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The very best baitcasting reels of even a decade in the past pale compared to as we speak’s prime fashions, which have the precision of a Swiss watch, the styling of an Italian sportscar, and the dependability of American-made instruments.
Whether or not you need to sling big 6-ounce glide baits or toss tiny lures that had been as soon as solely castable on ultralight spinning gear, there’s a purpose-built baitcaster for you. Not solely are baitcasters designed for particular jobs, the drag programs are higher, the parts are extra sturdy, and also you often get extra energy in a smaller bundle, together with a wider vary of drugs ratios.
Baitcasting reels can catch practically each species that swims in North America, however we’ve determined to give attention to low-profile reels for bass and inshore saltwater. Consultants of their respective fields discover each reel classes in separate sections. Every class additionally consists of thorough hands-on testing.
Listed here are our picks for the very best baitcasting reels:
Bass Reels
Saltwater Reels
Greatest Baitcasting Reels for Bass: Evaluations & Suggestions
How I Selected the Greatest Baitcasting Reels for Bass
Listed here are the highest picks from OL contributor, Pete Robbins who has chased bass all around the continent.
I’m not essentially brand-loyal on this house, as a result of I’ve realized that sure producers do higher than others in sure spheres and at totally different worth factors. Over the previous six months I’ve examined a slew of them, each of their meant functions and out of doors of them, to see which of them may finest be built-in into savvy anglers’ arsenals far and broad.
I used fluorocarbon, braid, and/or copolymer traces the place acceptable, and didn’t do a darn factor by way of upkeep. I needed to see in the event that they carried out as marketed, not solely contemporary out of the bundle, but additionally after being banged round via massive waves and nasty stump fields. The reels that aced the torture take a look at with flying colours might be discovered beneath.
Greatest General: Shimano Bantam MGL A
Key Options
- Left- and right-hand retrieves
- 6.2:1, 7.1:1 and eight.1:1 gear ratios
- 7.6 ounces
- 8 ball bearings plus one curler bearing
Execs
- Three pace choices
- Extraordinarily sturdy
- Tremendous free spool for lengthy casts
Cons
I attempted to beat this reel up, I really did. I used it to subdue close-quarters largemouths, snakeheads, and slimy blue catfish. I even unintentionally dropped it overboard and bounced it via tough waves. However it doesn’t matter what I did, it by no means misplaced a step from its out-of-the-box smoothness. Sure, it’s heavier than a number of the choices on this record, however at 7.6 ounces, it’s nonetheless far lighter than the top-notch reels of yesteryear, and that added weight appears to supply some additional stability and sturdiness. There’s merely no flex or give, or disappointment, it doesn’t matter what you do to it. You probably have the bucks, you could possibly construct a full arsenal out of Bantam MGLs at varied retrieve speeds.
Greatest Worth: Seviin GF Series
Key Options
- Left- and right-hand retrieves
- 6.6:1, 7.3:1 and eight.1:1 gear ratios
- 7.4 ounces
- 4 stainless-steel bearings plus 1 curler bearing
Execs
- Extraordinarily {smooth} even after heavy use
- Very comfy deal with
- Line indicator knob is a pleasant contact
Cons
- Not as many bearings as another reels
This reel prices a few third or 1 / 4 of what a number of the different reels on this record command, however it’s a beast at that worth. For those who’re in any method cost-conscious that is an apparent selection. It’s constructed with a one-piece graphite body and facet covers, a ported aluminum spool, and I discovered the drag to be sturdy and dependable. I notably favored the carbon fiber deal with and EVA knobs, discovering them to be extra comfy and fewer slippery in all situations than these on comparable reels. It’s {smooth} and I may hearth small baits a rustic mile, even in opposition to the wind, with out backlashing.
