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As spring bleeds into summer and you dust off the old coarse fishing gear for a few sunny days out on the bank you should consider a few things. Are my coarse fishing rods in good condition? Do I have good enough storage to make a good day even better? And – crucially in this context – do I have one of the best coarse fishing reels?
Is your reel smooth? Capable of long, accurate casting? Durable? If not you’ve come to the right place. Below we’ve shared our top picks for coarse fishing reels with something to suit every budget, type of fishing and level of angling experience. From big-budget Daiwas to cost-friendly Abu Garcias, make sure you find a coarse fishing reel that meets your needs.
Table of contents
What makes a good coarse fishing reel?
A good coarse fishing reel must be powerful, smooth, durable and prioritise casting accuracy above all else. The key features to look out for are:
- Line management: the reel prioritises line management with features like slow oscillation, line clips and anti-tangle measures.
- Durability: like any high-quality reel, it must be built to withstand all conditions and maintain its smoothness over time. here things like ‘mag-sealed’ reels are worth looking out for.
- Spare spools: spare spools are much more common with coarse fishing reels and it’s a standout feature.
- Ergonomics: a comfortable reel seat, handle and fittings do make long fights with large carp and catfish much more bearable.
- Smooth retrieve: a higher number of ball bearings usually indicates a smoother retrieve and casting action.
- Casting distance and accuracy: line clips and anti-tangle measures associated with feeder reels are ideal for putting bait exactly where the fish are feeding.
- Gear ratio: a gear ratio of around 4.5:1 tends to be a good starting point for coarse fishing. Lighter, faster fish and lighter tackle mean you should consider something closer to the 6.0:1 range and vice versa.
What is the best coarse fishing reel?
The best coarse fishing reel is Daiwa’s 18 TDR Reel. An incredibly smooth, powerful coarse reel with an iconic blue livery and boule handle that – to us – may be the most aesthetically pleasing reel on the market. With up to 12kg of max drag, the relatively lightweight reel is powerful enough to handle serious pike or carp and, thanks to the mag-seal, its impeccably smooth retrieve is designed to last. The inclusion of a spare spool is a lovely addition too.
At a glance
The 6 best coarse fishing reels
Daiwa 18 TDR ReelThe best all-around coarse fishing reel
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- A coarse mag-sealed reel with five models available
- Gear ratio: 4.7:1 – 4.9:1
- Max drag: 10kg – 12kg
- Ball bearings: 8 – 9
Daiwa’s 18 TDR Reel is an incredibly smooth, powerful coarse reel with an iconic blue livery and boule handle that – to us – may be the most aesthetically pleasing reel on the market. Completely impermeable to liquid thanks to the mag seal means the reel’s smoothness and gear quality are maintained over time. With up to 12kg of max drag, the relatively lightweight reel is powerful enough to handle serious pike or carp and the shield between the line clip and spool gives greater protection to the line itself.
The inclusion of a spare spool is one of our favourite features for any reel. With up to nine ball bearings and a sealed mag, the 18 TDR is most well-known for its smooth retrieve and long-lasting quality. Whilst the line capacity isn’t at the top end of the market (150m for 12lb braid), it’s more than capable of handling anything but the biggest of coarse fish in some seriously large bodies of water. Make sure you pair it with one of the best braided lines out there.
Preston Magnitude ReelBest coarse reel for beginners and intermediates
- Slow oscillation reel available in three sizes: 320. 420 and 520
- Gear ratio: 5.0:1
- Aluminium spool with spare included
- Complete with dual line clip
Preston’s Magnitude Reel is a slow-oscillating coarse fishing reel manufactured from high-quality materials. Complete with a dual line clip and a fast gear ratio of 5.0:1, it’s a super blend of power and dexterity. If you’re looking for a robust, all-around coarse fishing reel that combines power and accuracy, whilst minimising line knots, this reel is a great option.
Slow oscillation reels are excellent for keeping a tight, even line lay, reducing the speed line travels up and down the spool on the cast, and improving casting distance and accuracy. Superb for match and feeder fishing in lakes and rivers where being able to land your bait on a sixpence is invaluable. Like other excellent coarse fishing reels, Preston’s Magnitude Reel comes complete with a spare spool, making changing line strength a breeze. One of our favourite features.
