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The Best Fishing Reels of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

By Derek Horner

Updated on Feb 13, 2024 1:49 PM EST

21 minute read

Best Spinning

Daiwa ballistic mq lt 2500d, best baitcasting, okuma hakai dt 101h-a, best for trout, pflueger president xt.

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Selecting a fishing reel that fits both your needs and your budget can be a daunting task. Hundreds of options are available, and if you’re not sure what you’re looking for, it can quickly become overwhelming.

That’s why I got my hands on the top reels from the top brands in the fishing industry to put through a summer of abuse and tournament bass fishing. Here are picks for the best fishing reels after a year of testing. 

Spinning  

• Best Overall :  Daiwa Ballistic MQ LT 2500D
• Best Value :  Okuma Ceymar HD 2500HA
• Best Lightweight : Shimano Vanford 2500HG
• Abu Garcia Revo Rocket SP20
• Abu Garcia Revo Winch SP30
• 13 Fishing AL13 3.0
• Best for Trout : Pflueger President XT
• Best for Panfish : Daiwa Tatula MQ LT

Baitcasting

• Best Overall : Okuma Hakai DT 101H-A
• Best Value : Abu Garcia Revo SX LP
• Best Low-Profile : Daiwa Tatula Elite 100HSL
• Best for Saltwater : Shimano Tranx
• Shimano Curado MGL 151HG
• 13 Fishing Concept C2
• Abu Garcia Revo STX LP

How I Chose the Best Fishing Reels 

Derek Horner

As a tournament bass angler, I spend most of my summer on the water, dialing in patterns and trying to perfect new techniques. With many hours spent on the deck of my bass boat, and the resulting stripped gears and sheared-off components, it’s become clear to me that I’m not easy on my gear. That’s probably a relief to you, though, because you can trust me when I say the reels below all stood up to the torture test.

Testing Baitcasting Reels

When it came to selecting the best baitcasting reel of the year, I obviously had a lot of options top consider. I decided to focus on price, durability, castability, and the feel of the reel. To keep things fair, I tried to keep all of the reels in the 6.0:1 to 7.3:1 gear ratio range. That range allowed me to use these reels for a wide variety of techniques rather than dialing in a specific technique for each reel.

Throughout the summer, I used all of these reels to fish popular bass fishing techniques from topwater, to jigs, to crankbaits, to chatterbaits in grass, and even carolina rigs. After a summer of sweeping hooksets and screaming drags, I feel confident recommending the reels below to any angler looking to upgrade their baitcasting reel.

Testing Spinning Reels

I spent months fishing for smallmouth, largemouth, stripers, and lake trout tearing drag and testing the quality of these reels. I feel very confident in telling you that each and every one of these reels deserves a shot to be on your reel seat.

Due to that fact, deciding which reels are better than the others was more difficult than I had ever expected. Thankfully, after a lot of thought and in-field research, I’m confident the reels below deserve the top spots. 

Testing Saltwater, Trout, and Panfish Reels

The saltwater, trout, and panfish selections were made by Outdoor Life contributors who did dedicated testing in their respective fields of expertise. You can read their full reviews in the best saltwater baitcasting reels , best trout spinning reels , and best ultralight reels .

The Best Fishing Reels, Spinning: Reviews and Recommendations

Best overall: daiwa ballistic mq lt 2500d.

Key Features

• Price: $229.99
• Gear Ratio: 5.2:1
• Weight: 6.9-Ounces
• Bearings: 2CRBB + 6BB + 1RB
• Line Capacity: 10/250 (Test/Yard)
• Drag Weight: 22-Pounds
• Incredibly smooth while reeling
• Castability
• A drag weight heavy enough to battle even the largest bass
• The gear ratio is a bit lower than other options, meaning a slower retrieve on the water

The Daiwa Ballistic MQ LT 2500D is more than deserving of our best overall award. Throughout the summer of battling largemouth, smallmouth, lake trout, and even a 25-pound freshwater striped bass, the high-quality drag never showed even the slightest sign of slipping or failing. The quality of this reel can be felt with each turn of the handle, which fits perfectly in your hand with a well-thought-out handle design. 

Coming in at just below 7 ounces, you don’t have to worry about the weight of your reel wearing you down throughout a long day on the water. A final piece worth noting with this phenomenal reel is the castability. The first time I reared back and fired out a ¼-ounce swimbait head with a 3.8-inch soft plastic swimbait on the back, I was stunned at just how far along the bluff wall it went. It was almost like I was long lining the bait, but in reality, I had simply cast it out there.

If you’re looking for a high-quality reel at a very reasonable price, I wouldn’t look any further than the Daiwa Ballistic MQ LT 2500D.

Best Value: Okuma Ceymar HD 2500HA

• Price: $89.99
• Gear Ratio: 6.0:1
• Weight: 8.3-Ounces
• Bearings: 7BB + 1RB
• Line Capacity: 10/130 (Test/Yard)
• Drag Weight: 13-Pounds
• Very smooth while reeling
• Deep spool for more line capacity
• High gear ratio for increased retrieve speed
• A fairly low drag weight
• At just over 8-ounces, it’s one of the heavier reels from the test

The Okuma Ceymar HD 2500HA might be the best value reel I’ve seen in years. For just under $100, it offers anglers an incredibly quality reel at a more than fair price. I was excited to get my hands on the Ceymar HD because it’s the only reel in the test with a price point under $100.

With such a low price point, you might assume the reel isn’t worth your time. That’s where you’d be wrong. While using the Ceymar HD throughout a fishing season, I loved its castability and smooth feel while retrieving. The only negative piece I have is that the drag did slip once or twice under the load of some hefty lake trout making a run towards tree tops 80 feet below. 

It didn’t fail during that torture test, but it did bring forward an uneasy feeling for a moment. Outside of the torture test, the reel performed flawlessly against 5-pound smallmouth in heavy current and big largemouth taking my drop shot for a ride. The Okuma Ceymar HD 2500HA punched above its weight class in this test and is more than deserving of our best value award.