Greatest Light-weight: Abu Garcia Zenon MG-LTX
Key Options
- Left- and right-hand retrieves
- 8.3:1 gear
- 4.7 ounces
- 8 Stainless Metal HPCR Bearings plus 2 CeramiLite Spool Bearings plus 1 Curler Bearing
Execs
- Ultralight
- Casts finesse baits lengthy distances
- Simple to regulate braking system
Cons
Any angler who has been utilizing different baitcasters for a very long time shall be shocked at how feathery mild this reel is, however it’s no toy. I’ve battled massive fish on it with a variety of lures. It’s nice for BFS purposes and might hearth a 1/8 ounce jig or unweighted stick worm far and precisely. I additionally used it for some heavier shows and located that it excelled there, too. I wouldn’t use it for flipping, however with small poppers or balsa crankbaits, it’s a pleasure to make use of, and after somewhat little bit of adjustment, you possibly can hearth them into the wind with no worry of backlashing. For those who’ve at all times regretfully turned to spinning gear for smaller lures, or when there’s a headwind, that is the reel that may change your thoughts.
Greatest Match: Lew’s HyperMag
Key Options
- Left- and right-hand retrieves
- 7.5:1 and eight.3:1 gear ratios (7.5:1 solely in right-hand retrieve)
- 5.2 ounces
- 10 stainless-steel bearings plus 1 curler bearing
Execs
- Very light-weight but highly effective
- 20 kilos of max drag
- Simply palmed
Cons
- Just one pace in left-hand retrieve
The HyperMag appears to be like like a futuristic rocket and lives as much as that look. It’s the highest canine within the Lew’s lineup they usually’ve packed it with options together with magnesium building, a titanium-coated zirconia line information and an exterior lube port. Regardless of being trendy, it’s simple to function. Certainly, the externally-adjustable centrifugal brake system is likely one of the most intuitive and exact solid management mechanisms I’ve used. As a result of it’s simply 5.2 ounces, it’s simple to overlook that it’s constructed to manhandle massive fish. The HyperMag has 20 kilos of drag energy, so don’t sleep on it for flipping and pitching. Certainly, should you use it for these methods, you’ll be much less worn out on the finish of the day than you is perhaps with heavier reels.
Greatest Below $100: Academy H2OX Mettle
Key Options
- Proper-hand retrieve
- 7.3:1 gear ratio
- 10 stainless-steel bearings
- Aluminum body, spool and deal with
Execs
- Unbelievable cut price pricing
- A lot of bearings present nice worth and smoothness over time
- Very sturdy
Cons
- Restricted deal with and pace choices
Over the previous few years, I’ve been repeatedly wowed by merchandise — each rods and reels — in Academy’s H2OX lineup. I’m undecided how they cram this many options into reels which might be so cheap, however they in some way handle they usually’re tournament-ready, as evidenced by the truth that perennial Bassmaster Basic qualifier Stetson Blaylock makes use of them on the Elite Sequence. It’s a step much less {smooth} from reels that value three to 5 instances as a lot, however that gained’t be noticeable to many anglers, particularly freshmen. I like the truth that they’re sturdy and simple to make use of. I had one on each my spinnerbait and Chatterbait rods and located that they took a beating and stored on ticking effectively. If somebody who’s simply getting began, that is the right entry level that they could by no means develop out of.
Greatest Excessive Velocity: Daiwa Zillion 10.0
Key Options
- Left- and right-handed retrieves
- 10.0:1 gear ratio
- 7.6 ounces
- 10 ball bearings plus 1 curler bearing
Execs
- Ups the ante on pace
- Final match drag system means no sacrificing energy
- Light-weight to stop fatigue
Cons
- Not best for a lot of shows that demand slower retrieves
When reels within the 8:1 vary first got here available on the market, they often made a take care of the satan, sacrificing energy and sturdiness in favor of pace. Now it’s attainable to have all of it, and this 10:1 pace demon reveals that anglers can get in additional casts over the course of the day and nonetheless not have to fret when a giant fish is on the road. It’s nice for flipping, pitching, Carolina rigging, topwaters, and any approach the place the rod does a lot of the lure manipulation versus the reel. Then, when the lure is out of the strike zone or a hooked fish is making a beeline for the boat, it’s attainable to choose up line in a rush. I prefer it for frogging, too, and located that it dealt with braid in addition to fluorocarbon and monofilament. The proprietary T-Wing system additionally allowed for lengthy casts. For those who’re simply going to get one reel, this isn’t it, however should you really feel the necessity for pace, purchase with confidence.
