A stantard reel
The spinning reel is the most standard model in France. It's a reel with a spool in a fixed position, also known as a fixed spool. The spool remains in a fixed position during line retrieval and casting.
More precisely, the wire is wound around the spool using a pick-up. Pickup means "recovery". This is the rotating system that winds the wire onto the spool. The spool oscillates, rising and falling to position the wire evenly in regular turns.
There are also reels with a rotating spool or drum, known as baitcasting or casting reels. While the spinning reel is a classic in the USA, the spinning reel is the undisputed leader in France, accounting for around 95% of sales in both freshwater and sea fishing. Let's take a look at the key points that characterize a good spinning reel.
The advantages of spinning reels
- Long throw
- Best suited to ultra-light fishing (trout, rockfishing, street fishing, TOC...)
- Easier access
The advantages of baitcasting reels
- Suitable for vertical fishing
- More retrieval power (useful for big-bait, for example)
- Better line control on descent
Spinning reel anatomy
To make the right choice, you first need to understand what characterizes a spinning reel. These include size, retrieve speed, drag and price. Spool capacity can be an important criterion, depending on the fishing program.
- Coil lip
- Pick-up or basket handle
- Brake release knob
- Non-return knob
- Rotor
- Coil
- Rear cover
- Winding roller
- Combat handle
- Building
All these features are discussed in detail below.
