There was a time when fixed spool reels were limited, both by design and variation, but thankfully there are now hundreds of different models available to suit every type of shore-based sea fishing. Jansen Teakle covers all of the bases when it comes to choosing the kind of reel that will suit you and make your style of sea fishing more enjoyable.
The obvious place to start would be to take a look at where you are going to be fishing. There are many large fixed spool reels on the market that will do most things, but by being a little more selective, it’s possible to choose a model which will pretty much be tailored to the kind of venues you are going to be tackling.
For example, if you’re going to be fishing mostly clean beach venues where light lines can be used, you should be aiming for a reel that won’t need filling with hundreds of meters of line to reach the lip of the spool. A shallower spooled model will hold enough light line to fish with, but won’t lead to unnecessary waste. Remember, the line at the base of the spool (that line that you first wind on) will rarely see daylight so it’s pointless using a reel with an excessively deep spool.
If you’re planning to fish over mixed or even rough ground, heavier mainline would be the order of the day, so a reel spool with a little more depth that is capable of holding sufficient line of this increased diameter would be a better choice.
Of course, there are models now available with spare spools and these are often designed with different breaking strain lines in mind. Even if your reel does not come supplied with spare spools, it’s good practice to acquire at least one and make sure it is pre-loaded with both line and shockleader. In the event of a break-off, the reel’s spool can be removed and the spare put on in its place, enabling you to get fishing again considerably faster. Tying leader knots on the beach can be time-consuming, a challenge in bad weather, and the temptation to rush in order to cast back out could result in a failed knot and even a lost catch. Taking your time to tie a solid knot from the comfort of your home is a far better approach.
Casting distance is controlled by just a couple of things when it comes to fixed spool reels- line level and line thickness. The thinner the line, the greater the potential casting distance as it will peel off the lip of the spool with far less friction. The line level will also not drop as fast as a heavier, thicker line. An underfilled reel will mean that there is greater friction as the line leaves the reel on the cast, drastically reducing those valuable meters. A useful tip is to add labels to the inside of your reel’s spools so that the line-breaking strain and diameter on each can be clearly identified.
With hundreds of shore fishing fixed spool reels out there to choose from, it’s good to start with a budget in mind and assess just where the difference might be between models that are less than a hundred pounds and those that could be many hundreds of pounds. The best way to do this is to take a closer look at the numerous features and capabilities of a modern-day surfcasting reel, starting with the basics.
Oscillation
A big word for the motion of the reel spool rising and dropping back as you turn the handle of the reel. High-quality reels feature slow oscillation, meaning the line is wound onto the spool very closely together. This reduces friction on the cast and leads to better casting distances.
Bearings
All modern reels feature bearings to keep everything free running and smooth. Top-end fixed spool reels will usually feature many high-quality bearings that will increase the smoothness of the reel when retrieving and help to reduce excessive wear on the gears. More affordable models will contain fewer bearings of a lower specification.
Spools
As mentioned above, spare spools are extremely useful. Some more affordable reels may not be supplied with a spare spool, but more expensive models are often supplied with one or more extra spools. Even if your reel does not come with a spare, it’s possible in many cases to buy them separately.
Clutch
That large disk on top of the reel is used to control the clutch and is often referred to as the front drag. It is tightened to lock the spool and wound off to allow the spool to turn and line to be pulled off. The clutch allows the line to be pulled from the reel when the rod is under load, meaning that should you hook a big fish, it can pull the line from the reel rather than snapping it. High-end reels often feature a quick drag, where the clutch can be locked fully with just one turn or even less. This should always be done before casting. If the spool is not locked and should slip during the cast, the shock leader could cut your finger. If you’re using braid, this could cause a very nasty injury.
Lower price bracket reels will feature a clutch that might take many turns to fully unwind/tighten it.
Gearing
Fixed spool reels feature a fairly simple gear arrangement, but the quality of the materials used and the tolerances applied in their construction are what can make the difference. Harder materials and smaller tolerances mean that the cogs mesh together more neatly, leading to less play and greater torque. More affordable reels may feature some play and may not feel quite so smooth. If you intend to fish over rough ground, it’s sensible to choose a reel with a faster speed of retrieve so that you can get your tackle up and away from the snaggy sea bed a lot quicker. Hardened gearing on some models allows for constant winding under load without potentially damaging your reel. A slower retrieve reel will offer greater torque when retrieving a heavy load.
To break this down, here is a list of surfcasting fixed spool reels at different price points that are suited to different types of ground.
Rough ground models
Shimano Bullseye 9120
Penn Spinfisher VI Long Cast SSVI7500LCEU
Okuma Surf 8K
Mixed ground models
Shimano Power Aero 14000 XSC
Shimano Speedmaster 14000 XSD
Black Rock Bullfrog 8000 Distance
Clean ground models
Daiwa 20 Tournament Basia Surf 45 SCW QD
Sonik Dominator XS10000 Surf Reel
Penn Conflict II CFTII8000LCEU