Ultimate SHOWDOWN! - Fixed Spool V Multiplier- Whats the BEST reel for Beach Sea fishing U.K

Multiplier when your are young a flexible and can pendulum cast easily, fixed spool when you get older. Fixed spools have moved a long way over the past 15-20 years, for 95% of people the fixed will be more than adequate for the distances needed to fish. Judging by the comments as-well that seams to be the consensus.

Multipliers have come a long long way from the early days,
My first one at the age of 15 / 16 years of age, a Gilfin 500, I still have it, I'm almost 72 now.
I have a good few Multipliers now, many many things have changed over the years, all for the better. They probably can't progress much more, look at the distances being cast, the breaking systems, the run dry bearings, gearings, materials used to build them is superior and lighter.
By the same token fixed spool reels have come on in leaps and bounds as well, but I think 🤔 with fixed spool reels there was a far lot more to do, and do it they have.
Could they be improved anymore ?? Only time will tell.
I love my multipliers, sea fishing, and Jerk baits.
Fixed spool reels, all freshwater fishing + I also have a centre pin, Allcocks Flicem.
As for me, guess I'm on the fence, as you are Matt,
Good that you got Brian in to give his advice / opinion on the topic.
Good video too mate.
Cheers Les.

Coming from a Coarse Fishing background fixed spool every time for me....I just bugger up multiplier reels lol

Thank you for the video - L C

Should never put wd 40 on a fishing reel, it's a degreeser ....it will strip the bearings of greese. It will f*** up all the bearings...

I use both what the hell learn to use a multiplier its great just like driving a car manual or auto auto no crunch manual big bunch of line that is just take it easy good luck

Why would anyone use an overhead reel off the beach??? This seems mad. You trying to hook a 100kg shark or something?

Thankfully I've never bought into the multiplier hype. I'm more than happy with my fixed spools and always have been.

Multiplier all the way. I use 2 x abu chrome rockets no brakes and never get a birds nest even though reels are fast

Another great video.Used to use both back in the day. But since becoming disabled only use fixed spools as I can't compress the rods enough for multiplier.

Casting with a multiplier is not just about casting really it’s a feeling of satisfaction and you get enjoyment from casting one.

Casting a fixed spool don’t really have an enjoyment to it. It’s just something you have to do.

I love multi and when I fish I rarely get a bird net may get 1 or 2 a year with 1000s of casts.

When you learn not to keep pushing for 2 yards more when fishing your stop getting bird nests.

I must admit that I prefer fishing with the multiplyer, the fishing experience is completely different with both disciplines having pro's and cons, my opinion get what works for you as long as you still enjoying your fishing experience. 😉

I’m trying to get into beach casting and all your videos are really helpful this video helps me a lot

Lots of good advice. When I started beach fishing it was using cotton lines and big wooden reels. I remember the first multipliers, you had to be very skilled to use them without getting massive birds nests. Fixed spool reals are so much more user friendly. The real breakthrough though is braid, its so supple and easy to cast. When mono lines first came in they were as stiff as wire. Keep them coming.

Daiwa millionaire 7ht mags are my go to beach reels. Just something about that noise when you let a lead fly. Bird nests very rare when you set the spool free play and mag setting according to conditions. I will use a fixed spool when fishing lighter leads, when using feathers or lures, when I need to fish close in or over very rocky ground when a fast retrieve is called for. Horses for courses. Good informative video.

I started beach fishing back in the 70s, I purchased what was the best rod at the time, a hollow glass milbro Terry Carrol 12ft (I still have it) and I matched it with an intrepid sea streak, also known as the sea screach, I managed ok with that but as time passed I upgraded upgraded to more superior multipliers, I love them and won't change.

I use mainly multiplier as I need to go lite and take as little bulk as possible with me. Diawa 7HT mags on both rods. Its worth slackening the star drags a little when you cast in case you forget to disengage the clutch, saves a snap off. The line amount held of a fixed spool can be much more. Generally the wind ratio of fixed spools are much faster than most multipliers. I had an Akios F1 multi that was faster than my 7GT Mag winding in, but didn't cast as far. Best use old inner tube on the thumb, them knots will rip flesh with ease. Anyone starting up I would say fixed spool while they learn, and add the Multi gradually. Dont buy a cheap multiplier, your experience will be bad and would lead you to assume that this was how all behave thus putting you off for life.

