Ever felt a giant fish pull on your line, making your rod bend almost in half? That thrilling fight needs the right gear. Conventional fishing reels are powerful tools for big catches. But choosing one can feel like a puzzle. Do you need more power or better casting? Many anglers get confused by all the different features.
Picking the wrong reel means lost fish and frustration. You want a reel that matches your fishing style and the size of the fish you hope to land. This guide cuts through the confusion. We will explain what makes a good conventional reel tick.
By the end of this post, you will understand the key differences between models. You will feel confident choosing the perfect conventional reel for your next big adventure on the water. Let’s dive into the world of these workhorse reels and find the best fit for you.
Top Conventional Fishing Reels Recommendations
- LIGHTWEIGHT GRAPHITE FRAME AND SIDEPLATES with aluminum frame rings. The ultralight and versatile PENN Rival Level Wind also features a forged and machined aluminum spool with Line Capacity Rings.
- AUTO-ENGAGING GEARS with marine-grade bronze alloy main and machine-cut brass pinion gears. Recovers at the rate of 29” | 74cm with every turn of the crank. Gear ratio of 5.1:1.
- MULTI-STOP BEARING SYSTEM: Time-tested shielded 2-ball bearing system offers control in the heat of battle.
- HT-100 STAR DRAG DRAG SYSTEM: Built with carbon fiber washers for a max drag of 15lb | 6.8kg, this system will exhaust the fish without wearing you down. Right handle position.
- LINE CAPACITY: Mono Capacity yd/lb: 375/12 320/15 215/20. Braid Capacity 580/20 435/30 305/50. Line capacity rings eliminate the guesswork of remaining line when fighting a fish.
- LIGHTWEIGHT GRAPHITE FRAME AND SIDEPLATES with aluminum frame rings. The ultralight and versatile PENN Rival Level Wind also features a forged and machined aluminum spool with Line Capacity Rings.
- AUTO-ENGAGING GEARS with marine-grade bronze alloy main and machine-cut brass pinion gears. Recovers at the rate of 29” | 74cm with every turn of the crank. Gear ratio of 5.1:1.
- MULTI-STOP BEARING SYSTEM: Time-tested shielded 2-ball bearing system offers control in the heat of battle.
- HT-100 STAR DRAG DRAG SYSTEM: Built with carbon fiber washers for a max drag of 15lb | 6.8kg, this system will exhaust the fish without wearing you down. Right handle position.
- LINE CAPACITY: Mono Capacity yd/lb: 475/15 315/20 290/25. Braid Capacity 865/20 650/30 455/50. Line capacity rings eliminate the guesswork of remaining line when fighting a fish.
- Fast Gear Access Side Plate
- 3+1 shielded stainless steel ball bearings
- HT-100 carbon fiber drag washers
- Lightweight graphite frame and sideplates
- Forged and machined aluminum spool
- LINE COUNTER TROLLING REEL – New from KastKing is the ReKon Line Counter Trolling Reel. Available in 3 sizes, ReKon conventional reels will be perfect for Salmon, Steelhead, Trout, Kokanee, Walleye, Lake Trout, saltwater species, and so much more. Both feature an exceptional, accurate mechanical line counter so that you can consistently keep your bait in the exact zone that is producing fish over and over.
- HIGH PERFORMANCE COMPONENTS – The KastKing ReKon baitcasting reels are designed for tough trolling conditions and uses the best components. For smooth and trouble-free operation KastKing uses 3 double shielded, stainless-steel ball bearings in high stress points plus the Instant anti-reverse bearing. KastKing ReKon main gears and worm shafts are made of precision machined brass. Its pinion gear and line guide shaft are high quality stainless-steel.
- AMAZING DRAG POWER & FEATURES – The ReKon Line Counter round casting reels use a smooth, carbon disc drag that delivers 30 lbs of fish stopping power (25lb for size 10). Both size reels have a line clicker function that makes releasing planer boards simple and easy. You can use that feature as a strike detection system while trolling. Gear ratio is 5.1:1 on the size 10, 5.3:1 on the size 20 and 4.5:1 on the size 30.
- GREAT LINE CAPACITY – KastKing kept these fishing reels as compact as possible while still providing tons of line capacity to anglers using leadcore, heavy braid, or strong monofilament fishing line. The size 10, size 20 and size 30 ReKon cast reel will hold over 250 yards of 20 lb. mono or about 10 colors of Micro Leadcore line and over 320 yards of 25 lb. mono or equivalent braided line respectively.
- TWO HANDLE OPTIONS – KastKing designed the handles to be different on the two models for a reason. The size 10 ReKon is mostly for Kokanee, Walleye and Trout so KastKing included a comfortable, double paddle handle with EVA grips. The larger size 20 and 30 reel has a single Power Handle with a comfortable round knob that gives more leverage for larger fish and longer retrieves for Salmon, Steelhead, Lake Trout, Striped Bass, or other uses such as a catfish reel that require more fishing line.
