If it’s cranking power you want, select a conventional reel.
Unlike spinning reels which mount on the underside of a spinning rod with the axis of their spool parallel to the rod, conventional reels mount on top of the rod with the axis of their spool perpendicular to the rod. The mechanics of this arrangement gives conventional reels more cranking power compared to spinning reels, which makes them a popular choice for trolling and big game fishing.
Most all conventional reels have either a star drag or a lever drag, either of which serves to slow the speed the line that is paid out to a runaway fish. Both types of drags utilize drag washers to apply resistance to the spool. Reels with larger drag washers generally offer more stopping power when it comes to a fish that is making a run.
When shopping for a conventional reel, pay attention to the number of ball and roller bearings it has. The best conventional reels have up to six ball bearings and one roller bearing. In general, the more ball bearings a reel has, the smoother it will operate under load.
Another consideration is the gear ratio of the reel. “Gear ratio” refers to the number of times the spool rotates for each turn of the crank. Two-speed conventional reels enable anglers to shift up (example: 6:1) for a fast retrieve or down (example: 2:1) for greater power when playing a fish where “slow and steady” wins the day.
Some conventional reels include a level wind mechanism, which ensures that the line wraps evenly on the spool during a retrieve.
For deep, heavy-duty bottom fishing or kite fishing, some anglers opt for an electric, power-assisted conventional reel, which can help to reduce angler fatigue.
When shopping for a conventional reel, make sure it has the line capacity you need for whatever fish you are after. Reel spools are rated for line capacity (usually measured in yards) which can vary depending on whether you use nylon mono, fluorocarbon or braided line. Typical line weights range from 10 pounds for a small conventional reel up to over 100 pounds for a large, heavy-duty, saltwater, big game reel.
Conventional Reels FAQ
Conventional reels offer superior cranking power, making them ideal for trolling and big game fishing. Unlike spinning reels, they mount on top of the rod with the spool axis positioned perpendicular to the rod. This design provides greater torque and control when reeling in large fish.
Conventional reels use either a star drag or a lever drag system to control line tension:
- Star Drag: Features a star-shaped knob near the handle, allowing incremental adjustments.
- Lever Drag: Uses a lever to provide smoother, more precise control over drag settings.
Both systems rely on drag washers to apply resistance to the spool, with larger drag washers offering more stopping power.
Ball bearings reduce friction, ensuring smooth operation under load. High-quality conventional reels typically have up to six ball bearings and one roller bearing. In general, the more ball bearings a reel has, the smoother and more efficient it will be when fighting fish.
Gear ratio refers to how many times the spool rotates for each turn of the crank. Two-speed conventional reels allow anglers to switch between:
- High gear (e.g., 6:1): Provides a fast retrieve for quickly reeling in slack line.
- Low gear (e.g., 2:1): Offers greater cranking power, ideal for battling large fish with steady, controlled pressure.
A level wind mechanism ensures that the fishing line wraps evenly onto the spool during retrieval. This feature helps prevent uneven line distribution and reduces the risk of tangles, making it a convenient option for anglers who prefer consistent line management.
When selecting a conventional reel, ensure it has the appropriate line capacity for your target species. Reel spools are rated in yards for different line types:
- Nylon Monofilament: Common and affordable, with moderate stretch.
- Fluorocarbon: More abrasion-resistant and nearly invisible underwater.
- Braided Line: High strength and thin diameter, allowing more line on the spool.
Typical line weights range from 10 lbs for small reels up to 100+ lbs for heavy-duty, saltwater big game reels.