Read Next:   Best Drop Shot Rods

Best Lightweight: Shimano Vanford 2500HG

• Price: $249.99
• Weight: 6.3-Ounces
• Line Capacity: 8/140 (Test/Yard)
• Drag Weight: 20 pounds
• Quality components
• Smooth while reeling
• The most lightweight reel in the test
• A high-class drag weight
• A tall spool for a high line capacity
• The tall spool allows line to more easily get under the spool in the case of line twists

When it comes to fishing an 8-hour tournament day, lightweight gear can make or break the day. The Shimano Vanford 2500HG is the perfect choice for a lightweight reel that still gives you a heavy drag and unmatched performance. You can fish with this reel all day without wearing yourself out, and you’ll cast easy knowing the reel won’t let you down once you set the hook.

The Vanford 2500HG also offers a smooth casting experience while still launching your bait further than you’d expect. The only negative I found with this reel was that the tall spool allowed for the line to get under the spool and jam whenever I ran into line twist while vertically jigging. While it’s an easy fix, it’s worth noting. As a final thought, the Shimano Vanford 2500HG truly impressed me with the smoothness of its drag while fighting a variety of different species throughout the summer. It’s certainly worth the money if you’re looking for a lightweight powerhouse reel to put on your favorite spinning rod.

• Price: $199.95
• Gear Ratio: 7.6:1
• Weight: 7.3-Ounces
• Bearings: 9SS + 1RB
• Line Capacity: 8/120 (Test/Yard)
• Drag Weight: 11.4-Pounds
• The fastest gear ratio spinning reel in the test
• A large grip on the handle
• Small profile
• Drag weight is somewhat low
• Small spool size means less line on the spool

If you’re looking for a blazing fast retrieve, the Abu Garcia Revo Rocket SP20 is for you. At a gear ratio of 7.6:1, it’s the fastest spinning reel I’ve ever held. More surprisingly, it’s incredibly low profile, which is the opposite of what I expected when I saw the gear ratio. The handle is large compared to the reel’s size, but it doesn’t get in the way. Honestly, the handle size was helpful in finding the grip when first engaging the reel.

The biggest con with this reel is the low drag weight. At just under 12-pounds of drag, I had a few moments throughout the summer where the reel was simply outgunned by larger fish going on a long run. While I may have been outgunned, the 10-pound test I was fishing only failed once, which means the smoothness of the drag is worth noting. If you like fishing senkos or other weightless baits that require you to catch up to a fish from time to time, the Revo Rocket SP20 should be at the top of your list of reels to try out.

Read our full Abu Garcia Revo Rocket review to learn more.

• Price: $169.95
• Gear Ratio: 4.8:1
• Weight: 7.9-Ounces
• Bearings: 8SS + 1RB
• Line Capacity: 10/140 (Test/Yard)
• Low gear ratio makes this reel perfect for slow moving baits
• Smooth drag
• A high-quality grip and handle
• A bit heavier than most of the competition

The Abu Garcia Revo Winch SP30 is perfect for slow rolling a small soft plastic swimbait or even a light wire spinnerbait. It offers the lowest gear ratio in the test, so if you’re looking for a reel to take advantage of slow-moving baits, look no further. While it is heavier, it’s still under 8 ounces, so it won’t wear you out if you’re throwing it for a few hours.

With a large spool, it offers a solid line capacity and good casting distance, especially with heavier baits. Similar to the Revo Rocket SP20, I’m not a huge fan of the light drag weight, as a heavier fish with large runs might take you to school. However, in those instances, I never had my 10-pound line break, so the drag was certainly smooth enough to handle heavy runs. The Abu Garcia Revo Winch SP30 is a great option at a solid price for an angler looking for a slow reel retrieve.

• Price: $170.00
• Weight: 11.4-Ounces
• Bearings: 9BB
• Line Capacity: 8/260 (Test/Yard)
• Drag Weight: 16.5-Pounds
• A low gear ratio for slower moving baits
• A large spool for a high line capacity
• A solid drag weight at over 15-pounds
• Made for saltwater
• This reel is heavy, at over 11-ounces
• The grip is very large, sometimes hard to get a good grasp

The 13 Fishing AL13 3.0 is a dang big reel. Coming in at over 11 ounces, it’s heavy and bulky. The trade-off is a massive spool that increases your line capacity. This reel is another good option for those looking to throw slow-moving baits with a low gear ratio reel.

I prefer low-profile reels, so I personally wasn’t in love with the AL13 3.0. For heavier baits, it could be a good option for some anglers, because this reel can toss heavy baits a mile with the spool size as big as it is. However, with how heavy and bulky the build is, it’ll wear you down throughout a day of fishing. The drag performed well under load and didn’t slip or cause any issues while fighting large freshwater fish throughout the summer. While I wasn’t in love with the AL13 3.0, it’s still a quality option for anglers who prefer larger profile spinning reels.

Best for Trout: Pflueger President XT

Key Features (25 size)

• Braided Line Capacity: 140 yards of 6 pound
• Max Drag: 8 pounds
• Reel Weight: 6.6 ounces
• Lightweight
• Sealed drag
• Smooth 9+1 bearing system
• Reasonably priced
• Limited line capacity

The Pflueger President XT may not have the best of any one feature, but its combination of lightweight design with rugged capability and smooth performance allows for impressive functionality and quality. Top that off with a surprisingly low price tag for a reel with these features, and you have the most well-rounded trout spinning reel around. 

A classic reel designed for all-around freshwater angling, the Pflueger President series has been around for years. The 9+1 bearing system of the President has always stood out as impressively smooth for a reel at this price point, and the President XT retains that signature feel. Where the XT improves upon the original is in the component materials and drag system. 

