A good spinning reel is an important tool for an angler. You can find a spinning reel in any sporting goods store, but you should do your research if you want to get one of the best fishing reels for your money. This article with help you decide what features you like and hopefully give you an idea of which one of the best fishing reels would suit your needs.
Comparison Table
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Product FAQ
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1. What Should You Look for in the Best Fishing Reels?
- Drag system – a smooth drag will prevent you from losing a fish you have hooked. The quality of the drag will correspond with the cost of the reel.
- Spool size/Line capacity – the line capacity increases as you increase spool size.
- Frame material/Total weight – most are made of magnesium, carbon, aluminum, or plastic. Aluminum and plastic are most common. Magnesium and carbon are found on higher end reels for their excellent rigidity and low weight.
- Line recovery rate – the amount of line in inches that the reel takes back on the spool in one full turn of the handle.
- Bearings – these make the spool and handle move smoothly. A good reel only needs 4 or 5 bearings.
- Anti-reverse – prevents the reel handle from unwinding. It is controlled by a lever or switch. Most freshwater reels have this feature.
2. How Do You Find the Best Fishing Reels by Price?
Many reels can be found for under $50, but most are in the $100 range. For this price, you can get a high-quality reel that will provide good performance and will have solid features. Reels in the $200 range will get you a more refined drag system and a lighter reel. These reels would be for more serious anglers that demand higher performance.
3. What Are the Advantages of Spinning Reels?
Spinning reels are great for teaching anyone to fish and cast. They are easy to operate and can be upgraded as the angler gains more experience. They are most commonly used with live bait or finesse situations. They are easy to cast, and they rarely tangle or have backlashes.
How We Reviewed
The following products were reviewed based on features, pros & cons, price, where to buy, and warranty. We invested time and effort to research on different models of this type of product in order to provide you with an unbiased “best of” list.
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What We Reviewed
- SHIMANO Metanium MGL 6.2:1 Casting Reel
- Shimano Stradic CI4+ 2500 RA Spinning Reel
- Daiwa BG Spinning Reels
- 13 Fishing Creed GT Spinning Reel
- Penn Spinfisher V & VI Spinning Fishing Reel
- Pflueger President Spinning Reel
- Penn Clash Spinning Fishing Reel
- Abu Garcia 4600C3 Ambassadeur C3 Baitcast Round Reel
- Abu Garcia Revo SX Spinning Reel
- SHIMANO STRADIC HG, Freshwater Spinning Fishing Reel
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Features
The Magnumlite (MGL) is a new, lightweight spool design that reduces inertia, allowing anglers to experience a greater casting distance. It provides accuracy with a larger number of lures. SVS Infinity brake system technology is the newest innovation providing consistent brake force and spool control that is easy to manage. Inner friction against the raceway is used with the brake weights during casting. When using lighter lures, spool sped is controlled for precision casting. When you switch baits or conditions, the external adjustment knob provides precise, quick adjustments.
Best For
Bass anglers and other fish
PROS
- Mono line capacity: 14/90, 12/110, 10/120
- Right- and left-handed retrieve available with three gear ratios
- Micromodule gear system for smooth retrieve
- Six models to choose from
CONS
- None
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Features
This is one of the best fishing reels you can buy. There are 5-star reviews from those who use it. It is one of the more expensive spinning reels, but you get refined performance and precision in every way. The handle and frame are carbon fiber infused for reduced weight and increased strength. There is no metal in the CI4+ making it a great choice for saltwater fishing. It has paddle style grips that are hollowed out to save even more weight. Paddle grips make it easier to find the handle grip after a sudden strike.
One of the most impressive features is the silky smooth drag. When you hook that big bass, you can count on the drag being ready for you to fight that fish. The perfect match is 10-pound test fluorocarbon line.
Best For
Bass
PROS
- Gear ratio 6.0:1
- Line capacity pound/yards: 10/120, 8/140, 6/200
- Line retrieve: 38.6 inches or 98 centimeters
- Weight: 9.0 ounces or 255 grams
- Bearings: 5 S ARB
CONS
- None
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Features
Daiwa has been producing spinning reels since 1955 and is one of the best fishing reels. They have since grown into one of the most influential and largest tackle companies in the world. Their emphasis has been on quality and innovation and has resulted in a long list of materials, design, and product features that have become standards for the fishing tackle industry. The BG spinning reel series ranges from ultralight freshwater to heavy saltwater for big game. The Black Gold (BG) has a “Hard Bodyz” side cover and body with a machined body cover and body providing internal part stability and strength.
The black anodized cover and body increase strength and give it scratch and corrosion resistance. Anodization allows for better aluminum adhesion and doesn’t chip. Digi-Gear digital gear design is the largest drive gear ever in their history. Gear-tooth contact points increase with the oversized gear.