Key Options
- Left- and right-hand retrieves
- 7.1:1 and eight.5:1 gear ratios
- 6.7 ounces
- 11 bearings
Execs
- Light-weight
- Spool particularly engineered for lengthy casts
- Giant gearing makes it tremendous {smooth}
Cons
- Price ticket could put it out of the attain of many anglers
Daiwa’s Steez lineup is their workhorse array of premium baitcasting reels, relied upon by weekend warriors and prime execs alike when cash is on the road. The T-Wing system disengages in the course of the solid for easy lengthy casts, and the audible click on of the drag ensures that it’s set the place you need.
They’ve spared no expense in any of the parts, from the G1 Duralumin Magazine-Z spool to the ergonomic swept deal with, and it reveals. From the second I picked it up, I may inform this reel was particular. My greatest remorse was that I couldn’t justify the value of two of them, as a result of I discovered myself wanting to make use of it for the complete vary of methods, all the things from flinging microscopic baits in clear water on mild fluorocarbon to punching thick matted vegetation with heavy braid. It’s a improbable mixture of brains and brawn.
Key Options
- Left- and right-hand retrieves
- 4.7:1 and 6.6:1 gear ratios
- 10.4 ounces
- Six whole bearings
Execs
- Curado monicker stands for the intersection of know-how and worth
- Doesn’t weigh way more than conventional normal baitcasters
- Nice line capability
- Clean drag
Cons
- Lower than best for mild line methods
- No high-speed choice
Savvy anglers have relied upon the Curado collection of reels since the 1990s, however a lot of the fashions bearing that identify have been 200-sized variations. These can deal with massive baits in a pinch, however don’t essentially have the heft to do it day-in, day-out. This one, alternatively, is constructed for energy, regardless of not weighing way more than the usual variations of a technology in the past. Fill it up with 17-, 20-, or 25-pound line, mate it to your favourite swimbait rod, and also you’re ready for all the things from rigged smooth swimbaits to the enormous glides. It’s a fantastic Alabama Rig, too, and excels with big crankbaits, particularly when casting with the wind and smaller reels don’t have satisfactory spool capability. My solely remorse is that they don’t have a high-speed choice like most of the finest baitcasting reels. I depend on the 6.6:1 however don’t have a lot use for the 4.7:1.
Key Options
- Left- and right-hand retrieve
- 7.5:1
- 5 ounces
- 11 whole bearings
Execs
- Light-weight
- 11 stainless-steel double shielded ball bearings for smoothness
- Shallow spool turns simply
Cons
- Just one gear ratio accessible
Rely me among the many BFS doubters. Whereas I might at all times relatively use baitcasting gear than spinning sort out if attainable, I believed that the latter was the one technique to go together with tremendous mild lures, particularly when casting into the wind. Then I attempted the Customized Lite SS. It has what I’d characterize as “massive reel really feel.” It has {smooth} efficiency, inflexible tolerances, highly effective draft, and premium parts, however allowed me to solid and really feel tiny lures at a distance. It’s extraordinarily quiet and has a six pin centrifugal brake system that permits you to fully dial in your casting. I attempted it with micro-jigs, small crankbaits, and varied wacky worms, and reached for it way more than anticipated. Fairly than turning into a novelty or an occasional lark, I began to scheme new methods to make use of it.
Key Options
- Left- and right-hand retrieve
- 10.1:1
- 7.6 ounces
- 11 whole bearings
Execs
- One of many quickest reels available on the market
- 18 kilos most drag
- High quality braking system
Cons
- Not helpful for a lot of shifting bait methods.
The earliest iterations of reels sooner than 7:1 or so left me confused as a result of I acknowledged their benefits, but felt I couldn’t belief them fully. One thing needed to give, and often the addition of extra pace meant much less total torque. Abu Garcia appears to have addressed these previous considerations, they usually’ve completed it in a reel that’s sooner than the remaining. Whether or not I’m working a popper round exact targets, dragging a Carolina Rig, or pitching a Senko to shallow boat docks, I persistently discover myself making extra shows and conserving a bait within the strike zone longer because the direct results of this reel. I’ve had no issues with physique flex or drag slippage. Any time I’m working a lure that’s manipulated with the rod relatively than the reel, inside typical lure weight confines, I’m searching for excuses to make use of this one.