Featuring corrosion-resistant aluminum for the shaft and pinion gear, as well as a carbon handle, the XT is incredibly light at only 6.6 ounces for the 25 size. While that alone is a nice improvement, the standout feature of the President XT is the sealed drag system. Sealed drags are primarily included in reels designed for saltwater use but having one in your trout reel has several distinct advantages. Throwing on the best waders and getting into the river is one of the most popular and common ways to target trout, and it’s a technique that exposes your gear to a lot of potential hazards. Having a sealed drag can help keep your reel smooth and prevent grit and grime from the river from entering the drag system. The XT also has a look that combines classic and modern aesthetics, with its carbon and aluminum components set off by a rubber cork handle. The old President had a signature wooden handle that was sadly eliminated in recent years, and the cork handle on the XT helps return some of that classic wood aesthetic.  

The combination of lightweight design and durability with functionality and appearance help make the Pflueger President XT the perfect all-around trout reel. When combined with a reasonable price tag, the President XT is hard to beat if you’re shopping for the best trout spinning reels.—Kevin Hughes 

Best for Panfish: Daiwa Tatula MQ LT

• Woven high-density carbon resin body
• Air rotor and air bail 
• Fold-down handle
• 5+1 ball bearings
• Gear Ratio: 6.2:1 
• Max drag: 11 pounds
• Line capacity: 250 yards (4-pound mono) 160 yards (6-pound mono)
• Weight: 5.8 ounces 
• Easy to palm
• Smooth drag 
• Quick drag inertia start-up when a fish is on
• Extremely lightweight
• Only comes with one spool

The “LT” in Daiwa Tatula LT stands for “light” and “tough,” and the reel is precisely that. Constructed of Daiwa’s high-density carbon ZAION material, the result is an incredibly light reel while remaining rigid and strong. The Daiwa Tatula LT 1000D-XH also features a ZAION Air Rotor for weight reduction and added rigidity, making the Daiwa Tatula lighter and easier to handle without fatigue over the long course of a full day of fishing. 

The Tatula LT was my top pick because of its value and performance. What I liked most about it was the drag pressure (11 pounds) and quick drag start-up inertia from the first bend in the rod tip. The reel handled everything from panfish to walleyes, bass, smaller northern pike, and sheepshead with ease. The larger specimens I caught on my Mississippi River trip tested the drag, which remained buttery smooth. Matched with a feathery rod like the St. Croix AVID Panfish, the diminutive 5.8-ounce reel weight proved a great fit to keep the entire setup light in hand with maximum sensitivity. —Jim Edlund

The Best Fishing Reels, Baitcasting: Reviews and Recommendations

Best overall: okuma hakai dt 101h-a.

• Price: $199.99
• Gear Ratio: 7.3:1
• Weight: 5.9-Ounces
• Bearings: 6BB + 1RB
• Line Capacity: 12/110 (Test/Yard)
• Drag Weight: 20-Pounds
• The small tuning magnet is in a tough to reach spot with the drag wheel

The Okuma Hakai DT 101H-A is one of the best baitcasting reels I’ve ever gotten my hands on. It checked all of the boxes for castability, durability, profile, feel, and even price. At $200, the Hakai DT is a perfect option for anglers looking for a high-quality reel without the high-end price tag.

The Hakai DT quickly earned its spot in my main rotation of reels early in the summer. I personally loved it as a dock skipping reel because it’s incredibly easy to tune and control the amount of line coming off the spool on those long skips to the dark corners of a shallow dock. The cast is smooth, and the distance I got out of an easy flick surprised me on the first cast I made. After months of hooksets and bouncing on the boat deck, this reel still looks and feels as good as new. The Okuma Hakai DT 101H-A not only survived my torture test, it rose to the occasion and is more than deserving of the best overall award.

Best Value: Abu Garcia Revo SX LP

• Weight: 7.4-Ounces
• Line Capacity: 12/130 (Test/Yard)
• Drag Weight: 25-Pounds
• Easy to tune
• High drag weight
• Reel handle material gets slippery in rainy conditions

The Abu Garcia Revo SX LP offers some amazing features for a bargain price. Coming in under $170 with the feel of a $250-$300 reel, it’s more than worth your money. The Revo SX casts easily once tuned, which was also a breeze, and has a drag weight that’s ready to fight even the meanest largemouth bass.

The reel is fairly low-profile, which surprised me from Abu Garcia, which historically offers larger-profile reels. As a fan of lower-profile baitcasters, I am a huge fan of how this reel felt in my hand while casting and retrieving. The only negative I ran into while fishing with the Revo SX was that the reel handle got slippery while fishing in rainy conditions. The material is a soft rubber composite, unlike some other options out there that offer a spongier material. Outside of the grip material, it was difficult to find a single other thing I disliked about this reel. The Abu Garcia Revo SX LP offers an amazing reel at a great price, making it more than deserving of our best value award.

Best Low-Profile: Daiwa Tatula Elite 100HSL

• Gear Ratio: 7.1:1
• Weight: 6.7-Ounces
• Line Capacity: 12/150 (Test/Yard)
• Drag Weight: 11-Pounds
• Very smooth while casting
• Low-Profile
• T-wing system for castability

The Daiwa Tatula Elite 100HSL might be one of the best all-around baitcasting reels I’ve ever used. Daiwa touts the T-Wing system as the best way to increase castability, and I found that to be spot on. With even a light cast, my bait would launch towards my intended target with ease. This reel feels like butter during the casting and retrieving process. 

My favorite thing about this reel, however, is just how low-profile it is. It easily fits in your hand and is light enough to hold and cast for an entire tournament day without feeling worn down. The only two cons to this reel are the low drag weight and the small tuning magnet. With the drag weight coming in at 11 pounds, you’re a bit outgunned when chasing big bass in Texas or Florida. With the small tuning magnet, the drag makes it tough to reach. You have to put forth some effort and patience to truly make micro-adjustments, which can be frustrating in the heat of a tournament. Still, with the smoothness you’ll feel and quality components in this reel, it’s worth every penny. Pair that with how it feels in your hand, and you’ll see why it’s the best low-profile baitcasting reel available.