Best For
Mahi, blackfin tuna, wahoo, and sailfish
PROS
- 2.45 pounds
- 7 models to choose from
- Line retrieve: 38.6 inches or 98 centimeters
CONS
- There is a “catch” when reeling after using 5 or 6 times
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Features
The One3 Creed GT has a fast gear ratio of 6.2:1. It reduces weight with the Airfoil carbon rotor. The Airfoil carbon handle reduces weight without sacrificing strength. EVA tech knobs add comfort and keep it light without giving up durability. The CNC Flat Line Management System allows better line management by backing knots to sit flush in the spool. This reel is loaded with advanced engineering, updated technology, and precision components making this one of the best fishing reels.
Best For
Variety of fish species
PROS
- 4 models to choose from
- 11.2 ounces
- Japanese Hamai Cut Gearing Air Foil carbon frame, rotor, and handle
- Stainless steel bail bearings
- Fat bail wire EVA tech knobs
- Super ported aluminum spool
- Corrosion-resistent drivetrain
- Carbon six disk drag system
CONS
- Line gets wrapped under spool
- Spring on the bail pops out of place every several casts
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Features
The Penn Spinfisher V is one of the best spinning reels on the market. Although the body is constructed of metal, the Water Tight Design keeps the drag system and gearbox dry. This reel is good for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. The steady, smooth operation is due to phenomenal drag design with help from a medium-speed gear ration and 5 stainless steel ball bearings. This aids in preventing your catch from breaking away and your line snapping.
The anti-reverse handles ensures that your fish cannot get free. This is a reliable and durable reel that will last for years, making this one of the best fishing reels.
Best For
Freshwater or saltwater fishing from surfcasting to boat fishing
PROS
- 21 models to choose from
- Smooth worm gear oscillation system
CONS
- Live liner drag doesn’t disengage
- After one use the gear broke
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Features
The Pflueger President body is made of graphite making it lightweight and great for saltwater fishing. It has a 10 ball-bearing system and smooth, controlled drag allowing for the best fight without snapping your line. The medium-speed gear ratio will retract the line at a good speed without stress. It has an instant ant-reverse handle allowing for a tight and quick hit set. It casts like a dream and reels in your fish with a quick, smooth motion making this one of the best fishing reels.
Best For
Saltwater fishing
PROS
- 2 models to choose from
- Machine ported and double anodized braid ready aluminum spool
- Smooth multi-disc drag system with stainless steel and oiled felt washer
CONS
- Salt water air corroded handle arm and trim
- Bail slips when casting
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Features
Built with aluminum parts designed to withstand saltwater corrosion. There are 9 ball-bearings making this a long-lasting and durable reel. It has phenomenal casting ability and a smooth drag system to prevent line breakage. The Leveline oscillating system keeps the line from wind knots. It has a medium gear ratio for controlled and tight reel-in making this one of the best fishing reels.
Best For
Shallow, saltwater fishing
PROS
- 7 models to choose from
- 2 pounds
CONS
- Broke the first time cast
- Line will not go into line roller
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Features
Abu Garcia was originally a watch factory founded in 1921 in Svangsta, Sweden near the Mörrum River. Carl August Borgstrom, founder, was a talented light precision craftsman. The company manufactured taxi meters, telephone times, and pocket watches until WWII. Afterwards they focused on developing precision fishing reels and were chosen “Purveyor to the Royal Swedish Court” an honor given to a select few manufacturers.
This best-selling bait caster has two stainless steel ball bearings offering smooth casting. Right- and left-handed models include a six-pin centrifugal brake. It has a chemical nickel coated level wind system and new carbon matric drag making this one of the best fishing reels.
Best For
All fish species
PROS
- 7 models to choose from
- 2 pounds
CONS
- Broke the first time cast
- Line will not go into line roller
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Features
The Revo SX has an aluminum gear set and carbon insert molded frame, handle, and sideplate, and ultra-smooth carbon matrix systems. The reel is designed for precision casting. It has a computer-optimized gear design with a durable AMGearing system for durability and smoothness.
Best For
Drop shot fishing, lightweight shaky head fishing
PROS
- X-Craftic gearbox design
- K-clutch anti-reverse bearing
- Everlast bail
- Corrosion-resistent stainless steel main shaft
- 4 models to choose from
- 4 models to choose from
CONS
- Hard to reel in
- Line tangles under spool
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Features
In 1921 Shozaburo Shimano declared that he would make Shimano the best in his town of Kansai, in Japan, and in the world. 80 years later they are still concentrating on precision engineering, creating the most innovative products. The Stradic utilizes the latest technology from Shimano. Hagane cold forged drive gear with an X-ship provides a powerful, smooth and durable reel. The G-Free body is sleek and provides a good weight balance reducing fatigue. Every inch of this reel has been designed to improve the fishing experience.
Best For
A variety of fishing
PROS
- 6 ball bearings
- 5 models to choose from
CONS
- Drag fails, only works when set very loose
- Bearings are failing, very noisy
The Verdict
There are many excellent reels in this list to choose from. You should focus on the type of fishing you do and your budget to decide what would be best for you to try.
Last update on 2025-06-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API