Tackle Frenzy - Fixed Spool Reels

The Fixed Spool fishing reel has come on a bundle in sea angling over the past 10 years but even now 'Old Salty' will tell you that if you want a proper sea fishing reel it has to be a multiplier. As a coarse angler in my youth the multipliers are alien to me and having bought and tried a multiplier, and tried it again and again and eventually sent it down to meet 'Old Hob' after suffering my last birds nest so I am an advocate of the fixed spool reel.

Fixed spool is ideal for inshore boat fishing, surf fishing, estuary fishing, pier fishing and of course spinning and although I prefer fixed spools personally there are disadvantages to the fixed spool for distance casting and deep sea fishing which the multiplier overcomes. The disadvantage is the way the line comes through the rings, on a fixed spool the line is wrapped around the spool therefore it winds around the inside of a ring. This causes friction and on a long cast may shorten the distance achieved. Also when playing a larger fish up from the ocean depths the same principle applies but instead of reducing distance, the winding action can stress the line through the rings and cause the line to break. With a multiplier the reel spins and the angle of the line is straight and does not move around the rings of the rod.

The term fixed spool means that on these reels the spool is stationary (fixed) and the line is wound around the spool via a bail arm. Simple. There are a number of sizes of fixed spool reel which is called a Spinning Reel by many sea angling outlets as this is primarily why the fixed spool was introduced. In order to cast and allow line to run free the bail arm is cocked, the rod is flicked and the rig cast out then the bail arm is reset either manually or by winding the handle. These reel are easy to master and provide easy maintenance and servicing. The only down side is if the line is allowed to become loose on the spool it can sometimes be wound under the fixed spool. This is easily remedied by taking the spool off, unwinding the line and placing the spool on again - easy!

There are a number of factors to look for in a fixed spool reel such as:

The number of ball bearing
The construction of the case and spools
The rewind ratio
The line capacity
Drag system - spool controlled drag or rear controlled

Ball Bearings	Both fixed spool and multiplier reels run on ball bearings to provide smooth operation and longevity. The higher the number of ball bearings the smoother and longer your reel should operate. As with all advice offered on Tackle Frenzy there is sensibility about the amount of money spent. There is no point buying a high-end reel if it will be used once a month for a couple of hours but the more money that you can afford to spend within reason you will get a better quality reel that as long as it is maintained will last for many years to come.
Construction	This can be important if you are looking for a low maintenance reel as you will be subjecting the reel to sea water, sand, fish slime and the general abuse that reels get during to coarse of fishing. Carbon bodies offer light weight and anti-corrosion properties but these come at a price. Stainless steel also has anti-corrosion properties but at the expense of weight. Most reels will provide years of good use if looked after and once again the budget will dictate. Remember that the products that Tackle Frenzy has selected offer value for money and even our entry level reels will provide good service to the weekend angler.
Rewind Ratio	This is the speed at which the bail arm rotates around the spool and therefore how much line is retrieved for every turn of the handle. If a fast retrieve rate is required such as lure fishing for Bass then a retrieve rate of 4.5:1 or higher is recommended. If however you are pirking for Cod off a wreck then you may be looking for a lower retrieve rate to allow time for the fish to follow the pirk and make it's charge. Faster is not always better but for the weekend angler we recommend a ratio of 4:1 or higher.
Line Capacity	Different reels are designed for different tasks. If you choose a fixed spool for beachcasting then a large reel with a large spool big enough to handle up to 300 yards of 20lb line is required but if pier fishing or spinning is your thing then a smaller lighter reel capable of holding 140 yards of 18lb line or less is ideal. For general use I recommend that you purchase a reel capable of holding up to 200 yards of 18lb line.
Drag System	This is a very important tool on any fishing reel as when set properly it allows the fish to take line at around 75% of the breaking strain from the reel without the angler needing to let line out. This is most important for hard fighting species such as Bass or Conger as they will allow you to bring them in but when they see you or your boat they usually make a dash for it and your reel will allow them to do so whilst maintaining pressure on the fish and wearing them out in the process. The choice of drag setting on the spool or at the rear of the reel is personal, I use a spool drag and my sons prefer the drag system operating from the rear.