There is nothing I love more than heading down to the water and spending a few hours fishing. But ensuring you have top-quality equipment is crucial to ensure you don’t come home empty-handed.
I have put together this buying guide of the best spinning reels to help you sift between the marketing hype and the proven technologies that pro anglers care about.
I have evaluated high-quality spinning reels over the last decade of my fishing journey to help you avoid wasting your time and money on a dud. I have tried and tested each of these reels extensively, and I am sure that you will be able to find a spinning reel that suits your target species and particular circumstances.
Based on my own personal testing experience, I evaluate each reel based on its performance, durability, price, value for money, and comfort.
If you are looking for a matching fishing rod, read through my buying guide for the best spinning rods.
Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
- 1 Quick Summary – Best Spinning Reels
- 2 10 Best Spinning Reels
- 2.1 1. Pflueger President Spinning Reel – Best Overall Reel
- 2.2 2. Penn Battle II Spinning Fishing Reel – Best Value for Money Reel
- 2.3 3. Pflueger Supreme XT Spinning Fishing Reel – Best Long Distance Casting Reel
- 2.4 4. Shimano Vanford+ Reel – Best Saltwater Reel
- 2.5 5. Daiwa BG Spinning Reel – Most Durable
- 2.6 6. Okuma Ceymar Lightweight Spinning Reel – Best Reel Under $50
- 2.7 7. Penn Fierce II Spinning Fishing Reel – Best Offshore Saltwater Reel
- 2.8 8. Shimano Sienna Front Drag Spinning Reel – Most Affordable
- 2.9 9. Shimano IX Rear Drag Spinning Reel – Best Freshwater Reel
- 2.10 10. Shimano Baitrunner D Spinning Reel – Best Heavy Duty Reel
- 3 Specification Comparison
- 4 Honorable Mentions
- 5 Spinning Reel Buying Guide
- 6 Specific Buying Guides
- 7 Conclusion
Quick Summary – Best Spinning Reels
- Best Overall: Pflueger President
- Best Value for Money: Penn Battle
- Best Under $50: Okuma Ceymar
How We Quantitatively Score
I go through a rigorous review of individual reels to measure their performance, durability, and value for money. This testing flows into an overall score that I give to all products. To see more details, please read the complete guide.
10 Best Spinning Reels
Let’s explore the best options available on the market for spinning reels.
These have been ranked based on my personal tried and tested experimentation over many years of angling based on performance, durability, and value for money.
1. Pflueger President Spinning Reel – Best Overall Reel
Overall Score – 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pflueger President Spinning Reel
- 9+1 Stainless Steel Ball Bearings
- Extremely Lightweight
- Corrosion Resistant
- Built to Last
The Pflueger President series is one of the most popular products on the market and was designed for anglers who need high performance without spending a lot of money. Though this option is not a budget-priced reel, it still comes within the budget that most serious anglers can afford.
The President is built to last with a metal body, high-quality handle, and metal-cased rotor. I genuinely believe that the best way to get value for money is to pick a reel that will last for years to come.
The high-quality machined bearing system is cased in steel to better protect the reel in the saltwater.
The feature I like most about this reel is that it comes with Sure-Click bail – this makes a solid snap sound when you open the bail, so you always know what position it is in. It also has an on/off instant anti-reverse bearing.
Also, each model is extremely lightweight, which can eliminate some muscle soreness after a full day of fishing – this I can tell you from personal experience.
There are three different models in this series:
- 3000 – Weight of 8.3 oz, Mono Capacity of 145 yards of 6 lb line, and Max Drag of 10 lbs.
- 3500 – Weight of 10.7 oz, Mono Capacity of 225 yards of 6 lb line, and Max Drag of 12 lbs.
- 4000 – Weight of 11.3 oz, Mono Capacity of 225 yards of 6 lb line, and Max Drag of 14 lbs.
Why I Like It:
Let’s dig into the benefits and features of this great reel. Have a look:
- 9 stainless steel ball bearings + 1 roller bearing
- Corrosion-resistant
- Smooth haul system with oil-coated washers
- Graphite body
- Soft rubber knobs
Pros:
- Durable
- Easy Casting
- Smooth Drag System
- Quite A Reliable Spinning Reel
Cons:
- Drag isn’t enough for large gamefish
Verdict
I have selected the Pflueger President as the number 1 in my list because this Crafted Spinning Reel is a well-built reel and among the lightest on the market.
