If you’ve been looking for the best fishing reels, you need to know first, what type of water you fish. Knowing the targeted fish species is also very helpful in choosing reel size based on targeted fish. A good reel will have a high-quality drag system and a large line capacity. If you’re targeting most freshwater fish, a size 5000 reel and lower will be perfect. For saltwater applications, you can get away with using a 6000 reel. But generally speaking, a size 8000 reel will give you more line capacity.
Okuma Ceymar Spinning Reel
Okuma
If you're looking for a new spinning fishing reel, then check out the Okuma Ceymar. It's the perfect choice for anyone who loves to fish for trout, bass, crappie, and more. It’s lightweight, comfortable, and has an excellent drag system that will give you plenty of stopping power when you hook into that big one. Its palm-size design makes this reel very easy and fun to fish with all day. Most anglers will find the line capacity sufficient enough, but you can size up if you intend to target larger freshwater fish such as steelhead.
PENN Wrath Spinning Fishing Reel
PENN
The Penn Wrath is the perfect size for freshwater fish and inshore saltwater. and features 10LBS of drag to stop any fish in its tracks. This reel is built with 2 ball bearing technology and has an anti-reverse handle. With such a light reel, it's wise to size up for added line capacity. You won’t find another spinning reel on the market today that offers as many features as this one does at such an affordable price point!
PENN Battle II & III Spinning Fishing Reel
Penn
Are you looking for the best surf spinning reel? With the Penn Battle III, you get a lightweight saltwater grade reel for a bargain. It features 5+1 sealed stainless steel bearings and carbon fiber drag washers that can take the abuse from large fish and saltwater. It’s ambidextrous, so it can be used by both left-handed and right-handed people, which is a huge benefit as well. If you're looking for a good surf reel or saltwater spinning reel, this is it. With an 8000 sized reel, you will be able to take on the majority of large saltwater fish including smaller sharks, sturgeon, jacks, striped bass, and more!
KastKing Sharky III 5000 Spinning Big Fish Reel
KastKing
With the 5000 sizes of KastKing's "Sharky" big fish reel, you will find your new favorite surf fishing reel. It's got insane stopping power, 39 Lbs of drag to be exact. This gives you plenty of control in the fight, without worrying about not having enough power. The Sharky would also make a good freshwater reel as well! The spool is braided line ready, and the 5000 sized reels can hold up to 220 yards of 50LB braid! This reels power stopping ability, combined with a large line capacity, make this a winner in our books.
- Affordable
- Good stopping power
- Quality parts
- No 6000 or 8000 sized reels
- 39 LBS of drag
- Carbon fiber drag
- Water resistant frame
PENN Squall II Level Wind Conventional Fishing Reel
Penn
If you're looking for a straight saltwater reel, for shore, pier, or boat, then the Penn Squall is for you. It's for anglers who want to fish with confidence. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and has an incredible drag system that will help you land your catch with ease. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced fisherman, this reel is sure to make your next trip out on the water one of the best yet. With its carbon fiber drag system and 3+1 bearings, it’s built to put serious stopping power on fish. Plus, it comes in multiple sizes, so you can choose based on your needs!
KastKing Rover Round Baitcasting Reel
KastKing
If your old saltwater reel isn't cutting it anymore, then it’s time to upgrade with the KastKing. This is a brand new type of fishing reel that will change how you fish forever. The carbon fiber drag system and extra fighting power will give you the confidence to catch any fish out there. You won’t have to worry about getting spooled ever again! This is a perfect saltwater reel but could be used for large freshwater fish as well.
KastKing Royale Legend II Baitcasting Reel
KastKing
With the royale legend II you will be catching all types of bass in no time. This is a well-designed reel, and the price tag only sweetens that deal. It's the perfect reel for a beginner bass fisherman and has features that are usually found on high-end reels. It's comfortable to use all day and the drag will give you no problems whatsoever.
Pflueger® President® XT Low Profile Reel
Pflueger
Do you want to cast further and more accurately than ever before? The Pfluger President, 9 Bearing casting reel is perfect for you. It has an innovative magnetic casting system that allows you to cast with ease and accuracy, so your line lands exactly where it should every time. The low-profile design makes this reel easy to use and comfortable in your hand, so even if you’re out there all day long, you won’t get tired of using it. And because they know how important reliability is when it comes to fishing gear, Pfluger made sure this product was built tough enough to last season after season.
Piscifun Sword- Fly Reel
Piscifun
Piscifun Sword is the perfect fly fishing reel for anyone who loves spending time fly fishing outdoors. It’s lightweight, ambidextrous, and made of aluminum so it’s corrosion-resistant. You can fish all day long without worrying about your equipment. This lightweight fly fishing reel makes everyday fly fishing, easier than ever before!
FAQs:
Fishing reels come in 4 main varieties, spinning, baitcasting, conventional and fly reels. The most common type of fishing reel is the spinning reel, which is easy to use and can be effective for a variety of different fish.
Another common type of fishing reel is the baitcasting reel, which is more powerful than a spinning reel and can be used to catch larger fish. Finally, there are fly fishing reels, which are designed for light lures and line.
Fishing reels come in a wide variety of sizes, ranging from small 2000-size ultralight reels designed for panfish to large 8000-sized saltwater reels capable of handling heavyweight pelagic fish.
In general, the larger the fish you’re trying to catch, the larger the reel you’ll need. For most fishermen, a medium-sized reel from 3000-5000 size is the best choice. It’s large enough to handle most fish, but not so large that it’s unwieldy or difficult to use.
The larger the fish you’re going after, the larger the size of reel should be.
Fishing reel prices can vary greatly depending on the type of reel, the brand, and the features. On average, spinning reels range from $40 to over $200. Baitcasting reels are usually a bit more pricey, ranging from $60-240. Conventional and fly reels tend to be the most costly, with prices ranging from $60 to upwards of $400!
Of course, there are always budget-friendly options available for those who want the basics. With that being said, anglers tend to spend a lot of money on gear. With the expensive cost of reels, it is no wonder the fishing industry made $11.5 Billion in 2022 alone!