Inshore saltwater anglers almost always ask for our advice about what type of reel they should purchase. The two types of conventional reels, open wind and level wind both have benefits and drawbacks depending on a number of factors. Each of them works completely differently and is each is suited to specific line types.

The best answer to this question is simple – take into consideration how you fish, your personal preferences and finally, what kind of line you intend to use most of the time. These factors will help you make an informed decision about which reel type is best for your needs.

Open wind reels have fewer moving parts, while level wind reels use a pawl that runs across a worm shaft on the front of your reel. While the open wind reel requires interaction from the angler to properly rewind a line, the level wind reel accomplishes this through the mechanism that is inherent to this reel type.

While the bottom line is that most anglers will decide which reel to use based almost entirely on their personal preference, you’re likely to find that most inshore saltwater anglers prefer the open wind reel. The reasons for this if you talk to an inshore salt water angler are mainly based on the fact that level wind reels have far more likelihood of breakdown and some anglers feel that the level wind reel also interferes with proper casting. Repairs are nearly impossible to rebuke – level wind reels have more moving parts meaning an increase in failure possibilities. Since inshore saltwater anglers will nearly always wander off on foot to their favorite fishing spot, they likely will carry only a single rod and reel meaning that an equipment breakdown is a major inconvenience and will result in a wasted day of angling. Remember, a level wind reel requires impeccable cleaning since a single grain of sand can cause the reel to fail when you are fighting with a fish and could cost you the catch of the day.

You may have already seen our article about the various types of lines that are available on the market. Keeping in mind that it wasn’t all that long ago when the line of choice for the bulk of anglers was monofilament which has its own set of issues. Today, Monofilament is one option of course, but more anglers are electing to use braided Dacron lines. These lines simply do not have the spooling problems that are traditionally found in monofilament lines.

Monofilament line is the line of choice for many anglers – it offers stretch and it’s cost effective. It does have its downsides however and these downsides make the use of a level wind conventional reel very practical unless you want to spend time learning how to guide your line back onto your reel with your thumb. While this practice is common and not hard to learn, it’s highly unlikely that when you’re reeling in a big fish you are going to be paying all that much attention as to how you’re rewinding your line if you are using an open wind conventional reel.

Anglers can guide monofilament line with their thumb, ensuring an even wind. However, if you’re using a braided line, you’re unlikely to need to learn this trick. Braided Dacron line for some unknown reason rewinds onto the reel nearly perfectly with little interference or help from the angler. This means that you’re not going to have to worry about your line when you’re bringing in a large fish.

If you are a braided line user it’s inevitable that you have noticed that braided line simply doesn’t have the issues of monofilament line. While braided line doesn’t have the memory of monofilament, it somehow winds back perfectly on a reel without you needing to guide it with your thumb. If you’re using braided Dacron line, chances are that you will not need to consider purchasing a level wind reel. If you are fishing monofilament line, the level wind conventional reel is most likely worth purchasing.

If you talk to any repair shop owner (and I can testify to this) the incident of repairs for open wind reels is well below that of level wind reels. There is not a big mystery here – the additional moving parts put pressure on a line, a grain of sand gets caught up in a gear and failing to ensure that the entire reel is thoroughly cleaned and lubricated means that the level wind reel has a higher chance to break down. There is not a single level wind reel manufacturer that is excluded from these breakdowns so just spending more money on a higher end level wind reel won’t result in a lower likelihood of breakdown. Open faced conventional reels with fewer moving parts are the simple answer to reel breakdowns.

While your personal preferences are certainly going to play a significant role in your final decision, also take into consideration your line type and your fishing habits – rigging or casting – and you’ll be able to make a sound decision between the level wind conventional reel and open conventional reel.

With all the different types of reels out there things can get confusing. Doing your research before hand can save yourself a headache. Some of the most popular reels include: Daiwa Seaborg 300FB, Daiwa Viento, and Shimano Stella FD.

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