2. Penn Battle II Spinning Fishing Reel – Best Value for Money Reel
Overall Score – 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Penn Battle II Spinning Reel
- Full Metal Body
- HT-100 Drag Washers
- Stainless Steel Ball Bearings
- Extremely Durable Construction
The Penn Battle II Spinning Reel is my choice for the best value for money spinning reel.
With the help of a good spinning reel, fishing will be more fun, and you will lose fewer fish. The Penn Battle Spinning Reel is one of the best spinning reels I have experienced that combines high performance with the simple ease of use.
The Battle II is one of my favorite reels and is often our top recommendation, depending on your circumstances. I have spent many fishing trips fighting trophy fish with a Penn Battle in my hand.
This Penn Battle comes in different sizes ranging from 1000 to 8000.
However, the gear ratio of 2500-4000 is 6:2:1, the other versions 5000 and 6000 have a 5:6:1 gear ratio, and the largest model 8000 comes with a gear ratio of 5:3:1. All of the models have six ball bearings.
- Penn II1000 – features Mono line capacity: 275/2; 135/4; 105/6 and Max Drag of 9 lbs.
- Penn II1000 – features Mono line capacity: 255/6; 175/8; 140/10 and Max Drag of 12 lbs.
- Penn II3000 – features Mono line capacity: 200/8; 165/10; 120/12 and Max Drag of 15 lbs.
- Penn II4000 – features Mono line capacity: 270/8; 220/10; 165/12 and Max Drag of 15 lbs.
- Penn II5000 – features Mono line capacity: 225/12; 200/15; 135/20 and Max Drag of 25 lbs.
- Penn II6000 – features Mono line capacity: 335/15; 230/20; 210/25 and Max Drag of 25 lbs.
- Penn II8000 – features Mono line capacity: 340/20; 310/25; 230/30 and Max Drag of 30 lbs.
Why I Like It:
Let’s dig into the benefits and features of this excellent reel:
- This reel comes with 20% extra drag
- Smooth retrieve and suitable for saltwater with six stainless steel ball bearings
- Large Line Capacity Ring
- Improved corrosion resistance
Pros:
- Smooth Drag System
- Solid, Durable Reel
- High Line Capacity
- Anti-Reverse System
Cons:
- Heavier than some other alternatives
What is the difference between the Penn Battle II and Battle III?
The Battle III comes with the upgraded body, rotor, and bail design of the Slammer III. This gives the Battle III improved durability and performance, albeit at a higher cost. If you can afford the difference, I recommend you go for the newer option.
Verdict
Don’t let the weight of Penn’s Battle II spinning reel trick you – this reel is not lightweight. The Battle II range is a solid workhorse reel that suits freshwater and saltwater anglers.
3. Pflueger Supreme XT Spinning Fishing Reel – Best Long Distance Casting Reel
Overall Score – 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Pflueger Supreme Spinning Reel
- Long Distance Casting Reel
- Extremely High Line Capacity
- 10 Corrosion Resistant Ball Bearings
- Sealed Carbon Drag System
The Pflueger Supreme XT is my recommendation for the best long casting spinning reel.
Our search to find the best spinning reel for you still is not over. Pflueger is a great manufacturer worth including in this list for the best saltwater reels.
The Pflueger Supreme XT Spinning Reel is highly rated.
The reel is extremely lightweight and, at the same time, has first-class gearing and ball bearing features. It is very durable and high-performing during drags, casts, and cranks.
It is ideal for a wide range of fish and angling applications. It is exceptionally light at a price range very affordable.
From my experience, the Plueger Supreme XT also has the longest line capacity of all in this list of the best spinning reels to assist you in casting further and fighting big fish for longer.
The Supreme XT Spinning reel has four models weighing only 9.6 ounces! It has a sealed carbon system that always remains lubricated.
Why I Like It:
- 10 Corrosion Resistant Stainless Steel Ball Bearings
- Magnesium Body Rotor
- Sealed Carbon Drag
- Carbon Handle that is 21% lighter than aluminum
- Braid Ready Spool
Pros:
- Extremely Light
- Braid Ready Spool
- Smooth Drag Performance
- Affordable
Verdict
The Supreme XT spinning reel will give you a smooth casting experience. It is incredibly versatile and suitable for a wide range of fishing applications.
