The 4 Types of Fishing Reels: Which Is Right for You?

Every fishing reel on the market falls into one of four basic types: spinning, baitcasting, spincast, and conventional (often called round or overhead reels). Understanding the different types of fishing reels — and what each one is genuinely good at — is the single most useful piece of tackle knowledge you can have. Pick the wrong type and every cast feels like a fight; pick the right one and the reel practically disappears into the fishing. This guide explains all four types of fishing reels in plain language: how each one works, its pros and cons, and exactly when to use it.

The 4 Types of Fishing Reels at a Glance

1. Spinning Reels (Open-Face)

The spinning reel — sometimes called an open-face reel — is the most popular reel in the world, and for good reason: it's the most versatile and the easiest to learn.

How it works: The spool stays stationary while you cast. Line peels off the spool's lip in loops, so there's no spinning mass to control and no backlash. During the retrieve, a bail arm rotates around the spool to lay the line back evenly.

Pros:

• Nearly impossible to backlash or tangle
• Casts ultra-light lures (down to ~1/16 oz on a standard setup; ultralight combos can go lighter) that other reels can't handle
• Works with light lines (2–10 lb) for finesse fishing
• Simple drag adjustment, easy to service
• Affordable — a quality reel starts around $30

Cons:

• Line twist can occur, especially with spinning (twisted) lures
• Slightly less accurate at long range than a baitcaster
• The bail arm is a potential failure point on cheap models

Best for: Beginners, finesse fishing, trout, panfish, bass on light tackle, and any fishing where you want zero frustration. It's also the standard for most freshwater fishing.

See our full breakdown: Baitcaster vs Spinning Reels

2. Baitcasting Reels (Low-Profile)

The baitcaster sits on top of the rod, with the spool rotating during the cast. Your thumb controls the spool — which is what makes it both more powerful and more demanding than a spinning reel.

How it works: During a cast, the spool spins freely and your thumb acts as a brake. Magnetic and centrifugal braking systems help slow the spool as the lure flies, reducing (but never fully eliminating) backlash.

Pros:

• Pinpoint accuracy — drop a lure into a dinner-plate-sized target
• Superior casting distance with heavy lures (1/2 oz and up)
• Line comes off straight, so less line twist over time
• Stronger drag and gears for big fish and heavy cover
• Fast retrieve speeds available (7:1 and higher)

Cons:

• Backlash ("bird's nest") until you master the thumb — the steepest learning curve of all reel types
• Can't cast light lures well (under 1/8 oz is frustrating)
• Higher price for quality
• Requires occasional cleaning to stay smooth

Best for: Bass fishing in heavy cover, flipping and pitching, big swimbaits, pike, musky, and anyone who values accuracy over convenience.

3. Spincast Reels (Closed-Face)

The spincast reel — the classic "push-button" reel — is what most people's grandparents used. It's a spinning reel in a closed housing, with a button on the back that you press to cast.

How it works: You press the push-button with your thumb, cast, and release the button as the lure lands. The closed cone protects the line and keeps tangles rare.

Pros:

• The easiest reel in the world to use — genuinely foolproof
• No backlash, no line management skills needed
• Inexpensive ($15–60)
• Durable enclosed design protects line and internals

Cons:

• Limited casting distance and accuracy
• Smaller line capacity
• Lower quality drag and gearing than open reels
• Harder to service when something breaks

Best for: Kids, absolute beginners, casual bank fishing, and anyone who wants a reel they never have to think about. Many anglers keep a spincast rig in the trunk as a "loaner" for friends.

4. Conventional Reels (Round / Overhead / Level Wind)

The conventional reel — also called a round reel or overhead reel — is the oldest reel design, a large round spool that sits on top of the rod. Many have a level-wind mechanism that lays line evenly as you retrieve.

How it works: Like a baitcaster, the spool spins during the cast and your thumb controls it — but the reels are built much bigger and stronger, designed for heavy line and serious fish.

Pros:

• Massive line capacity (300+ yards of heavy line)
• Powerful drag systems built for big-game fish
• Rock-solid, simple internals
• Excellent for trolling and deep-water work

Cons:

• Heavy and bulky
• Backlash-prone like baitcasters (magnified with heavy line)
• Overkill for most freshwater fishing
• Not suited to light lures

Best for: Trolling, saltwater surf and boat fishing, salmon, catfish, musky, and offshore species. If you're fighting a 40-lb fish at 200 feet deep, this is the tool.

What About Fly Reels?

Strictly speaking, a fly reel is a fifth category — a simple line-holding drum that balances a fly rod and provides drag when a fish runs. But it only "works" as part of a fly fishing setup; you can't cast a fly reel the way you cast the other four. If you're choosing between reel types for conventional fishing, the four above are your options. If you're going fly fishing, you need a dedicated fly outfit.

FAQ

What are the 4 different types of fishing reels?

The four main types of fishing reels are spinning reels, baitcasting reels, spincast reels, and conventional (round/overhead) reels. Each has a different casting mechanism and is best suited to different fishing styles — spinning for versatility, baitcasting for accuracy, spincast for simplicity, and conventional for heavy line and big fish.

Which type of fishing reel is best for beginners?

Spinning reels are the best choice for most beginners — they're easy to cast, nearly impossible to tangle, and versatile enough to handle most fishing. Spincast reels are even simpler (great for kids), but spinning reels are a better long-term investment because you'll never outgrow them.

What is the most common type of fishing reel?

The spinning reel is the most common and most popular type of fishing reel worldwide. It dominates freshwater fishing and is used by the majority of anglers for bass, trout, panfish, and inshore saltwater species.

Are baitcasting reels better than spinning reels?

Not universally — each excels at different things. Baitcasters are better for accuracy, heavy lures, and big fish in cover; spinning reels are better for light lures, beginners, and all-around versatility. The right choice depends on your fishing style.

Can you use a spincast reel for saltwater?

You can, but it's not recommended. Spincast reels have enclosed housings that trap saltwater and corrosion, and their small drags aren't built for saltwater fish. A sealed spinning reel or conventional reel is a better saltwater choice.

The Bottom Line

All four types of fishing reels have a job they do better than the others. Start with a spinning reel to build your skills, add a baitcaster when you need accuracy and power, grab a spincast for beginners or loaners, and reach for a conventional reel when you go after serious water and serious fish.

Related: Baitcaster vs Spinning Reels · How Do Fishing Reels Work? · Fishing Reel Gear Ratios Explained