Overhead Reels

Overhead reels have been designed to suit a number of specific fishing applications. Unlike other styles of fishing reel, the overhead is not intended for casting, instead it's used to feed the line in a controlled manner directly to the bottom or for trolling your desired bait or lure behind the boat. As with baitcasters, the overhead reel has been designed to sit atop a suitable overhead fishing rod, allowing you to maintain greater control and contact with not only the spool but also the line.

It's the power and contact that can be utilised with an overhead reel which makes it so perfect for deep-sea fishing, allowing you to control the descent of your lure or bait and know instantly when it has reached the bottom. This is where line capacity really shows its worth, allowing you to fish the seafloor in deeper bodies of water and providing enough excess line to handle screaming runs from larger fish. The simple drag systems found on an overhead reel also play a role, with minor adjustments to the star or lever drag putting the brakes on most adversaries. Although the fishing styles used with an overhead are quite specific, the range of species you may encounter are quite extensive. Marlin, mahi-mahi, tuna, and a variety of reef dwellers are just some of the fish you may encounter.

Overhead reels come in a large array of sizes to meet the needs of any fisho. Apart from body size, the three largest determining factors include line capacity, drag pressure and overall weight. Starting from the petite 12 - 18 size range, these things are ideal for micro jigging and lighter bait presentations. The next step up in sizing gives you the 20 - 50 overheads which act as a great all-around workhorse and are commonly used by the beginner and fishing enthusiast alike. When you get into your 600 and 700s this is when things start getting serious, with a maximum drag rating between 10 – 20 kg and a line capacity exceeding 700 metres they are a fish catching machine. Relatively new to the line-up at BCF our 9000-size electric overhead reels are the biggest and baddest reels on our shelves boasting unprecedented speed, power, and durability with a spool capacity of over 900 metres to make penetrating the deepest waters a breeze.

Expert Tip: When looking at reel sizes most brands will use a two or three-digit number but in most cases if the reels start with the same number, they will be the same size (for example 50-500).

There are endless amounts of fishing gear and accessories that will help maximise your enjoyment when out on the water. Now that you have a lovely new overhead reel in your possession, it's time to take a look at what other essential items you will need to help you bend a rod.

• Overhead rod – That reel won't see much game time without a rod to match it. Overhead rods come in many different lengths and weight ratings to suit the style of fishing you prefer and the type of fish you are targeting.
• Lures – Whether trolling skirts and deep divers along the reef edge or bottom bashing the depths with a selection of jigs, the lure aisle of your local BCF store will have all your needs covered to fill the esky or keep you entertained for the day with a spot of catch and release fishing.
• Fishing Line – Apart from rod and reel, your line is definitely the next piece of the puzzle and is often considered the most important of the three. Whether you use braided or monofilament line, each is up to the task and will help put fish on the deck.
• Gimbal belt – The use of a gimbal when fighting big fish is essential for providing the fisho greater comfort, allowing the use of stronger leg and back muscles to minimise fatigue and shorten fight times.

With the quality of overhead reels that have made their way onto the market in recent times it has never been easier or more cost effective to own a great piece of fishing kit. Shimano, Daiwa and Penn are just some of the great manufacturers keeping anglers of all skill levels happy and well equipped when they venture into the deep blue. Sign up to become a BCF club member either in-store or online to receive great discounts and exclusive specials.