Reels have undergone changes that make choices more difficult, but as technology strives to finally beat line twist, oscillation, and other minor irritations, products have improved.  Infinite antireverse, previously a feature found only on the most expensive spinning reels, is common on reels priced in the midrange.  Drags on low-profile casting reels have never been better.  And more reels from more companies are available than ever before, including several baitcasters designed with walleyes in mind.

Matching reel performance with today’s fine rods ensures a sweeter feel and better performance than anything available in the past.  Most reel companies offer many lines of reels with features and prices geared to trigger mass merchandising sales.  Quality differences can’t be detected with a simple glance but require close examination.

Pick up a reel and spin it.  How smooth does it feel?  How long does a spinning reel spin when you let go of the handle?  How smooth is the drag?  In general, you get what you pay for, though many midpriced reels are well suited to the recreational walleye angler.  For many walleye presentations, the reel is basically a storage device that doesn’t need to be fancy.  With others, fine features are at a premium.

You may choose to go for extra ball bearings and high-tech features and spending big bucks.  Otherwise, shop wisely, but don’t cut corners.  Also, don’t get caught up in “more is obviously better.” Use the following guidelines to select reels that meet your needs and enhance your fishing pleasure and success.

Spinning
Light line often work best with medium-light spinning reels.  Reel packages may not say that, so instead look for a line capacity of about 200 to 240 yards of 6-pound mono and a reel that weighs between 7.5 and 9 ounces.  That should indicate which reel in a manufacturer’s line fits the bill.  For lighter line like 4-pound test, consider a reel one size smaller, often called a light or even ultralight.  For heavier casting applications with 10- to 12-pound line, the next larger-sized reel, often called a medium, may handle heavier line and achieve greater casting distance.  In a pinch, however, one intermediate model should cover all bases.

In general, if you use gelspun thin-diameter superlines, downsize one model.  Use plenty of monofilament backing to fill the spool, no matter what size spinning reel you use.  Connect the two lines with a double nail knot.  Superlines often come in short spool lengths of about 100 to 150 yards, so backing is needed to maintain outer spool diameter for peak performance.

Thin-diameter superlines may require changes in future reel categories, such as line-capacity designations for mono versus superline.  Spinning reels usually considered ultralight may perform as well as or better than traditional sizes that require mono backing beneath a 100-yard outer layer of skinny superline.  Superlines cast beautifully on spinning reels, have little memory, and their performance isn’t affected by small spool diameter.

Long-cast or similarly named spools are longer and thinner than traditional wider spools.  They excel with light line used in most finesse walleye presentations.  Heavier monofilament line coils tightly around the narrow diameter, however, increasing line twist.

Many spinning reels come with extra spools that pop on or screw on.  Extra spools are handy for backup line or for line weight change.  Some casting reels feature replaceable line spools for quick changes, but most don’t.

Most spinning reels today sport roller guides on the bail where line bends 90 degrees before spooling.  The guide spins, reducing line twist and wear.

Gear mechanism is one feature where differences can be detected.  Inexpensive reels have cheap gears that grind and vibrate, reducing sensitivity.  And their durability is questionable.  Premium reels, however, have smooth brass, bronze, or other premium pinion and gear mechanisms for long life and peak performance.  Read the label and compare.

Gear ratio determines performance.  High-speed retrieve ratios of about 5 to 1 or 6 to 1 pick up more line per turn of the reel handle—5 or 6 circumferences of the spool.  Lower gear ratios may be only 4 to 1, retrieving less line per crank.  Use low-speed reels for slow, subtle retrieves when you don’t want to overwork a lure—for example, a slow swimming crankbait.  Use high-speed reels for fast retrieves like spinners.  In general, walleye anglers opt for a fairly high retrieve, disciplining themselves to turn the handle slower when conditions call for slow lure motion.  In general, high gear ratio is more important with casting or trolling reels to move a lure fast or to retrieve long lengths of line quickly.

How many ball bearings are enough?  More bearings, more money, perhaps smoother operation.  Pick up the reel and spin it.  Is it smoother than the manufacturer’s other three reels in the same product line, which appear identical except for paint job, model name, number of bearings, and price tag?  You make the call.

Choice of drag depends on angler preference.  Rear drags feature more washers for a theoretically more adjustable drag system.  Consequently, they’re a bit more expensive and bulkier because of the extra knob.  Drag can be reset while a fish is running, and reels generally feature easy-to-pop-off, push-button spools.

Front drags twist-tighten to attach the spool and set the drag.  Drag must be reset each time you change spools, and the drag can’t be reset while a fish is running.  Proponents say front drags use larger washers with a direct twist-set connection for smoother operation.  Front drags dominated the last decade, though rear drags are making a comeback.

Many spinning reels feature right-left retrieve, equally suited for right or left-handed operation or for two-fisted jigging—a reel handle on opposite sides of each rod.  Handles fold or screw in and out for transport.

Infinite antireverse doesn’t mean you can’t backreel, but that the bail won’t spin backwards and tangle line when you remove your hand from the reel.  This is handy when backtrolling, because even a quarter turn backwards as the bail centers itself creates a loop of line that can catch on the bail mechanism.  With detachable antireverse, you can turn it off and backreel.  This feature is also available on some casting reels.

Casting-Trolling
Generally, smaller low-profile baitcasting reels are most suited for bottom-bouncer, three-way, jigging spoon, or heavy crankbait walleye applications.  Ten-pound-test line doesn’t require much line capacity, and besides, such reels are lighter and less tiring to hold.  Typical reels hold about 125 yards of 12-pound-test mono and weigh 8 to 91⁄2 ounces.  Round reels with more line capacity are tailored to trolling presentations, while line capacity and more weight aren’t needed for handheld applications.  Trolling reels generally are offshoots of salmon or saltwater markets with large line capacity for longline trolling.  Seven or eight manufacturers offer smaller models suitable for walleyes that feature line counters for precision control.

Palm-sized reels with a flippin’ feature facilitate handheld trolling applications like bottom bouncing.  Punch the button, lower the bottom bouncer or three-way, and once it’s on bottom, simply lift your thumb.  The reel re-engages without having to turn the reel handle with your other hand.  It’s nice to be able to keep one hand on the motor and one on the rod without interruption.

Some reels have traditional disengage switches on one side of the reel.  Others have a thumb bar in the center that disengages easily for casting or releasing line.  Flippin’ reels have thumb bars.

A select few casting reels have a direct drive option:  you can backreel a big fish on light line.  Most lack this feature, and it isn’t advertised because reel manufacturers build casting reels for bass and don’t understand how valuable direct drive is for walleyes.  Find a direct drive thumb bar with a flippin’ switch, and you have a walleye gem.  And these aren’t usually the most expensive reels in a product line, either.

Modern low-profile casting reels have an adjustable magnetic brake system to slow the spool at the end of a cast, decreasing spool overrun and backlash.  Some have detachable line guides that disengage for casting to reduce friction and increase distance.  A few feature detachable spools for quick line replacement.  Some come with left hand retrieves.