Looking for the best baitcasting reel?
You’ve come to the right place. I’ve compiled a list of 12 best baitcasting reels while including options for every angler out there.
I caught my first fish on a muddy creek by a highway bridge near Blytheville, Arkansas with an old-style baitcasting reel on a stiff five-foot rod. The little catfish didn’t set any records, but the backlash I made as an eight-year-old with that reel was epic.
A few decades later, and my technique whiles using a baitcasting reel surface fishing for largemouth bass, drop shotting for walleye and perch, and trolling for lake trout has improved. So have the reels. The modern comparisons to those older baitcasting reels that were little more than tiny winches back in my youth are dramatic.
Whether you’re looking to buy your first baitcasting reel or upgrade from an older model, there’s something here for everyone. Our buyers guide will help answer any questions you might have. Our goal is to make your life easier by providing all of these options in one convenient location so that finding your next favorite reel is as easy as possible.
The Shimano Curvado DC earns the top spot for baitcasting reels for long smooth casts, easy retrieves, and overall performance in all types of weather among the dozen total reels reviewed here.
Why the Shimano Curado DC is the Best Baitcasting Reel
This reel isn’t cheap, but you get what you pay for. The low-profile reel is the most advanced of the popular Curado models. It has the most advanced braking system on the market with a microprocessor-controlled monitor that checks spool speed an amazing 1000 times per second. The monitor senses impending backlash and apply minute amounts of braking to slow and prevent the dreaded backlash.
While automatically controlling the release of the line to prevent backlash, the reel design allows long casts with the right rod, but casting is only part of the joy of using a baitcasting reel. The control you’ll have in bringing in your bait with a high speed 8.5:1 gear ratio just makes a great day on the water.
What Makes the “Best” Baitcasting Reel?
Ask a dozen anglers the best reel on the market, and you’re likely to get a dozen answers. Some want the control of a lower gear ratio for guiding topwater baits through cattails or lily pads. Others want to see their line fly far out into the surf. Some look for the smooth action that only high numbers of ball bearings in the reel can bring.
If you’re left-handed, the reel handle placement can be the biggest factor in choosing a reel. If you have large hands, small hands, or perhaps arthritis, the reel size, action, and profile can be the deciding factor in an OK versus a fabulous find while looking for the best baitcasting reel or spinning reels. All these factors were taken into consideration in selecting these competing reels.
Below is our complete list of the best baitcasting reels and why we chose each one.
The Shimano Curvado DC earns the top spot for baitcasting reels for long smooth casts, easy retrieves, and overall performance in all types of weather among the dozen total reels reviewed here.
The single-piece aluminum frame matched with a readily removable graphite side plate makes this an effective baitcasting reel.
The line counter built into the reel provides accurate information on just how much line you’ve let out. That’s an important feature when you’re trying to present the bait at a specific depth.
The Accurist has a continuous anti-reverse clutch designed to reduce backlash. An eight ball-bearing design, with a single roller bearing, provides smooth casts and retrieves in a variety of weather.
An all-metal frame keeps the moving parts of this reel in precise alignment. Eliminating backlash was the goal, a goal met by Shimano with this design.
The corrosive effects of sand, salt, and reflective UV radiation can quickly destroy a reel that isn’t designed to handle the rigors of ocean, surf, and bay fishing. The Concept Z, by 13 Fishing, handles these challenges, albeit at one of the highest prices you’ll find on the market for spincast reels.
This upper price range reel has a functional, futuristic design with excellent eye appeal. The all chrome black finished aluminum is highlighted with brightly finished brass fittings, creating a very sharp ook.
The Ambassadeur is one of the premier baitcasting reels offered by Abu Garica. Available in right and left-handed models, this is one of the most popular reels on the market.
The Royale Legend by KastKing features an enhanced graphite design, with a stainless steel handle and stainless steel ball-bearings.
The smallest reel in this review at just 6.9 ounces, it still offers the innovative design and quality that has made Daiwa a market leader. The ultra-light reel comes in two right-handed models, and in one left-handed version.
