The best feeder fishing reels

I waited a long time to get my grubby mitts on these reels, and not just because they are shiny and new; and let’s face it every angler loves a bit of shiny new tackle. These reels are a breath of fresh air, and have been specifically designed as a UK coarse fishing reel, so you can be sure they are up to the task of anything the UK fishing scene can throw at it.

That doesn't mean they can't be used when spinning for species like bass, but if you want the most from this reel, you buy it to cope with the demands of modern day feeder and float fishing on commercials and running water. Packed with some superb unique features, it is designed to be as comfortable and useable as a reel can be, and will aid to improve your angling ability.As a fishing enthusiast and tackle tester, I have been getting to grips with these reels for a few weeks now, putting them through their paces in all manners of angling situations, it is fair to say they are seriously impressive...

Matrix has concentrated on the features that are most important for UK anglers, including the distance of the spool from the rod, allowing for precise finger dab casting action and instant access to the anti-reverse switch.

Featuring an ultra-light magnesium body, carbon-reinforced rotor, CNC aluminium drive gear, triple sealed body, line-friendly clip, multi-disc precision front drag, and a sleek one-piece bail-arm, they are available in 3000 and 4000 sizes. Designed specifically for UK match and coarse anglers in 3000 and 4000 sizes.

SEE WHAT DAN THOUGHT IN TACKLE TALK ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL.

Daiwa’s 20 N’ZON Distance Feeder 25 reel has been released alongside their new range of N'ZON rod and what an absolute gem of a feeder fishing reel this is.

This reel is well suited to long range feeder fishing work, the shallow alloy spools offer superior line lay to help maximise the distances you can achieve. The shallow spool also helps the line leave the spool easier, again reducing friction on the cast.

They will hold between 150 and 200 metres of 8lb (0.28mm line), which is more than enough, if you're using a lower diameter braid it will hold upto 300m of 0.16mm, so some backing may be needed.

The performance of the reel is fantastic for its price point. A single turn will retrieve 92cm of line and it does it with minimal effort too. Winding a large feeder or fish in from distances of over 80m was a breeze, the reel felt it had way more to give if it needed to.

The cranking power makes it suited to venues with a long cast or where you're going to be reeling in quite often, as it feels as though it will just keep reeling and will never let you down.

The drag is exceptionally smooth for a larger reel and although the double line clip may seem a bit gimmicky, it does prove very useful, especially if you are limited on the gear you have and you're fishing multiple swims. The bail arm is strong and chunky, which I prefer as you can be confident that once you've opened it, it won't close itself until you want it to, the last thing you need is the bail arm closing during a cast.

The Daiwa Tournament Feeder 25QD design is full of little tweaks and improvements over the other Daiwa distance reels, with its dual HIP line clips, one-touch folding handle and fully furnished spare spool but, most notably, Magseal! This is top-end technology uses a magnetic oil developed by NASA that fully seals and lubricates the reel, protecting it from water ingress and impurities. In simple terms, Magsealed reels run smoother for longer than reels with basic rubber seals.

In use, it was everything I thought it would be, and then more! It felt very familiar, thanks to my extensive use of its predecessor, yet not only had its features been enhanced, but so had its looks. With its exquisite red detailing, it doesn’t just perform like the best distance feeder reel in the world, it looks the part too!

The modestly-named LC Long Cast 25mm spool is optimally sized for the longest of friction-free casts but, more than that, the lip is created to control rather than restrict the flow of line, leading to a smoother transition through the guides, greater distances and, ultimately, fewer frap-ups.

Despite a very strong head wind, no matter how hard I cast, my 40g Method feeder hit its 70m target without a problem.It’s very rare with fishing tackle that extra expenditure leads directly to improved results, but on venues where metres matter, this is one of them.Now, I fully understand that £400 is well beyond the budget of many anglers, but if you want the very best reel possible for casting long distances, look no further – this is it!

YOU CAN READ OUR FULL IN-DEPTH REVIEW HERE.

The Shimano Ultegra C14+ XTC reel needs little introduction, as with most things Shimano are responsible for it is super reliable, provides effortless reeling and is a joy to use.

Two Speed Slow Oscillation line lay and an AR-C spool ensure the Shimano Ultegra C14+ XTC boasts exceptional casting potential, while the cold forged HAGAINE gearing and X-Ship give powerful, smooth winding. X-Protect seals from water and harmful impurities, while a set of spool-reducers allows braid to be loaded without backing.

The Preston Innovations Magnitude is the ideal reel for Method feeder fishing thanks to a host of brilliant features and is available in a range of sizes, from 320 to 620, with the 520 being a great choice on big waters.

Loaded up with 6lb or 8lb mainline, this reel holds around 125m, more than enough for most feeder situations. Slow oscillation provides a perfect straight up-and-down line lay allowing for long, smooth casts when called for. Plenty of winding power comes via sturdy Worm Drive gearing.

Other key features ideal for Method feeder work include a quick 5.0:1 gear ratio and a dual line clip. A spare spool is included too.

The stunning Daiwa 23 TDR Distance 25QD reel is an improvement on the 19 TDR Distance 25QD, it is an exceptional performing powerhouse of a reel combining the latest technology to improve an anglers ability to reach distances they couldn't. The new model incorporates a new 25mm Long Cast (LC) spool (150m - 0.28) and is also supplied with a spare super shallow spool (135m - 0.12) ideal for low diameter braid.

