Catfish Fishing Reels – Beginner

As with rods there are a large variety of reels to choose from and what you choose will depend on the size fish you are chasing and your skill level. You don’t want a reel filled with 20 lb test line if your angling for a 2 lb fish and if your looking for a 20lb catfish you don’t want 2lb test. Since we are catfish angling we will want start with a reel for 8-12 lb test line. Prices range from very affordable to obscenely expensive.

There are three types of reels. The Spin Casting Reel also known as the Closed Face reel is a favorite for beginners due to how easy it is to use. It does however have many limitations. Next in line is the Spinning Reel also know as the Open Faced Reel. These are slightly more difficult to use than the Spin Casting Reel but are much more versatile. They range in size from 2lb test to 50 lb test and can be used for anything from pan fish to monster cats. The Bait Casting Reel is the Cadillac of reels. They come in all sizes and once mastered allow for pin point accuracy of your cast.

Now that you know a little about each reel it is time to decide which one you are going to use. If you are only going to fish a couple of times a year I suggest you purchase a Spin Casting Reel with 8-10 lb test line. If you have fished before as a kid and want to take it up again or are truly interested in catfish angling you will want to purchase a Spinning Reel. With just a little practice you can easily master casting with these.

Ah, the Bait Casting Reel. If you recently went fishing with some of your friends and you have the fever that makes you want to go out and get the best. Don’t. Until you have mastered the open faced spinning don’t do it. Chances are you will end up spending most of your time untangling your line from the backlash your reel caused. If you don’t know what backlash is a good comparison would be a bird’s nest made out of nylon. To cast with a Bait Casting Reel you have to keep your thumb on the reel to act as a drag while casting. If you raise your thumb the reel turns faster than the line can go through the guides on your fishing rod. The result, a tangled up mess that can take forever to get sorted out.

Whichever reel you choose be sure to change the line before you go fishing. Have a good catfish fishing day.