Barbel are one of the hardest-fighting freshwater species and will test your tackle to the limit, you can’t afford to go in under-gunned when targeting barbel, so a good quality barbel fishing reel is a must if you’re going to stand any chance of landing a specimen. Fishing for barbel often involves travelling light and roving along a river, so you need to strike a balance between a reel that will pack a punch yet is still fairly light and won’t weigh you down.
For smaller rivers, a 4000 – 5000-sized reel should be perfect. On larger, more powerful rivers, such as the River Trent, you may need to step up to a 6000-sized reel. Key features to look out for when purchasing a barbel fishing reel include a good quality drag system, so you can apply the right amount of pressure during the fight, and a fairly deep spool capable of holding plenty of line.
The best barbel fishing reels at a glance
While not essential, many top barbel anglers prefer to use a reel with a freespool facility when fishing for barbel. This allows line to be taken with ease on the take, which can then be disengaged to play the fish from the clutch. Here is our pick of some of the best barbel fishing reels currently on the market...
Best budget barbel fishing reel
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If you're looking for a baitrunner on a budget then look no further than the Daiwa Regal Baitrunner reel, this superb value for money reel offers loads of great features packed into a compact body, making it perfect for numerous styles of coarse angling.
The smooth "Bite & Run" system is easily engaged by flicking the lever to the rear, this will put the reel into freespool mode, if you get a bite you can flick the lever or turn the handle to dis-engage the setting. These reels are great if you use multiple rods or just wet to put a rod out for bigger fish and aren't always concentrating, it will stop the rod being pulled into the depths.
5 ball bearings and an aluminium spool ensure the reel has plenty of power and line capacity. They are available in three sizes: 2500, 3000 and 4000 to cater for most specimen anglers needs.
Pros
- Smooth baitrunner.
- Durable build.
Cons
- Not the best on bigger carp rods.
Best value barbel fishing reel
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The elegant Daiwa Emcast BR is an incredibly lightweight reel, thanks to its feather-light graphite body, and it boasts eight ball bearings, which give the reel a silky smooth performance.
The reel comes supplied with a full specification spare spool, as well as both a single and double handle. The Bite ‘n’ Run system is fully supported with an additional front drag system, allowing for the precise increase of drag during the fight, which is vital when trying to control a powerful barbel.
Other features include Daiwa’s hollow tubular bail system known as Air Bail. Completely protrusion-free, Air Bail is lightweight and ensures you don’t experience any snagging. TwistBuster technology is also utilised to ensure you don’t suffer from line twist. Finally, eight ball bearings give the reel a silky smooth performance.
Pros
- Incredibly smooth performance.
- Reliable drag system.
Cons
- The spool is quite deep.
| Gear ratio: | 4.6:1 |
| Line capacity: | 310m/14lb |
| Weight: | 490g |
Best barbel fishing reel for casting
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The Daiwa 20 GS BR LT is an evolution of a legendry reel. Available 2 sizes 3000, & 5000.
Daiwa utilising its latest light, and tough (LT) technology have produced a lighter weight rugged version of one of the most iconic free spool reels.
It has a one touch folding handle allowing for compact storage whilst still in situ on the rod, perfect for storing made up or for those roving sessions on the river.
Combining a smooth drag with powerful performance means this reel can handle any situation whether it be hauling in big fish or the free spool system giving line when those hard biting barbel pick up you bait and charge down river.
If you’re looking for a versatile reel that’s feature packed, then look no further than the Daiwa 20 GS BR LT
Pros
- The lightweight nature and one touch folding handle make it the perfect reel for a roving setup
- Its smooth drag and freespool function will give confidence when battling hard fighting barbel
Cons
- No spare spool supplied
| Gear ratio: | 4.6:1 |
| Line capacity: | 0.30mm/300m, 0.33mm/250m |
Best barbel fishing reel for tidal rivers
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When it comes to river fishing, especially for barbel, you need a reel that can keep up with the challenge. Enter the Okuma LS 8K Baitfeeder Reel. This baitfeeder reel is built for the long lasting performance. With its capability to cast far and wide, you'll be reaching those sweet spots in the river in no time. The combination of a long stroke spool trip and worm shaft transmission system gives you the precision and power you need for that perfect cast.
The Okuma LS reel also features a slow oscillation system, backed by multiple ball bearings, ensuring a smooth line lay and retrieve. Say goodbye to annoying line twists and hello to improved casting accuracy. With a corrosion-resistant graphite body and heavy-duty components that can take a beating, perfect for the unpredictable conditions of river fishing. The best part? The fast progressive drag system that gives you the stopping power to reel in those strong, fighting barbel.
