Fishing Reels

Start with your target species, lure weight, and line type, then match the reel to your rod’s power and line rating.

Spinning Reels

• Ideal for finesse techniques and lighter setups.
• Trout & Walleye: 2000–3000 size for 5–10 lb mono or 10–15 lb braid.
• Salmon, Lake Trout & Great Lakes Pier Casting: 4000–5000 size for stronger drag and longer casts using 12–20 lb mono or 20–30 lb braid.

Baitcasting Reels

• Best for bass, pike, and heavier lures.
• Low-profile 100–150 size frames pair well with 30–50 lb braid for power and control.

Gear Ratios

• 6.3:1 – great all-round option.
• 7.1:1–8.1:1 – ideal for jigs, frogs, and pitching.
• 5.4:1–6.1:1 – better for deep-cranking or slow-rolling presentations.

Key Features to Look For

• Smooth, sealed carbon-fibre drags (12–20 lb covers most Ontario freshwater).
• Rigid aluminium or reinforced carbon frames with brass or hardened alloy gears.
• Long-stroke or braid-ready spools for improved casting and line management.

It depends on line type, usage, and storage. Monofilament typically lasts 1–2 seasons with regular use; fluorocarbon can go 1–2 years; braid can last 2–4 years but benefits from flipping or re-spooling to refresh the working section. Heat, UV, abrasion, and heavy drag settings shorten lifespan, so it's recommended to store your reels cool, dry, and out of direct sun.

Check for nicks, memory coils, and colour fade. If in doubt, re-spool before steelhead or bass season to avoid break‑offs. We stock premium lines from PowerPro, Sufix, Seaguar, Sunline, and P-Line and offer professional spooling services in-store.

In Canada, all Daiwa warranty claims are through Daiwa's Canadian Headquarters. In order to start a warranty claim please fill out the Reel Warranty form. Or you can reach out to one of the authorized repair centres listed on Daiwa's website in the link below. They will give you instructions on next steps. Please note you will need a copy of your receipt.

“4000” is the reel size and mainly indicates spool capacity and overall reel frame size. Compared to a 2500–3000, a 4000 spinning reel holds more line, has a larger drag stack, and often more retrieve per turn, making it ideal for salmon, steelhead, inshore, and heavier bass/pike techniques. 

Pair a 4000 with medium‑heavy rods (8–10 lb mono or 20–30 lb braid) where longer casts, stronger drags, and bigger baits are in play. Popular 4000‑size options from Shimano, Daiwa, Okuma, and Penn deliver smooth drags and durable bodies for Great Lakes conditions.

The “best” spinning reel is the one that fits your species, technique, and budget. For all‑round freshwater in Ontario, 2500–3000 sizes are a great choice. Standouts include Shimano Stradic and Vanford (buttery drags, light carbon bodies), Daiwa BG and Tatula (rugged, smooth gearing), and Okuma ITX (great value, corrosion resistance). 

Look for sealed drags, rigid frames, and balanced weight on your rod. We’ll help you test balance in-store and pick the right gear ratio and spool size.

• Spinning: Easy to learn, great for finesse, light to medium lures; sizes 1000–5000. Ideal for trout, walleye and bass
• Baitcasting: Power, accuracy, and higher drag; best for heavier lures, jigs, and pike/musky tactics. Low‑profile and round styles.
• Centerpin: Free‑spooling reels for float fishing steelhead/salmon with long rods.
• Fly: Line‑holding reels with smooth drags for trout to salmon.

Trolling/Conventional: Levelwind options for deep water and big-water Great Lakes trolling.

Baitcasting reels are renowned for their casting accuracy. They allow anglers to control the casting distance and precision through manual spool control, offering superior handling over distance and direction compared to other reel types.

Spincast and spinning reels are often recommended for their ease of use. Spincast reels, in particular, are considered the easiest and most straightforward for new anglers, including children, making them a popular choice for those new to the sport.

Spinning reels are designed with a fixed spool and are used by casting the rod and then flipping the bail to allow the line to flow off the spool freely. They are versatile and can handle a wide range of fishing techniques and species. Baitcasting reels, on the other hand, sit on top of the rod and provide more precision and control for experienced anglers, especially when targeting larger fish. However, they have a steeper learning curve due to the need to manage spool speed and prevent backlashes.