Okuma is a relative newcomer in the baitcasting reel market, but they’ve done their homework. Many features are packed into this lightweight reel. At just 7.6 ounces it is on the smaller end of the baitcasting market.
You don’t have to be a millionaire as the name might imply, to purchase this reel. This reel is lower in price than many of the others listed here, but it delivers the quality Daiwa is renowned for.
Best Baitcasting Reels Reviewed
The Shimano Curado DC
This might be a little more expensive than most competing baitcasting reels. However, in the disposable world of modern commerce where you just toss something aside and buy a new one if there is a problem, this reel won’t be one of those, it is built to last.
Available in left, or right-handed models, the Curvado DC weighs in at a hefty 12.35 ounces. Its ease of use makes it the best reel you can buy. It has a simple, basic design suitable for beginning anglers, but has the features a seasoned pro looks for in a day on the water.
The maximum drag setting of 11 pounds is perfect for bass fishing, but maybe a little light if you choose to take it after carp, or hot running salmon in fast-moving rivers.
A strong rigid body protests a smooth, efficient spool that can handle 150-yards of 20-pound test braided line, 135 of 30-pound, or 40 of 105-pound test. The monofilament capacities are slightly smaller as usual with the thicker mono line, but this reel can hold 90-yards of 14-pound, 110-yards of 12-pound, or 120-yards of 10-pound test mono.
The low-profile reel is designed to mesh perfectly with a variety of rod mounts, making it adjustable to the rod preferences of just about any angler.
Lew’s Speed Spool LFS Baitcasting Reels
The single-piece aluminum frame matched with a readily removable graphite side plate makes this an effective baitcasting reel.
An easy-to-find, oversized click-drag provides an easy target for your thumb when that big fish is streaming out line. The 15-pound drag system provides solid tension. Zirconia line guides and a forged anodized aluminum spool provide solid corrosion resistance.
The 10 stainless steel ball bearings combined with a zero-reverse one-way clutch, provide smooth operation for a long time.
The 5.6:1 gear ratio combined with a high-capacity spool gives top performance for crankbait fishing.
It is available in five configurations.
Beginning with the SS1SA, a right-handed reel with 140-yard line capacity of 12-pound test line. It weighs just 7.2 ounces and has a 5:6:1 gear ratio.
The SS1HA is a step up with a higher 6.8:1 gear ratio. It doesn’t hold quite as much line with just 120 yards when filled with 12-pound test.
The SS1SHA features a 7:5:1 gear ratio with identical attributes to the SS1HA. The SS1HLA is the left-handed version of the SS1HA.
Abu Garcia Ambassadeur S Line Counter Reels
The world leader in fishing equipment, Abu Garcia always delivers a quality product. If you’re fishing from a boat at depth, the Abu Garcia Ambassadeur S Line Counter Reel is one reel you’ll need. The line counter built into the reel provides accurate information on just how much line you’ve let out. That’s an important feature when you’re trying to present the bait at a specific depth.
A battery-powered, lighted digital line counter provides accurate readings even on the darkest night so you know exactly where your bait is.
Two varieties are available in the S-Line Counter series from Abu Garcia. The AMBS-5500LC and the AMBS-6500LC, come with a larger line capacity due to a bigger spool.
The 5500 can hold 230 yards of 14-pound test monofilament or 265 yards of 30-pound braided line.
The 6500 has a capacity of 255 yards of 17-pound test or a whopping 350 yards of 30-pound braided line.
You can order the 5500 in either left or right-handed configurations.
The 5500 weighs 11.2 ounces, the 6500 is 11.9 ounces.
Both baitcasting reels have an 11-pound maximum drag, a 25 inches per crank return rate, and 5:1:1 gear ratios.
Abu Garcia packed the quality in these two designs.
Quantum Accurist Baitcast Reels
A full 5-year warranty, cast aluminum construction, combined with a ceramic carbon drag system, create a quality fishing reel with longevity that will bring long, smooth casts and problem-free, controlled retrieves to you for a long time.
