Spinning Reels For Sale in Australia

The Angler's Guide to Choosing a Spinning Reel

Choosing the right spinning reel is about matching the tool to the task. It’s a system where the reel's size, features, and construction directly impact your success and enjoyment on the water. This guide will break down what really matters to help you make a confident choice.

Understanding Reel Sizes (The Critical First Step)

Spinning reels are categorised by a number (e.g., 2500, 4000). The smaller the number, the smaller the reel. Here’s a simple breakdown:

• 1000–3000 (Finesse / Light Tackle): Ideal for light estuary work, freshwater streams, and targeting species like bream, flathead, whiting, and trout. Their light weight is perfect for repetitive casting with small lures and soft plastics.
• 4000–6000 (All-Rounder / Inshore): This is the sweet spot for a huge range of Australian fishing. Perfect for snapper on inshore reefs, barramundi in the north, and mulloway in the surf. This size offers a great balance of line capacity and drag pressure for most boat and land-based applications.
• 8000+ (Offshore / Heavy Duty): When targeting powerful pelagics like kingfish and tuna, you need the line capacity and heavy-duty drag systems found in these larger reels. They are built with robust gears and bodies to handle the torque and stress of tackling powerful species.

Shop by Reel Size

Now that you know the basics, you can explore our curated collections:

Key Features & What They Mean for You

• Drag System: This is the reel's braking system. A smooth, sealed drag with carbon washers is crucial for preventing water intrusion and protecting your line from breaking during a long fight.
• Gear Ratio: This number (e.g., 6.2:1) indicates how many times the rotor turns for one crank of the handle. A high ratio (6.0:1+) is excellent for lure fishing. A low ratio (below 5.0:1) provides more cranking power (torque), which is better for bottom fishing or fighting large fish.
• Body Material: Full metal (aluminium) bodies prevent flexing under load, essential when fighting powerful fish. Carbon composite/graphite bodies offer a significant weight reduction and excellent corrosion resistance, making them a great choice for anglers who do a lot of walking and casting.
• Ball Bearings: More bearings generally mean a smoother retrieve. Look for reels with shielded or sealed stainless steel bearings for the best corrosion resistance in saltwater.

Local Knowledge Tip: Balancing Your Outfit

A common mistake is pairing a great reel with an unsuitable rod. Your outfit should feel balanced in your hand, with the pivot point just in front of the reel stem. A 4000-size reel, for instance, typically balances well on a 7-foot rod rated for 5-10kg line. An unbalanced combo is tiring to cast all day and reduces sensitivity, meaning you'll feel fewer bites.

Why Trust Fishing Tackle Shop?

Since 2005, online, Fishing Tackle Shop (Ocean Storm Fishing Tackle) has operated as a team of experienced anglers based right here on the South Coast of NSW, Australia. We have used plenty of these reels we sell and tested them on a wide range of local species, from trout, bream and flathead to powerful tuna and many other fish species in between. We only stock products that we would confidently use or recommend ourselves. Our advice comes from our time as anglers on the water and from years of customer feedback we have received.

Shop by Our Trusted Brands

Shimano

Daiwa

Penn

Rovex

Abu Garcia

Jarvis Walker

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best size reel for a beginner?
A 2500 or 3000 size reel is the perfect starting point. It's incredibly versatile and allows a new angler to successfully target a huge range of common bread-and-butter species in estuaries and freshwater.

What’s the best spinning reel size for snapper?
A 4000 or 5000-size spinning reel is the standard choice for snapper. This size provides ample line capacity for deeper water and has a strong enough drag to handle a powerful fish. Match it with a 7-foot, 5-10kg rod for a balanced setup.

Why does my braided line get tangled ("wind knots")?
Wind knots are usually caused by loose loops of braid on the spool. To prevent them, always manually close the bail arm after a cast (instead of just cranking the handle) and give the line a quick pull to ensure it's tight before you start your retrieve.

What's the main difference between a Shimano and Daiwa reel?
Both make high-quality reels. Shimano is well-known for robust, cold-forged gearing systems, while Daiwa has pioneered lightweight, rigid carbon bodies and magnetic oil sealing. The best choice often comes down to an angler's preference for weight, feel, and specific features at their chosen price point.

Do I really need a sealed drag system in my reel?
For any saltwater fishing, a sealed drag is highly recommended. It prevents water, salt, and sand from contaminating the drag washers, ensuring it remains smooth and reliable. This is a critical feature for durability in harsh Australian coastal environments.