Fixed Spool Reels

The fixed spool or spinning reel became widely available in the 1940s. It was said then that “anyone can cast a long way with a fixed spool reel”, and that statement still holds true today.

There are several different types of fixed spool reel, but they all work on the same basic principle. On the retrieve, the line is wound around the spool by a rotating bale arm. The spool doesn’t revolve, but it does move up and down along the line of the rod to facilitate even line lay. The spool needs to be almost full of line for best casting: line should fill the spool to just below the rim and be wound on firmly. Many anglers fail to appreciate this and their casting deteriorates as the level of line on the spool drops due to wear.

Although the spool doesn’t turn when the line is being retrieved, it does revolve to give line to a running fish. The spool turns under the control of a drag or slipping clutch, which can be adjusted so that the spool turns and gives line before the breaking point of the line is reached. An anti-reverse mechanism (some silent, some audible) prevents the handle from turning backwards when the spool is rotating.

Fixed spool reels are available in a variety of retrieve rates. A ratio of about 4:1, which will retrieve around 20 inches of line for each turn of the handle, is suitable for most purposes. However, many anglers prefer a 3:1 ratio (about 15 inches per turn) for spinning when they want to work the lure at a slow, steady rate, or a 6:1 ratio (30 inches per turn) for cranking in lures at high speed when after pelagic species in clear water.

The Closed Face Reel is a type of fixed spool reel which doesn’t have an exposed hale arm. The line passes through a hole in the completely-enclosed front face of the reel, and is wound round the spool by a rotating steel pin. During casting, this hale pin is disengaged from the line by finger pressure on the front face of the reel, or on some models by pressing a button at the rear. Depending on the make, the drag control is either mounted on the handle shaft or at the rear. Most reels will only allow the spool to rotate and give line when the anti-reverse is on, but a few allow line to be given by back-winding.

Closed face reels are very efficient for light line fishing, but their use with lines in excess of 4 or 5 pounds test is not recommended. The fixed spool or spinning reel is ideal for float fishing and ledgering, as well as for spinning in both fresh and salt water. All the closed face reels and the smallest fixed spools will hold around 100 yards of between 2 and 4 pounds test line, and are ideal for jigging and lightweight float fishing and ledgering for species like perch, the smaller cyprinids and crappies.

For anything heavier, the medium sized fixed spool reels should be used. One reel and two interchangeable spools should cover all your needs: one spool with 100 to 150 yards of 5 or 6 pounds test, plus a deeper one holding 150 to 200 yards of 8 to 12 pounds test. The deeper spool should be crushproof, as the constriction of the line can be considerable when you’re playing larger species such as carp, catfish, pike, salmon or big bass.

Lightweight graphite bodies, disengaging spools and rear drag levers are all useful on this type of reel, but most importantly the reel should be hard wearing and free running, with a wide, deep spool for easy, long casting.

The largest fixed spool reels are those designed for surfcasting and estuary fishing. These should be corrosion-resistant (many aren’t) for regular use in saltwater, and have wide, smooth-lipped spools capable of holding somewhere between 200 and 250 yards of 15 to 25 pounds test line. More so than for any other type of fishing, beach reels need to be very smooth-running, so look for those whose spools turn effortlessly on ball or roller bearings.

A sensibly-sized, torpedo-shaped handle is essential for a good grip, and a sensitive, progressive drag (either front or rear) is a must for playing fast, hard-fighting fish. Spools with conical-shaped inners are preferable for long-distance casting, as are small, manually-operated hale arms which won’t accidentally snap closed during a powerful cast.