Pros
- Good drag system.
- Reliable freespool facility.
Cons
- Could be oversized for a roving angler
| Line capacity: | 0.30mm/250m |
Best Mid-Price Barbel Fishing Reel
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The Shimano Baitrunner DL 6000RB really is a stunning reel, not only to look at, but to use. Finished in a gun metal grey, they look fantastic matched up with any modern-day carp rod. The baitrunner option is simple to use, with a latch to the rear of the reel, and is disengaged by half a turn on the handle.
When engaged the reel is in freespool, this can be manipulated via the rear drag if you wish to make the baitrunner tighter when fishing up to snags. Once you have your preferential settings, just flick the latch and the drag is set ready, no more fiddling around with front drags.
Featuring Shimano’s Dyna-balance, reel wobble when playing a fish no longer exists and the Varispeed oscillation makes for incredible line lay, important in preventing tangles with a freespool reel.
Pros
- Super smooth drag.
- Baitrunner is simple and easy to operate.
Cons
- A bit small for really big carp fishing.
Best in class barbel fishing reel
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The Shimano Baitrunner XTB Long Cast 5500 is built for distance. It uses a special spool and line lay system to help your line fly off smoothly for those extra-long casts. Perfect for large powerful rivers for targeting those hard fighting barbel.
It also has something called X-Ship, which makes reeling feel smoother and more powerful, especially when fighting a fish. The inside parts are made to be tough, and the handle is designed to give you more cranking power. It has slow oscillation for better line lay, a 4.6:1 gear ratio (which is how many times the spool turns per handle turn), strong cold forged spools and Hagane gearing, Super Stopper II to prevent back-play when anti reverse is engaged, Floating Shaft II to reduce friction, an Instant Front Drag for quick adjustments, Dyna Balance to reduce wobble, X-Ship for smoothness and power, line reducers for different line types, and it weighs just 790g
Pros
- Superb line lay.
- Great casting reel.
Cons
- Maybe oversized for some anglers preferences
| Gear ratio: | 4.6:1 |
| Line capacity: | 0.30mm/320m |
| Weight: | 615g |
Best Barbel Fishing Baitrunner Reel
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If you want to use the famed Shimano Baitrunner technology but you’re on a budget, the Shimano ST-RB Baitrunner 6000 is the reel to go for.
The XT-7 body and rotor is covered with understated graphics, a traditional easy-to-use rear Baitrunner system, balanced double handle, aluminium AR-C spool and Varispeed line lay all combine to produce an affordable reel packed with technology that won’t let you down.
A single turn of the handle will retrieve 85cm of line so you can quickly wind in leads and swimfeeders.
Pros
- Easy to use and reliable baitrunner system.
- Tough construction, suitable for the roving angler.
Cons
- No spare spool.
| Gear ratio: | 4.6:1 |
| Line capacity: | 0.30mm/270m |
| Weight: | 550g |
Best all-round barbel fishing reel
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The Shimano Baitrunner X-Aero 4000 FB is Shimano’s top-of-the-range compact Baitrunner reel and is one of the best reels on the market for barbel anglers.
The famous, easy-to-use Shimano freespool facility is a reassuring advantage when fishing bolt rigs and feeders, especially for barbel when bites are often sudden and very aggressive. When engaged, the spool will give line with minimum friction until you pick up the rod and turn the handle, which instantly engages the front drag and enables you to continue the fight. Although relatively small in size, the Baitrunner X-Aero 4000 FB is remarkably powerful, and over the years, it has been responsible for catching many exceptionally large specimen fish.
The X-SHIP gear provides efficient smooth winding when under pressure and combines with the hi-torque 4.8:1 gear ratio and S A-RB bearings to produce impressive winding power. The large diameter AR-C spool enhances casting performance and enables large diameter mono lines to be used with minimal trouble.
Pros
- Flawless freespool facility.
- Good cranking power.
Cons
- Double handle not for everyone.
| Gear ratio: | 4.8:1 |
| Line capacity: | 0.30mm/180, 0.35mm/130m |
| Weight: | 420g |
Best beginner barbel fishing reel
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The N Gauge specimen reel offers a variety of features at a competitive price. The multiple sizes available, smooth cranking power and adjustable free spool option are all essential features.
With a graphite body and aluminium handle these reels are lightweight and offer durability from regular use.
It has a sleek finish with green highlights it’s one of the more aesthetically pleasing reels on this list.