Learn Subsequent: Abu Garcia Revo Rocket Spinning Reel Review
Key Options
- Left- and right-hand retrieves
- 6.2:1, 7.4:1, and eight.5:1 gear ratios
- 7.8 or 7.9 ounces
- Seven whole bearings
Execs
- Close to backlash-free efficiency
- All the advantages of Shimano’s legendary Curados, plus some
- A number of gear ratios
- Remarkably reliable, even after abuse
Cons
- Whining noise on the solid annoys some anglers
Even bass anglers with educated, veteran thumbs often find yourself with the dreaded “skilled overrun,” a few of them requiring main instruments and surgical procedure to take away. They’re not solely annoying and doubtlessly expensive, however choosing them out requires time. Now, for a relatively insignificant extra value over Shimano’s conventional Curado, it’s attainable so as to add the “Digital Management” (DC) system, which makes use of a microcomputer to supply optimum braking stress. Frankly, irrespective of how good you’re, this can be a enormous bonus, because it means this reel is kind of “set it and overlook it.” I anticipated that the computerized parts would malfunction or degrade in some method after substantial utilization. However I’ve put mine via the wringer, and a few heavy abuse, but they nonetheless stop backlashes and solid so far as they did straight out of the field.
Learn Subsequent: Shimano Curado DC Review
Key Options
- Left- and right-hand retrieves
- 5.4:1, 6.4:1, 7.1:1, and eight.1:1 gear ratios
- 7.1 ounces
- 9 whole bearings
Execs
- Big selection of drugs ratios
- Affordable worth level
- In depth vary of adjustability
- Line indicator
Cons
Ark made their identify within the rod house first, however relatively than their reels simply being a perfunctory add-on, they took their introduction as a chance to alter issues up. Ark’s patented magnetic Gravity Management braking system permits as much as 60 totally different settings relying on lure weight, wind situations, and angler desire to dial issues in and make lengthy casts a breeze. The spool is super-light, and the “floating solid shaft” disengages throughout casting to additional improve the benefit of lure presentation. Actually, despite the fact that there’s just one dimension accessible (in 4 totally different gear ratios), these reels act like fashions each greater and smaller. They’re rock strong, with a cone-shaped line information and a carbon fiber facet plate, each of that are comfy to make use of all day and gained’t flex or give at inopportune instances.
Learn Subsequent: Best Baitcasting Reels Under $100
Key Options
- Proper-hand retrieve
- 6.6:1 and seven.3:1 gear ratios
- 7.4 ounces
- Six bearings
Execs
- Extremely-long casting efficiency
- Tight tolerances and inflexible fame
- Comfy EVA paddles on deal with
Cons
- No left-hand model
- Not saltwater-suitable
After fishing this graphite framed reel for some time, I had to return and be sure that the value tag hadn’t been a misprint. I persistently discovered myself grabbing it as a substitute of reels that value three, 4, or 5 instances as a lot. Out of the field, it was a jackrabbit, capable of solid midrange lures longer distances than the rest I owned with out backlashing. Actually, I needed to tune it down to stop lofting a few of my prized topwaters into the woods. It’s comfy and feels strong, even after a number of months of arduous use. I used it not just for bass however for catfish and stripers, too, and the drag by no means balked or seized.
Learn Subsequent: Best Baitcaster Combos
Greatest Baitcasting Reels for Saltwater: Evaluations & Suggestions
Listed here are the very best baitcasting reel picks from OL contributor, Kevin Hughes. Learn his full best saltwater baitcaster review for extra data.
