A spinning reel includes a hollow reel body having an axle hole, a transverse hole and an opening. The reel body has a connection portion to couple the reel body to a fishing rod. A drive mechanism is mounted inside the reel body and has an input portion running out of the reel body through the transverse hole and an output portion running out of the reel body through the axle hole. The drive mechanism has a portion, such as a portion of a gear or a guiding device, received in the opening. A handle is coupled with the input portion for driving the drive mechanism. A rotor is coupled with the output portion of the drive mechanism for rotation. A spool is coupled with the output portion of the drive mechanism for reciprocation. A cover is mounted on the reel body to shield the opening.