4. Shimano Vanford+ Reel – Best Saltwater Reel
Overall Score – 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Shimano Vanford Spinning Reel
- Lower weight than its predecessor
- Full of Shimano’s latest technology
- Extremely Durable
- Increased Casting Distance
The Shimano Vanford is my recommendation for the best saltwater spinning reel.
If you are looking for the best spinning reels, then the Shimano Vanford is the top contender. Shimano is renowned for making high-quality products with leading-edge technology. They are my favorite brand for fishing reels. The Vanford is an upgrade on the ever-popular Stradic Ci4+.
This lightweight spinning reel is designed for anglers who want a more affordable option. However, it also gives high performance and looks good with great aesthetics, at least in my opinion. This combination makes it into one of the top spinning reels.
This spinning reel comes with a 6:4:1 gear ratio and weighs under 7 ounces for the most popular sizes.
Why I Like It:
- 7+1 ball bearings for smooth operations
- Max Drag of 7-24 pounds depending on the model
- Line Retrieve of 35 inches per crank
Pros:
- Extremely Lightweight
- Looks Great
- Well Crafted
- Designed For Saltwater Use
Verdict
It is one of my favorite spinning reels for small saltwater fish species. The Shimano Vanford is one of the most popular reels throughout the United States and has a good combination of low weight, affordable price, high performance, and high-quality manufacture.
5. Daiwa BG Spinning Reel – Most Durable
Overall Score – 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Daiwa BG Spinning Reel
- 6+1 Ball Bearings
- Braid Line Ready
- Machined Aluminum Housing
- Infinite Anti-Reverse System
Daiwa put a lot of effort into upgrading their technology into creating the Daiwa BG. It comes with upgraded materials and technologies to create a great balance between performance and durability.
Why I Like It:
Let’s dig into the benefits and features of this excellent reel. Have a look.
- Digigear precision gear cutting for closer meshing.
- The full metal body gives it almost no flex, which is especially important when under the load of a hungry fish.
- A lot of effort has been put into improving the waterproofing which again adds to the long-term durability.
- I found the wide grip handle to be very comfortable and easy to find in a hurry.
Pros
- The aluminum metal body is extremely durable and you will get a long-lasting lifespan out of this reel.
- Stainless steel ball bearings along with the digigear precision-engineered gearing give it a smoother retrieve when compared with the older Daiwa models.
Cons
- The bail arm does seem to be less robust than the rest of the reel.
- The max drag is on the lower side, especially for the smaller-sized models.
Verdict
The Daiwa BG is one of my personal favorites because of its balance – it has high performance, it is well made from high-quality materials, it is durable, and has solid specifications. You can certainly do a lot worse, particularly at such a value for money price range.
6. Okuma Ceymar Lightweight Spinning Reel – Best Reel Under $50
Overall Score – 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Okuma Ceymar Spinning Reel
- Good Value for Money
- 7+1 Ball Bearings
- Multi-disc Drag System
- Very Lightweight Design
If you are searching for a reliable reel under fifty bucks, this Okuma Spinning Reel is undoubtedly on the top of that list. Compared to the other reels, it has a smooth retrieve, is beautifully designed, and is precise in its operation.
The best thing about this spinning reel is it comes in five different styles. These styles are classified according to the purpose – Each style is designed for specific work:
C-10: Great For Small Ice Fishing Outfits
This reel is the smallest Ceymar in this family. It is great for a 2 to 6-pound test fishing line. This reel is designed for fishing for sunfish, trout, bluegill, and crappie. For best performance, pair with an ultra-light fishing rod.
C-30, C-40: A Versatile Performers In Freshwater
Intermediate sizes are the most versatile anglers. It suits steelhead, bass, carp fishing, walleye, and more. Therefore, the size 30 is designed for finesse applications. It is perfect for jigging walleye or drop-shotting bass with a 6 to 8-pound fishing line.
On the other hand, C-40 comes with a larger capacity. It is designed for bigger fish like catfish, steelhead, and bigger lures. It can hold a 10 to 12-pound line.
C-55: Great For Fishing In Inshore Saltwater
When it comes to Inshore Saltwater fishing, C-55 is brilliant – It’s a highly capable reel. It is capable enough to hold bigger fish like snook, and striped bass. redfish and shallow water bottom fish. It will hold a 15-pound monofilament line of roughly 240-yards – using braided line of 20 to 30 pounds can fit similar lengths.
C-65: Great For Jetty, Pier, & Big Water Fishing
The size 65 is made in such a way to hold oversized fish. It is equipped with higher cranking power and max drag. In saltwater, it is perfect for casting from jetties and piers. In freshwater, the C-65 will be best for casting big river and lake fish like catfish.