Best for Saltwater: Shimano Tranx  

Key Features (150HG size)

• Weight: 6.7 ounces
• Line Capacity: 150 yards of 20-pound braid
• Bearings: 3+1
• Max Drag: 13 pounds
• Gear Ratio: 7.2:1
• MSRP: $219.99
• Extremely durable
• High-end gearing and seal
• Large range of sizes (150-500)
• Limited drag strength
• Limited tuning ability

The Tranx lineup from Shimano has gained a well-earned reputation for withstanding anything thrown at them. The smallest reel in the series, the 150, is no exception. Despite its lightweight and smaller size, this reel still feels rock solid in your hand. It’s designed to cast and fight fish in the salt all day, every day. 

The Tranx 150 is a reel for anglers pushing their gear to the limits. It lacks some of the smoothness and featherlight feel of the Chronarch G, but it more than makes up for its durability. The delicate internal components are housed within a rigid metal frame that prevents flex and warping, making this reel ideal for intense fights and long days on the water. It also utilizes Shimano’s CoreProtect technology, which is a protective coating that prevents corrosion and adds extra strength to the core components of the reel. 

While the reel does boast a smooth carbon dag, the stopping power is somewhat lacking at 13 pounds. That’s not terrible, but it is a little less than one would expect for a reel designed with such heavy-duty use in mind. That said, this reel will have more than enough power for most inshore applications. Additionally, the Tranx comes in several sizes, from 150 all the way up to 500. The 150 is ideal for inshore casting applications, the 300 is perfect for bucktailing fluke and throwing big topwaters for stripers, and the 400 size with the power handle is the best saltwater baitcasting reel for deep jigging. The larger sizes provide significantly more drag and are a great option for expanding beyond light inshore use.  —Kevin Hughes

• Price: $209.99
• Weight: 6.5-Ounces
• Line Capacity: 10/120 (Test/Yard)
• Smooth casting

The Shimano Curado MGL 151HG is an impressive baitcasting reel coming in just over $200. For reels in that price range, I always look for quality, smooth casting and retrieve, and the ability to easily tune the reel. The Curado MGL 151HG checked all of those boxes and continues to impress me with its versatility.

With a 6.0:1 gear ratio, this reel really can do almost everything. I’ve recently been throwing crankbaits with it as the fall bites heats up, but I also used it while dragging a carolina rig during the dog days of summer. It excelled in both instances. Really, the only issue I found with this reel is a fairly low drag weight. At 13-pounds, it’s likely to land 99-percent of the largemouth and smallmouth bass you’ll come across with ease, but in the case of catching larger fish like musky, pike, or even freshwater striped bass using bass gear, you’ll find yourself outgunned quickly. If you’re not afraid of losing your toothy bycatch from time to time and are mainly concerned with landing that lunker bass, the Shimano Curado MGL 151HG is worth your consideration.

• Gear Ratio: 7.5:1
• Weight: 5.8-Ounces
• Bearings: (2ACHS+6SSBB) + 1RB
• Line Capacity: 12/125 (Test/Yard)
• Tuning required some patience
• Spool size is somewhat shallow when using heavy line

The 13 Fishing Concept C2 has been a favorite reel of mine for a couple of years now. It’s the only reel in the test that I already had on the water experience with prior to this year. I have always looked at the Concept C2 as a heavy bait and heavy line reel. The bulldog drag coming in at 25 pounds will pull in a foul-hooked log if you want it to. It’s easy to cast and lightweight as well, making it nice to lock in your hand for a day of flipping and pitching.

The tuning magnets take a bit of work to dial in, but once they’re dialed, you won’t have to make any adjustments until you change baits. Another small issue I have run into is that you’ll have to watch your line capacity while fishing. If you spool up and run this reel hard for a few weeks and get to about a half spool, you’ll start to see your backing on the next long cast. If you’re like me and change your line often, that’s not so big of a deal, but if you like to spool up and leave the line on for a while, you might get a bit tired of re-spooling. Regardless, the 13 Fishing Concept C2 is one of my ‘daily driver’ reels that’s been in my arsenal. I know that I can confidently lock it in my hand for a tournament day and have confidence that the reel won’t let me down when a lunker locks down on the end of my line.

• Price: $229.95
• Gear Ratio: 6.7:1
• Weight: 7.8-Ounces
• Bearings: 10SS + 1RB
• Fairly shallow spool size
• Tuning took longer than anticipated

The Abu Garcia Revo STX LP is another great do-it-all reel. With the gear ratio just below 7.0:1, it’s great for almost any technique you’d like to throw. If you’re trying to slow roll a spinnerbait, or trying to burn a shallow diving crankbait, the Revo STX LP will do the trick. With the 10SS bearing system, it’s incredibly smooth casting, and the retrieve doesn’t leave much to be desired. The handle is easy to find and grip, but similar to the Revo SX LP, the grip material does get a little slippery in rainy conditions.

The line capacity doesn’t leave much room for half spools, but if you keep your spool filled, it will be plenty of line for any cast you make. While tuning the Revo STX LP, I ran into trouble getting the fine tuning magnet to set. I’d get it where I’d want it to be, make a few casts and then have to re-adjust the small magnets again. Perhaps I should have made a larger adjustment with the bigger tuning magnet prior to trying to dial in the small magnets, but it was a bit frustrating. Outside of the tuning issues, the Abu Garcia Revo STX LP impressed me on the water all summer long. With the heavy drag, I never felt outgunned when setting the hook, and I was able to fish whatever technique I wanted knowing that this reel would get the job done.

How to Choose a Fishing Reel

Spinning reels will come in different sizes, which is primarily related to spool size. If you need a lot of line capacity or are using heavy pound test, you’ll use a large reel. But, if you’re using light line a smaller reel is all you need. Manufacturers vary on how they designate reel size, which can be confusing for new anglers. The most common sizes you’ll see are 500, 1000, 2,000, 2500, 3000, 4000, 5000. For bass anglers the 2000, 2500 and 3000 sizes are the most common. For panfish and trout 500 and 1000 are common. Saltwater anglers use everything from 2500 to 5000.