Abu Garcia Cardinal XBest value coarse fishing reel
Sportfish
- Smooth front drag coarse fishing reel
- Max drag: 4kg
- Gear ratio: 5.2:1
- Superb value reel
Abu Garcia’s Cardinal X Reel is a smooth, excellent value coarse fishing reel that’s a superb option for beginners and general entry-level anglers. The zinc alloy inner parts are protected by the graphite body and rotor. With a gear ratio of 5.2:1, it’s great fun for lightweight, powerful fish.
In terms of spec, the reel is fairly basic. 3+1 ball bearings, 4kg max drag and a max line capacity of 150m x 0.3mm, it doesn’t set the world alight. But at just £40, it’s a very good option. Designed for lighter predator fishing, the 4kg max drag can handle large perch, jack pike and general coarse fishing without much trouble.
Daiwa 19 n’zon Plus LTBest coarse reel for feeder fishing
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- L&T (light and Tough) feeder reel coming in multiple sizes
- Max drag: 12kg
- Gear ratio: 4.7:1
- Ball bearings: 4
Daiwa’s n’zon 19 Plus LT Reel is a high-quality feeder reel complete with a durable aluminium body, Digigear II technology and a lightweight air rotor and body cover, all of which create a lightweight and durable reel with a smooth action. With good casting distance and a double-lip spool capable of holding a substantial amount of line, the soft plastic HIP line clip is designed to control casting distance and improve bite detection. The aluminium reel also has a built-in ‘quick-drag’ system designed for powerful, predatory takes in the open water. Perfect for big pike fishing.
Much like other high-quality coarse reels, a spare spool is included, allowing for quick changes of line strength depending on the type of fishing you’re doing. a real time and money-saver and something Daiwa should be credited for. Our preferred model – the 5000S – with 12kg of max drag and a 4.7:1 gear ratio, is capable of handling some serious predators and big carp. A fantastic all-around coarse fishing reel.
Shimano Aero XRBest long-casting coarse reel
- Match and feeder coarse fishing reel in three sizes: 3000, 4000 and 5000
- Cold forged Hagane drive gear
- S ARB corrosion-resistant ball bearings
- SilentDrive system
Shimano’s Aero XR Fishing Reel is a coarse fishing reel designed for match and feeder fishing. A purposely made lightweight main body and rotor and a cold forged drive gear system make for a particularly smooth, quality action and retrieve. Particularly with the state-of-the-art S ARB ball bearings. The Longcast spool technology is designed to mitigate tangles when casting, with a SilentDrive system designed to mitigate any clicking associated with distance casting and lower-quality reels.
The smaller 3000 model is great for closer-range float fishing, whilst the 4 and 5000 models are suitable for mid and long-range float and feeder fishing, with the larger 5000 model having an additional reducer for use with braid when feeder fishing at long range. The metal line clip that comes with all models makes for improved bite detection and long-casting ability.
Daiwa Emcast BRBest coarse fishing reel for big carp
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- Bite ‘n’ Run lever-operated Freespool system designed for big carp hook-ups
- Gear ratio: 4.6:1
- Ball bearings: 8
- Complete with spare aluminium spool
Daiwa’s Emcast BR has been one of the most popular reels for beginner and intermediate carp anglers for some time. The Bite ‘n’ Run lever-operated Freespool system allows carp to run with your bait freely, with the lever disengaging when you pick up the handle, creating more positive hookups. An ideal option for fishing for carp in large bodies of water.
With its own snag-free, anti-line twist technology, you can fish in almost any coarse conditions with any type of line. With eight ball bearings and a 4.6:1 gear ratio, Daiwa’s Encast is a smooth, powerful coarse reel made for fishing in large bodies of water. It offers really good flexibility and is ideal for long days out on the bank when a bit of patience is required.
The best of the rest
Rigged & Ready’s RR Spin Fishing Reel is another super value option from travel fishing specialists Rigged & Ready. With three models ranging from the very small and light 1000 (great fun for small predators) up to the 6000 (nearly twice the weight, with considerably more power, line capacity and heft), this corrosion-resistant range of reels has a two-year guarantee, a reasonably smooth retrieve and – like all reels made by companies who understand what fishermen need, a spare spool.
Much like Rigged & Ready’s Smuggler Max Travel Rod and the Fish Rig 180, it’s an excellent all-around product, designed for travel fishing and convenience. Suitable for coarse and saltwater fishing, this all-around reel is a great-value saltwater spinning reel and coarse option. We recommend the 3000 for roving anglers, with the 1000 model being great fun for streams and the 6000 best for big carp, pike and saltwater predators.