How I Selected the Greatest Saltwater Baitcasting Reels
Having spent most of my life fishing saltwater from Texas up via Virginia and all the things in between, I’ve seen firsthand what occurs when reels get uncovered to salt over time. This expertise helped me higher consider the reels we examined, searching for key qualities and specs that made them appropriate for the duty. Elements corresponding to drag materials, gearing, and body materials had been essential. Performance like drag stress, brakes, and retrieve ratio had been additionally key elements for consideration.
I additionally put these reels via the paces with real-world testing. Over a number of months, these reels received utilized in quite a lot of inshore environments, from the marshes of the Outer Banks in North Carolina, the flats of Biscayne Bay and the Everglades in Florida, and the oyster-filled backwaters of the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia. We caught all the things from speckled trout and redfish to snook, tarpon, and striper.
Greatest General: Shimano Tranx
Key Options (150HG dimension)
- Weight: 6.7 ounces
- Line Capability: 150 yards of 20-pound braid
- Bearings: 3+1
- Max Drag: 13 kilos
- Gear Ratio: 7.2:1
- MSRP: $219.99
Execs
- Extraordinarily sturdy
- Excessive-end gearing and seal
- Light-weight
- Clean
- Giant vary of sizes (150-500)
Cons
- Restricted drag energy
- Restricted tuning potential
The Tranx lineup from Shimano has gained a well-earned popularity for withstanding something thrown at them. The smallest reel within the collection, the 150, is not any exception. Regardless of its light-weight and smaller dimension, this reel nonetheless feels rock strong in your hand. It’s designed to solid and combat fish within the salt all day, daily.
The Tranx 150 is a reel for anglers pushing their gear to the boundaries. It lacks a number of the smoothness and featherlight really feel of the Chronarch G, however it greater than makes up for its sturdiness. The fragile inside parts are housed inside a inflexible metallic body that forestalls flex and warping, making this reel best for intense fights and lengthy days on the water. It additionally makes use of Shimano’s CoreProtect know-how, which is a protecting coating that forestalls corrosion and provides additional energy to the core parts of the reel.
Whereas the reel does boast a {smooth} carbon dag, the stopping energy is considerably missing at 13 kilos. That’s not horrible, however it’s a little lower than one would count on for a reel designed with such heavy-duty use in thoughts. That mentioned, this reel may have greater than sufficient energy for many inshore purposes. Moreover, the Tranx is available in a number of sizes, from 150 all the way in which as much as 500. The 150 is good for inshore casting purposes, the 300 is ideal for bucktailing fluke and throwing massive topwaters for stripers, and the 400 dimension with the facility deal with is the very best saltwater baitcasting reel for deep jigging. The bigger sizes present considerably extra drag and are a fantastic choice for increasing past mild inshore use.
Learn Subsequent: Best Saltwater Fishing Rods
Key Options (300 dimension)
- Weight: 9.2 ounces
- Line Capability: 310 yards of 20-pound braid or 240 yards of 12-pound mono
- Bearings: 6+1
- Max Drag: 30 kilos
- Gear Ratio: 7.3:1 or 9.2:1
- MSRP: $269.95
Execs
- Extraordinarily sturdy drag
- Spectacular gear ratios and retrieve price
- Unbelievable line capability
- Giant vary of sizes/specs
Cons
Penn has lengthy been a staple within the saltwater world, with its line of spinning and standard reels setting the usual for balancing value with efficiency. Regardless of this, they’re comparatively new to the low-profile baitcaster scene, however you’d by no means comprehend it after utilizing the Fathom. This reel is full of all of the quintessential Penn traits that make it really feel like a real saltwater software whereas nonetheless sustaining a formidable steadiness and luxury which might be important to low-profile reels. It’s a robust, comfy reel best for cranking on massive fish at depth.
With a full metallic physique and beefy body, the Fathom appears like a workhorse. This saltwater baitcasting reel boasts 30 kilos of drag energy; it’s simply the highest of this record in terms of pulling potential. With the 9.2:1 ratio mannequin additionally reeling in a ridiculous 43 inches of line per crank, this reel is tailored for jigging and backside fishing. Add to that the large line capability, and you’ve got a reel that may winch up highly effective fish at depth.
