Reels

There are literally hundreds of reels out there to choose from. The two types I would recommend for catfish are spinning and baitcasting reels. I personally prefer baitcasters, but they take some getting used to if you have never used one. Regardless, here are a few factors to consider when choosing the reel that is best for you.
Be sure to choose a reel that is suited for the type of line you will be using. Recommended line sizes will often be listed on the reel itself. I like to use 25-30 pound monofilament, so I need a spool that is big enough to accommodate this diameter of line. Next, take a look at the spool capacity. If you are fishing in a small pond, you likely don’t need a reel with a 400 yard capacity. However, if you plan on drifting baits well behind the boat or making long casts from the bank, you may need a spool that holds more line. This number can also be found on the reel, usually right next to the line size recommendation.
Another thing to understand when purchasing a reel is the gear ratio. In simple terms, this is the amount of line that is pulled in with every revolution of the handle. Most reels made for catfishing are on the slower side, with ratios of 4:1 or 5:1. Reels with a ratio much higher than that may compromise the amount of torque you have when fighting a big fish. Something else I usually look for in a reel is a bait-clicker. When the bait clicker is engaged and the reel is left in free spool, a fish can take out line freely. The fisherman is alerted by an audible click as line is peeled off of the spool. This is helpful when bank fishing or when fishing at night…not to mention, who doesn’t love the sound of a baitclicker screaming!?!?
Last but not least, look for a reel with a smooth dependable drag! When it comes to a big fish, this is the most crucial part of the reel. A cheap reel will have a cheap drag, and I can promise you that a big fish will expose that. Look for names that have been in the business a while. Probably the most popular all around catfish reels are the Abu Garcia 6500 and 7000 series. I own several of these and I have no complaints. Penn and Daiwa also make good reels. If you are looking for a cheaper alternative, I highly recommend Okuma products. They are high quality products without the high price tag.