Like spinning reels, baitcasters come in different sizes and most manufacturers use the same references for their sizes, but there are outliers. In general, you’ll see size 70, 150, 200, 300, and 400 baitcasters offered. The lower the number, the smaller the reel. The all purpose bass reel is the 150 size. It offers good line capacity and balances on most rods. If you’re fishing heavy line or need more line capacity you can step up to a 200 or 300 reel. They’re commonly used for things like fishing big swimbaits.

Gear Ratios 

A reel’s gear ratio refers to how many times the spool turns for each turn of the reel handle. A 7.1:1 gear ratio means the spool makes 7.1 rotations for each rotation of the handle. 

The trend in baitcasting reels is toward faster and faster retrieval rates. Where a 6.3:1 used to be an all-around option, it’s now considered slow. The 7.1:1 has taken over as the do-everything ratio, and 8.1:1 is the choice for powerfishing. 

Spinning reels are similar, but generally have slower gear ratios. They typically have a 5:1 to 6:4 ratio.

Right or Left Retrieve Baitcaster

While some anglers will tell you there’s a right or wrong answer to this selection, there’s not. It truly comes down to personal preference. For example, I’m right-handed and cast a baitcaster with my right hand on the reel. As the lure hits the water, I move the rod over to my left hand and crank the handle with my right hand. 

I know that seems like an overly complicated system, but it’s not uncommon. If casting with my right and retrieving with my left felt natural, believe me, I would do it. I would suggest trying to retrieve with your non-dominant hand to start because it is more efficient, but if it doesn’t feel natural, don’t fight your fate.  —Scott Einsmann

Final Thoughts on the Best Fishing Reels

This year’s crop of casting and spinning reels was impressive, and I was shocked at how well each performed throughout the summer and tournament season. There isn’t a single reel in the test that I wouldn’t recommend adding to your arsenal. When picking the right one for you, consider the gear ratio, profile of the reel, and the spool size you’ll need for different styles and techniques you plan to use it for. 

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The 6 Best Spinning Reels of 2024

Today’s open-faced reels offer maximum performance from panfish to billfish

We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more ›

Spinning reels were historically plagued by line twists and balky drag systems, but the wide range of open-faced reels on the market today leave those stereotypes in the dust. Even at a bargain price, you can get a multi-bearing precision tool capable of wearing down a rampaging gamefish. They also come in a wider range of sizes and price points than ever before. Whether you’re introducing a child to the great outdoors or looking to tackle record-class giants, there’s a spinning reel suited for the task.

In recent years, anglers have benefitted from an increasing number of entrants into this space, which now includes both long-term industry stalwarts and industry newcomers, each with a different idea of what makes the perfect spinning reel.

• Best Overall: Shimano Stradic FL
• Best for Bass: Abu-Garcia Revo Rocket
• Best Under $100: 13 Fishing Source X
• Best for Trout: Daiwa Ballistic MQ LT
• Best Saltwater: Penn Slammer III
• Best Budget Saltwater: Lew’s Custom Inshore Speed Spin

How We Made Our Picks

Many spinning reels look alike, but it’s what’s under the hood that makes a difference. To make my selections, I examined a wide variety of criteria.

• Bearings: Nothing is as crucial to a spinning reel’s performance as the bearings at its heart. All the reels on this list feature high-quality bearings that assure smooth function.
• Drag Performance: I made my selections based on high-quality drag washers that offer smooth performance. If a reel binds up under pressure, it didn’t make the list.
• Construction: I only choose reels that were built to last, using high quality materials that are appropriate for the environment they are intended to be used. For anglers that ply the brine, I selected reels with protective coatings designed to withstand the corrosive effects of saltwater.
• Brand: Over the years, certain brands have proven themselves. These are the ones that I have come to trust and recommend.
• Value: While I didn’t place a premium on price, I took a careful look at what you get for your money. Only reels that offer significant bang for your buck were chosen.

Best Spinning Reels: Reviews & Recommendations

• Sizes : 1000, 2500, 3000, 4000, 5000
• Bearings : 7 total
• Gear Ratio : 6.0:1, 6.2:1, 6.4:1
• Lightweight
• Proven design
• Water-repellent coating allows use in both freshwater and saltwater

Shimano’s Stradic lineup is field-tested and proven. Coming in various sizes, the Stradic FL will be ready to excel on the water no matter the conditions. Just when many anglers thought that the Stradic series couldn’t be improved, Shimano took them to the next level without moving the goalposts on price point. This reel isn’t inexpensive, but it could easily be mistaken for something much more costly while remaining at a mid-range price point.

Shimano has built a reel with exceptionally tight tolerances. They don’t seem to loosen up or weaken over time so if you take care of it, this reel will be just as good five years down the line. The larger models are equipped with Shimano’s Cross Carbon Drag system, which means that even the most hard-charging fish can be subdued if you play them with a modicum of caution. If you’re ready to step up from bargain and mid-range reels to something that will last you a lifetime, through all sorts of rigors, this reel should be on your shortlist.

In any of its previous iterations, the Stradic would’ve been worth the price, but this model goes above and beyond the call of duty. It has a waterproof drag, long stroke spool, and a one-piece bail. All of these features connote durability, so you don’t have to worry about it failing or underperforming at an inopportune time.

• Sizes : 20, 30, 35
• Bearings : 10 total
• Gear Ratio: 7.0:1
• Fastest in class retrieve speed
• Visually alluring red body
• Everlast bail system
• No 4000 or above-sized reel

Historically, spinning reels have struggled when anglers need to pick up a lot of line in a hurry to fire out another cast. These low gear ratios have made flipping and pitching the exclusive domain of baitcasting reels . That is, until now. With an impressive 7:1 gear ratio, this reel takes a step in the right direction. It may not be hyper-fast, but it’s closing the gap with increased versatility compared to much of the competition. So go ahead, flip that bait out and get it back in record time.