Why I Like It:
Let’s dig into the benefits and features:
- It comes with a multi-disc drag system – This system makes it pretty powerful
- 7 ball bearings and 1 roller bearing
- The company offers a 1-Year Limited Warranty
- Machine cut brass pinion gear
- It is made up of a 2-tone machined aluminum spool
- The C-65 comes with an Ergo Grip handle
Pros
- Anti-Reverse Roller Bearing
- Dynamic Design
- Supremely Comfortable
Cons
- Only comes with a 1-Year Warranty
Verdict
The Okuma Ceymar is a brilliant entry-level reel. It performs well and is lightweight and reliable compared with the other reels in this category. If price is an object then certainly look at this option, I would certainly recommend it for budget-conscious beginner anglers.
7. Penn Fierce II Spinning Fishing Reel – Best Offshore Saltwater Reel
Overall Score – 3/5 ⭐⭐⭐
Penn Fierce Spinning Reel
- 4 Stainless Steel Ball Bearings
- Versatile Sized Model Range
- Line Capacity Rings
- Premium Performance and Durability
From the very first impression, this Penn spinning reel will impress you with its amazing looks. One of the things I love about the Penn is the fact that this spinning reel has a smooth retrieve. For anyone who has never tried a Penn reel, I would recommend giving it a go – it is like no other reel manufacturer.
When it comes to retrieving a lure, this is one of the best spinning reels. The feature we like most about this reel is its max drag.
It comes in several sizes starting with 2500-8000.
Why I Like It:
These Features include:
- This reel comes with premium performance and durability at a very reasonable value
- Durable construction with a heavy-duty aluminum bail wire
- Enclosed in a full metal body
- Instant ant-reverse bearing
- 4 shielded stainless steel ball bearings
- 1/3 and 2/3 marked line capacity rings
- As it comes with a super line spool, it doesn’t require any backing.
Pros:
- Smooth Retrieves
- Durable Construction
- Don’t Need Any Backing
- Superior Leverage
Cons:
- Lots of options – make sure you select the right one for your requirements
Verdict
This fishing combo has got everything you want from a reliable reel. The Penn Fierce is a favorite among anglers everywhere. If you are looking for a cheap reel that delivers have a look at Penn.
8. Shimano Sienna Front Drag Spinning Reel – Most Affordable
Overall Score – 3/5 ⭐⭐⭐
Shimano Sienna Spinning Reel
- Graphite Reel, Frame, and Side Plate
- Propulsion Line Management System
- Ant-Reverse System
- Front Drag
Are you worried about spending a lot of money to pick a spinning reel that doesn’t come with all of the features?
Well, Shimano paved the way, especially for someone like you who wants an amazing spinning reel on a tight budget. Shimano is one of the leading reel brands (and my personal favorite) for its stunning technology and design.
Why I Like It:
Let’s dig into the benefits and features:
- Propulsion line management system to cast further and reduce backlash
- Anti-reverse system
- Graphite reel, frame, side plate
- Ported handle shank
- Varispeed oscillation
Pros:
- Tremendously Lightweight
- Soft Gear
- Simple Casting Procedure
Cons:
- Doesn’t have all the features of a high-end reel
- Not suitable for large offshore fish
Verdict
Shimano is one of the best around, and if you want to get their technology at a decent price then have a look at the Sienna. I would certainly recommend looking at some of the more expensive Shimano reels if you have the budget for it, but this reel will do the job – no question.
9. Shimano IX Rear Drag Spinning Reel – Best Freshwater Reel
Overall Score – 3/5 ⭐⭐⭐
Shimano IX Spinning Reel
- Solid Aluminum Frame and Handle
- Propulsion Line Management System
- Shielded Ball Bearings
- Rear Drag
- Line Capacity: 6/170, 8/120, 10/100 (lb/yards)
- Max Drag: 7 lbs or 15 lbs
- Gear Ratio: 4.1:1
- SSR 1 – Weight of 9.6 ounces, a gear ratio of 4.1:1, max drag of 7 Ibs, and line capacity of 120 yards of 8 lb mono
- SSR 2 – Weight of 1.5 pounds, a gear ratio of 4.1:1, max drag of 15 Ibs, and line capacity of 240 yards of 8 lb mono
Shimano has finally released a spinning model that most anglers or professionals can afford.