Pros
- Versatile model options 4000, 5000 & 6000
- Lightweight build
Cons
- It’s the first specimen reel produced by Guru so no track record of reliability
| Gear ratio: | 5.1:1 |
| Line capacity: | 4000 – 0.28mm/180m; 6500 – 0.30/175m |
| Weight: | 4000 – 335g; 6500 – 478g |
Best small river barbel fishing reel
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If you’re looking for a reliable well-regarded reel at a good price point then the Fox EOS 5000, this reel is a solid option.
Available in 3 sizes (5000, 7000 & 10000) there is a reel to suit most applications, the 5000 stands out as a reliable, resilient reel for barbel fishing.
The EOS does the basics well and offers a reliable, dependable workhorse of a reel that can go through the rigours of whatever barbel fishing can throw at it.
Pros
- Strong solid dependable reel
- Versatile with 3 sizes available
Cons
- Outdated, not much has changed since the launch of the model in 2013
| Gear ratio: | 5.0:1 |
| Line capacity: | 4000 – 0.30mm/165m, 0.35mm/115m; 5000 0.30mm/275m, 0.35mm/195m |
| Weight: | 4000 – 285g; 5000 – 396g |
What to look for in a barbel fishing reel
Barbel are incredibly powerful fish that will test your tackle to its limits, so it's imperative you choose strong and reliable tackle if you intend on targeting them. A good quality barbel fishing reel will make all the difference when it comes to taming big barbel, lots of cranking power is essential to pull these fish away from underwater snags and guide them against the flow into your net.
A reel with a Baitrunner is always a good option to choose as bites can come after hours of nothing, usually when you least expect it, and they are more than capable of pulling your rod into the river. By utilising the Baitrunner function on a barbel fishing reel, it acts as an insurance allowing line to leave the reel preventing the rod being dragged in, a simple turn of the handle puts you back in direct control so you can fight the fish.
Smooth and reliable drag systems are also useful with barbel, as they will help absorb the powerful lunges and runs these fish can go on, and will prevent your line breaking. Their turn of pace can be lightning-fast and sometimes you don't have time to backwind, a good drag stops this happening as it automatically releases the pressure on your line.
Glossary
Drag/clutch: An adjustable tensioning system that allows a hard-fighting fish to pull additional line from the reel instead of breaking the line.
Freespool: Similar to a clutch but working at far lower tensions, the Freespool will allow a running fish to take line, preventing a rod on a rest from being pulled in. Once the rod is picked up and the reel handle turned, it will disengage, putting the reel back into 'fish playing' mode with the drag working as normal.
Baitrunner: A switch generally at the back of the reel that allows the reel to operate in freespool, turning the handle dis-engages it.
Spool: The cylinder at the front of a reel which holds the line.
Big pit: A reel with a long spool designed for extreme long-range casting by reducing the resistance of the line.
Frap up: A tangle during a cast where a ball of line catches in the guides of the rod, typically causing a crack off.
Crack off: Named after the loud cracking sound made as line breaks during a cast.
Line clip: A small clip on the spool that line can be placed under, stopping it from leaving the reel. Originally designed to stop lines from falling off in transit, they are now commonly used to repeatedly cast a set distance.
Line twist: Casting, retrieving and using the freespool and clutch adds twist to your line, which can weaken it and reduces casting distance. In extreme cases, the line will bounce off the spool and ball up as it untwists. More expensive reels incorporate various technologies to minimise line twists.
Frequently asked q<strong>uestions on barbel fishing reels</strong>
What size spool should I use for my barbel fishing reels?
Barbel fishing doesn't typically require very long casts, so spool size is less important. The reel does, however, need to be able to hold thick and heavy line to land the fish safely. For this reason, we suggest a 4000-8000 sized spool for barbel fishing, most Baitrunner systems being perfect for the job. You certainly don't need huge, deep long cast spools designed for feeder fishing and carp fishing.
Should I use a Baitrunner reel for barbel fishing?
If you are going to be watching the rod and roving the river, perhaps rolling baits, then a Baitrunner is not essential. However, if you are an angler who likes to sit back and relax, or kip in the bivvy, a Baitrunner reel is essential to stop your rod being dragged in on the take. A barbel bite is typically far more savage than anything any other fish will give.
What line should I use for barbel fishing?
Barbel in the UK now grow to pretty impressive sizes of up to 20lb, they fight incredibly hard and live in challenging fishing environments with strong flows. For this reason, you really need to be using stronger line to land them safely. We would recommend anything from 8-15lb depending on the conditions.
Author Mark Sawyer holds the position of Tackle Editor at Angling Times, boasting more than thirty years of experience working within different fields of the angling industry.