Awesome Matt, used multiplier in my teens, always had a soft tooth comb in tackle box , to unpick over runs did not happen often. Happy catching from Australia Nick 🇦🇺

Started beachcasting about 20 years ago after moving to the coast. Having done lots of river &fly fishing since a kid, now 55.
All i can say was it was a torturous few years trying to self teach, but so rewarding once I got it sussed. There is always a little jeopardy on every cast that it'll blow up Infront of you, but i like that somehow 🤔
Having experienced that leader knot burn your mate had many times. I worked out that if you pay attention to the knot on retrieve, then to load it tight to one side of the spool. It was a little eureka moment for me!
Great info as always, thanks 🙏
🐟💨

With limited time on the beach I'd rather be fishing than unravelling a birds nest. At my level it's a fixed spool for me

Should've said with abu 6500's

Some good info there inc rods , Is a good video and lets people know about the differences
of both types reels
I've always been fixed spools only , as i heard in the distant past , many decades ago that multipliers often can give you more hassles than what they are worth , this regards the dreaded " birds nests"
and once in a tangle with such , then as well cutting your line and fixing all up again
just too much troubles i heard are the multipliers , why i stayed all my life with fixed spools .

You just cant be done with hassles in fishing , this when you just want to fish and relax
and take in the fresh sea air . Good video though and lets others know the difference as many
fishers do think about multiplier if to go down that route and lets them see they are more so difficult
to use . But again some may prefer such and all to their own .
Tight lines all for 2025 and beyond 🎣

7000 or 8000 ?? Cheers for any advice

Thanks u so much I am really learning from your videos as a new fishermen who also lives in Hastings 👍👍🙏🙏

hello matt, I started fishing in the late 1950s, used a hand line to start, progressed to rod and multiplier. in those days the multipliers were pretty rubbish birds nest every other cast , saved hard and bought a mitchell fixed spool never look back. since then fixed spool on the beach, multiplier on the boat. good video by the way. educational in many ways , take care and regards patrick chapman.

Sonik Avx 👍very good value for money and performance as good as my Penn tidals at a fraction of the cost.

The AVX is the best reel I've ever had
I use identical outfits for my beach angling and the Soniks are paired with Abu 12 footers
😊

Makes no difference where you got the reel on the rod. You can still have a long drop. Seen this guy on Tony’s sea angling channel, and to be honest don’t rate his casting one bit… also 😂hurt his thumb on the leader not 🙄🙂🙄 all I can say he ain’t that experienced.

I have always used fixed spools,now using a pair of Surfblaster lll 7000 Longcast on my beachcasters…absolutely love them..when I started sea fishing I was put off using multipliers as I heard so many complaints re bird’s nests which totally put me off trying them.With the Surfblasters I get really good distance and they handle really well…still not wanting to change over to the “dark side”🤣🤣🎣🎣🎣

Only use multipliers because there cool

This is the "automatic vs manual " problem exactly the same as cars, I'm a manual driver as I feel more in control and prefer multipliers for the same reason, I do own fixed spool too , this was a great video , well done guys

Hi MATT,,Every day's a school day, educational and informative as always, great upload, kind regards Mike, Norfolk, Merry Christmas.

I have two old millionaires and a new Shimano fixed spool. I use the fixed spool 90% of the time with the Breakaway trigger release and that makes a massive difference. I just don't have the time for multiplyer practice so use them for short distance work on second and 3rd rod. I love multipliers but the fixed spool is soooooooo simple and easy, once you get over the feeling of giving up on multipliers!

Briliant video well informative mat. I've only ever used cheaper multiplier reels when I started and had nothing but issues so moved to fox spool. Would like to try a better quality multiplier. But it dose scear me a little with a big cast getting the dreaded birds nest so if I had to choose. Fix spool all the way. Great stuff as allways mate tight lines 🎣🎣🎣

Im looking at getting multi but need left hand wind can you swap the handles round to other side or is there mag reels that do have left hand advice would be appreciated

You should use a bionic finger when casting braid on a fixed spool - no need for a glove..

