Choose a conventional reel size based on target fish species, line capacity, and fishing environment. Smaller reels (20-30 size) are suitable for inshore or nearshore fishing, while larger reels (50-130 size) are ideal for offshore, deep-sea, or big game fishing. Consider personal preferences and tackle compatibility as well.
Selecting the right size conventional reel for your needs ensures you never miss that trophy fish. Whether you are fishing for marlin in the open ocean, deep dropping for grouper on a reef, or soaking baits for catfish, choose the ideal model conventional reel if important.
I have used conventional reels for well over a decade for everything from offshore to inshore and I am a big fan. One of the biggest mistakes I see is choosing an overhead reel that is significantly larger than required for the task. So I have put together this list of my recommended conventional reel sizes depending on the type of fish species and your target depth.
Table of Contents
What are the Different Sizes of Conventional Reel?
Conventional reels use a different size system to spinning reels, although they are easy to convert. Spinning reels use a 4-digit numbering system, such as 1000 or 4000. Conventional reels use a 2 or 3-digit system, such as 16 or 40, or sometimes even up to 130 for the largest models.
I generally talk about conventional reels in terms of whether they are small, medium, or large. Small reels are best suited for small reef fish or pelagic species like mackerel. Large conventional reels are exclusively built for the largest fish in the ocean – marlin and large groupers.
| Class of Conventional Reel | Size Model | Braid Line Capacity | Max Drag | Cost |
| Small-Size | 12-20 | 500 to 1000 yards of 40 lb | 25 to 40 lb | $150-$300 |
| Medium-Size | 20-50 | 500 to 1500 yards of 60 lb | 30 to 60 lb | $300-$500 |
| Large-Size | 50-130 | 1500 to 3000 yards of 100 lb | 50 to 80 lb | $500-$800 |
Which Size for Different Fish Species?
The species of fish you are target plays a significant role in determining which size conventional reel you require. The power of the fish will influence how much drag you need. The swimming speed or the depth they live will impact on the amount of line capacity. If you are target larger fish species and require larger diameter fishing line then this will reduce the amount you can store on your spool.
Of course, you never truly know which fish species will strike your bait, nor how large that individual fish will be. So I have put together these guidelines about what sized conventional reel I would advise for different species so that you never get into trouble on the water.
This table shows the recommended conventional reel size and key criteria for common recreational angling species. I haven’t included species that I would recommend using a different type of fishing reel, like bass (which I would suggest using a baitcaster).
| Fish Species | Conventional Reel Size | Braid Line Capacity | Max Drag |
| Mackerel | 12 | 250 yards of 20 lb | 10 lb |
| Tarpon | 12 | 300 yards of 50 lb | 15 lb |
| Catfish | 15 | 300 yards of 50 lb | 15 lb |
| Tuna | 20 | 300 yards of 50 lb | 15 lb |
| Mah Mahi | 25 | 500 yards of 40 lb | 20 lb |
| Sailfish | 50 | 1500 yards of 80 lb | 40 lb |
| Sturgeon | 50 | 500 yards of 60 lb | 40 lb |
| Grouper | 80 | 500 yards of 80 lb | 60 lb |
| Marlin | 130 | 1500 yards of 130 lb | 85 lb |
Which Size for Different Depths?
Another key consideration is how deep you will be fishing. Even though you may only be targeting a small species, if that species lives on a reef several hundred feet deep, you may need to choose a larger conventional reel size purely for its additional line capacity.
This table shows the recommended conventional reel size for different target depths. I have included some safety margin to make sure you have enough line to fight the fish when it is on the bottom. You should also consider if you are target especially large fish, like grouper, to go up a size or two to adjust for the thicker fishing line.
| Target Depth | Recommended Conventional Reel Size |
| 50 feet | 12 |
| 100 feet | 14 |
| 200 feet | 16 |
| 300 feet | 20 |
| 400 feet | 25 |
| 500 feet | 30 |
| 600 feet | 50 |
| 800 feet | 60 |
| 1000 feet | 80 |
You should also consider upgrading your conventional reel to an electric powered model if you are fishing at deeper than 300 feet. This will save considerable muscle soreness and improve your overall fishing experience. Nothing is worse than manually retrieving your empty hook from the depths a hundred times throughout the day.
Recommended Conventional Reels
If you are looking to purchase a conventional reel, please read through this comprehensive guide focused on saltwater trolling reels. Here are my top 3 recommendations:
Shimano Tiagra Conventional Reel
- The World's Premier Conventional Reel
- Over 3300 Yards of 150 Pound Braid Line Capacity
- High 100 Pound Max Drag
- Extremely Heavy and Powerful Reel
Shimano Tyrnos Conventional Reel
- Great Value for Money Game Reel
- Two Speed Gearing System
- Huge Line Capacity
- Good Combination of Power and Retrieve Rate
Piscifun Salis X Trolling Reel
- Over 500 Yards of 50 Pound Braid Capacity
- 37 Pound Max Drag
- High 6.2:1 Gear Ratio for Trolling
- Best Budget Conventional Reel
Conclusion
Conventional reels are ideally designed for a particular type of fishing – dropping baits into the depths and trolling lures for big game. They are becoming increasingly popular for more powerful recreational species like catfish. However, they are expensive for a quality model and you don’t want to be overspending for a larger size than you will use. The larger models are also extremely heavy, which is a concern if you travel long distances with them.
You can select the ideal size conventional reel by considering the type of fish you are target and the depth. This should give you a clear understanding of the fishing line strength, the fishing line capacity, and the amount of drag. You can narrow your selection to a few individual models using these three data points.