reel is called a “spinning reel” in some contexts (particularly in North American fishing) but this is potentially confusing in UK coarse fishing where “spinning” refers specifically to lure fishing technique, not the reel type.
Mechanism
Casting: The bail arm is opened (usually by flicking the wire bail arm away from the spool face). Line peels off the spool edge freely. The reel’s resistance to line peel-off is minimised by a large spool diameter and low-friction edge.
Retrieval: Closing the bail arm (or turning the handle, which closes it automatically on modern reels) re-engages the line. The rotor assembly rotates and the bail arm winds line back on in crossing spirals.
Drag system: A friction pad system (front drag or rear drag depending on the reel) controls how much force is required to pull line off the spool. Setting the drag lighter than the line’s breaking strain allows a running fish to take line without breaking off.
Key specifications
Size: Fixed-spool reels are sized in thousands (1000, 2000, 2500, 3000, 4000, 6000 etc.). Smaller numbers indicate a smaller, lighter reel for fine lines; larger numbers indicate bigger reels for heavier lines and more line capacity.
- Size 1000-1500: Light float fishing, canal, pole fishing backup
- Size 2500-3000: General coarse, waggler, light feeder, lure fishing
- Size 4000-5000: Feeder, barbel, standard carp, heavier lure fishing
- Size 6000-8000: Carp (larger water), pike, sea bass
Gear ratio: How many times the spool wraps line per handle turn. 5:1 is a general-purpose ratio (5 line wraps per handle turn). 6:1+ is “high speed” for lure fishing where fast retrieve is important. 4:1 or less is “power” for heavy fish.
Bearing count: A higher number of ball bearings generally means smoother operation. 5-7 bearings is the practical minimum for a reel worth using; premium reels carry 9-11.
Material: Most modern fixed-spools have aluminium or carbon composite bodies and aluminium or graphite spools. Aluminium is more rigid and durable; graphite is lighter.
When to use a fixed-spool
- All general coarse fishing (waggler, feeder, ledger, light carp)
- Lure fishing for perch and pike (small to medium size reels)
- Sea bass and sea lure fishing
- Standard carp fishing
- Virtually all still water coarse fishing applications
Limitations
- Friction and line twist: Line coming off a spinning bail arm accumulates line twist over time, particularly with light lines. Prevent this by using a swivel in your rig and spooling fresh line periodically.
- Bail arm failure: Cheap fixed-spool reels have plastic bail arms that crack and fail. A metal bail arm on a mid-range reel is more reliable.
- Not ideal for trotting: While a fixed-spool reel can be used for river trotting, a centrepin is superior for this technique.
Centrepin Reels
What they are
A centrepin is a simple, elegant device: a circular drum mounted on a central pin, free to rotate with minimal resistance. It is the oldest form of reel still in active use and has not been substantially changed since Victorian anglers used them on chalk streams.
Mechanism
Casting: Centrepins cast via an underarm swing or a short rolling cast. The line peels off the drum as it rotates freely. There is no bail arm – the angler’s finger controls line departure.
Trotting: The defining centrepin application. As a float runs downstream, line pays off the freely rotating drum with minimal resistance. The angler feeds line with the thumb on the drum rim, controlling the pace of the float. The direct feel of line tension through a rotating centrepin has no equivalent on a fixed-spool.
Retrieval: By turning the drum directly, or “batting” the drum (slapping the rim repeatedly to spin it rapidly) to retrieve line quickly.
Drag: Centrepins have either no drag system or a simple check (a ratchet that prevents the drum spinning backward). There is no adjustable drag – the angler applies thumb pressure directly to the drum rim to control a running fish.
Why anglers use centrepins for trotting
The centrepin’s freely rotating drum allows a float to travel downstream at exactly the current’s pace with no drag from the reel. A fixed-spool reel, even set to minimal friction, adds some resistance to line peel-off. Over a long trotting run (30-50 metres of line out), this resistance causes the float to drag – it cannot travel freely at current speed. The centrepin eliminates this.
Additionally, the direct connection between line and hand (no bail arm, no rotor) gives a physical sensation of what the float and bait are doing that fixed-spool users do not experience.
Learning curve
Casting on a centrepin requires more technique than a fixed-spool. Tangles (“birds nests” on the drum) are common when learning. Most anglers who switch to centrepins for trotting go through a learning period of a few sessions before the reel becomes intuitive.
When to use a centrepin
- River trotting (stick float, Avon, chubber down rivers)
- Specialist float fishing applications where direct feel is important
- Fly fishing (smaller fly reels are sometimes called centrepins)
- Salmon float fishing
Baitcasting Reels (Multiplier Reels)
What they are
The baitcasting reel (called a “multiplier” in UK sea fishing) mounts on top of the rod (unlike a fixed-spool which mounts below). The spool rotates during casting and retrieval – the spool itself spins, paying out line as the lure or bait travels.
Baitcasting reels are the dominant reel type in North American bass fishing and UK sea fishing. In UK freshwater coarse fishing, they are less common but used in lure fishing and some specialist situations.