The Accurist has a continuous anti-reverse clutch designed to reduce backlash. An eight-ball-bearing design, with a single roller bearing, provides smooth casts and retrieves in a variety of weather.
Available in four varieties across the color spectrum in black, green, white, and with a left-handed version in white.
All models have the same specifications. Line capacities of 135 yards in 12-pound monofilament, or 170 yards of 30-pound braided line, adjustable drag with a maximum 18-pound setting, and a 7.0:1 gear ratio, provides all the tools you’ll need in battling trophy-sized fish.
Weighing just 7.5 ounces, this baitcasting reel remains durable. A fast retrieve of 27 to 29 inches per crank provides a lot of variety in offering bait to fish.
Shimano Corvalus Baitcasting Reels
An all-metal frame keeps the moving parts of this fishng reel in precise alignment. Eliminating backlash was the goal, a goal met by Shimano with this design.
An aluminum frame and sides provides effective corrosion resistance. The Corvalus can handle the harsh, corrosive effects of saltwater fishing.
The anti-reverse system helps prevent backlash during casts. Some baitcasting reels slip when setting the hook, that won’t happen with the Corvalus and their anti-reverse technology that locks your line in place when setting the hook.
Shimano has designed a centrifugal force feature that aids in controlling casts for longer distances and accuracy.
This fishing reel comes in both left and right-handed versions.
The Shimano CVL300 shares nearly identical features with the CVL400 but weighs less at 10.9 ounces. The CVL400 weighs almost an ounce more at 11.8 ounces.
The 400 series comes with a non-disengaging Levelwind System. This Levelwind tracks back-and-forth as the line spools out while casting, reducing friction and backlash.
The CVL301 and CVL401 are left-handed versions of the fishing reel.
The 300 series baitcasting reels have line capacities from 240 yards (0.22 km) with a 12-pound test, down to 120 yards with a 20-pound test line.
Larger spool capacities mean more line on the reel with the CVL 400 and CVL401. They can handle 165 yards of 20-pound test, and 330 yards, of 12-pound test line.
A maximum 11-pound drag, a 5.2:1 gear ratio, and a three-ball bearing, one roller bearing design are common to all these baitcasting reels.
13 Fishing Concept Z Freshwater/Saltwater
Saltwater angling presents an entirely new set of challenges to baitcasting fishermen. The corrosive effects of sand, salt, and reflective UV radiation can quickly destroy a fishing reel that isn’t designed to handle the rigors of ocean, surf, and bay fishing.
The Concept Z, by 13 Fishing, handles these challenges, albeit at one of the highest prices you’ll find on the market for spincast reels.
A proprietary polymer technology offers ball bearings vastly different than the stainless steel variety available in competing models. An armored corrosion-resistant coating on all exposed areas of the reel brings big-league protection to a small 6.08-ounce design.
The bright red “Tequila Sunrise” color is striking against the sold black reel handle, and control dials.
A 6-way centrifugal braking system lets you adjust the six braking pins via the beetle wing side plate.
The 7.3:1 gear ratio provides mid-range retrieval speeds while retaining the control you’ll need in bass or bonefishing. This gear ratio combined with the smaller spool size allows you to pursue a wide variety of species with confidence.
Daiwa Tatula SV TW Baitcast
In a world of sedans, the Tatula by Garcia looks like an Italian race car. This upper price range reel has a functional, futuristic design with excellent eye appeal. The all chrome black finished aluminum is highlighted with brightly finished brass fittings, creating a very sharp ook.
The reel comes with Daiwa’s TWS anti-backlash system and is a favorite among professional anglers on the bass circuit with its Ultimate Tournament drag.
A cut-away 90mm swept hand reduces fatigue while out on long days of action on the water pursuing largemouth bass or other game species.
This fishing reel is designed for either monofilament or braided line and has a smaller capacity than other models in the 8.8-ounce range due to the smaller spool.
The Tatula can hold 100-yards of 14-pound test monofilament line or 9-yards of 16-pound test. It is rated for 115-yards of 30-pound test braided line or 85-yards of 40-pound test braid.
