Size, weight and drag

When soft bait fishing it is best to use small light-weight reels because of the active style of fishing required. Reels that are quite heavy will only make your arms tired from working it all day. The reels also must have smooth drag systems and generally be made of high quality materials.

The reason for this is that soft baits, when fished and presented correctly, will bring out the predatory instincts in fish and can attract the attention of larger than normal specimens.

Don''t be fooled by the size of the reels as some of the reels now available are extremely powerful with drag systems up to ten kilos. If you choose a cheap reel with very few bearings and average components, chances are it will only last for a very limited time or worse still let you down while you are fighting that large trophy fish of a life time.

Spinning or overhead

The most suitable type of reel for the job is the spinning reel as they are much more easy to cast and manage when soft bait fishing. The overhead type baitcaster reels are also suitable but can be much difficult to use and the biggest problem is over-runs in the spool causing the line to birds nest.
Despite this, overhead bait casting reels are preferred by some anglers and are ideal when fishing in deeper water or for larger species like kingfish and other pelagic like tuna.

What to buy

In this day and age manufacturers of reels suitable for soft baiting are much more easy to find and the variety available for the soft bait market is huge.
The best advice is to purchase a reel of the highest quality you can afford and these days it is possible to get something that is good quality and great value for money.
Your local tackle shop will be able to give you good sound advice on the various brands available.