Carnivore fishing is a vast field that has developed steadily over the last two decades, in the image of the reels on the market. The range proposed by manufacturers is getting bigger and bigger every year, making it difficult for customers to make the right choice fishermen beginners or even enthusiasts that you are.
To help you, not between Shimano or Daiwa, we're going to try and give you the broad outlines that will make your choice a success once you're on the water.
We will see that there are two main types of reel for searching for perch, pike, zander and other sea bass. We'll talk about casting and spinning, trying to help you make the right choice for your search.
Depending on the technique and the species, we will then look at the size and profile of the reel you should opt for so that you always have the impression that you are fishing softness and fluidity. We'll take this opportunity to give you some examples of models that have already proved their worth, whether in terms of resistance, , lightness while maintaining a good strength.
You have two choices: Casting or spinning ?
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Casting reel
While just a few years ago casting reels were not very popular, they have now found their way into every shop and into the hearts of a new generation of enthusiasts. They have the advantage of a rotating coil. This means plenty of power is quickly available.
As well as the fun aspect of the technique, it offers a number of advantages over spinning that are not to be underestimated. For example, it's perfect for casting very large big baits. It will be a great ally for 100 to 200 grams and more if necessary. This will be done without suffering for the reel.
Another point is that it allows you to fish more, and only needs one hand to do so disengage the coil and launch. This ensures greater efficiency, particularly for uses such as powerfishing, this technique involves searching quickly for active fish. Finally, casting will allow you to keep one hand warm when you're going vertical or pelagic fishing.
Spinning reel
Spinning is the best-selling bike in France, and far ahead of the rest. Historically built in our country with Mitchell and its worldwide reputation at the time, it won over the vast majority of waterside enthusiasts.
The number 1 criterion for its choice comes from its ability to carry out throws far away. The freedom of the line body when you open the pick-up allows a fast retrieve without drag or friction. This is a very important aspect for various techniques, especially when fishing from shore.
Another point is that this type of reel is particularly at ease with small lures and small weights. It can cast them without risk, ensuring distance, but above all without risking a wig on every attempt. The weak diameter nylon or braid is very easily supported.
Finally, for certain techniques, choosing a spinning reel will allow you to backcast. This may be a minor detail for some anglers, but it's essential for some trout fishermen or even for fishing on the water sea fishing.
The different reel sizes - how do you find your way around ?
To make the right choice when buying a reel, if you're looking for a large capacity, you need to be aware of the size you need to buy. From 500 to more than 10,000, there is a wide range of capacities on offer.
Reels from 500 to 2000
If you opt for a size between 500 and 2000, from any manufacturer, you'll be looking for a fairly light tackle. You'll be looking for fish like the trout, the pole, or you practice rockfishing by the sea. These small capacities allow you to spool enough braid or small-diameter nylon to achieve the casting distances you need.
Coils from 2500 to 4000
With a spool size of 2500 to 4000, we're more interested in medium-sized fish. These will be the best-selling models for the lure fishing, they're lightweight and offer plenty of line capacity. Pike-perch, pike, sea bass and many other species weighing up to several kilos are generally targeted.
Reels from 4,000 to 10,000 (and more)
From 4,000 to 8/10,000, we'll be looking for all fighting fish that can regularly exceed 5/10 kg. They can be used in both freshwater and saltwater, although care should be taken to ensure that they are resistant to the sun corrosion for the latter case.
For sizes above 10,000, you're looking for powerful fishing in both sea and freshwater. In the latter case, you'll be looking mainly for catfish. At sea, you'll be targeting some particularly hard-fighting fish species, including the tuna, or exotic fish such as the dolphinfish or red carp.
For castings, the sizes are a little different. From a value of 50 to indications in excess of 400 or 500, you can, in the same way as for Spinning, adapt your choice according to the species of fish you are looking for.
Some trusted models we recommend
The Stradic FM, king of the mid-range
The first that springs to mind is the Shimano Stradic FM, replacing the legendary Stradic FL. A mid-range model, it represents ultra-high-quality craftsmanship, providing enormous fluidity in all its uses.
If you were starting out on a decent budget, this would be our number one choice.
The Vanford, a worthy replacement for the Stradic Ci4+
Another excellent choice is Vanford, the Vanford was given the tough task of replacing a much-loved reel: the Stradic Ci4+. Fortunately, the Vanford is without fault, offering almost similar qualities with a slightly less metallic frame for research almost exclusively in freshwater.
You'll benefit from the latest technology and the different sizes on offer will allow you to cover a wide range of fishing techniques and situations with ease. From trout to sea bass, perch, pike-perch or even pike, you should find a model to suit your needs.
Cardiff XR or Silvercreek X LT for trout
You're looking for trout on a small rod if you're light on weight and need to run very smoothly, then you'll want to consider a Or to the Silvercreek X LT, developed for this practice and you won't go wrong.
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Two price categories, but in both cases, exceptional value for money.
Stella or Saltiga for tuna, two indisputable favourites
For the luckiest among you, and the most passionate, if you're looking for the tuna then you'll need to look out for top-quality models that offer bearings and enormous resistance to pressure. Two models have been vying for the number one spot for years: the and Saltiga 2023. Even if all the indications are that these models are different, you won't be making a bad choice by choosing one or the other.
Last but not least, for casting purposes, the best-selling reel in the world is the Curado M In all its forms. With finesse, big bait, a small spool or the dc system, this reel has it all.
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