Mechanism
Casting: The spool rotates during casting. The angler controls spool speed with the thumb to prevent overrun (“backlash” or “birdsnest”). Modern baitcasters have magnetic or centrifugal braking systems that automatically slow the spool as the lure decelerates, reducing backlash.
Retrieval: The spool rotates as the handle turns, winding line directly onto the spool. Gear ratios are typically higher than fixed-spools (7:1-9:1 common for lure fishing).
Power: Baitcasters are superior to fixed-spools for heavy line (20lb+) and casting heavy lures (30g+). The spool design handles thick, heavy line better than a fixed-spool’s bail arm system.
UK freshwater use
In UK freshwater fishing, baitcasting reels are used primarily for:
- Heavy lure fishing for pike: Large rubber lures, jerkbaits, and swimbaits on lines of 20-50lb braid cast from a baitcasting rod.
- Big cat fishing: Wels catfish angling where heavy lines and large baits are the norm.
- Specialist barbel and specimen fishing: Some specimen anglers use low-profile baitcasters for upstream ledger fishing on fast rivers.
Multiplier reels in sea fishing
The multiplier reel is the standard sea fishing reel for beach casting. A large multiplier loaded with 15-20lb mono or 50-60lb braid is cast with a pendulum swing to achieve distances of 150-200 yards on open beaches. The spool’s rotation requires thumb control during casting to prevent overrun.
Learning curve
Baitcasting reels require more practice than fixed-spools, particularly in controlling the spool during casting. Beginners invariably create backlashes while learning. Once mastered, baitcasters offer precision casting and excellent line management for heavy applications.
Fly Reels
What they are
Fly reels are used exclusively with fly fishing tackle. They are simple devices – essentially a drum that stores fly line and provides a drag system. Unlike all other reel types, a fly reel plays no direct role in casting – all fly casting energy comes from the rod and line, not the reel.
Mechanism
Line storage: A fly reel stores the fly line (which is thick, weighted, and comes in specific formats – floating, sinking, sink-tip) plus the backing (typically 100-200 yards of thin Dacron braid that provides a reserve if a fish runs beyond the fly line length).
Drag system: A click-pawl or disc drag system slows the reel when a fish runs. For small stream trout fishing, a simple click-pawl drag is adequate. For salmon or sea trout, a disc drag capable of handling long, powerful runs is essential.
Arbor size: Standard arbor fly reels have a smaller inner drum. Large arbor reels (a more modern design) have a larger inner drum, which picks up line faster per revolution and maintains more even drag. Large arbor reels are generally preferred for salmon and larger fish.
Fly reel sizes (AFTM rating)
Fly reels are matched to fly line weight, which is specified in AFTM numbers. A No. 5 fly line requires a No. 5 fly reel:
- AFTM 2-4: Small streams, light trout nymph, grayling
- AFTM 5-7: General trout fishing, larger still waters
- AFTM 8-10: Salmon, sea trout, saltwater species
Sarah Marsh, who writes the game fishing content for The River Bend, uses a No. 4 reel for chalk stream trout and grayling nymphing, and an AFTM 9 for autumn salmon work on the Wye system.
When to use a fly reel
Only in fly fishing. A fly reel is not interchangeable with any other reel type.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size fixed-spool reel do I need for carp fishing?
A 4000-5000 size fixed-spool is the standard for UK carp fishing. It holds sufficient 10-12lb monofilament or 15-20lb braid mainline, casts a 2-3oz lead comfortably, and has enough drag to control carp runs. Two matching reels on two matching carp rods is the standard carp fishing setup.
Is a centrepin reel hard to use?
It has a learning curve, particularly in controlling casts and preventing drum overrun. Most anglers find it takes 2-4 sessions of trotting practice before the centrepin becomes comfortable. The payoff – superior float control for trotting – is significant for river anglers. Many anglers who make the switch to centrepin for trotting do not go back to a fixed-spool for this technique.
Can I use a fixed-spool for lure fishing?
Yes. A 2500-3500 fixed-spool loaded with 15-20lb braid is entirely suitable for lure fishing for pike and perch. Baitcasting reels offer some advantages with very heavy lures (30g+) and are preferred by experienced UK lure anglers for large pike lures, but a fixed-spool handles most freshwater lure fishing applications perfectly well.
What is a rear drag vs front drag on a fixed-spool reel?
Front drag reels have the drag adjustment wheel on the front face of the spool. Front drag systems typically provide smoother, more powerful drag for a given reel size. Rear drag reels have the adjustment knob at the rear of the reel body – easier to adjust mid-fight without taking your hand off the rod handle. Rear drag reels are common on general purpose and match reels; front drag reels dominate in carp and sea fishing.
Do I need a different reel for saltwater fishing?
Yes, in most practical cases. Sea water corrodes standard freshwater reels quickly if not washed immediately after use. Sea fishing reels (both fixed-spool and multiplier) use corrosion-resistant materials and sealed bearings. If you fish both fresh and saltwater, a dedicated sea fishing reel is worth having to avoid the accelerated corrosion that saltwater causes to inland fishing reel materials.