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There are a lot of different factors to consider when choosing the best spinning fishing reel for your needs. This article will discuss the best options in each class of lightweight, freshwater, saltwater, and heavy-duty spinning reels. We’ll also discuss what makes a good spinning reel so you can make an informed decision. The best spinning fishing reels can help you cast further, and land more fish simply because of better drag and components.
What is a spinning reel?
A spinning reel is a fishing reel that uses a spinning spool to cast the line. It is one of the most popular types of reels among anglers because it is easy to use and versatile. These reels can be used in fresh and saltwater and for various fish species.
Daiwa SALTIST Back Bay Spinning Reel 6BB + 1RB, 5.6 : 1
PENN Battle III Spinning Inshore Fishing Reel, HT-100 Front Drag, max of 12lb | 6kg, Made with Sturdy All-Aluminum Composition for Durability, Black Gold
Van Staal VR150 Bailed Spinning Reel
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Price
$239.45
Price not available
$269.99
$209.99
$102.27
$559.90
Reviews
-
-
-
-
-
-
Weight
0.47 lbs.
0.24 lbs.
1. lbs.
0.88 lbs.
4.0:1
4.8:1
Gear Ratio
6.2:1
5.1:1
5.7:1
5.6:1
0.55 lbs.
16.0 oz
Uses
Both freshwater and inshore saltwater fishing
Both freshwater and and light inshore saltwater fishing
Offshore saltwater fishing
Inshore saltwater fishing
Inshore and offshore saltwater fishing
Both inshore salt and freswater
Star Rating
-
-
-
-
-
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Performance
4/8
4/8
4/5
4/4
4/8
4/6
Drag Quality
4/9
4/9
4/6
4/6
4/6
4/9
Shimano Inc. VANFORD C5000XG F
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Price
$239.45
Reviews
-
Weight
0.47 lbs.
Gear Ratio
6.2:1
Uses
Both freshwater and inshore saltwater fishing
Star Rating
-
Performance
4/8
Drag Quality
4/9
Shimano Inc. VANFORD 1000 F
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Price
Price not available
Reviews
-
Weight
0.24 lbs.
Gear Ratio
5.1:1
Uses
Both freshwater and and light inshore saltwater fishing
Star Rating
-
Performance
4/8
Drag Quality
4/9
Shimano Inc. SARAGOSA SW A 6000HG
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Price
$269.99
Reviews
-
Weight
1. lbs.
Gear Ratio
5.7:1
Uses
Offshore saltwater fishing
Star Rating
-
Performance
4/5
Drag Quality
4/6
Daiwa SALTIST Back Bay Spinning Reel 6BB + 1RB, 5.6 : 1
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Price
$209.99
Reviews
-
Weight
0.88 lbs.
Gear Ratio
5.6:1
Uses
Inshore saltwater fishing
Star Rating
-
Performance
4/4
Drag Quality
4/6
PENN Battle III Spinning Inshore Fishing Reel, HT-100 Front Drag, max of 12lb | 6kg, Made with Sturdy All-Aluminum Composition for Durability, Black Gold
The Shimano Vanford series reels are very lightweight with a silky smooth drag system that can withstand fish that pull drag at high speeds. These reels are at the top of our list and the 4000 series is versatile enough to fish in both fresh and light saltwater.
We have landed Snook up to 20 lbs. and largemouth bass on these reels with in the same day in Florida. These reels are top notch with a smooth silky drag.
2020 ICAST ONLINE BEST OF CATEGORY WINNER “SALTWATER REEL”: The PENN Battle III Inshore spinning reel is stronger, smoother, and more durable than ever before.
DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: The body and sideplates of the PENN Battle III Spinning Reel are made with sturdy all-aluminum composition, featuring a forged and machined aluminum spool with Line Capacity Rings.
CNC GEAR TECHNOLOGY: Recovers at the rate of 33” | 84cm with every turn of the crank. Gear ratio of 6.2:1. Equipped with superline spool to securely attach braided line. Mono Capacity yd/lb: 255/6 175/8 140/10. Braid Capacity 240/10 220/15 160/20.
6 TOTAL BEARINGS: The Battle III features 5 stainless steel ball bearings plus 1 instant anti-reverse bearing to provide smooth operation for any saltwater fishing experience.
HT-100 FRONT DRAG DRAG SYSTEM: Built with carbon fiber washers for a max drag of 12lb | 6kg, this system will handle large fish without wearing you down. Right/Left handle position.
PREMIUM CONSTRUCTION: The Abu Garcia Revo SX Spinning Reel is made with an IM-C6 (Insert molded C6) body, a machined aluminum braid ready spool and a stainless steel shaft and components. This Spinning reel is both strong and lightweight at 7.9 oz.
