Spinning Reels Buyers Guide: How to Choose the Right Spin Reel

A spinning reel is one of the most popular fishing reels in Australia, and for good reason. It sits under the rod, casts light lures and baits with ease, and is simple to use for beginners and experienced anglers alike. Whether you fish the local estuary, the rocks or offshore, there's a spin reel suited to the job.

This guide covers the basics of choosing between spinning fishing reels and finding the best spinning reel for the way you fish: what size you need, what to look for, when a baitrunner reel makes sense, and how spin reels compare with baitcasters. When you're ready, browse our full range of spinning reels.

What size spinning reel do I need?

Spinning reel sizes are shown as a number, such as 1000, 2500 or 4000. The bigger the number, the bigger the reel, the more line it holds and the heavier the fish and tackle it's built for. Sizes vary a little between brands, so use these groups as a rough guide rather than a strict rule.

• Small reels (around 1000 to 2500): light line and small lures in estuaries, rivers and lakes. Great for species including but not limited to bream, whiting, flathead and bass.
• Mid-size reels (around 3000 to 5000): the all-rounders. Well suited to bays, beaches, rock ledges and light offshore fishing for species such as snapper, tailor and school-sized pelagics.
• Large reels (around 6000 and up): heavier line and bigger fish. Built for offshore fishing, surf casting and targeting larger species such as kingfish, tuna and mackerel.

If you're buying your first spin reel and fish a bit of everything, a 2500 spinning reel or a 4000 spinning reel is a sensible place to start. The 2500 leans towards lighter estuary fishing, while the 4000 handles bigger water and bigger fish. Match the reel to your rod too: a light rod suits a small reel, and a heavier rod needs a bigger reel to balance well.

What to look for in a spinning reel

You don't need to understand every spec on the box. These are the things that make the biggest difference on the water.

A smooth drag. The drag lets line slip when a fish pulls hard, so your line doesn't break. A smooth, consistent drag matters more than a high maximum number, especially on light line.

Weight and feel. A lighter reel is less tiring to cast all day and feels better on a light rod. Heavier reels are usually tougher and suit bigger fish.

Saltwater protection. Saltwater is hard on reels. For regular saltwater fishing, look for saltwater spinning reels with sealing that helps keep water and salt out of the gears and drag. The Penn Authority is one example of a fully sealed saltwater spin reel, built to survive a dunking.

Gear ratio. This is how many times the bail wraps line around the spool for each turn of the handle. A higher ratio picks up line faster, which suits fast lure fishing. A lower ratio gives more winding power, which helps with deep or heavy fishing. For most people a middle ratio covers both.

Build quality. A metal body and good bearings generally last longer and feel smoother, but a well-made budget reel will serve most weekend anglers well.

Baitrunner and live liner reels

A baitrunner reel (also called a baitfeeder or live liner reel) is a spinning reel with a second, lighter drag you can switch on. With it engaged, a fish can pick up your bait and run with it without feeling resistance, which gives it time to take the bait properly. Depending on the reel, turning the handle or flicking a lever switches back to the main drag, ready to fight the fish.

They're popular for bait fishing from the shore or an anchored boat, and for live baiting, where you want a fish to swim off with the bait before you set the hook. The Okuma Coronado Baitrunner is a common example, with an on/off bait-feeding system that lets the spool run freely until you're ready.

If you mostly cast lures, you won't need this feature. If you fish a lot of bait, it's well worth having.

Spinning reel vs baitcaster

Both are great reels. They just suit different anglers and styles.

• Spinning reels are easier to learn, cast light lures and baits well, and are generally less prone to tangles when casting. They're the best choice for beginners and for most general fishing.
• Baitcaster reels sit on top of the rod and give more control and accuracy when casting to structure, and often more winding power. They take practice, because the spool can overrun and tangle if you don't control it with your thumb.

If you're unsure, start with a spinning reel. Many anglers add a baitcaster later for specific styles such as casting lures at snags. See our baitcaster reels if you're thinking of making the switch.

How to spool a spinning reel

Learning how to put line on a spinning reel is easy once you know the basics. Here's how to tie line on a spinning reel and fill it properly.

1. Open the bail arm and tie the line to the reel spool with an arbor knot, then trim the tag end.
2. Close the bail and start winding slowly.
3. Keep light tension on the line by pinching it between your fingers (a damp cloth helps) so it packs on firmly.
4. Watch for twist. Line should come off the filler spool in the same direction the bail turns. If it starts to twist, flip the filler spool over.
5. Don't overfill. Stop a couple of millimetres below the lip of the spool. An overfilled spool is one of the most common causes of tangles.

If you're using braided line, put a short base of monofilament on first (or a strip of tape on the spool). Braid is slippery and can spin on a bare spool.

Spinning reel FAQs

Can I put braid on a spinning reel?

Yes. Braid is very popular on spin reels because it's thin, strong and casts well. Use a mono backing or tape underneath so it doesn't slip, and add a leader for abrasion resistance.

Can I use a spinning reel on a baitcaster rod?

It will usually fit the reel seat, but it's not ideal. Baitcaster rod guides sit on top and are smaller, which hurts casting and line flow. A spinning reel works best on a spinning rod.

Can I swap the handle from left to right?

On most, but not all, spinning reels. Where it's possible, the handle unscrews and fits on the other side. Check the product details or the manufacturer's instructions for your reel before buying if this matters to you.

Why does my spinning reel line tangle?

The usual causes are an overfilled spool, line twist, or loose line wound on without tension. Spool up with a little less line, keep tension while winding, and close the bail by hand after casting.

How do I look after my spinning reel?

Rinse it with a gentle spray of fresh water after every saltwater trip, dry it, and back the drag off before storing it. For a full walkthrough, see our fishing reel maintenance guide.

Ready to choose? Browse our full range of spinning reels.