Silverfish often require more finesse and subtle tactics and the best reels for silverfish reflect this, they are often much lighter and more compact as they don’t need the extra power that fish like carp and barbel demand.
Although they don’t require the extra power, the best reels for silvers still require specialist features in order for you to get the best from them. As you are often reeling and casting, a good line roller is paramount to prevent lighter lines twisting up which can cause a real headache.
The best reels for silverfish fishing at a glance...
• Best Value Reel For Silvers - Daiwa 23 Ninja Match & Feeder - View offer on Total Fishing Tackle
• Best Performing Reel For Silvers - Shimano Stradic FM Reel - View offer on Total Fishing Tackle
• Best Beginner Reel For Silvers - Okuma Ceymar HD Match Reel - View offer on Total Fishing Tackle
• Best Float Fishing Reel For Silvers - Drennan Vertex 3000 Float Reel - View offer on Total Fishing Tackle
You want to choose a reel with a smooth, faultless performance that is easy to wind, as again, you are likely to be retrieving the rig quite often. A reel with a short stem, that allows you to get your finger on the spool is ideal if you do a lot of river fishing or float fishing, it gives you far better control and makes casting much more efficient. Here is a guide to the best reels for silvers available…
Best value reel for silvers
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Offering quality at an affordable price, the Daiwa 23 Ninja is the evolution of the iconic original Ninja model and a popular choice among anglers of all disciplines, the reel performs incredibly well and is very versatile.
A graphite body and Air Rotor save on weight while winding smoothness is maintained by four ball-bearings and an infinite anti-reverse which perfectly balances the lighter rods we generally use for silverfish.
A high speed line roller prevents line twist and the compact size of the reel, especially in the smaller sizes just makes it so easy to use. It comes with a spare spool, in single or double handled models in sizes 3012 & 4012.
Pros
- Incredibly smooth and reliable.
- Supplied with a spare spool.
Cons
- Not the biggest spool sizes.
2.
Shimano FX
Best budget reel for silvers
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A quality budget reel for silvers is hard to find, but the Shimano FX is just that. The reel doesn't come with a spare spool, but it does cost less than an extra spool for some other reels, allowing you to buy multiple if you wish.
The FX contains no less than 10 ball-bearings to ensure a smooth and reliable action, perfect when you are catching lots of fish or are very active when fishing for silvers.
The reel is available in five sizes, from the tiny 1000 through to the modest 4000, so there will be a reel to accommodate any rod setup you have, whether it be for feeder fishing or float fishing.
Pros
- Smooth action.
- Available in a range of sizes.
Cons
- No spare spool.
Best float fishing reel for silvers
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The Drennan Vertex 3000 Float Reel are is a bespoke all-around float reels designed specifically for English-style float fishing. With their ultra-shallow spools, these reels minimise unnecessary backing, improving line lay and casting accuracy.
Key features include precision and performance, ultra-shallow spools for optimal line management, versatile drag options available in both front and rear drag models, rubber buttons for easy identification of line diameter or breaking strain, and accurate clutch adjustment for precise control.
Pros
- Unique aesthetic sporting Drennan's aqua colours
- Shallow spool specific for light, low diameter lines
Cons
- Not really suitable for feeder fishing, will need to invest in the feeder model
Best beginner reel for silvers
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The Okuma Ceymar HD Match Reel is a fantastic reel for silverfish, it comes packed with a host of features that make it great for using lighter wagglers and is more tailored towards float fishing than using a feeder.
The reel itself is built on an elliptical gearing system which provides a super smooth retrieve with no wobble, allowing you to keep steady, sustained pressure on the fish until it's safely in the net. The reel does have a bit of extra power, which makes it a great choice for chub on rivers too.
Okuma have designed the reel with a cyclonic flow rotor, this basically helps reduce friction when the line is peeling off the reel during a cast, which will increase distance. The benefit being that you can use a lighter float to get to the spot you intend to fish, this improves your presentation to help you get more bites.
The reel also benefits from a spare aluminium spool and has a lovely handle knob that is easy to grip and comfortable to use and is available in sizes from 1000-3000 with shallow spool and high speed variants
Pros
- Elliptical gearing system reduces wobble.
- Bit of extra power is perfect for chub.
Cons
- Bail arm is a little clunky.
Best silverfish reel for durability
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Daiwa 24 TDR QD is more than just a reel, it’s an iconic beacon of Daiwa’s relentless drive to engineering excellence. The TDR has a legacy going back to 2006 and is consider the pinnacle of match and feeder fishing.
The recognisable blue colour has become iconic, with the best internal workings that gives it unrivalled performance. The TDR packs power with exceptional smoothness. Utilising Daiwa’s leading reel technologies. The one touch folding handle makes it easy to store in situ on rods made up offering efficiency and convenience. Quick Drag (QD) is smooth and accurate, helping reduce line breaks and hook pulls.
These latest models offer a step forward in reel technology, making the reel lighter, more powerful than its predecessors. It’s the only choice for some of the UK’s finest anglers.
Available in 3 sizes (2508, 3012, & 4012). 2508 & 3012 available it double handles.
CHECK OUT OUR TRIED AND TESTED REVIEW OF THE DAIWA 24 TDR HERE.
Pros
- Superior performance.
- Durable build.
Cons
- Slightly heavier than other reels due to the aluminium body.
Best performing reel for silvers
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The Shimano 23 Stradic FM is a high-performance spinning reel that offers exceptional value and versatility for a wide range of fishing applications. With its advanced technology and robust construction, the Stradic is a popular choice among anglers seeking a reliable and powerful reel.