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Daiwa’s Ninja Match and Feeder Reel is an excellent value coarse fishing reel from Daiwa. At under £75 this range of reels has an incredibly smooth action thanks to a silent oscillation system and a power capacity that belies its price point. The ABS aluminium spool is designed for long casting distances which, when combined with the distance control line clip, enables excellent bite detection at all manner of distances. Not as good quality as Daiwa’s 19 TDM, but a better entry-level option.
Daiwa’s 19 TDM Reel is a step up from its predecessor, with an improved casting distance thanks to a reduction in friction and a spring-loaded distance control line clip designed to improve accuracy and bite detection, the 19 TDM Reel is a powerful, smooth coarse fishing reel designed to handle any freshwater situation. Carp over 20lbs, aggressive pike and all other coarse fish can be handled with this reel without any trouble.
FAQs
What is a coarse fishing reel?
Coarse fishing reels are typically spinning or baitcasting reels specifically designed to handle the requirements of coarse fishing, a type of hanging that targets freshwater species like carp, pike, bream, tench, roach and perch.
Coarse fishing reels usually facilitate efficient and effective line management utilising slow oscillation systems and anti-twist mechanisms, with a reliable drag system. They don’t tend to be as powerful or as durable as saltwater spinning reels, but do tend to come with spare spools.
What features should I look for in a coarse fishing reel?
When looking for a coarse fishing reel you should look for;
- A reel that has sufficient drag and line capacity for the type of fishing you’re doing
- A gear ratio that complements the type of fish you’re targeting. Typically 4.5-5:1 is about right for coarse fishing
- Reels that come with a spare spool so you can switch between line types and strengths
- Line management systems that minimise tangles and allow for ultra-accurate casting. Particularly useful for feeder fishing
- Features like slow oscillation and line clips are particularly useful for optimising line management
What types of coarse fishing reels are there?
The primary types of coarse fishing reels are spinning or baitcasting reels. Spinning reels, also known as fixed-spool reels, have a stationary spool and a bail that rotates around it. They’re arguably the easiest to use. Baitcasting reels, also called multipliers, are popular for targeting larger, more powerful predators and are typically better for more experienced anglers as the thumb-controlled spool braking can be tricky.
Centrepin reels, free-spool reels and closed-faced reels are also widely-used types of coarse fishing reels. Free spool reels are specifically designed for coarse fishing and have a secondary drag system that allows the line to be released when the fish picks it up, improving the hookup rate. Centrepin reels are more commonly associated with float fishing thanks to their excellent line control and precise presentation. Closed-faced reels, or spincast reels, are a beginner option that, in our opinion, are worse than spinners. Even for beginners.
What material is best for a coarse fishing reel?
The majority of coarse fishing reels are made out of either aluminium, graphite, carbon or stainless steel. In all likelihood, the reel you choose will be a composite of the above three materials. Or at least it should be.
Aluminium is a lightweight, durable and corrosion-resistant properties. Graphite and carbon are equally lightweight and a little stiffer, typically making up reel bodies, rotors and handles. Stainless steel is generally used for the components within reels and are corrosion resistant and – crucially – smooth.
What is the best gear ratio for a coarse fishing reel?
The best gear ratio for a coarse fishing reel does depend on the type of fishing you’re doing and the size and power of the fish you’re targeting. For general coarse fishing for larger carp, pike et al a gear ratio of 4-5:1 is sufficient. If you’re targeting faster, lightweight predatory fish on lightweight gear, you may want to consider a higher gear ratio so you benefit from a faster retrieval rate.
What is the best size for a coarse fishing reel?
The best size coarse fishing reel depends on the type of coarse fishing you’re doing. When targeting lighter coarse fish, a 1000 – 2500 size reel is suitable for lighter-weight tackle. If you’re targeting medium-sized coarse fish, like tench or barrel, then consider a reel in the 3000-5000 range. For specimen carp, pike or catfish, a 5000-size reel should be the minimum you opt for.
Can I use a coarse fishing reel for fresh and saltwater fishing?
You can use a coarse fishing reel for fresh and saltwater fishing, but it isn’t recommended. This is mainly because saltwater-specific reels are built with corrosion-resistant properties to resist damage from saltwater and to ensure the reel’s smoothness and durability stacks up. If you use a freshwater-specific reel in saltwater conditions, you will reduce its lifespan and ruin the smoothness of the retrieve.
Harry
Hi, I'm Harry. A keen, albeit exceedingly average fisherman. I've spent the last few years trawling London's waterways with - if I'm being kind - varied success and would love to help you avoid the mistakes I have made.