It has a total of 10 bearings, a spool design meant to maximize casting distance, and a carbon-matrix drag for when big fish decide to run in the other direction. In addition to just looking sharp, this reel is ergonomically satisfying, thanks to the bent carbon handle with a flat EVA knob.

Expect to see other manufacturers–along with Abu–attempt to push the envelope on speed in the future. But for now, this is the fastest hired gun you can find. That’s ok, because even if it were slower, it would still be a valuable choice. The Revo Rocket will perform as promised and handle a wide range of species and situations. And Abu-Garcia didn’t cut any corners to make it happen.

• Sizes : 3000, 4000
• Bearings : 6 total
• Gear Ratio: 5.2:1
• Incredible value
• High number of bearings
• Comfortable soft-touch knob
• Limited number of sizes
• Single gear ratio

This budget reel will outperform other expensive models, and while it’s great for beginners, it can be used by hardcore anglers as well without missing a beat. 13 Fishing has jammed a lot of features into this black beauty. Highlights include a two-tone aluminum spool and aluminum handle, as well as a six-disc carbon drag system. With a maximum of 8 pounds of drag, it may not handle permit or tarpon, but that’s not its intended purpose. The Source X can get you in the game without breaking the bank and continue to serve you well so long as you treat it right. With two of the most popular sizes, it’s perfect for bass and other mid-sized freshwater species, along with light saltwater use.

A generation ago, a six-bearing reel would have commanded a premium price, but this one costs the same as a few crankbaits, and if you didn’t know better, you might confuse it with a mid-range or higher product. And though the company is relatively new when compared to legacy brands such as Shimano, 13 Fishing’s track record so far has been excellent.

Best for Trout: Daiwa Ballistic LT MQ

• Sizes: 1000, 2500, 2500HX, 3000, 4000
• Gear Ratio: 5.1:1, 5.2:1, 5.3:1, 6.2:1
• Multiple sizes
• High-speed option in the most popular size
• Super-lightweight
• Cosmetically not distinctive

A smooth but strong drag system is arguably the most important aspect of a trout reel. This reel will ensure that you can tire out a fish without breaking off. Thanks to the machined A7075 aircraft-grade aluminum DigiGear, the Ballistic LT puts the butter-smooth drag of ultra-premium reels into a premier, affordable package. The secret sauce is an improved drag grease that exhibits a low viscosity at rest but becomes more viscous immediately after drag start up. This provides low start-up inertia to protect the fine lines that trout anglers use, but let’s the drag pour on the pounds when a big fish gets after it.

Daiwa has taken multiple steps to make it lighter, including using their “air rotor” and “air bail” without compromising durability. The small body and Zaion housing are feather-light but sealed, so you don’t have to worry about water intrusion compromising performance or causing corrosion. A magnetized oil seal located on the main shaft of the reel’s rotor adds even more protection, keeping dust, water, and salt out.

Daiwa has many super high-level spinning reels that take open-faced technology to the next level. Still, the Ballistic LT splits the difference between perfect performance on a wide variety of species and affordability.

• Sizes: 3500, 4500, 5500, 6500, 7500, 8500, 9500, 10500
• Bearings : 8 total
• Gear Ratio : 4.2:1, 4.7:1, 5.3:1, 5.6:1, 6.2:1
• Wide range of sizes
• Varied gear ratios
• Built for heavy-duty abuse
• 8 total bearings
• Smaller reels are heavy for their size

The Slammer series is at the top of the list when it comes to saltwater reels. This reel will keep out any dirt, water, or debris anglers encounter in harsh saltwater environments. Penn designed the Slammer series of reels to take abuse and beefed up the drag to handle line-ripping runs from all sorts of hard-fighting fish. The bail can be tripped automatically on the smaller sizes, while it must be done manually on the larger reels. The Slammer III is available in both a distinctive black and gold pattern, as well black and red, meaning that not only is it functional, but it will look great in a wide variety of scenarios.

For decades, Penn has been a leading light in the saltwater reel market, making ultra-durable products to combat the most damage that fish and the elements can dish out. This reel builds on that history to produce a reliable product capable of taming the biggest species the salt can offer.

• Sizes : 200, 300, 400
• Gear Ratio : 6.2:1
• Lots of features for a mid-range price
• Corrosion resistant
• Comfortable handle knob for all conditions

Coastal anglers need a reel that can not only withstand and repel the harsh forces of saltwater but also tame the mean fish that live in it. These white reels with bright blue accents and a slip-resistant black and blue Winn Grip knob are made to be both lightweight and strong. They feature aluminum frames and side plates, as well as Speed Gears with an aluminum pinion gear. The reel has a flush and drain port, which means that whether you drop it in the drink or take a wave over the bow, there’s a quick and easy way to clean things out. A feature that saltwater anglers will love.

Saltwater anglers, or anyone that tangles with strong fish, will benefit from the Custom Inshore Speed Spin’s carbon fiber drag system. The sealed drag generates up to 24 pounds of stopping force in the 4000 size, so you can put the brakes on smaller reds and schoolie stripers.

For a reel that’s not exorbitantly priced, this one packs many features into a braid-friendly and salt-resistant package. A good bargain even for those who will never come within a cast’s length of the coast.

What to Consider When Choosing a Spinning Reel

The species you’ll be fishing for is a primary concern. While just about any lightweight reel may suffice for panfish or small stocker trout , larger and stronger fish require a more robust tool. You’ll need a reel capable of holding enough braid, monofilament or fluorocarbon (or a combination of two of them) so that you don’t get spooled. Buy a reel that holds a little more line than you think you’ll need.

Any reel you choose should have a smooth drag system. But you’ll also need to make sure that there is enough drag pressure to stop the fish you are pursuing. You can put the brakes on bluegill pretty easily, but if you chase large predators like pike or strong saltwater fish, you’re going to need a much stouter drag system. Always match the reel to the size of the fish, erring on the side of extra drag.