Abu Garcia Ambassadeur STX Round Baitcasting Reels
The Ambassadeur from Abu Garcia is one of the best baitcasting reels offered by Abu Garcia. Available in right and left-handed models, this is one of the most popular baitcasting reels on the market.
The AMBSTX-5600 and AMBSTX-6600 from Abu Garcia are nearly identical, but the 5600 weighs a little less and the spool is slightly smaller.
The 5600 holds 230 yards of 14-pound monofilament or 265 yards of braided 30-pound test line. With a larger spool, the 6600 can handle 255 yards of 17-pound mono and 350 yards of 30-bound braided.
Both baitcasting reels have a 5:9:1 gear ratio, can pull in line at 28 inches per turn, and both have a 12-pound maximum drag setting.
The difference in weight is just .8 ounces, the 6600 tips the scales at 11.6 and the 5600 weighs in at 10.8 ounces.
A single roller bearing coupled with four stainless steel ball bearings delivers smooth action. A multi-disc drag system delivers consistent braking when a big fish runs, or a smart one uses the current against you.
A six-pin centrifugal brake, an exclusive Abu Garcia design, reduces backlash.
Abu Garcia has developed their own level wind system that rolls line in exactly on each retrieve, preparing the spool for long casts after each retrieve.
KastKing Royale Legend
The Royale Legend by KastKing features an enhanced graphite design, with a stainless steel handle and stainless steel ball bearings.
The Legend is available in right or left-handed configuration, and a rainbow of vibrant color patterns.
The various sized reels feature gear ratios of 5.3:1, 6.6:1, 7.3:1, or 8.1:1 all based on the color pattern of the fishing reel. If you purchase several of these different color combinations, you can easily spot the 5.3:1 reel you’ll need for controlled topwater largemouth bass fishing or the 8.1:1 reel you’ll want to take out on the river after salmon.
The 10-ball bearing construction is among the most on the market, offering one of the smoothest actions you’ll find in any baitcasting reel regardless of price.
The “Palm Perfect” design is brought to you by years of research and development by KastKing engineers.
Brass pinion gears and worm drive offer durability, longevity, and strength in this compact fishing reel design.
The carbon drag has a maximum setting of 17.6 pounds, using five element magnetic breaks with 10 control adjustments that prevent backlash.
Daiwa CC Baitcasting Reels
The smallest baitcasting reel in this review at just 6.9 ounces, it still offers the innovative design and quality that has made Daiwa a market leader. The ultra-light fishing reel comes in two right-handed models, and in one left-handed version.
The right-handed versions are the CC80H and The CC80HS. The left-handed fishing reel is the CC80HSL.
The CC80H has a 6.8:1 gear ratio, a 26.8 inch per crank line retrieval rate, with four ball bearings, combined with one roller-bearing. The drag peaks at 15 pounds.
The CC80HS and CC80HSL are identical except for the handle location determining left or right-handed orientation. Both have 7:5:1 gear ratios. Combined with identical spools, they bring the fishing line in at 29.7 inches per crank.
All the models share a line capacity of 110 yards in 12-pound monofilament and 140 yards of 14-pound test braided line.
These aren’t monster baitcasting reels designed for battling hard-running salmon, heavy carp, or hauling up big channel cats. These are very light baticasting reels, but they offer great features when fishing for smaller species.
They’re an excellent choice for panfish, perch, rainbow trout, or for jigging after walleye. If you do happen to tag into a bigger fish, they’re resilient enough to handle the fight. The 15-pound drag is stout enough to tire almost any fish. These are the best baitcasting reels in the ultralight category.
Okuma Caymus Low Profile Baitcasting Reel
The Caymus low profile baitcasting reel by Okuma is a monofilament-only reel, and available only in a right-handed configuration.
Okuma is a relative newcomer in the baitcasting reel market, but they’ve done their homework.
Many features are packed into this lightweight reel. At just 7.6 ounces it is on the smaller end of the baitcasting market.
A line capacity of 160 yards of 10-pound test, 130 yards of 12-pound, and 95 yards of 14-pound monofilament provides ample line for long casts, and even longer battles with a hard fighting fish.