Key features include its versatility, suitable for various fishing methods and species; exceptional power and smoothness, making it easy to cast large lures and fight big fish; advanced technology, including Shimano's cutting-edge features like HAGANE Gear, X-SHIP, Micro Module II, Silent Drive, INFINITYXROSS, and INFINITYDRIVE; durable construction with the lightweight aluminum HAGANE Body; precise and accurate fish-playing control with the DURACROSS Drag.
Waterproof design thanks to X-Protect technology; and improved casting distance and line management with the Long Stroke AR-C spool and ANTI-TWIST Fin.
Pros
- Super smooth winding.
- X Protect will prevent water and dirt ingress.
Cons
- Reel is prone to being scratched.
Best for float fishing rivers
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The Daiwa TDM reel offers a range of features typically found in higher-priced models, making it an exceptional value for anglers. Its allumminum body provides a solid and durable housing for the Digigear II, ensuring smooth and consistent rotation.
Key features include a lightweight and rigid construction thanks to the composite DS5 Air Rotor and AirBail, a longcast ABS spool that produces less resistance for effortless and long-distance casting, a soft distance control clip, ergonomic EVA handle knobs for an optimal grip and One-Touch folding mechanism for easy packing away, and the QD system that enables anglers to "free spool" for running takes and make rapid adjustments during fights.
Available in 3 sizes (2508, 3012, & 4012). 2508 & 3012 available it double handles.
Pros
- Perfect reel for float fishing.
- Lovely looking reel.
Cons
- Ergonomic EVA knob is large and may not suit some anglers preferences
Best reel for commercial silvers
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Developed for both float and feeder fishing, the Matrix Ethos XR Reels are awesome reels for silverfish. They are lightweight, weighing around 300g for both the 3000 and 3500 models, helping to balance any rod you care to put them on.
The reels feature 7 ball bearings and have loads of cranking power, whilst this isn't really necessary for silverfish, it's nice to know the reels have it. It also means they can be used when bigger fish are the target such as chub on rivers or when fishing a feeder for bream.
The Graphite anti-flex body not only makes the reels lighter and more durable, but it also stops any movement when you are winding, which eliminates any wobble, delivering a much smoother experience. The drag on these reels needs mentioning too, it's very smooth and will result in you landing more of those bonus fish.
Pros
- Graphite anti-flex body eliminates wobble.
- Lightweight build.
Cons
- A quick drag would be a nice addition.
Best newcomer silverfish reel
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Relative newcomers to the market, Nytro have already produced some stunning gear and their Nytro Aryzon Reel is another example of that. A lightweight graphite body, finished in a glossy black and red, not only looks great but weighs nothing in the hand either.
The shallow spool is great for lighter mainlines, as it stops line becoming compressed over a larger surface, creating wider loops. Therefore, line flows better and with less resistance when casting, improving the distances achieved.
Featuring a twist-free line roller and an S-curve oscillation system, this will really benefit those fishing a float, as often the high speed retrieve will cause issues with twist but the Aryzon eliminates that.
Pros
- Shallow spool perfect for lighter mainlines.
- Twist-free line roller.
Cons
- Not the best feeder reel
What to look for in a fishing reel for silverfish
When choosing the best reel for silvers there are a few considerations to take into account before deciding which is the right reel for you. The reel must have a super smooth performance and a light drag. When you’re catching smaller fish it is paramount you keep a steady retrieve with no interruptions, as this can help the fish free itself, especially when using a barbless hook. A light drag is great when targeting bigger silverfish like bream,tench or chub to prevent them snapping your lighter hooklengths.
A smaller reel is also better when targeting silverfish. The rods, mainline and tackle tend to be lighter so the last thing you want is a big, heavy reel that will make the setup cumbersome and unpleasant to use. The best reels for silvers are generally between 2500 and 3500 sizes, they tend to be more compact and lighter, much more suited to using the float or small feeders.
Lastly, you want a good line roller on your reel, especially if you like to use a waggler or will be catching a lot of fish. When retrieving a waggler you tend to wind at speed before casting back in quickly which is a recipe for line twist. Line twist will not only reduce your casting distances but can also cause damage to lighter mainlines, so choosing a reel that can combat that will really benefit you.
Glossary
Drag/clutch: An adjustable tensioning system that allows a hard-fighting fish to pull an 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.
Spool: The cylinder at the front of a reel which holds 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.
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.
Line Roller: A rolling mechanism attached to the bail arm, where the line exits the reel. It is there to prevent the line twisting on the retrieve.
Frequently asked questions on silverfish reels
Can I use the same reel for float and feeder fishing?
The scenario and tackle will dictate what reel is best. If you do a lot of float fishing and feeder fishing with shorter rods up to 10ft for shorter chucks around 30-40m, then a 3000 sized reel would be perfect for both disciplines. Should you want to cast further with bigger rods then you would ideally need a larger 4000 reel too.
What mainline should I use for float fishing for silvers?
Finesse is generally key to getting the best from your waggler fishing for silverfish and as such your mainline needs to reflect that. A line of around 3-5lb is adequate for most species, with a diameter of 0.16-0.20, as this will help you cast lighter floats much easier. If you are targeting chub on rivers it's best to step up to a 6lb mainline as the flow and size of the fish will put more stress on your tackle.
My reel came with a spare spool, what line should I put on them?
For targeting silvers we would recommend loading one spool with a monofilament of around 4lb and the other with mono around 6lb. This will give you the opportunity to use the reel for float fishing and feeder fishing, maximising the usage from your chosen reel.
Author Aidan Bordiuk is an enthusiastic angler who enjoys all fishing disciplines from match fishing to beach casting. He is currently occupying the position of Commercial Content Writer at Angling Times.