The best reel for surf fishing is something you might be interested in if you are an avid angler. This article will discuss what types of reels you can use to catch fish, which type might be better for your needs.
Casting Reels
The first type of reel is the casting reel. This type is easy to use; it requires no bait to be set or a specific rod for fishing. Instead, cast out and reel in the fish you catch, or let the line go and let the fish fight against it for itself.
Casting reels use a baitcasting reel, which is primarily used for fishing in freshwater. They can be bought in single and double-handed models and have sizes ranging from a mini-sized (2 inches) to a giant-sized (12 inches). The larger is used for catfish or large fish, while the smaller sizes are better for schooling fish like sunfish or bass.
Most casting reels are designed with an open-face design, meaning you can see the gears inside of them. This design makes it simple to inspect the gear set and tension system and allows you to adjust the fishing reel in moments. You can use gun oil on fishing reels for its maintenance.
You can use a casting reel for the following types of seafood:
- Catfish
- Salmon
- Trout
- Stripers/Pike
- Bass/Sunfish
Casting reels are fantastic for trolling in the surf. It’s easy to use a casting reel with little set-up time, and this is ideal for people who want carbon fiber or graphite fishing rod and getting the line set up. However, you can’t tweak it or customize it and other types of reels (like spinning reels).
Spinning Reels
The second type of reel is the spinning reel. The reels use multiple lines in a unit. This system makes spinning reels some of the most economical reel choices for surf fishing, along with the fact that they have little to no slack in the line. Spinning reels are used for baitcasting, surf, and tidal fishing, as well as many other applications.
Spinning reels are more complex than casting reels and have a lot more options available to use. Each reel is made with the best gear to handle the type of fishing. Like a casting reel, they come in single and double-handed models.
Anglers can use spinning reels for the following types of seafood:
- Catfish
- Salmon/Trout/Stripers/Pike
- Bass/Sunfish/Other seafood
Beginner and experienced anglers can use spinning reels for trolling in the surf, but they tend to have more resistance. You still cast out and reel in, but it takes longer to get the fish back on your rod — this can be good or bad, depending on what type of fish you are catching.
Surf Rods
Many surf anglers use surf rods, even though they are not strictly necessary. They use surf rods to fish because they are easy to fish out of the water. The surf fishing rod is easy to transport and can be used in the beach and ocean areas. They give you an extra pair of hands when fishing and are relatively inexpensive.
A surf rod comes in three basic sizes: short (2–4 ft), medium (5–6 ft), and long (> 6 ft). The length of the rod is designed to be suitable for surf fishing in specific types of water. For example, a 6-foot rod is best for fish that are 5–6 ft deep.
How To Choose The Best Spinning VS Casting Reel For Surf Fishing?
When choosing a reel for surf fishing, there are several things to consider:
Size
When choosing a reel for surf fishing, you have to consider where you will catch the fish. If you are catching fish in shallow waters, then you can use a small-sized reel. If you are fishing in deeper waters, then bigger is better. When choosing the size of the reel, the most important thing is to do your research beforehand and find out what types of fish are being caught in your area.
Weight
The fishing weight of the reel should be equivalent to the fishing rod you use. If the total weight of the reel and rod is too much, then it will feel heavy in your hand and will make you tired. However, a light reel means that you have to drag it in the water every time.
Drag System
A powerful drag system is essential for spinning and casting reels because it gives you control over your catch. When casting, you want to be able to use the reel’s natural resistance to slow down the line (which is usually faster than you can pull on it). That is especially important if you are casting into the surf and have a fish on.
Braid VS Monofilament Line
Many surf anglers use braided lines. This type of line is solid and thin, making it the perfect line to use in surf fishing. In addition, it’s strong, so it can hold the big fish you might catch. However, a braided fishing line is not meant to last forever, so ensure that you inspect the line before you fish.
Monofilament line, on the other hand, is easy to use but is less durable. In addition, it means that you will have to go through many fishing lines because it is easier to break and get tangled. Therefore, when selecting a reel for surf fishing, there are several factors that you should consider:
Gear Ratio
Every spinning reel has a gear ratio, which determines how fast the reel can turn. The faster the ratio, the more drag you will feel when reeling in a catch. Therefore, a higher ratio is better for catching larger fish in deep water or for extensive fish fighting against the current of a river or stream.
Spool VS Ball Bearings
Spool reels use ball bearings, which spin the spool and reel quickly. That makes for a smoother reel, but they can also be noisy because balls roll inside them while reeling in your catch.
Casting Distances
When casting, it is essential to be able to cast accurately. The fishing reel should have a reasonable casting distance, especially when you are using a braid. Be sure that the reel can help you cast further and more accurately.
Line Capacity
Line capacity is vital for surf fishing because it determines how many fish you can handle at one time and how long your line will last. Line capacity also affects the drag system of your reel. When you have many lines on your reel, it can be harder to cast than if you had a small reel.
Balance Point
When selecting a spinning reel for surf fishing, you want to have as high of a balance point as possible. That makes the reel more reliable and easier to use.
Design
The reel’s design will determine how well you can use it and how much bait you can store in it. For example, if you are fishing for multiple species, then a wide reel is best for storing different types of bait on the spool.
Maintenance and Repair
When a reel malfunctions on the water, it is difficult to fix. Ensure that you inspect your reel often and always bring extra parts with you if something happens when fishing. You can also use wd-40 on fishing reels for its maintenance.
Level Wind
For experienced anglers, the immediate drag of a spinning reel is often better than the steady and smooth drag of a casting reel. However, for beginners, using a free-spinning reel is more complicated and does not offer much control. Therefore, many beginners choose a casting reel for surf fishing.
Conclusion: Spinning VS Casting Reel For Surf Fishing
In conclusion, when choosing a conventional reel for surf fishing, you should consider the reel, weight, and drag system size. A powerful drag system is essential for spinning and casting reels because it gives you control over your catch. If you are casting into the surf and have a fish on, you want to use the reel’s natural resistance to slow down the line (which is usually faster than you can pull on it).
Surf fishing calls for different types of reels depending upon where you are fishing. For instance, a surf angler will need an enormous fishing reel for catching ocean-going fish. However, for fishing in shallow waters, they can use a smaller reel. When choosing the size of the reel, the most important thing is to do your research beforehand and find out what types of fish are being caught in your area. Then, you can make your personal preference in terms of line type and reel size.