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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
$225.00
$249.99
$269.99
$186.99
$129.95
$559.95
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
$225.00
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
$249.99
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
$186.99
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.
ALL NEW DESIGN – KastKing Zephyr Spinning Reels are a high level design light weight fishing reel for bass fishing and trout fishing and an excellent choice as a freshwater or saltwater spinning reel. Zephyr, meaning a light gentle breeze, lives up to its name. The 1000 size weighs only around 7 ounces and is a perfect ultralight/ice fishing reel, the 2000, 3000 and 4000 are among the lightest graphite spinning reels respectively.
MUSCLES – KastKing Zephyr spinning reels deliver up to a powerful 22 lbs of carbon fiber drag. Along with corrosion free graphite body, body cover and rotor, an oversized stainless steel main shaft, brass pinion gear, and double shielded stainless steel ball bearings in key locations that don’t quit in a battle with trophy fish.
KEY COMPONENTS – KastKing Zephyr fishing reels are equipped with a braid fishing line ready CNC machined aluminum two tone spool that prevents braid line from slipping under pressure. You don’t need to add monofilament fishing line backing.
BLACKOUT KNOCKOUT – Zephyr spinning reels have a rugged, stealthy tone on tone (gloss and flat black) paint scheme with strategic cutouts added to keep the weight down and maintain a tactical look. A black EVA knob adds to the blackout package.
EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY ASSURANCE – KastKing thoroughly tests all designs in a state-of-the art engineering lab to assure you that the value of a KastKing reel exceeds the cost. KastKing designers look for the best combination of light weight, strength, and durability in KastKing fishing reels. It is all part of the KastKing Affordable Innovation philosophy.
PERFORMANCE MEETS VALUE: Pflueger President spinning reels combine smooth operation with a price that won’t break the bank. With a balanced mix of performance, quality, and value, this reel is “The Smart Choice.”
SIZE 40 SPINNING REEL: Features a graphite body and rotor for lightweight, corrosion-resistant fishing reels. The aluminum handle and soft touch rubber knob are suitable for Right/Left handed anglers.
RECOVER 31.6″ | 80cm for every turn of the crank. Slow oscillation gearing provides a tight line lay for improved casting and control. Gear ratio of 5.2:1. Features an Aluminum spool.
SEALED OIL FELT FRONT DRAG with a max drag of 14lb to help tire out the fish, so you can reel in the catch. The 10 ball bearing system plus Instant Anti-Reverse ensures smooth operation for any fishing experience.
LINE CAPACITY: Mono Capacity yd/lb: 285/8 230/10 195/12 for optimal casting distance and accuracy.
NEW DESIGN – Like its gladiator name, the brand new designed KastKing Spartacus II spinning reels are built tough to handle any fishing conditions, whether used as a saltwater spinning reel or freshwater reel. Spartacus II reels are superb lightweight fishing reels built with a reinforced nylon body and rotor!
SMOOTH OPERATION – You will love Spartacus II spinning reel’s ultra-smooth, reliable 22 lbs of triple disc carbon fiber drag that allows you to use light fishing lines, oversized stainless-steel main shaft, and strong metal gears for more durability.
K.I.S.S. – Spartacus II spinning reels are sealed with a KISS! Spartacus II has a unique water resistant design for its spool, rotor and body – K.I.S.S. (KastKing Intrusion Shield System). It helps keep water and dirt out of your reel for nonstop fishing action and long life.
DURABILITY – With its Hamai cut precision gears, 7+ 1 stainless steel shielded ball bearings, brass pinion gear, ceramic line roller, stainless steel hardware, sealed spool, and built with KastKing Affordable Innovation, the KastKing Spartacus II Spinning Reel is a winner on any body of water.
HIGH END LOOKS and PERFORMANCE – With a sophisticated color scheme including stryker green, chartreuse and black with a sure grip EVA knob Spartacus II is a standout and a lightweight workhorse. Gear ratios are 5.2 for the 2000, 3000, 4000 and 5000 with performance that you would expect from a much more expensive brand.
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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