How to Choose the Right Fishing Reel for Your Custom Rod

Introduction

The right fishing reel can make all the difference in your time on the water. A well-matched reel enhances casting accuracy, improves retrieval speed, and ensures you have the strength to fight the fish you’re after. When paired with a custom fishing rod, the right reel creates a setup that feels balanced, natural, and built specifically for your fishing style.

At LakeLady Custom Fishing Rods, we know that a great rod deserves the perfect reel to go with it. Whether you’re a finesse angler, a power fisherman, or a saltwater adventurer, here’s how to choose the best reel to complement your custom rod.

Understanding the Different Types of Fishing Reels

Before selecting a reel, it’s important to understand how different types function and what they’re best used for.

Spinning Reels: Versatile and Easy to Use

• Great for beginners and experienced anglers alike
• Ideal for finesse fishing, lighter lures, and live bait
• Works well for bass, walleye, panfish, and inshore saltwater fishing

Spinning reels are the most popular choice for their ease of use and versatility. They pair well with medium to light-action rods and are excellent in windy conditions. If you prefer techniques like drop-shotting, jigging, or working soft plastics, a spinning reel is a solid option.

Best paired with: Light to medium-power custom rods, moderate to fast action

Baitcasting Reels: Power and Precision

• Designed for experienced anglers who need accuracy
• Handles heavier lures, stronger lines, and larger fish
• Ideal for bass, pike, muskie, and inshore saltwater species

Baitcasting reels provide superior control and power, making them the preferred choice for techniques like flipping, pitching, and working topwater baits. While they require more skill than spinning reels, they offer unmatched accuracy when casting near cover or structure.

Best paired with: Medium-heavy to heavy power custom rods, fast action

Spincast Reels: Simple and Beginner-Friendly

• Push-button operation makes them easy to use
• Great for kids and casual anglers
• Best for panfish, small bass, and light freshwater fishing

Spincast reels are designed for simplicity. While they don’t offer the casting distance or durability of other reel types, they’re a great choice for those who want a no-fuss fishing experience.

Best paired with: Light to medium-power custom rods, moderate action

Conventional (Trolling) Reels: Built for Big Game Fishing

• Designed for saltwater fishing and large freshwater species
• Ideal for trolling and deep-water fishing
• Used for offshore species like tuna, marlin, and sailfish

Conventional reels are made for fighting big fish in open water. They don’t offer the casting ability of other reel types, but they provide the durability and line capacity needed for deep-sea and big-game fishing.

Best paired with: Heavy power custom rods, moderate to slow action

Choosing the Right Reel Size

The size of your reel should match your rod’s power and the type of fish you’re targeting.

• Small Reels (1000-2500 Series) – Best for ultralight and light rods, finesse fishing, and light monofilament or fluorocarbon lines.
• Medium Reels (3000-4000 Series) – Ideal for all-purpose fishing with medium-power rods and standard line strengths.
• Large Reels (5000+ Series) – Designed for heavy rods, saltwater applications, and big fish requiring stronger braided lines.

A properly balanced reel reduces fatigue, improves sensitivity, and enhances your overall fishing experience.

Matching Your Reel Gear Ratio to Your Fishing Style

A reel’s gear ratio determines how quickly it retrieves line. Different fishing techniques benefit from different retrieval speeds.

• Low Gear Ratio (4.7:1 – 5.4:1) – Best for deep crankbaits, swimbaits, and slow presentations where power is more important than speed.
• Medium Gear Ratio (6.0:1 – 6.4:1) – A balanced choice for a variety of lures, including jigs, spinnerbaits, and Texas rigs.
• High Gear Ratio (7.0:1 – 9.1:1) – Ideal for topwater baits, buzzbaits, and techniques where quick retrieves are necessary.

When building a custom rod, selecting a reel with the right gear ratio ensures a seamless fishing experience.

What to Look for in a High-Quality Reel

Not all reels are created equal. If you’re investing in a custom rod, choosing a well-built, durable reel is essential.

• Ball Bearings – More bearings provide smoother operation. A good reel should have at least five or more for fluid performance.
• Drag System – A smooth, adjustable drag is crucial for controlling big fish. Look for high-quality carbon or felt drag systems.
• Frame Material – Aluminum frames offer durability, while graphite frames provide a lightweight and corrosion-resistant option.
• Anti-Reverse Feature – Prevents the handle from spinning backward, ensuring a solid hook-set when a fish strikes.

A reel with these features will improve your rod’s performance and help you fish with more confidence.

Why the Right Reel Matters for Your Custom Rod

A custom rod is designed to fit your fishing style perfectly, and choosing the right reel ensures that every cast, retrieve, and hook-set feels smooth and natural.

At LakeLady Custom Fishing Rods, we help anglers build rods that are not only high-performing but also perfectly matched with the right reel. Whether you need a finesse spinning reel, a powerful baitcaster, or a heavy-duty offshore setup, we can help you find the perfect fit.

Final Thoughts

Your fishing rod and reel should work together as a well-balanced unit, making each trip more enjoyable and successful. A custom rod already gives you the advantage of precision and comfort—choosing the right reel completes the perfect setup.

Looking for expert advice on pairing the right reel with your custom rod? Visit LakeLady Custom Fishing Rods today to get started on building the perfect fishing combination for your needs.