Designed for small to moderate species it’s still effective against the occasional big largemouth bass you might hook.
Six ball bearings and one roller bearing combine with the 6.6:1 gear ratio to deliver smooth, controlled retrieves at a 28.5 inch per crank rate.
A U-shaped spool is supported by a graphite frame and side plates, adding a level of corrosion resistance. The spool is constructed of machined, anodizes aluminum.
The fishing reel comes with Okuma’s one-year warranty. An external, adjustable magnetic cast control system, with quick-set, anti-reverse ball bearings, and a multi-disc drag offers all the features you could ask for a good price.
Daiwa Millionaire S Series Baitcasting Reels
You don’t have to be a millionaire as the name might imply, to purchase this reel. This reel is lower in price than many of the others listed here, but it delivers the quality Daiwa is renowned for.
Daiwa built an aluminum alloy spool, with a rigid one-piece spool brake, and their proprietary Centriflex automatic centrifugal spool brake, and their proprietary Super Speed Shaft for a reel that can make long, smooth casts. When you add their seven-element drag, this is one of the best baitcasting reels, at a reasonable price.
The M-S250 and M-S300 are medium-heavy to heavy, and heavy to extra-heavy configurations respectively.
Both baitcasting reels have 5:1:1 gear ratios, but have just two ball bearings and one roller bearing. Only .3 ounces separate the two reels in weight, with the M-S300 slightly heavier at 10.3 ounces.
That .3 ounce represents the difference in reel size between the two models.
The M-S300 handles 310-yards of 12-pound, 260-yards of 14-pound, and 190-yards of 20-pound test braided line. The metrics are less with the smaller reeled M-S250. It can take 210-yards of 12-pound, 180-yards of 14-pound, and 140-yards of 20-pound test braided line.
These two baitcasting reels are not recommended for saltwater. The only complaint about both comes with salt building up and clogging the mechanism.
Baitcasting Reel Buying Guide
What are you fishing for? That should be the first question you ask when deciding which baitcasting reel or spinning reel to purchase.
The size of the fish you’re pursuing, if you’re going to troll, jig, use a topwater bait, or even if you’re saltwater fishing should all be considerations in your decision.
There is a huge difference between soft biting bluegills, and crazed largemouth bass trying to rip your lure in half, your fishing reel should be aligned with these types of angling.
If you are saltwater fishing you have to buy a reel that will handle sand, salt, salt spray, and corrosive well, or you won’t be using that reel for very long.
The drag setting and line capacity are two other considerations. You’ll need a heavy drag for carp, salmon, and almost all ocean species, but is a 15-pound drag really necessary when fishing for bluegill? No, it’s not.
Line capacity is important if you’re battling heavy current with a fast-running salmon, but for generations, cane pole fishermen with 20-feet of line, caught record numbers of panfish, catfish, and bass.
Controlled casting is often more important than distance casting. Getting your lure out 60 yards into the lake is great, but how great is it if you keep snagging on vegetation when trying to get a plastic worm where you think a big bass is hiding in cover?
Depth fishing with a measured line is easier if you spend the extra dollars for a fishing reel with a line counter.
Some reels only work with monofilament, others only braided line, which one will you be using, or do you need a reel that can handle both types?
Ergometric design is a big word with a simple idea. Does the baitcaster reel fit you? Is it easy to use? Is it too big, too small, or just difficult to use? That might be as important as all of the other features combined.
If it doesn’t feel right, you’re probably not going to use it very much.
Here is a list of the things you should look for when buying a baitcasting reel
Best Baitcasting Reel FAQ’s
- What are you after?
- How big are the fish you’re likely to catch?
- Do you need a heavy drag?
- Freshwater or saltwater?
- How far will you be casting?
- Do you need high control in a retrieve?
- How much are you willing to spend?
- Are you buying it for a child or novice?
- Are you measured fishing at depth?
- Braided line, monofilament line, or both?
So Which is the Best Baitcasting Reel?
This is a loaded question. Which reel is best for which purpose?