RECOVERY RATE: Recover 35” | 89cm of line for every turn of the crank. Gear ratio of 6.2:1. The AMGearing system with computer optimized gearing provides efficient operation. Everlast bail system ensures improved durability.
9 TOTAL BEARINGS: 8 stainless steel HPCR bearings plus 1 K- Clutch anti-reverse bearing provides smooth operation for any fishing experience. These High Performance Corrosion Resistant bearings will help extend the life of your reel.
DRAG SPECS: Carbon Front Drag, Max: 11lb | 5.2kg. The Carbon Matrix hybrid drag system provides smooth, consistent drag pressure across the entire drag range. Mono Capacity yd/lb: 175/8. Braid Capacity 180/10.
SERIOUS LINE PERFORMANCE: Rocket Line Management system extends casting distance while the Rocket Spool Lip Design increases accuracy. Right/Left handle position has an ergonomically designed flat EVA knob for all-day comfort.
Ultra Smooth Powerful – KastKing Centron spinning reel’s Superior Drag System offers incredible stopping power up to 17.5LBs. Centron series spinning reel has a lighter and stronger CNC machined aluminum spool with a more even line lay, and internal grooves for lube retention.
Premium Quality Inner Parts – Centron’s 9 quality ball bearings and one instant stop one-way anti-reverse bearing give it ultra-smooth performance. Centron spinning reel has a hardened metal main shaft, perfect mesh drive gear, and precision machined pinion gear for fish fighting power.
Two Color Options – KastKing Centron Spinning Reel in black-blue offers the best value at any level. The KastKing Centron Lite Fishing Reel in white-blue that there is a Collapsible Handle turns any angler into a PRO. Sizes 500 & 1000 are Perfect for Ice Fishing.
Brilliant Appearance Design – Centron’s attractive, brilliant finish and its high strength two color anodized aluminum spool, with a power launch lip for farther casting, holds more line than other spinning reels in same-size models.
Ideal Choice – The narrow graphite frame design and computer balancing system combined with high performance in the compact Spinning Reel make the KastKing Centron series an excellent gift for anybody who loves fishing.
Exceptional Performance – The new KastKing Brutus Spinning fishing reel is designed for exceptional value and performance. Brutus Spinning reel is full-featured and easy to cast. Brutus Spinning Reels are now available in 4 sizes from 2000 all the way to 5000, perfect for all freshwater species.
Lightweight Graphite Frame and Rotor – The Brutus spin reel has a lightweight, yet very strong graphite frame and rotor. The spool is a machined of aircraft grade aluminum to reduce weight and deliver long, accurate casts. Reels from 2000 to 4000 have a graphite handle arm, the 5000 size reels feature an aluminum handle arm for added strength.
Angler Proven Components –Brutus reels feature a zinc alloy main gear and a brass pinion gear that deliver durability and low noise. The steel main shaft ensures strength at the core of the reel. 4 ball bearings are positioned in the most important performance locations. There is also an instant anti-reverse bearing for quick hook sets.
Smooth and Reliable – KastKing Brutus spinning reels features an exceptionally smooth, infinitely adjustable, multi-disc drag system that delivers up to 17.5 pounds of run-stopping drag power.
Reliability You Can Trust – You can count on the NEW KastKing Brutus spinning reel to be ready to fish when you are. KastKing is committed to building trouble-free spinning reels that will deliver hassle-free performance year after year.
Affordable Performance – KastKing Royale Legend Glory Spinning Reels feature a lightweight, zero-rust graphite frame and rotor for all day, smooth performance. Double Shielded bearings, oversized main shaft, machined aluminum spool and an ultra-smooth drag make it perfect for both fresh and saltwater fishing.
Smooth & Fast Performance – Royale Legend Glory spinning reel is supported with 7 double shielded stainless steel ball bearings plus an anti-reverse bearing to delivery exceptional and smooth performance even under heavy load. In addition to being smooth, a 6.2:1 high speed gear ratio makes speed a key asset of this fishing reel with a retrieve rate of 38.3 IPT on the 4000. The fast retrieve allows for quick follow up casts when the action is fast and gives the angler more control while fishing.
Advanced Technology – KastKing uses an asymmetric spinning reel rotor design with aerodynamic balance on the Royale Legend Glory reel, which rotates more easily, and has a more balanced feel when reeling in line. Anodized aluminum spool is light and strong while making spooling mono or braided lines quick and easy.
Strength and Durability – KastKing Royale Legend Glory spin fishing reels feature a zinc alloy drive gear, oversized stainless-steel main shaft and a brass pinion gear that delivers incredible, smooth performance even under the toughest conditions.
