For many anglers, spinning reels have surpassed baitcasters as the reel of choice, probably because spinning reels are easy to use and don't have the learning curve of casting reels. Also, for light-line applications and finesse techniques, spinning reels reign supreme in terms of performance and ease of use. Choosing the best spinning reel for your needs, however, can often be challenging if you're unfamiliar with how a spinning reel operates and the terms used to discuss reel performance. Take a read through the following guide to pick up some helpful hints for choosing the perfect spinning reel. Things To Consider: • Reel Body • Reel Size • Reel Gear Ratio • Drag System on a Spinning Reel • Ball Bearings • Spools on a Spinning Reel • Anti-Reverse Handles

1. Buying Guide: Picking the Best Spinning Reel

2. For many anglers, spinning reels have surpassed baitcasters as the
reel of choice, probably because spinning reels are easy to use and
don't have the learning curve of casting reels. Also, for light-line
applications and finesse techniques, spinning reels reign supreme in
terms of performance and ease of use. Choosing the best spinning
reel for your needs, however, can often be challenging if you're
unfamiliar with how a spinning reel operates and the terms used to
discuss reel performance. Take a read through the following guide to
pick up some helpful hints for choosing the perfect spinning reel.

3. Reel bodies (often referred as the "housing") can be made of graphite
or aluminum, or sometimes a combination of both. Aluminum
housing is stronger than graphite and exhibits less flex; however,
graphite is lighter. Deciding whether strength or weight is more
important is ultimately a personal choice. The highest quality
freshwater reels tend have aluminum bodies; however, if your chosen
playing field is saltwater, graphite is the way to go due to its
corrosion-resistant qualities.
Reel Body

4. Reel Size
Choosing the correct reel size is as easy as determining the size
fishing line you intend to use most often. The lighter the line
you intend to use, the smaller the reel you should purchase.
Ten-pound test line should be the highest strength and
diameter used on a spinning reel. (This is not applicable for
saltwater fishing or heavy trolling scenarios.)

5. Reel Gear Ratio
Unlike casting reels, which have a rotating spool, the spool
on a spinning reel is fixed, and a bail wraps the line onto
the spool as you turn the handle. So when discussing
spinning reels, gear ratio refers to the number of times the
bail rotates around the spool with a single turn of the reel
handle. For example, on a reel with a 4:1 gear ratio, the bail
rotates around the spool four times for every one single
turn of the handle. A 4:1 gear ratio is considered a slow-
speed reel because a relatively small amount of line is
"picked up" during the cranking process (four wraps of line
around the spool with each crank). The benefit is that these
reels provide more torque for reeling in large fish. A 6:1
ratio is considered a high-speed retrieve. A high, low or
medium speed retrieve should be determined by the style
of fishing you intend to do.

6. Drag System on a Spinning Reel
The drag system on a spinning reel is another important aspect to
consider. The drag is responsible for applying pressure to a hooked fish,
and letting out line during the fight. Without a smooth, high-quality
drag the risk of broken lines and lost fish is a high probability. Always
ensure that the reel you purchase has a smooth, non-constrictive drag.
The line should pull out steadily, without hesitation, at whatever tension
you set the drag.

7. Ball Bearings
Spinning reels feature ball bearings or bushings placed within the
body for smoothness, support and stability. Most spinning reels
also contain a roller bearing within the line roller. Generally
speaking, the greater number of bearings a reel contains, the
smoother the reel will perform. (Sealed stainless steel bearings are
preferable over bushings for added durability and control.)

8. Spools on a Spinning Reel
The spool on a spinning reel plays an important part, not only
for holding line, but also for casting distance and
smoothness. Most spools on the market today are either
anodized aluminum or graphite. As mentioned before,
graphite is the lighter of the two materials, while aluminum
spools offer greater strength and rigidity under pressure.

9. Anti-reverse handles are a prerequisite when searching for that perfect
spinning reel. This function prevents the handle from spinning backward so
that hook sets are powerful and accurate. If the spinning reel you're looking at
has any sort of backward motion, my advice would be to look for a different
model — your landing net will thank you.