The TDR reels are a staple amongst some of the best match and specimen anglers in the country and there is good reason for this, they just never fail! These reels offer incredible performance and are proper workhorses.

It still capable of retrieving 96cm of line per crank of the handle, you will not find a more effortless way of retrieving the heaviest of feeders from extreme ranges of 100m-plus. Decked out in the iconic TDR livery, it has the premium looks to match its high-end performance.

The Preston Extremity SD is a high-performance feeder reel that builds on the success of its predecessor. It features a new Speed Drag system that allows for quick and easy adjustment of the drag tension. The Worm Drive system provides smooth and powerful winding, while the aluminium machined spool and extra-wide spool design help to improve casting distance and line capacity.

The Preston Extremity SD is available in two sizes: 520 and 620. Both sizes are suitable for a variety of feeder fishing applications, from light feeder work to heavy feeder fishing.

We were really impressed with the original Ninja reels, which are super smart, practical and really versatile little reels. These new Ninja reels have seen slight upgrades to their cranking power and sizes to cater for the more serious match and coarse anglers.

The Ninja Match and Feeder is great for doing exactly what it says, for any sort of feeder fishingthe bigger 4012 reel is superb. Its smooth and effortless winding capabilities, coupled with the slightly larger spool to improve casting distances, just make them a really fantastic reel and for less than £70 it offers remarkable value for money.

The 3012 is a great all-round reel, we have used them for catching barbel and chub on the float, feeder fishing on local commercials and even as travel reels for using abroad when lure fishing for some hard fighting, saltwater species.

There really is nothing we have found the reel to be incapable of.If you want a versatile and durable reel, then the Daiwa Ninja Match and Feeder reels take some beating in their price bracket and we still aren't sure if Daiwa have mistakenly priced these up, as they feel and perform far above what they cost.

The Daiwa 24 TDR QD is the pinnacle of Daiwa's reel engineering, the reel just exudes power and performance whilst maintaining the upmost quality and of course the iconic blue livery.

Introducing some new technology in the market including Air Bail which is a hollow bail arm to reduce weight, and the new Long Cast ABS spool improving casting efficiency and line lay. The body is constructed of alluminium and the new Air Rota from Daiwa's Zaion V material keeps the reel extremely lightweight and durable.

The reel also retains some of Daiwa's premium features like the High Impact (HIP) line clip and evolutions of its Digigear and Twistbuster technologies this reel is a pleasure to use.

The Matrix Ethos XR reel is available in 3000 & 3500 sizes. The reel offers a good balance of performance and features at a reasonable price point.

There are lots of features on this reel to aid the angler when casting and reeling in from distance such as the rotor brake and graphite anti-flex body. Both features are there to prevent the reel moving or twisting during the cast or when under pressure, making the reel perform far more smoothly.

The 3500 will retrieve 94cm of line with each turn of the handle, allowing for super quick retrieval of end tackle and the angler has the choice of a double or single handle depending on their preference. The multi-disc front drag on this reel is superb, it is so smooth and consistent that you will land more fish because of it.

Looking for a reliable and cost-effective fishing reel? The Nytro Impax Long Cast 5000 feeder reel might be just what you need! A favourite among feeder anglers, it offers smooth line lay and precise casting – thanks to its medium-depth aluminium spool and cross-winding wormshaft oscillation. With a steady 4.7:1 gear ratio, every retrieve is a breeze. Plus, it features two large metal line clips for exact distance control without line damage.

With Strength and durability at the forefront of this reels design, the graphite body is built to last, and the heavy-duty bail arm and twist-free line roller ensure smooth operation. A quick-drag front system, controlled by a large multi-disc knob, allows for quick and precise drag adjustments – perfect for reeling in those feisty fish. Comfort and practicality are also covered, with a screw-in, foldable handle featuring a rubber T-grip.

The Impax 5000 is great for medium to long-range feeder fishing and shines when it comes to casting performance. It might not be suited for ultra-light setups, but it's a top pick for catching bream, tench, and carp in lakes and slow moving rivers. In short, it promises a smooth, reliable, and user-friendly fishing experience.

The Nytro Aryzon Bait-Up 5000 reel is meticulously crafted for anglers seeking an alliance of power, precision, and convenience in their baiting endeavours. Delivered pre-loaded with 200m of Aryzon Bait-Up Braid, this reel springs into action upon unboxing, sparing you the toil of spooling braid yourself. Designed to cast large bait-up feeders across medium to long distances, it melds a robust structure with seamless performance, guaranteeing effortless and accurate bait delivery.

Its design is a harmonious blend of elegance and utility, adorned with a gunsmoke finish complemented by striking black and Nytro red accents. The high-strength graphite body and balanced rotor give a solid yet featherlight feel, while the medium-deep aluminium spool and cross-winding wormshaft oscillation system promise even line lay for smooth casting and retrieval. Dual oversized metal line clips enable precise clipping up or when sticking up which is essential for maintaining feeding accuracy. The heavy-duty bail arm wire resists deformation, while the teardrop-shaped, twist-free line roller diminishes line twist, allowing the braid to flow freely without entanglement.

The screw-in handle banishes play and folds away for effortless transport. When paired with the a bait-Up rod, this reel provides the power and reliability essential for precise and efficient feeding, ensuring your swim is primed for action with minimal effort.