- Professional Grade Fishing Reel: The Chaos XS round baitcasting reel features a CNC caved, anti-line skip aluminum spool, this makes spooling much easier. The Chaos XS is built with a 7075 aircraft grade aluminum frame which reduces the weight of the reel by 10% without sacrificing strength and durability. It features precision cut brass gears and stainless steel ball bearings which will help ensure long lasting performance
- Innovative Cast Technology: The Chaos XS features a centrifugal brake, delivering superior casting performance. The innovative cast technology ensures a smoother & longer casting distance while reducing the chance of backlash
- Hight Performance: Designed to meet the demands of the most hardcore angler. The recessed reel foot helps the Chaos XS round reel keep a low profile on the rod making it easy to palm and cast. The oversized nonslip Rubber grips, clicker alarm, and the easy access thumb-bar all make using the Chaos XS a great experience
- Powerful: The Premium Carbon Fiber Drag System paired with a Japanese Haimai-Cut brass main gear provides up to 22 pounds of stopping power to stop trophy fish in their tracks
- Super Smooth: Piscifun’s Round Baitcasting reels have premium 6+1 double shielded stainless steel ball bearings for smooth operation
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND DURABLE: The PENN Warfare Level Wind Reel sports a corrosion-resistant graphite frame with graphite sideplates, plus a forged and machined aluminum spool with Line Capacity Rings.
- MACHINED BRASS MAIN AND PINION GEARS: Recovers at the rate of 29” | 74cm with every turn of the crank. Gear ratio of 5.1:1.
- INSTANT ANTI-REVERSE BALL BEARING: The Warfare features 1 instant anti-reverse bearing to provide smooth and predictable operation when the going gets tough.
- HT-100 STAR DRAG DRAG SYSTEM: Built with carbon fiber washers for a max drag of 15lb | 6.8kg, this system will exhaust the fish without wearing you down. Level wind system keeps lines from piling up, tangling or snagging.
- LINE CAPACITY: Mono Capacity yd/lb: 375/12 320/15 215/20. Braid Capacity 580/20 435/30 305/50. Right handle position.
- Professional Grade Fishing Reel: The Chaos XS round baitcasting reel features a CNC caved, anti-line skip aluminum spool, this makes spooling much easier. The Chaos XS is built with a 7075 aircraft grade aluminum frame which reduces the weight of the reel by 10% without sacrificing strength and durability. It features precision cut brass gears and stainless steel ball bearings which will help ensure long lasting performance
- Innovative Cast Technology: The Chaos XS features a centrifugal brake, delivering superior casting performance. The innovative cast technology ensures a smoother & longer casting distance while reducing the chance of backlash
- Hight Performance: Designed to meet the demands of the most hardcore angler. The recessed reel foot helps the Chaos XS round reel keep a low profile on the rod making it easy to palm and cast. The oversized nonslip Rubber grips, clicker alarm, and the easy access thumb-bar all make using the Chaos XS a great experience
- Powerful: The Premium Carbon Fiber Drag System paired with a Japanese Haimai-Cut brass main gear provides up to 22 pounds of stopping power to stop trophy fish in their tracks
- Super Smooth: Piscifun’s Round Baitcasting reels have premium 6+1 double shielded stainless steel ball bearings for smooth operation
- Premium Lightweight & Durable Build: The Sougayilang Trolling Reel features an aircraft-grade aluminum frame combined with graphite side panels, offering exceptional strength without adding bulk. Its stainless steel handle and oval knobs ensure a comfortable grip, making it perfect for long trolling sessions.
- Dominates Big Game Fishing: Engineered for heavy-duty trolling, this Sougayilang fishing reel delivers a powerful 3.8:1 gear ratio and 22 lbs of max drag. Whether you're targeting marlin or tuna, its high-torque brass gears and stainless steel spool provide relentless power to reel in giants.
- Ultra-Smooth Performance: Equipped with 3 stainless steel ball bearings + instant anti-reverse, the Sougayilang Trolling Reel operates seamlessly even under pressure. Precision-machined brass main gears reduce friction for buttery retrieves, while the waterproof design resists saltwater corrosion.
- High-Capacity & Versatile Spool: Compact yet mighty, this trolling reel holds ample line for leadcore, braid, or monofilament. Its deep-anodized spool prevents line slippage, and the striking color options (black/blue/silver) add a professional touch to your gear.
- Perfect Gift for Anglers: Packaged in a sleek box, the Sougayilang Trolling Reel makes an ideal gift for holidays or birthdays. Backed by 24/7 customer support, it’s a worry-free choice to share the thrill of fishing with friends and family.
