When I read the angling press and look at the adverts all I see is more and more bearings being added to fixed spool reels, but do they make any difference to the angler?
Quality fixed spool reels
The most important factor when choosing a fixed spool reel is the line lay. Line lay is the way the line is added to the spool. Taller spools generally have a better line lay than shorter ones. Different reels have slightly different systems for laying the line evenly on the spool preventing it biting or becoming twisted. This factor will improve you cast with a fixed spool reel.
In essence, don’t worry too much about bearings, but focus and a quality spool oscillation and line lay.
Want to learn more about Sea Fishing?
|
Share the love
|
Get free updates
|
June 25, 2025 at 18:22
im going 2 mexico in a few weeks and i got a fixed spool for beachcasting it has got 25l b of casting line for a distance of 160 yrds is that enough for beachcasting.ps wiv rig line of 60lb tips for a reel muiltiplyer or fixed spool what do think i should get wb
May 31, 2025 at 01:53
I’d definately agree about line twist, the Okuma is much better for spinning. For me though it was the warranty that sold it - I’m a procurement man so I tend to think of things like that. Given the prices that are charged for some of the cheap foreign rubbish on the market these days I do wonder if there is possibly a place for a resurgence in quality, British made reels. I’ll happily pay £100 for a ABU multiplier but then I know it will last and that I can get spares but I just treat fixed spools as disposable these days. Shimano’s flagship models seem to sell for £80 plus and still don’t last, surely there are British manufacturers out there that could compete and win out with superior engineering and reliable spares and servicing backup. Kevlar body, high grade ali spool, carbon steel fricton serfaces, stainless steel gears … and “Made in Britain” written on it; I’d buy one.
May 30, 2025 at 23:59
Blakdog
Thats some great points you have made there and a warranty is somthing I did not cinsider in my post. I bought an Abu cardinal after having one of the original ones for almost all my life. The new one is knackered and the original one, over 25 yrs old is still working, despite being dropped down cliffs a few times.
My brother has an Okuma and it has been worked real (reel) hard! landing alot of good bass. You get very little line twist and reliability, as well as being at the cheaper end of the market.
I convinced my brother a few years ago, to try a shimano bait runner……. What a disaster. it lasted well, but twisted the line. Not a good buy. This was the model available about 10 yrs ago.
May 30, 2025 at 22:55
I’d say the first thing to look for is where the reel is made! You struggle to find one that doesn’t have “Made in China” written on it and quite frankly the are all the same - they look nice but they don’t last long. I had an ABU Freerunner for spinning that lasted only one season and believe it or not you can’t even get spares for them, despite the fact that they still sell the same model of reel.
I’ve changed to an Okuma (again made in China) and to be quite frank that won’t stay the course either, despite having been fully serviced twice already it’s starting to show signs of wear. The difference with the Okuma is that it has a 5 year warranty, so Okuma can replace it for me when it gives up the ghost which I reckon will be about August; not good as I only bought it in March!
The fancy features, good line lay, spare spools and multiple bearings are all well and good but I’d say there are two much more important points to consider when purchasing a fixed spool; will it last (and I hazard a guess that 90% of those available won’t) and when it breaks will you be able to get spares?