Spinning Reels Explained

Spinning reels are "open faced" reels where the spool is stationary and the line pays out over the end of the spool. The line is spun onto the spool as a device called a "bail" rotates around it. The overall concept is similar to that of a spincasting reel.

To cast the spinning reel, hold the handle of the rod with one hand trapping the line between your forefinger and the rod handle and open the bail. Release the line by extending your forefinger into a straight position. You can control how far you cast the line by letting the line move along your finger as close to the handle as possible as the line unwinds. When you want to stop the line you simply amply pressure to the line against the handle and close the bail either manually or by turning the handle.

Spinning reels can hold line from 4 to 20 pound test depending on the size of the reel. You'll be able to use it for lightweight lures with a weight of 1/8 ounce up to 2 ounces again depending on reel size and line.

Spinning reels are great for a lighter line and work well with live bait. When casting with a spinning reel the bait sails freely through the air making a gentler presentation that protects delicate baits from harm. Spinning reels also tend to perform a little better than baitcasting reels when you're casting into the wind.

As in most fishing reels, quality construction is important. It's fairly easy to tell the quality of a reel by how smooth it feels when cranking. A fishing reel that is noisy, has a lot of vibration or wobble when cranking is a sign of poor construction. Quality machining and ball bearing construction are what makes a good fishing reel. Generally the more bearings used the smoother the operation. Although a reel with five quality bearings will serve you better than a reel with ten not so good quality bearings.

Spinning reels use an Anti-Reverse mechanism that allows line to pay out while the handle remains stationary. Some modern fishing reels may use an Instant Anti-Reverse system (IAR) which uses a one-way clutch bearing on the handle shaft and restricts the handle from going backwards at all. You should consider an Instant Anti-Reverse reel as they help eliminate a slack line and aid in hook setting.

The speed of a fishing reel is determined by the gear ratio. The gear ratio is how many times the spool turns each time the handle makes one revolution. Spinning reels usually run from 4.7:1 up to about 6.2:1. The faster 6.2:1 ratio saves a lot of unnecessary effort on an empty line, as it provides more crank for the effort. But the lower ratio provides more torque or power.

The drag is the mechanical device that applies pressure to the spool and acts as a brake to slow down or stop a running fish. Generally you should set your drag to about half of the lines breaking strength. You can adjust the setting while playing the fish. On spinning reels a front drag system puts the controls in front of the spool and usually offers greater durability and increased friction. Rear drag controls are easier to use for some people, which is handy when you've got that fighting fish on the line and you need to play him. They tend not be quite as sturdy as the front drag system though.

One disadvantage of using a spinning reel is that there is a possibility of line twist which can create tangles and knots. You can reduce this possibility by spooling your line correctly and not reeling in while your drag is too loose and letting out line. When your line becomes too twisted the best thing that you can do is replace the line with a new one.

Okuma Inspira

This is my favorite spinning reel. Inspira Features: Multi-disk oiled felt drag washers, 9 stainless steel HPB ball bearings, 1 Quick-Set Anti-Reverse roller bearing, Precision machine cut brass pinion gear, ALC : Rigid diecast aluminum frame, Patented Elliptical Oscillation System, Spare matching aluminum and ported spool, Rigid forged aluminum handle design, Hydro Block water tight drag seal.
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Shimano Symetre

Smooth, silent, strong and so much more. Slow oscillation lays the line in a parallel pattern for excellent castability and control. S-Arm Cam protruding surface on the bail arm keeps slack line in contact with the line roller to reduce the chance of tangles and line cuts. Maintenance Port, a sealed plug that can be removed using a screwdriver to easily lubricate the drive train without disassembling the reel. Super Stopper II is a 1-way roller bearing that eliminates backplay for solid hooksets, yet can be turned on or off to allow back-reeling.
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Penn Spinfisher

Spinfisher® SS MetalThe Penn Spinfisher® SS is by far the most recognized spinning reel on the market. With its deep-black aluminum frame and rich Penn Gold anodized spool, the Penn Spinfisher® SS is available in four sizes perfectly geared for any of your saltwater fishing applications. All Penn Spinfisher® SS Reels feature a super-strong stainless main shaft, supported by bronze bushings; ensuring your Spinfisher® maintains alignment even under intense loads; a nice feature when hooked into 100lb-plus fish. Three* Stainless Steel ball bearings provide consistent and proven performance, while the new sealed drag knob keeps contaminants from affecting drag performance. Spinfisher® SS Spools are designed to accomodate longer casts and greater line capacities, something important when targeting trophy fish.
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Okuma Stinson Combo

Okuma Stinson spinning combo features the Okuma Stinson reel. This 6 ball bearing reel features a quick-set anti-reverse, multi-disc Japanese oiled felt drag, patented Elliptical Oscillation System and Okuma's Hydro Block water tight seals. Reel also features a machined aluminum spool and die cast aluminum handle design. The rod is a 6'6" 2-Piece composite rod with OC-9 carbon Matrix outer wrap, aluminum oxide guide inserts, Fuji stainless steel hooded reel seat and cork handle.
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