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There are several major classifications of fishing reels. You should know them to discuss your reels properly with collectors, or other interested parties. You should also check the next section on the anatomy of a reel to help understand the names of the various parts. This list is simplified to provide a starting point. All photos are thumbnails, and can be enlarged by clicking on the photo.

Fly Reels	Fly Reels are generally narrow reels, no matter what the spool diameter. Most are single action (no gearing). There are a few low ratio multipliers, and also automatic reels. Many antique fly reels mount horizontally, but the majority are vertical to the axis of the rod. The spools and end plates may be solid or ventilated. A few typical examples are shown to the left.
Casting Reels	Casting reels are either level winding (right), or non level winding (left). They are geared to multiply the spool revolutions for rapid line retrieve. In this country they are all outgrowth of the Snyder reel from the early 1800s. These reels are usually from 60 to 100 yards capacity. Larger models were usually used for trolling, or salt water surf casting. The famous "Kentucky Reels" (left) are almost always distinguished by having click and drag buttons on the headplate.
Salt Water Reels	Salt Water reels are almost always non level winding. They are not geared as high as fresh water casting reels, for they need torque, not speed in the retrieve. They usually range in size from 150 yards on up to the huge 20/0 Big Game Reels. As a general rule the greater the size the more valuable the reel. These reels were almost all produced in the United States. British and Australian SW fishermen most used reels that we would call trolling reels.
Trolling Reels	Some trolling reels are just large multipliers, but here we are mostly discussing those reels that look like oversize fly reels. These reels usually are 4" in diameter or larger, and are not geared (single action). These reels are still popular with deep water trollers, and modern versions are currently being manufactured. They were made in both horizontal or vertical versions. These reels are not very popular with collectors yet, and there are some good bargains in this category.
Spinning Reels	There are two major classifications of spinning reels - open face (i.e. Mitchell) and closed face (i.e. Zebco). These reels are becoming quite collectible as more fishermen are beginning to collect the type of reel that they had as a child. The unusual spinning reels are beginning to bring high prices on today's collector market. Many of these reels originated in Europe and were imported into this country in the 1950's.