Coarse Fishing Reels

How to choose a reel for coarse fishing

In feeder fishing, the reel sends a feeder to the same spot cast after cast. On a feeder reel, the key features are a precise, smooth drag, a line clip for repeating the same distance and a spool that lets line flow off easily. Light and medium reels suit short and medium range, while distance and method feeder reels are built for big waters and heavier feeders.

Float fishing means a light reel and fine line. A match reel has a shallow spool made for fine line, and a fast retrieve gets the float back quickly for the next cast. Waggler reels are designed for waggler fishing, where the float is cast further out and the line is sunk below the surface so that wind and surface drift do not move the float.

Specialist reels are designed for targeting bigger fish, and freespool reels let a fish take line while the rod sits on the rest. They suit legering where you wait for a bite from tench, bream or carp, and also livebaiting for pike.

In reel accessories you will find spare spools for changing line diameter or type quickly at the water, plus spare parts that keep a trusted reel in good shape season after season.

Match the size of the reel to the rod: a light match rod calls for a small, light reel, a heavy feeder rod for a sturdier one. A balanced outfit is more comfortable to fish with all day and helps you land every cast on the same spot.