Triple Disc Carbon Drag – The new KastKing Royale Legend Glory spinning reel has a three-layer carbon fiber disc drag system that gives you the smoothest drag possible for using light fishing lines and leaders. With up to 22 lbs of stopping power, you’ll always be in control.
Powerful Performance: With a reinforced stainless steel main shaft and Zinc alloy drive gear, the Piscifun Viper X spinning reel can handle up to 33lbs of max drag, making it perfect for both saltwater and freshwater fishing
Smooth and Consistent: Equipped with double shielded 10+1 stainless steel bearings, the Viper X spinning reel provides silky smooth performance that’s both reliable and consistent
Lighter & Stronger: Based on high quality graphite material, new mould technology was applied for the Viper X fish reel on frame and rotor. This makes the Viper X spinning reels lighter and more stylish while ensuring the overall strength
Versatile Retrieval: Featuring a lightning-fast 5.2:1 gear ratio in 500, 1000, 5000 series and a buttery smooth 6.2:1 gear ratio in 2000-4000 series, the Viper X spinning reel offers multiple retrieves to suit any fishing style or situation
Waterproof Design: Thanks to innovative waterproof technology, including a one-way clutch bushing, one-way clutch plate, stainless steel washer, and shielded stainless steel bearing, the Viper X spinning reel is highly resistant to water and dirt, ensuring optimal performance in any conditions
Spinning reel buying guide
Understanding reel sizes
Reel sizes are generally designated by a number, such as size 30 or 50. The larger the number, the larger the reel. The smaller the number, the smaller the reel. Another example in Shimano spinning reels will a 2500 reel is smaller than a 4000 model reel.
Target species
When making a choice on a spinning reel, you need to understand what type of fish you want to target. This will then determine the reel size you should be looking for. For smaller fish, such as panfish and trout, you can get away with using a smaller reel. However, you will need to use a larger reel in the 2500 to 4000 range for larger fish, such as bass and pike.
Anti-corrosion
If you strictly want to fish in saltwater you should know saltwater can end a reels life quicker than almost anything. Look for corrosion-resistant materials and water type construction if you want to fish in strictly saltwater conditions.
Those who surf fish will need to find spinning reels that can take the beating of saltwater. These types of reels need to be completely waterproof and internal gears need to be completely sealed to stay way from salt.
Line capacity?
The line capacity of a spinning reel is the maximum amount of line that the reel can hold without overfilling the spool. The line capacity is usually expressed in yards or meters of line.
For example, a reel with a line capacity of 200 yards can hold up to 200 yards of fishing line on the spool. It should be known that braid line is thinner then monofilament lines allowing for more capacity on spools. Most reel models will have mono and braid capacities and what each can hold.
Gear ratio
The gear ratio of a spinning reel is how many times the spool will turn for each handle crank. For example, a higher gear ratio such as 6.1:1 means the spool will turn six times for each crank of the handle.
A lower gear ratio such as 5.2:1 means the spool will turn five times for each handle crank. Generally, a higher gear ratio is better for fishing lures and bait because it allows you to retrieve the lure or bait faster.
Reel Weight
The reel’s weight is essential because you will be holding the reel in your hand for long periods. Regardless of this, the size of the reel should be matched to the target fish species or type of fishing you will be doing.
Pricing
The price of a spinning reel can vary depending on the brand, size, and features. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $250 or more for a good quality spinning reel.
FAQ’s
What is the difference between a spinning reel and a bait casting reel? The main difference between baitcasting and spinning reels is how the line is wound onto the spool.
The line is wound onto the spool in a baitcasting reel by a revolving bail connected to the handle. In a spinning reel, the line is wound onto the spool by a stationary bail attached to the reel’s body.
Can you fish a spinning reel in both fresh and saltwater? Yes. Just be careful around saltwater when using a spinning reel. Be sure not to dunk or submerge the reel in saltwater as it will cause major damage to the reel.
Unless you are using a completely sealed reel that is designed to get completely wet we highly recommend against getting salt or sand in your reel.
Can you catch a big fish on a spinning reel? Absolutely you can. Todays spinning gear uses the latest technology in drag systems and components that allow for large offshore fish to be taken by spinning reel setups.
Final thoughts
There are a few important factors to consider when choosing a spinning reel, such as line capacity, gear ratio, and reel weight. The most crucial factor is matching the reel’s size to the fish you want to target.
There are many good spinning reels on the market, and today’s technology has closed the gap between higher-end spinning reels and reels that do not cost as much.
The higher-end reels have better components and drag systems than cheaper models.
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