Different fishing techniques call for different retrieves. When you’re picking a reel, make sure you choose one with a gear ratio that meshes with the fishing style you’re going with. Select a high gear ratio if you need to move baits in a hurry, or a lower one if you need the power to winch fish out of cover.  

You also need to match the reel to the rod you’ll be using it with. Even the best reel with the greatest number of bearings and the most refined drag system won’t cast, retrieve or battle up to its capabilities if it’s not part of a matched set. Too large a reel will fatigue you quickly with the added weight. Too small a reel won’t balance well, and casting distance could suffer.

Q: What is a good cheap spinning reel?

The 13 Fishing Source X packs a lot of features into its frame, despite a relatively paltry price tag. It’s not available in a lot of different sizes, but if it fits your line capacity needs it’s a solid bargain for beginners and experts alike.

Q: Are expensive spinning reels worth it?

If you’re chasing fish that pull drag in harsh environments, spending extra money on your spinning reels usually pays off because they’re more durable and won’t bind up at inopportune times. Look for better bearings and drag systems as two indicators of needed quality.

Q: What is the best all-around fishing reel?

There’s no such thing as a fishing reel that’s perfect for every situation and every species, but if you’re looking for a setup with the widest range of applicability, choose a 3000 or 4000 size spinning reel. Fill it with braided line (sometimes with a fluorocarbon leader) and you’ll be surprised at its versatility with both small fish and giants alike.

Best Spinning Reels: Final Thoughts

The world of spinning reels is filled with a lot of winners—and a lot of duds. Fortunately, the technology and features in many of the mid- to upper-range models have advanced exponentially in recent years. Nevertheless, we still find it hard to beat the Stradics, which combine durability and ease of function. The only reason not to get a new one is if the one that you got a decade or more ago is still in flawless service to your game. Otherwise, we recommend one of these best spinning reels.

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Browning Fishing Safari Travel Casting Rod - 3-Piece

Product details.

Browning® Fishing Safari 3-Piece Casting Rods are perfect for taking fishing rods with on backpacking trips, or taking along on hunting trips, and can be included with your carry-on luggage to avoid high baggage fees. Safari Travel Rods are constructed with HTSC20 (High Tensile Strength Carbon) rod blanks to minimize weight and enhance sensitivity, yet are incredibly tough so you can count on them when you reach your destination. Fuji® guides with aluminum oxide inserts reduce friction for longer line life, and greater casting distance. Full cork grips provide an excellent hold on these fishing rods, and Fuji graphite reel seats hold reel securely, while enhancing sensitivity. Browning Travel Rods include a protective rod sock and a durable embroidered travel tube. For the fisherman who travels to far away places, Browning Safari Travel Casting Rods are one of life's necessities.

• Perfect for backpacking or carry-on luggage
• HTSC20 High Tensile Strength Carbon blank
• Fuji aluminum oxide guides
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• Includes protective rod sock and hard travel tube

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Reel Big Catch Game

“School” your kids with this whopper of a game that’s fun for the whole family! Players use a fishing pole to “catch” telescoping fish and measure them with the measuring tape. While you are playing, introduce the concept of small, medium and large, help kids understand the correlation between size and measurement and encourage social skills, and turn-taking.

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• Includes plastic fishing pole, nine fish, paper measuring tape, and game guide.
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Alan Liere’s hunting and fishing report for April 11, 2024

Fly fishing.

Some sections of Crab Creek near Ritzville have side eddys where a fly fisherman using a brown and olive streamer on a sink tip-line with a short tippet can catch rainbows and browns up to 20 inches if he is fit enough to do the bank climbing required to reach the fishable water.

Anglers should find good fishing at Rocky Ford Creek near Soap Lake this week. This is a catch-and-release, fly-fishing-only stream, and only fishing from the bank is allowed. There are plenty of 16- to 20-inch rainbow trout.

The past week of fishing on the North Fork Coeur d’Alene was good, Silver Bow Fly Shop reported.

There has been excellent skwala and March brown action. With the rising water, focus on the soft inside bends and back eddies. If the dries aren’t working, you can still find fish on large stonefly nymphs, San Juan Worms, hot bead attractor nymphs and streamers. Don’t let the high water scare you off. Like the Coeur d’Alene, fishing has also been good on the St. Joe.

There are still some good fishing reports coming from local lakes. Try Amber, Medical, Sprague, and the bays on Lake Roosevelt and Rock. The Clark Fork River has been good for fly fishermen throwing March browns and skwala patterns in the early afternoon.

Trout and kokanee

The I-82 Ponds near Yakima have received generous plants of catchable trout. Rotary Pond and Tims Pond have also received heavy plants of rainbow trout. Near Wenatchee, Fish Lake has been fishing well, and so has Roses Lake near Chelan.

In Douglas County, the lakes around the town of Rock Island are open year round and are loaded with rainbow. Burke and Quincy lakes, near Moses Lake, continue to provide good catches, Within the Quincy Lakes Unit of the Columbia Basin Wildlife Area, Dusty is an excellent hike-in lake for anglers wanting to get away from crowds. Evening fishing along the basalt hillsides can be excellent for big browns. There are also rainbow and tiger trout. Lenice and Nunnally are fishing well for rainbow trout in the 14- to 16-inch range with some up to 20 inches. Both lakes received 3,000 catchable-sized trout in the fall of 2023 and will receive another 2,337 (Lenice) and 2,750 (Nunnally) in April. “Selective Gear Rules” apply on these waters. Lenore, just north of Soap Lake on Highway 17, has good trout fishing, especially along the lake’s north end where prespawn Lahontan cutthroat congregate. Adult Lahontan cutthroat average 18 inches.

Kokanee fishing has not taken off on Lake Coeur d’Alene. It is likely there will be good numbers of small fish later in the month. Chinook salmon are numerous but small. On Hayden Lake, the kokanee bite is good and the fish are big, averaging 15 inches with kokes as large as 23 inches reported.