The first thing you will notice first is its sleek blackish look thanks to its stunning mechanical design and excellent drag system. The Shimano IX Spinning Reel is not only a great spinning reel for the angler but also at a modest price.
Why I Like It:
- The frame and handle are constructed of solid aluminum. The combination of graphite and solid aluminum makes it extra durable.
- Shimano designed this reel for saltwater to survive and protect against damage with all graphite material like side plate, frame, spool, and rotor.
- More than anything, these spinning reels are light. One of them is 9.6 ounces, and another is 1.5 pounds. So you will not be getting fatigued casting for extended sessions.
- The handles are made as traditional T-shaped. At the same time, paddle-shaped depending on which size you prefer.
- This reel is an easy casting and level winding reel. The Propulsion Line Management System allows line to flow off the spool gently. It ensures a longer cast, without making huge backlashes.
- The S A-RB bearings come with shielding on each side and protect from dirt.
Pros:
- This Spinning Reel Is Quite Lightweight
- Rear Drag
- It Gives Effortless Casting
Cons:
- Can have trouble casting in rough weather
- Take care of the graphite
10. Shimano Baitrunner D Spinning Reel – Best Heavy Duty Reel
Overall Score – 3/5 ⭐⭐⭐
Shimano Baitrunner D Spinning Reel
- Super Stopper II Anti-Reverse
- Corrosion Resistant Bearings
- Propulsion Line Management System
- Cold Forged Aluminum
- Line retrieve: 36 in
- Maximum drag: 20 lb
- Item weight: 1.7 pound
Last on our list of the best spinning reels is the Shimano Baitrunner D. If you are worried that spending less than $200 means you have to pick a spinning reel without some superb features, then have a look at the Shimano Baitrunner.
Shimano paved the way for new fishing technology, especially for someone who wants an excellent saltwater spinning reel on a tight budget. You will get everything you want from this ideal spinning reel.
Shimano is one of my favorite fishing brands, because of the attention to detail they put into everything – from the design to the materials and everything in between. Shimano is a byword for quality and durability.
This Baitrunner D series from Shimano offers several medium-sized reels for saltwater. At the same time, these are readily available in four other models from 4000-12000. However, the line capacity of this model starts from 8 Ib mono and 15 Ib in the braid. As it goes high, the line capacity also is shown as 20 Ib mono and 80Ib in braid on the 12000 model of the D series.
Make sure you pick a reel size that suits your needs, depending on the type of fish – predatory fish like mackerel tend to run hard and require longer fishing line spool lengths, while tarpon fight hard and require stronger and thicker fishing line.
Why I Like It:
Let’s dig into the benefits and features of Shimano Baitrunner D Spinning Reel:
- The first noticeable feature is its anti-reverse mechanism. It comes with a Super Stopper II, where one of the bearings is used to eliminate any back play. This will help to avoid any bird nesting or spooling your line out when you don’t want it to.
- It also has the Shimano SA-RB anti-rust bearing. This is referred to as ‘Metal Shield’ and is one of the ways that Shimano builds corrosion resistance.
- The spool is made from cold-forged aluminum, which gives it superior durability but also low weight.
- It also has a good balance with Shimano’s Dyna which maintains the reel’s stability during retrieval.
- Finally, it also has Shimano’s Propulsion Line Management, which helps to give longer casting distance by spooling the line on neatly. This also helps to fit more line onto the spool and prevents backlash.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Long Casting Distance
- Excellent Line Lay
- Comfortable Grips
- Able to tackle Lake Trout, Salmon, Crappie, or any large-sized Saltwater Species
- Shimano produces high-quality products with the latest and greatest technology available
Specification Comparison
It can be difficult to tell the difference between all of these features and benefits. So let’s focus entirely on the data and the specifications. All of this information is based on a size 3000 reel model.