All that energy and energy does come at a price, sadly. This reel is way heavier than different reels within the class, making it powerful to think about casting all day lengthy. It additionally lacks the graceful really feel and finesse qualities of the opposite inshore low-profile reels on this record. In the end, this reel is designed with jigging in thoughts, and that’s the place it’ll excel.
A singular mixture of energy, torque, and luxury, the Fathom is a flexible choice for anglers seeking to fish inshore to nearshore wrecks and reefs.
Key Options (150HG mannequin)
- Weight: 6.5 ounces
- Line Capability: 150 yards of 20-pound braid, 120 yards of 10-pound mono
- Bearings: 8+1
- Max Drag: 11 kilos
- Gear Ratio: 7.1:1
- MSRP: $299.99
Execs
- Extraordinarily light-weight
- Sturdy salt-resistant Ci4+ carbon body
- Exceptionally {smooth}
Cons
- Restricted drag capability
- Restricted dimension vary
- Costly
Merely put, this saltwater baitcasting reel is a pleasure to fish. Its light-weight design and ultra-smooth really feel make it one of the comfy reels I’ve ever used inshore. It’s loaded with superior trendy reel know-how and has confirmed fairly able to dealing with lengthy days on the salt. It’s the best reel for casting lighter lures and finesse fishing inshore.
The Chronarch G is manufactured from ultra-light but sturdy carbon materials and options MicroModule gearing, which makes this reel as {smooth} because it will get. It additionally has a buttery smooth really feel on the solid. I’ve solid all the things from mild swimbaits to heavy topwaters on this reel, and the braking system was simple to tune to maintain the spool backlash-free. Regardless of its light-weight really feel and sophisticated gearing, this reel is sealed and sturdy, designed to face up to inshore saltwater use.
The 11-pound drag energy gained’t cease massive fish from heading again into the magroves or round bridge pilings. That mentioned, as a reel aimed primarily at mild inshore use, the drag isn’t as essential as total efficiency. The slim spool additionally helps the reel with casting accuracy and permits the usage of lighter traces.
Learn Subsequent: Best Saltwater Baitcasting Reels
Issues to Contemplate Earlier than Shopping for a Baitcasting Reel
Line Capability
Whether or not you’re utilizing braid, monofilament or fluorocarbon, your reel has to carry sufficient line to deal with your longest casts, and likewise to take care of the occasional break off or clip off with a retie.
Gear Ratio
A reel’s gear ratio refers to what number of instances the spool turns for every flip of the reel deal with. A 7.1:1 gear ratio means the spool makes 7.1 rotations for every rotation of the deal with. The upper the gear ratio, the sooner the reel.
Whereas gear ratios within the 6:1 and seven:1 vary will deal with most purposes, and a few anglers are comfy with their total arsenal being the identical pace, generally sooner or slower offers a bonus. With flipping and pitching or topwaters, a sooner reel will get you extra casts in the middle of the day. Traditionally, sooner reels sacrificed energy, however that’s not at all times the case anymore.
Spool Dimension
A slim, deep spool could maintain the identical quantity of line as a large, shallow spool, however they could not carry out the identical method. The previous could have a considerably totally different quantity of inches of line retrieval at totally different factors within the solid. Discover a reel that matches your fingers and the place the road pulls off easily and evenly.
Bearings
There’s been an arms race of kinds to see who can cram probably the most bearings right into a baitcasting reel, and whereas there’s nonetheless some debate as to what number of are vital and even useful, assume that extra equals higher.
Closing Ideas on the Greatest Baitcasting Reels
Typically our reel decisions are a matter of what we’re used to, or what feels finest, not essentially what performs finest. We get used to sure manufacturers, types, and sizes, to our personal detriment. I’m a giant advocate of conserving issues easy, and if attainable I’d wish to have the identical reels for all the things throughout the board. I additionally understand that you would be able to be extra environment friendly in some situations with a ten:1 gear ratio than with a 5:1 gear ratio. Realistically, a number of baitcasting reels are a necessity for many of us, and it pays to match options, worth, and sure, really feel. Use our evaluations that will help you select the very best baitcasting reel on your wants and price range.
Bass Reels
Saltwater Reels