Salmon and steelhead

Spring chinook and steelhead fishing in most lower Columbia River tributaries is open. Based on preseason forecasts, daily limits were reduced to one adult salmon in Drano Lake, and in the Wind, Kalama, Klickitat and Cowlitz rivers.

Largemouth bass fishing continues to be good back in the sand dunes on Potholes Reservoir. Throw half-ounce black and blue jigs, swim jigs, jerkbaits, chatter baits, spinnerbaits and Texas rigged plastics. There have been reports of bass on beds. Smallmouth bass are also being caught. Fish at 18 to 30 feet using drop shot rigs, blade baits and tubes.

Fish the rock piles around Goose Island and along the face of the dam. Walleye fishing is fair on Potholes. Fish the humps in front of the sand dunes and near Perch Point.

Walleye fishing is picking up at Moses Lake as it gets increased flows from Crab Creek that coincide with the walleye spawning migration into the creek. Dark-colored curly tail grubs on a jig and fished on the bottom are effective.

Some bass, largemouth and smallmouth, as well as a few walleye are being caught at Long Lake. The water is still a little cold to congregate spawning crappie.

Fernan Lake near Coeur d’Alene has seen some decent crappie catches recently, but other Panhandle lakes need the water to warm more. Hayden and Hauser should be the next to begin providing consistent crappie fishing.

Washington’s Eloika Lake is still too cold for good crappie fishing. Downs Lake is 5 to 10 degrees away from good crappie fishing. Bonnie Lake may be the first to take off.

Other species

Clams are open again on Washington beaches Friday through Sunday. Long Beach, Twin Harbors and Mocrocks are open Friday and Saturday and Long Beach and Copalis are open Sunday. Tentative clamming dates during morning low tides at some beaches will run April 23 to 29.

Lake Coeur d’Alene is still low, so the pike fishing has been an option in only a few bays. Best bets are Wolf Lodge and Harrison, and Cougar Bay if you’re able to wade out far enough to cast.

The general Washington and Idaho statewide spring wild turkey seasons begin Monday. Special youth only hunts have taken place, but success was low. Indications are the cold weather was a negative factor for both birds and hunters.

The application period for Idaho moose, bighorn sheep and mountain goat controlled hunts runs through April 30. Hunters can apply online, at any Fish and Game office, license vendor or by telephone by calling (800) 554-8685.

Contact Alan Liere at [email protected]

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Piscifun Fishing Rod Bag Holds 8 Rods, 100L Large Storage Fishing Rod Case, Foldable Fishing Pole Bag for Carrying Fishing Gear and Equipment, Water-resistant Portable Fishing Rod Storage Bag, Green

Purchase options and add-ons, about this item.

• Spacious Capacity: Our fishing rod bag can hold up to 8 rods & reels on the outside, providing convenient storage and easy access. The magic tape ensures secure placement and improved convenience. The exterior is divided into an upper flap pocket for 1 3700 box and a lower zippered pocket for 5 3700 or 8 3600 tackle boxes (tackle trays are not included). Additionally, internal divided design, separate space for fishing clothing, hat, and fishing equipment, making it perfect for any fishing trip
• Premium Quality: The Piscifun fishing rod bag is made of water-resistant high-density 600D Oxford fabric matching with internal C0 craftsmanship, protects your gear from the elements. The bottom has four-foot pads to reduce the bottom of the wear and tear, increasing the longevity. Note: This fishing rod bag will not stand up on its own when not fully loaded
• Inventive Design: This fishing pole case can be used both at home and on the go! The unique opening and closing design can be used as a big fishing rod carrying bag when you go out, and when you are not going out fishing, the fully opened design with durable & sturdy hanging buckle can be used as a rod holder on the wall; two ways to use, taking into account a variety of use scenarios!
• More details presented: This fishing rod storage bag comes with a separate sunglasses pouch, fish pliers straps and an external mesh pocket. Elasticized and secured straps make the center of gravity more aligned with the back, an interchangeable strap design for one or two shoulders! For your comfort and worry-free use
• Perfect for Anglers: The new piscifun family exterior specifically designed for fishing enthusiasts, this bag can hold all your gear and clothing for a day out on the water. Ideal for any fishing adventure

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Who are we?

Piscifun was founded by Ben and Peter in 2013 out of their strong passion for fishing and family. This passion is also reflected in our company slogan: "Fish with Family."

What does it mean?

"Pisci" means fish in Latin. Piscifun translates to "Fishing is Fun." We want our customers to know that Piscifun is here to make fishing enjoyable and affordable.

Fishing Backpack with 4 Boxes

Room Size: 17.7'' X 12.6'' X 7.9''

Tackle Boxes Inclued: 4*3600

Fishing Sling Bag

Stand Size: 11.8" X 8.3" X 4.0"

Large Size: 14.96" X 10.24" X 4.33"

Travel X Fishing Backpack

Stand Size: 13.2" X 9.7" X 4.72"

Large Size: 16.3" X 12.9" X 5.7"

Product Description

Piscifun fishing rod bag: 100l water-resistant rod case holds 8 rods & reels.

This fishing rod bag is specially designed for fishermen, perfect to store fishing rods, reels, cambos and other fishing tackle gear.

100L large capacity, can meet the space needs of the whole family fishing trips

Maximum capacity of 8 rods & reels

Two carrying methods with single or double shoulders

Two colors are available：Red/ Green

Separate sunglasses pocket; soft lining protects your shades from damage

Tactical straps can be used for securely clipping items onto the bag

External fishing plier holder allows for quickly organizes for storage

Additional exterior pockets can carry fishing gear

Exterior mesh fishing gear storage pockets for easy access to use

Hidden storage pockets for fishing equipment

Individual tackle box storage space for easy storage

Four foot pads on the bottom to reduce wear and increase longevity

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Customer Review: Thick Bag, Good Zippers & Lots of Storage

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