Versatile spinning fishing reel
This reel is ideal for beginners and experienced anglers alike, offering ease of use for various freshwater and light saltwater fishing techniques.
Outdoors & Adventure
Fishing reels
7 kinds worth knowing, 7 picks, and what to check before you buy.
A reel is one of the most personal pieces of gear an angler owns, so it makes a good gift when it fits how the person actually fishes. Most people who fish from docks, shorelines and small boats use a spinning reel, while beginners and kids often do better with a simple spincast reel. Think about where they fish, what they're after and the rod they already own. A reel that matches their setup gets used every weekend. One that doesn't fit usually stays in the box. If you're unsure, pick a versatile, all-round size over something specialized.
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Spinning reels for everyday fishing
A spinning reel hangs under the rod and has an open face with a bail that flips to release line. It's the most common reel in North America and handles everything from panfish and trout to bass and walleye. It suits almost anyone, from a weekend dock angler to someone who fishes several times a week. Before buying, check the reel size against the rod and the fish they target. Smaller sizes suit light line and small fish, and mid sizes cover most lake fishing. Look for a smooth drag, a comfortable handle and a spool that holds enough line for their usual water.
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Spincast reels for beginners and kids
A spincast reel has a closed nose cone and a push button that releases line, so it's about as easy to cast as a reel gets. That makes it a natural first reel for kids, grandkids or an adult who's just starting out, and it tangles less than open-face designs. It's best with lighter line and smaller fish around docks and shorelines. Check that the button feels easy to press for small or older hands, that the reel mounts on top of a standard casting rod, and whether it comes pre-spooled with line so it's ready on the first outing.
Simple spincast fishing reel
Perfect for children or new anglers, this reel offers straightforward operation with a push-button casting mechanism.
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Electric reels for deep water
An electric reel uses a motor to bring in line, which helps when fishing very deep water or hauling heavy weights for long stretches. People use them for deep-drop saltwater fishing, deep lake trout and sometimes when grip strength or arm fatigue makes hand cranking hard. They're a specialist tool, so they suit someone who already fishes offshore or in deep water often. Before buying, find out what power source their boat has, what line capacity they need and whether the reel will match a heavy-duty rod they already own.
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Conventional and baitcasting reels
Conventional reels sit on top of the rod with a revolving spool, and baitcasters are the smaller, more precise version of the same idea. They give strong cranking power and accurate casts, which is why bass anglers, pike and musky fishers, and saltwater anglers use them. They take practice, since a poor cast can create a backlash tangle, so they suit someone with some experience. Check whether they cast left- or right-handed, the gear ratio they prefer, the line capacity and whether they want a low-profile baitcaster or a larger round reel for heavy fish.
Powerful conventional fishing reel
Favored by saltwater anglers, this reel offers immense power and line capacity for battling large, strong fish in demanding conditions.
Precision baitcasting fishing reel
Designed for experienced anglers, this reel provides exceptional control and accuracy for casting heavier lures with precision.
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Reels built for the ice hut
Ice fishing reels are small and light, made to pair with short ice rods for jigging through a hole. Some are compact spinning reels, others are simple inline reels that let line come off straight to cut down on twist. They suit anyone who heads out on frozen lakes for perch, walleye, crappie or trout each winter. Check that the reel fits their ice rod, that the handle and controls are easy to work with gloves on, and that the drag stays smooth in cold weather. Inline styles are good for finesse jigging with light line.
Ice fishing reels
Specifically designed for cold conditions and small fishing holes, this reel offers precise control for jigging through the ice.
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Other reels worth a look
Beyond the usual types, some anglers want something more particular. A centrepin reel spins freely on a single axis and is popular with river anglers who float bait for steelhead and salmon, letting line drift naturally with the current. It suits patient, experienced anglers who enjoy a traditional feel. Whatever style you choose, confirm the kind of fishing they do, the rod they plan to use and the line weight they prefer. Asking a fishing buddy or checking their current gear is the easiest way to get it right.
Smooth centrepin fishing reel
Ideal for float fishing enthusiasts, this reel provides incredibly smooth line release for natural bait presentation in rivers.
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Trolling reels for the boat angler
Trolling reels are conventional-style reels made to hold lots of line and handle long runs from fish while the boat moves. Many have a line counter so the angler can repeat the depth that's producing fish. They suit someone who trolls for salmon, lake trout or walleye on big lakes or the coast. Before buying, check the line capacity against the depth and fish they target, whether they want a line counter, which hand they crank with and whether it will fit their rod holders and trolling rods.
Durable trolling fishing reel
Built for offshore and deep-water fishing, this robust reel handles heavy lines and large fish while trolling from a boat.
How to choose fishing reels as a gift
- Look at the rod they already use and choose a reel type and size that matches it.
- Find out what species and water they fish most, since that decides the reel size and line capacity.
- Check whether they reel with their left or right hand, especially for baitcasters and trolling reels.
- For a beginner or child, choose a spincast or small spinning reel that's easy to cast right away.
- If you can't find out their setup, a mid-size spinning reel is the safest all-round choice.
Usually safe to skip
- Baitcasters for new anglers usually frustrate, because backlash tangles take practice to avoid and can put someone off fishing.
- Heavy saltwater or deep-drop reels for someone who fishes small lakes rarely get used and won't balance on a light rod.
- Rod-and-reel novelty sets for experienced anglers tend to sit unused, since they usually already own gear they prefer.
Questions people ask about fishing reels
- What's the difference between a spinning reel and a spincast reel?
- A spinning reel has an open face and a bail you flip to cast, giving more control and longer casts. A spincast reel is closed with a push button, making it simpler for kids and beginners but better suited to lighter fishing.
- What size spinning reel should I buy as a gift?
- For most lake fishing for bass, walleye and trout, a mid-size reel is the most versatile. Go smaller for panfish and ultralight rods, or larger for pike, salmon or saltwater. Matching the reel to their existing rod matters most.
- Can I give a reel without knowing what rod they have?
- You can, but it's a gamble. A mid-size spinning reel fits the widest range of rods. If possible, quietly check the rods in their garage or ask a fishing friend what they usually use.
Looking for one person in particular? Shop by person.
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All fishing reels picks
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