A four-year-old child, just being introduced to the joys of fishing doesn’t need a high-end reel that costs hundreds of dollars, loaded with every feature imaginable. They need a reel that won’t backlash, that is easy to hold in their small hands, and that they can confidently crank. They also need a reel that won’t backlash. Backlash frustrates the child and can exasperate the adult who is constantly unsnarling the mess of line wrapped around the reel guide.
The best baitcasting reels we’ve reviewed here range in price from under 50 dollars to 250, yet all will catch fish. Which one is best? It depends on the application.
If you’re a professional fishing guide, spending the extra money for a durable baitcaster reel, whether it be a spinning reel or baitcasting reel, will pay off when that reel lasts five to 10 years. Compared to maybe one season with a less expensive reel that wears out quickly.
If you’re an avid angler who is out every weekend on the water, buy a baitcaster reel that lasts. It doesn’t have to be professional quality, but the extra money you spend will pay off over time.
If you just fish occasionally, or maybe you’re going on a fishing vacation once a year, get a reel that is low-priced but corrosion-resistant. If you use a reel just a couple of times, then store it away for months or even years, the slightest bit of rust or mildew will grow while it sits waiting for you. It might still work, but it won’t work like it did when you first took it on the water.
Best Baitcasting Reels Recap
- $264.38Shop on Amazon
The Shimano Curvado DC earns the top spot for baitcasting reels for long smooth casts, easy retrieves, and overall performance in all types of weather among the dozen total reels reviewed here.
03/30/2024 02:58 pm GMT - $99.95Shop on Amazon
The single-piece aluminum frame matched with a readily removable graphite side plate makes this an effective baitcasting reel.
04/04/2024 02:26 am GMT -
$99.99$77.84Shop on AmazonThe line counter built into the reel provides accurate information on just how much line you’ve let out. That’s an important feature when you’re trying to present the bait at a specific depth.
04/03/2024 04:48 pm GMT - $74.92Shop on Amazon
The Accurist has a continuous anti-reverse clutch designed to reduce backlash. An eight ball-bearing design, with a single roller bearing, provides smooth casts and retrieves in a variety of weather.
04/03/2024 01:32 pm GMT - $109.99Shop on Amazon
An all-metal frame keeps the moving parts of this reel in precise alignment. Eliminating backlash was the goal, a goal met by Shimano with this design.
04/03/2024 06:24 am GMT - Shop on Amazon
The corrosive effects of sand, salt, and reflective UV radiation can quickly destroy a reel that isn’t designed to handle the rigors of ocean, surf, and bay fishing. The Concept Z, by 13 Fishing, handles these challenges, albeit at one of the highest prices you’ll find on the market for spincast reels.
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$209.99$199.99Shop on AmazonThis upper price range reel has a functional, futuristic design with excellent eye appeal. The all chrome black finished aluminum is highlighted with brightly finished brass fittings, creating a very sharp ook.
04/03/2024 10:00 pm GMT - $128.99Shop on Amazon
The Ambassadeur is one of the premier baitcasting reels offered by Abu Garica. Available in right and left-handed models, this is one of the most popular reels on the market.
04/04/2024 12:49 pm GMT -
$49.99$42.99Shop on AmazonThe Royale Legend by KastKing features an enhanced graphite design, with a stainless steel handle and stainless steel ball-bearings.
03/30/2024 06:13 pm GMT - Shop on Amazon
The smallest reel in this review at just 6.9 ounces, it still offers the innovative design and quality that has made Daiwa a market leader. The ultra-light reel comes in two right-handed models, and in one left-handed version.
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$124.99$106.34Shop on AmazonOkuma is a relative newcomer in the baitcasting reel market, but they’ve done their homework. Many features are packed into this lightweight reel. At just 7.6 ounces it is on the smaller end of the baitcasting market.
04/02/2024 11:52 am GMT - $80.71Shop on Amazon
You don’t have to be a millionaire as the name might imply, to purchase this reel. This reel is lower in price than many of the others listed here, but it delivers the quality Daiwa is renowned for.
03/30/2024 11:15 pm GMT
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