| Spinning Reel | Score | Ball Bearings | Suitable for Saltwater | Retrieve Rate | Gear Ratio | Max Drag | Weight | Mono Capacity (6lb) | Price Range |
| Pflueger President | 5/5 | 9+1 | No | 31 inches | 6.2:1 | 10 lb | 7.6 oz | 145 yards | $$ |
| Penn Battle II | 5/5 | 5+1 | Yes | 35 inches | 6.2:1 | 15 lb | 12.3 oz | 210 yards | $$ |
| Pflueger Supreme XT | 5/5 | 10 | No | 33 inches | 6.2:1 | 12 lb | 8.0 oz | 230 yards | $$ |
| Shimano Vanford | 5/5 | 7+1 | Yes | 35 inches | 6.4:1 | 20 lb | 6.4 oz | 230 yards | $$$ |
| Daiwa BG | 4/5 | 6+1 | Yes | 37 inches | 5.6:1 | 15 lb | 10.8 oz | 280 yards | $$ |
| Okuma Ceymar | 4/5 | 7+1 | No | 25 inches | 5.0:1 | 15 lb | 8.1 oz | 180 yards | $$ |
| Penn Fierce II | 3/5 | 4+1 | Yes | 35 inches | 6.2:1 | 10 lb | 11.7 | 220 yards | $$ |
| Shimano Sienna | 3/5 | 3+1 | No | 28 inches | 5.0:1 | 9 lb | 8.8 oz | 110 yards | $ |
| Shimano IX | 3/5 | 0 | Yes | 21 inches | 4.1:1 | 7 lb | 8.6 oz | 170 yards | $ |
| Shimano Baitrunner D | 3/5 | 3+1 | Yes | 28 inches | 4.8:1 | 15 lb | 13.5 oz | 260 yards | $$$ |
Honorable Mentions
There are plenty of other spinning reels that didn’t make our list for a variety of reasons, such as price, performance, durability, and specialist uses.
Best Premium Spinning Reels
Best Under $500
- Daiwa Saltist
- Shimano Saragosa
- Penn Slammer III and Slammer IV
- Shimano Ultegra
- Shimano Vanford
- Penn Clash
- Shimano Sustain
Best Under $200
- Daiwa BG
- Pflueger Supreme XT
- Penn Spinfisher V
- Quantum Smoke S3
- Penn Passion
- Abu Garcia Zata
- Daiwa Ballistic
Best Under $100
Best Under $50
- Penn Wrath
- Penn Pursuit
- Piscifun Flame
- KastKing Kodiak
- KastKing Sharky III
- KastKing Valiant Eagle
- KastKing Megatron
Spinning Reel Buying Guide
Before going to purchase a reel, you should consider some of the key design factors that make it work. This impacts the performance, durability, longevity, and value of the equipment.
You may not have heard of some of the technical terms we use, but don’t worry – this section is designed for beginner anglers.
So let’s take a look.
Types of Fishing Reels
There are five types of Fishing Reels available in the market:
Spinning Reels:
Spinning reels are the most popular type of fishing reels used by anglers. The internal gears of Spinning Reels give it a high retrieval rate and maximum drag. They provide the furthest casting distance and are the most versatile. You can use spinning reels of anything from small panfish to large gamefish and from ponds to the ocean.
They are also the easiest to use, with a very low chance of your line knotting unexpectedly. We always recommend spinning reels for beginners.
Baitcasting Reels:
The next most common option is a baitcaster. As the name indicates, these reels are designed for casting. They give better accuracy in casting but not as much distance as a spinning reel. They also can have a much higher gear ratio which can suit particular lures that need to be retrieved extremely fast, like a spoonbait lure.
Baitcasters are normally used for a specific purpose, such as fishing with crankbaits for bass or drop shotting.
See our buying guide for the best baitcasting reels.
Conventional Reels:
If you are an avid angler, a conventional reel is for you. Usually, it is engineered with a heavy boat rod. As a result, they are quite durable. They don’t have the ability to cast long distances but are much more suitable for big game fishing from a boat.
Conventional reels are normally used when dropping baits deep onto a reef or trolling behind a boat. We recommend trolling reels for big saltwater gamefish.
See our buying guide for the best conventional reels.
Fly Reels:
Another type of fishing reel is the fly reel, which is made for use with a Fly Fishing Rod. Fly reels generally don’t have gearing or much in the way of drag. They are a purer form of one-on-one fighting with the fish. Alongside a good pair of polarized sunglasses, a rod and reel are the most important pieces of gear for fly fishing.
Fly feels use a weighted fly fishing line and a light fly as bait. They are commonly used for trout in clear, running rivers.
See our buying guide for the best fly fishing reels.
Spincast Reels:
These types of reels are closed bodies, so all the parts are enclosed by a body. However, there is a hole in the reel from which the reel’s fishing line comes out. Spincast reels are recommended for kids – they are simple and easy to use but do lack some of the versatility and performance of a spinning reel.
See our buying guide for the best spincast reels.