The Essential Buying Guide for Conventional Fishing Reels
Conventional fishing reels, often called “baitcasters” or “overhead reels,” are workhorses for serious anglers. They offer incredible power and line capacity, making them perfect for big fish and heavy lures. This guide helps you choose the right one for your next adventure.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a conventional reel, several features directly impact how well it performs. Focus on these main components:
Gear Ratio
The gear ratio shows how many times the spool turns when you crank the handle once. A lower ratio (e.g., 4.0:1) gives you more torque (power) for pulling heavy loads or deep-sea fish. A higher ratio (e.g., 6.2:1) retrieves line faster, which is great for covering more water quickly.
Drag System
The drag lets line out slowly when a big fish pulls hard. This stops the line from breaking. Look for smooth, strong drag systems, often made with carbon fiber or Teflon washers. A powerful drag is crucial for fighting large saltwater species.
Line Capacity
This tells you how much fishing line the reel can hold. If you fish offshore for tuna or bottom fish in deep water, you need high line capacity. For freshwater bass fishing, a smaller capacity reel is usually fine.
Bearings
Bearings reduce friction and make the reel turn smoothly. More bearings often mean a smoother cast and retrieve. Good quality stainless steel bearings are better than basic brass ones, especially for saltwater use where corrosion is a risk.
Important Materials and Construction
The materials used determine the reel’s durability and weight.
- Frame and Side Plates: Aluminum or graphite are common. Aluminum frames offer superior strength and rigidity, resisting bending under heavy load. Graphite frames are lighter but slightly less durable than aluminum.
- Spool: Machined aluminum spools are lightweight and strong. They handle high line tension well. Avoid plastic spools for heavy fishing, as they can crack.
- Knobs and Handle: Look for corrosion-resistant materials. Rubber or EVA foam handles provide a comfortable grip, even when wet.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of a reel directly relates to how long it lasts and how reliably it performs.
Quality Enhancers:
Precision machining ensures all parts fit together perfectly. Sealed bearings protect the internal components from water and dirt intrusion. High-quality finish treatments (like anodizing) prevent rust.
Quality Reducers:
Cheap plastic parts break easily under stress. Poor lubrication leads to grinding sounds and sticky operation. Reels not specifically rated for saltwater will corrode quickly if exposed to salt spray.
User Experience and Use Cases
Choosing the right reel depends entirely on what you plan to catch.
Trolling and Deep Dropping (Power Reels):
These anglers need reels with massive line capacity and extreme drag settings. Look for large, heavy-duty conventional reels (often called “two-speeds”) that can handle constant strain and big currents.
Casting Heavy Lures (Casting Reels):
If you cast large plugs or live bait, you need a reel that manages backlashes well. These reels focus on good braking systems to control fast-spinning spools. They are common for musky, pike, and inshore saltwater use.
A well-maintained conventional reel offers unmatched power. Treat it right, and it will serve you for many seasons.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Conventional Fishing Reels
Q: What is the main difference between a spinning reel and a conventional reel?
A: In a spinning reel, the spool stays fixed, and the line comes off the end. In a conventional reel, the spool rotates freely when you cast, offering better control over heavy lines and lures.
Q: Are conventional reels hard to learn how to use?
A: Yes, they require practice. If you do not control the spool with your thumb during the cast, the line can overrun, causing a messy tangle called a “backlash.”
Q: What does “two-speed” mean on a conventional reel?
A: A two-speed reel lets you switch between a high-speed retrieve for covering ground and a low-speed retrieve for fighting powerful fish.
Q: Should I buy an aluminum or graphite frame?
A: Aluminum frames are stronger for heavy offshore use. Graphite frames are lighter, making them better for anglers who cast all day long.
Q: How often should I clean my conventional reel?
A: If you fish in freshwater, clean and lightly oil it after every few trips. If you use it in saltwater, you must rinse it thoroughly with fresh water immediately after every single use.
Q: What is the best gear ratio for general-purpose conventional fishing?
A: A gear ratio between 5.1:1 and 6.0:1 is a good balance. It retrieves line fast enough but still provides enough power for most average-sized fish.
Q: Do I need special line for a conventional reel?
A: No, but many anglers prefer braided line because it is strong and thin, allowing you to fit more line on the spool. Monofilament is also fine, especially for beginners learning to manage backlashes.
Q: What is a “braking system” on a baitcaster?
A: The braking system uses magnets or centrifugal weights to slow the spool down during a cast. This prevents the line from flying off faster than it can leave the reel, which stops backlashes.
Q: Are conventional reels better for trolling than spinning reels?
A: Yes, conventional reels are usually better for trolling. Their strong frames and large line capacities handle the constant pressure of being dragged behind a boat much better than most spinning reels.
Q: How important is the number of bearings?
A: Bearings are important for smoothness. While many reels advertise 9 or 10 bearings, the *quality* of those bearings (stainless steel vs. brass) matters more than the sheer number.