The Best Fishing Reels
Whether you're a veteran angler or an aspiring novice, stocking up with the right tools can give you a huge advantage. Reels are the workhorse of any fishing rod, and having a trusty and reliable mechanism in your hands can make all the difference as you fish. We scoured the market for the best reels available and present this list of the top options for anglers of all levels.
What to Look For
Choosing the right reel to accompany you on a fishing retreat is essential to improving your chance at a catch. As we weighed the options, we had a few crucial specifications in mind: What weight will it add to your rod? Is it capable of withstanding the mightiest forces? Is the spin system smooth, and is the reel equipped with an ergonomic retrieval system? We love the Penn Pursuit III for its silky smooth bearings and lightweight carbon fiber design. It’s a great all-rounder for pros and novices alike. But if you’re looking for an option with a bit more brawn for heavier hauling, you might want to consider spending a little more on the no-holds-barred pick from Pflueger President. Read on below to discover the rest of our favorites.
Penn Pursuit III Spinning Fishing Reel
A modern classic
This entry-level option from Penn brings a reasonable price and an excellent design for both seasoned and amateur anglers equally well. The impressive Ht-100 drive system boasts a sleek carbon fiber construction, promising resilient drag at high pressures. And thanks to the lightweight graphite body of this reel, it’s also surprisingly resistant to corrosion, making it a natural choice for those who tend to fish in salty waters.
Pros:
- The stainless-steel bearing system spins smoothly right out of the box without needing tune-ups.
- The handy capacity meter lets you keep an eye on how much line you have left in the spool.
- This lightweight design won’t add unnecessary burden to your rod.
Cons:
- Although it’s relatively lightweight, some people may find the overall size to be a bit bulky for the line capacity.
Pflueger President Spinning Fishing Reel
No compromise
This premium reel from Plueger can quickly up the ante during any day out finishing. Equipped with seven corrosion-resistant stainless steel bearings, this reel promises a butter-smooth action that’s sure to please. The lightweight carbon-fiber components result in an impressively slim total load of 0.46 pounds, making the operation swift and ergonomic. Despite their delicate appearance, we found this reel to be incredibly resilient when faced with accidental knocks and impacts.
Pros:
- This braid-ready spool makes for quick and easy tying.
- We’re a big fan of the subtle gold bordering that makes this reel a handsome addition to any rod.
- This durable reel can handle larger catches with ease.
Cons:
- Although it’s mostly made out of super durable materials, there are a couple of plastic parts, like the baseplate.
KastKing Centron 500 Spinning Reel
Small and powerful
Few situations are more frustrating than losing the day’s catch due to reel failure. That’s why choosing a suitably resilient design for your purposes is essential to keeping your odds up. The Centron 500 from KastKing is a beefy contender, to say the least. This downscaled reel boasts an impressive 17.5 pounds of stopping power, so you’ll be in with a chance if a larger fish takes the bait. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a tougher reel with such a compact design.
Pros:
- This downscaled reel is well suited to ice fishing. We also found it could lighten the load if used on kayaks or smaller vessels.
- Left-handed anglers can easily reverse the handle orientation for ambidextrous operation.
Cons:
- The spool can jam or tangle if you fill it even a little bit past its capacity, so be sure to keep an eye on the length of the line.
Zebco 404 Spincast Fishing Reel
Somewhere to start
Whether you’re just getting started with fishing yourself or hoping to introduce a friend or loved one to the sport, this introductory offering from Zebco is a great model for learning the ropes. It’s packed with nifty features to give you a helping hand as you work towards your first catch, like a built-in bite alert indicator that will sound at the first hint of underwater activity. This rugged size 40 reel houses all-metal gears with a deliciously smooth retrieve that will amaze you for the price.
Pros:
- The two tabs attached to this handle make it exceptionally easy to wind, even if you’re caught by surprise.
- This reel comes pre-spooled, so it’s ready to go right away.
Cons:
- We found that the pre-installed line can be prone to coiling, so you might want to re-spool it with a higher-quality line.
Zebco Omega Pro Spincast Fishing Reel
This pre-spooled reel is a great option for those who want to get started right away. This size-30 spin cast reel is a dependable choice for fishing applications across the board, thanks to the silky smooth action of seven bearings combined with metal gears. It’s natural for lefties, too, thanks to the reversible handle design.
Pros:
- The 85/10 mono capacity makes this reel ideal for heavier species like catfish, bass, and walleye.
- We appreciate the ergonomic consideration given to the dual-paddle handle and soft-touch thumb button design.
Cons:
- At 10.6 ounces, his reel is noticeably weighty compared to similar alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my reel be used for both saltwater and freshwater fishing?
Where you choose to fish can make a difference when it comes to buying a reel. If you’re trying your luck at sea, the chances are that you’ll require a little more reel than inland, so keep your eyes peeled for options with larger spool capacities. Some reels also feature corrosion-resistant components, which can help them to stay in top form when exposed to salty waters.
What’s the difference between a spincast reel and a spinning reel?
Though similar in name, these two mechanisms present subtle differences in their operational mechanisms that you might want to consider. Spincast reels hide the spool beneath a metal enclosure. They’re cheap and simple to use, making them an ideal choice for beginners. Spinning reels require a little more know-how regarding operation and maintenance, but the payoff is increased durability and performance.
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