The Best Barbel Reels - (Complete UK Guide On Top Reels For Barbel Fishing)

Regular readers will already know that we are a big fan of Preston innovations. They offer excellent value and produce high-quality tackle.

A few things stand out on this reel that would make it great for barbel fishing...

The SDS speed drag system gives you ounce perfect control allowing you to apply the perfect amount of pressure, regardless of the fish size.

The large and solid aluminium handle, paired with a solid retrieve rate, is just perfect for bringing in big feeders, which are exactly what you need when barbel fishing.

Want to know what to pack your feeder with? We've got a great article on the best barbel baits right here.

It's also optimum with regards to spool capacity... You'll get nearly 200 yards of 8lb line on the spool, perfect for mid-sized barbel.

Check out the following video that really showcases the quality of Preston's intensity reels...

Daiwa is one of the biggest names in the game. When we saw this reel, we couldn't believe how great value it was!

It's got plenty of good things making it perfect for barbel fishing.

First off, the big spool.

Not only will this offer great capacity, but it also ensures a really nice line lay. This is ideal both for casting and when you've got a big fish on, as it allows for smoother line pay-out.

For its size, the reel is also supremely lightweight. This means you can afford to go a little bigger without any significant weight penalty.

As you'd expect with Daiwa, it also comes with its patented digigear system for super-smooth operation.

Shimano does gearing really well, and this reel is no exception.

Check out the depth of this spool. Opt for the 4000 sizes, and you'll easily fit 250 yards of line in there.

It's a force to be reckoned with.

One thing we really liked (aside from the optional dual handle) was the baitrunner function.

This is really useful for fishing slow-moving rivers under a rolling balls setup.

This will allow your rig to be washed into the areas where the barbel are feeding. With a turn of the handle, the clutch reengages, ready for you to strike!

The drag is super sensitive too!

If you are looking for some advice on how to effectively fish the feeder, be sure to swing by our article packed with feeder fishing tips.

This reel is packed with so many good things that it is hard to know where to start!

It's rock solid and one of the best barbel reels we have seen! With a rotor brake and anti-backlash, this reel will prevent the spool from overrunning and reduce tangles.

The pro cast lip on the spool is a notable feature. Whether you are throwing out a densely packed feeder or even having a go freelining, you'll be able to get the maximum possible casting distance.

When battling barbel, every inch of ground you can gain counts. The retrieval rate on this reel by fox is particularly noteworthy.

Each turn of the handle will bring in nearly a metre of line!

Check out this following video from Fox that details some of the features of this classic reel...

Yes, another by Daiwa! When we said the best barbel reels, we really meant it!

Feeder fishing is a sure-fire way to succeed when barbel fishing, so it stands to reason that a real custom-design for this is a good thing.

This is another with a breath-taking retrieval rate, making light work of retrieving a 'big rig' or, even better, a big barbel.

The graphite body and rotor will keep the weight down significantly too!

The spool is shallow, offering excellent casting qualities but still has a sizable enough diameter to ensure that you can fit plenty on!

Like looking at good feeder reels? There's plenty more where these came from in this article.

If you liked the look of the Shimano freespool reel but felt it was just a little too 'steep', you need to check this out.

Sonik, while wallet-friendly, still offer plenty in terms of features.

This free spool reel will be ideal for feeder fishing when the barbel get a little wary.

One thing we love is that you can adjust the drag at the back of the reel, keeping your hands clear of the line when you hook into a big one.

Another nice thing to see is a substantial and long winding handle. Again this will offer an excellent retrieve rate!

So you like the Shimano reels but want something on the same budget as the Sonik Vader?

Well, our friends, you are in for a treat.

This reel is made by Shimano and offers plenty of the features found both in the more premium Shimano above and the Sonik Vader.

It has a rear drag and huge line capacity for a start, which are the kind of things we like to see.

Thanks to the inclusion of dyna balance, the reel is silky smooth, a patented Shimano technology that you'll see across their range.

You'll have seen us speak of budget a fair bit.

The good news is that cheap doesn't have to mean 'poor quality'. Take this reel, for example, by Prologic.

OK, it isn't a 'big brand', but do you think the barbel care?

As with some more premium models above, this also has a baitrunner feature and a graphite body and rotor, keeping the weight down.

And with three ball bearings, the action is exceptionally smooth and slick.

Check out the following promotional video from Pro-Logic that showcases C-Series BF Reels...

Mitchell is a little bit of a blast from the past, but they still make exceptionally good fishing gear. This reel is one of the best barbel fishing reels for a budget, hands down.

The grease felt drag will work just as well as some of the more fancy (and expensive) systems you'll see knocking around, and the retrieve ratio is one of the quickest on the list.

With an aluminium spool (plus a provided spare), you will be getting longevity and lightweight pulling power as standard.

And here's the best bit...

You even get line included, so if you want a few quid left over to spend, this could be the one for you.