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Overhead Fishing Reels For Sale
For offshore trolling, deep-water bottom fishing, and dropping large baits, the overhead reel is the benchmark for power and control. Their robust construction and direct line-lay provide superior cranking power and line capacity, essential for tackling Australia's most powerful bluewater species. This range includes models from the world's leading brands, selected for their proven durability in harsh saltwater conditions.
Selecting the Right Overhead for Power and Control
Choosing an overhead reel to buy comes down to your primary fishing style. The two main designs—Lever Drag and Star Drag—offer distinct advantages for different applications. This guide will help you make the right choice.
A Note From Our Local Experts
"My team and I at Ocean Storm are offshore anglers who often rely on the power and reliability of overhead reels. We've put several overheads to the test on everything from kingfish and tuna off the Illawarra coast to deep-dwelling bottom species.
The overhead reels we stock are the models we trust for our own fishing, selected for their robust construction and proven ability to handle Australian conditions.
On my boat over the years, some of the many reels I have run are the Penn GT reel, a classic yet robust level wind, as well as Shimano Toriums for jigging, general reef fishing and even light trolling. I personally favour Penn or Shimano when it comes to fishing with overheads"
- Ben Czulowski & The Team at Fishing Tackle Shop (Ocean Storm)
Lever Drag vs. Star Drag: What's the Difference?
- Lever Drag Reels: The choice for game fishing and trolling. The drag is adjusted via a smooth lever, allowing for precise, pre-set drag pressures. This is critical when trolling for species like marlin and tuna, as you can have a light "strike" drag and then push the lever to a pre-determined "fight" setting once hooked up.
- Star Drag Reels: The versatile workhorse for bottom fishing and live baiting. The drag is adjusted with a star-shaped wheel next to the handle. Star drag reels typically offer better free-spool performance, making them the preferred choice for getting your rig down quickly in deep water.
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Expert Tips for Using Overhead Reels
- Local Knowledge Tip: The Mono vs. Braid Decision. While braid offers thin diameter and no stretch, monofilament is often preferred on overheads for trolling. Mono's inherent stretch acts as a shock absorber, which is crucial for preventing pulled hooks during the violent strike of a pelagic fish. For bottom fishing, braid's sensitivity is superior.
- Setting a Lever Drag: Use a set of spring scales to pre-set your drag pressures. A common rule of thumb is to set your "strike" drag to one-third of your line's breaking strain. This takes the guesswork out and prevents catastrophic tackle failure.
- Mastering the "Educated Thumb": To prevent overruns (backlashes) when casting a star drag overhead, use your thumb to apply light, consistent pressure to the spool as the line flies off. It's a skill that takes practice but is essential for effective overhead casting.
Why Buy from Fishing Tackle Shop (Ocean Storm)?
With a business history dating back to 2001 and our online store operating since 2005, our expertise is built on a deep passion for Australian sportfishing. We meticulously select our range of overhead reels, focusing on models with robust construction, proven drag systems, and the cranking power needed to handle big Australian game fish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best type of overhead reel for bottom fishing?
A star drag overhead reel is generally the best choice for bottom fishing. They typically offer faster free-spool, allowing your sinker and bait to descend quickly. They are also mechanically simpler and very robust, making them ideal for the rigours of heavy-duty bottom bashing.
Do I need a two-speed overhead reel?
If you are targeting large, powerful fish in deep water, a two-speed reel is a significant advantage. The high gear allows you to quickly recover line on a fish swimming towards you, while the low gear provides the torque needed to lift a stubborn fish from the bottom.
Can I cast with a lever drag reel?
While possible, lever drag reels are not optimised for casting. Their spool and drag design are tailored for trolling and live baiting. A star drag overhead or a specialised baitcaster will provide significantly better casting performance and fewer backlashes (overruns).
How much drag pressure do I actually need?
Most anglers overestimate the drag needed. For most Australian species, 8-10kg of smooth, usable drag is more than sufficient. Having an extremely high max drag is less important than the quality and smoothness of the drag system at the pressures you will actually be using.
What does a narrow spool on an overhead reel do?
A narrow spool makes it easier to manage your line lay without using your thumb to guide it. As you retrieve, the line naturally lays more evenly across the narrower surface. This design is very popular for jigging and bottom fishing as it reduces the chance of line dig-in.
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