I currently fish with two mk1 Penn mag slideys and a mag converted Shimano Speedmaster TSM11FS.
There is just something about casting and fishing with the Shimano that means it’s the first out of the tackle box and paired with my Zziplex. The Penn usually goes with the Century and the other reel is back up.
Red rocket fuel lube, keeping the mag adjustment fairly cautious and never any trouble on the beach, even in headwinds.
I just find casting and the release, smoother and more natural with a multiplier. Subsequently, the rod just feels better.

Fixed spool and a casting cannon, suits my relaxed style of fishing.

Why does it seem that multiplyers always have handles on the right and fixed spool seem to favor the left hand side although I know this can be swopped over ? This has always been a mystery for me as I can’t see the reason ?

🎉I use a pen fathom and love them so easy to use as long as you set your line tension right you shouldn't get any birds nests lol but before using the pens I used to use abu's like the abu 7000 & 7000c great rebust reels practically indestructible but the main reason I'd rather use multipliers rather than fixed spools reels is their way more comfortable for me with the reel being positioned near your hip so when I'm feeling in the reel at chest hight with the fixed spool it's under the rod as you reel in and for me it's just bad posture giving me bad backs but I bo get what your saying fixed spools are no nonsense reels get cast out and waiting lol

Just a tip if you loosen the star drag before youu cast then if you forget to take the switch off to cast when u cast it won't crack off ,because u have set ratchet so spool can go out a bit instead if cracking off will let a bit of line out

You can use 3oz leads on multiplier that's not true it will cast a 3oz as much as a 7oz

Hello Matt.
Have you used the fix spool sonix with the yellow diawa rod.

Like many I started sea fishing with FS. Then graduated to multis. Became an ABU man. Now a Penn 515 mag3 uprated. Recently purchased a quality FS in the belief that when required it would add a few extra Mt's?
NOPE not at all.
I've found they are just about equal. Plus I still feel there's the edge with multi set ups.

Great video Matt - a question that has been asked so many times. Lots of other useful tips & info too.
I gave up (as you know!) trying to train my thumb to use a Multiplier many years ago. 15ft Continental rods and either a Penn Surfblaster 8000 or Mitchell blue water RZ 9000 for me, with a casting cannon on both rods. Best wishes for 2025 - stay safe & well. 🎣🎣👍👍

Nice video.

I use both. I am from South Africa. Our competitive Rock and surf fishing comprises mostly fishing for sharks and rays. Most guys here has gone the fixed spool route. Reasons being, ease of use and sensitivity of bite detection with the braid.

To get enough braid on a fixed spool you need to use a "big" reel. This is akward to use, and heavy. They reduce weight by using plastic, carbon etc. The biggest drawback here is aftermarket spares and maintenance. Spares are hard and expensive to get. Some of the top brands, you need to send to the agents for servicing as they use special lubricants on the sealed bearings. Maintenance is much higher on fixed spool reels.

Good quality braid is very expensive compared to mono.

I see many multipliers thats 30-40 years old and still working perfectly. Bearings and parts are less expensive and easy to get. Although I think this will change as time goes by.

World long distance casting records are all by multipliers. In theory multipliers should outcast fixed spool reels.

But each to his own. Learn to use your equipment and enjoy your fishing.

Using a multiplier just adds a level of skill that enhances your fishing. Beach f/s are such big, ungainly things.

WITH ALL THOSE MAGNETS YOU COULD CHARGE YOUR CAR

Fished for 35 years, used both but been with multis for 30 years now and trouble free once you know what you're doing, i only use small fixed spool for light summer spinning. In my opinion the beachcaster fixed spools are just too big, but it's all about what you're happier with to get the job done.

Some amazing comments there people. It is a subject that really interests me as I am a multiplier user of some vintage. The fx reels when I started were awful - very heavy (modern ones are now where near the weight of a 70's one) so many of us went to multiplier very early in our fishing lives. Compared with today I look back and know how poor these were too but we made the best of what we had! When I started coaching I almost had to re-learn fx reels again. Its a very different feel on the rod and I can certainly cast further with the multi but, as I said on the video, if I started fishing again today I would go down the fx route. A decent fx coupled with the right rod for the angler will give you plenty of distance when you need it BUT, always remember that the fish could be under your feet or anywhere in between there and the far distance so work out where they are rather than blast it out regardless