Advantages of Spinning Reels
Versatility
Spinning reels are the most versatile and popular type of fishing reel (Source). They can be used for casting from the beach, trolling from a boat, bottom fishing, and casting lures or live bait all in one day.
These features make them suitable to catch almost anything including bass, panfish, redfish, tarpon, and walleye.
If this is your first even fishing reel, then we always recommend choosing a spinning reel. You can get other types of reels for specific scenarios, but your spinning reel will always be your go-to option.
Light Line, Light Lures
The prime advantage of spinning reels is their capability to cast long distances. The open bail and fixed spool allow the fishing line to flow out with no resistance which is funneled through the eyes of the rod.
As a result, it is the easiest to cast with the furthest distance. It rarely creates birds nests or gets tangled. Spinning reels are ideal for beginner anglers.
Because of the extra distance you can cast, spinning rods can also be more suitable for lighter lines and lures. If you are targeting panfish, then you will want low-weight lures.
Great for all Experience Levels
Spinning reels are perfect for teaching someone to fish and cast. The operation is so simple as opening the bail, then finger on the line, and lastly, let the lure sail. So as you gain experience, you can easily upgrade if required. But you should always start with a spinning reel.
Learn how to use a spinning reel.
Features You Need to Know
It can be difficult to see through the marketing hype and understand exactly what you are getting for your money. This section is to give you a brief overview of the main features so that you can understand the differences between a 5-star and a 1-star product.
Ball Bearings
Ball bearings are a key indicator of reel performance and how smooth the retrieve feels. The more ball bearings, the more evenly the load is distributed around the reel frame and internal gearings. You will notice a fairly clear relationship between the price of a reel and the number of ball bearings.
If you are torn between two reels with similar features, then pick the one with more ball bearings.
Gear Ratio
The gear ratio refers to the number of turns of the reel’s spool for each turn of the handle. For example, a gear ratio of 5.0:1 means that 1 turn of the handle gives 5.0 turns of the spool. In reality, this refers to the retrieve speed of the spinning reel and you need to know how you will be using the reel. If you intend to retrieve a lure extremely fast then you will want a higher gear ratio.
Keep in mind that the higher the gear ratio the less power you can apply. Heavy big gamefish reels often have gear ratios as low as 2.0:1. High-speed baitcasting reels can be as much as 10.0:1 gear ratio.
For spinning reels, I recommend selecting within 5.0:1 and 6.0:1 range. This gives the most versatility and allows you to fish in more different styles.
Corrosion Resistance
If there is one thing that can destroy metal machines quickly it is water and in particular saltwater. Anything you can do to avoid rust is worthwhile. But this will be reflected in the price as the materials of construction improve. If you are doing saltwater fishing or even brackish water, then you will want to select a corrosion-resistant spinning reel. The best way to get value for money is to increase the amount of time that reel lasts.
If you are only fishing in freshwater and will never venture into salt, then you can pick a cheaper reel that is made from less robust materials.
Line Capacity
The amount of line you need depends on the size and type of fish you are targeting. Panfish need a lot less line than a tuna that is going to swim off at full speed as soon as it is hooked.
The more the line capacity the heavier the reel will be as the spool needs to be physically larger.
You will also want to consider the type of fishing line you are going to use. Braid fishing line has a much higher line capacity than an equivalent strength mono line.
Max Drag
Finally, a key feature to understand is the maximum drag. This showcases how much weight the drag can apply to the fishing line and hence the size of fish that it can stop. The larger reels come with higher drags, so you can easily pick a suitable model/size of spinning reel to suit your target species. Make sure you get a large enough reel to handle the largest fish you are likely to hook.
The last thing you want is to hook a trophy fish and only then discover that your drag is too light.
Specific Buying Guides
- Best Spinning Reels Under $100
- Best Saltwater Spinning Reels Under $200
- Best Inshore Spinning Reels
- Best Penn Spinning Reels
- Best Shimano Spinning Reels
- Best Spinning Reels for Bass
- Best Rod and Reel Combos
- Best Trout Spinning Reels
Conclusion
To wrap the best spinning reels up, we could say that a great reel can be your best friend in your adventurous fishing experience. However, each spinning reel on our list also comes with an amazing specification. But we can understand that buying decision is related to various aspects like affordability, purpose as well as preference.
Finally, you are the decision-maker. So it’s totally up to you.
We hope you enjoyed our article. Thanks for being with us.
Last update on 2022-05-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
