Fishing Reels

Fishing reels built for every style, species, and session

A good fishing reel does more than hold line. It controls your cast, manages the fight, and turns bites into landed fish. Whether you’re flicking lures at dawn, soaking baits off the beach, or slow-rolling offshore, the right reel makes everything feel smoother and more controlled.

That’s why fishing reels aren’t one-size-fits-all. Different fishing styles demand different designs, and each reel type brings its own strengths to the water. From lightweight finesse setups to heavy-duty surf and overhead rigs, there’s a reel built for exactly how you fish.

Why do fishing reels matter so much?

Because the reel is where power, precision, and reliability meet. A well-matched fishing reel improves casting distance, protects your line with a smooth drag, and keeps you in control when the pressure’s on.

Across modern fishing reels, you’ll find a few key things that matter no matter the style:

• Smooth, reliable drag when the fight kicks off
• Clean line management for fewer tangles
• Gear strength matched to the species you’re chasing
• Compatibility with braid, mono, or fluorocarbon
• Designs suited to freshwater, estuary, and saltwater use

Get this right, and your reel stops being something you think about — it just works.

Spinning reels: the all-rounders

Spinning reels are the most popular fishing reels for a reason. They’re easy to cast, forgiving under load, and versatile enough to handle everything from bream and bass to snapper and pelagics.

They suit beginners and experienced fishos alike, work across light and heavy setups, and pair easily with a wide range of fishing rods. If you only own one reel type, chances are it’s a spinning reel.

Best for:

• Lures, bait fishing, and general-purpose use
• Freshwater, estuary, and saltwater fishing
• Fishos who want versatility without complication

Overhead reels: power and control

Overhead reels are all about strength and leverage. Designed for vertical fishing, trolling, and deep-water work, they give you direct control over line feed and stopping power when pulling fish up from depth.

These reels shine offshore, where torque and durability matter more than rapid casting.

Best for:

• Offshore, reef, and game fishing
• Heavier line classes and big fish
• Situations where cranking power counts

Baitcaster reels: precision casting

Baitcaster reels are built for accuracy. Once dialled in, they offer tight control, smooth retrieves, and pinpoint casting around structure — making them a favourite for lure fishing in freshwater and estuaries.

They take a little practice, but reward experienced users with excellent feel and control.

Best for:

• Lure casting around snags and structure
• Bass, barra, and impoundment fishing
• Fishos who want casting precision

Fly reels: simple, balanced, reliable

Fly fishing reels are designed to balance the rod and manage line during the fight. While the rod and line do most of the work, a quality fly reel provides smooth drag and reliable line control when fish run.

They’re lightweight, purpose-built, and matched closely to fly rod weights.

Best for:

• Fly fishing in rivers, lakes, and saltwater flats
• Trout, salmon, bream, and saltwater species
• Line control rather than casting distance

Hand reels: straightforward and dependable

Hand reels keep things simple. Compact, tough, and easy to use, they’re ideal for casual fishing, bait soaking, or as a backup option when simplicity is the goal.

They’re a classic choice for anglers who want minimal fuss and maximum reliability.

Best for:

• Bait fishing and general use
• Casual and traditional fishing styles
• Easy storage and transport

Surf reels: built for the beach

Surf reels are designed for long casts, heavy line, and rough conditions. Most commonly associated with Alvey reels, these sidecast-style reels excel in surf environments where durability and distance matter.

They’re made to handle sand, salt, and sustained pressure — perfect for beach fishing along the Australian coastline.

Best for:

• Surf and beach fishing
• Long casts with heavier rigs
• Species like tailor, mulloway, and salmon

How do you choose the right fishing reel?

Start with how and where you fish most. Casting lures regularly? Spinning or baitcaster reels make sense. Fishing offshore or deep? Overhead reels deliver power. Walking the beach? Surf reels are built for it.

Match the reel size to your rod and line class, think about how often you fish, and choose durability that suits your environment. The right reel should feel balanced, comfortable, and ready to handle repeat trips.

Not sure where to start? BCFing experts are always happy to help you dial it in.

Looking after your fishing reel

Good maintenance keeps fishing reels performing longer. Correct spooling, avoiding overfilling, and keeping steady tension all help with line management. After saltwater sessions, a gentle freshwater rinse and wipe-down go a long way.

Loosen the drag before storage and keep reels out of direct sunlight between trips. If you’d rather skip the hassle, in-store line spooling is available when you grab a new reel, rod, or combo.

Lock in the reel, then get fishing

Fishing reels aren’t something you replace every trip, so it pays to choose gear that’s built properly and backed by people who know fishing. At BCF, you’ll find reels for every style — from lightweight finesse options to tough surf and offshore performers.

Shop online or drop into one of our 165+ stores and get set up with confidence.

While you’re here, a few handy extras to know about:

• Club pricing unlocks exclusive deals on selected fishing reels and tackle
• Club BCF lets you earn points every time you gear up
• Price Match if you find the same reel cheaper elsewhere
• Click & Collect gets your order ready in as little as 1 hour

Dial in your reel, match it with the right rod and fishing line, and you’re ready to go.