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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.
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.
CI4+ Body: This material is an advanced version of the original CI4. This highly technical carbon material maintains 2.5 times more rigidity than CI4. While improving lightness and rigidity, the body is further reduced in size and weight.
MGL Rotor: The new design of the MagnumLite Rotor produces unprecedented light rotation. The rotor profile is now asymmetrical. The bail arm mechanism, which was previously situation on the same side as the line roller, has been moved to the opposite side. This improves balance and combined with a lightweight line roller, titanium bail and optimum arrangement of rotor thickness, a 14% reduction in rotational inertia has been achieved increasing sensitivity to unreached levels
Hagane Gear: With amazing strength and durability, the HAGANE Gear is at the very heart of the reel. Shimano, through the application of state-of-the-art technologies, gives you the long-lasting smoothness and pleasure that you feel when you first use a reel, over and over again. No cutting work is applied to the teeth of the drive gear. Instead the entire surface is calculated in minute detail by special 3D design and then formed by Shimano’s cold forging technology
MIcroModule Gear II: State-of-the-art, gear tooth surface design and MicroModule Gear II, are further advanced through Shimano’s exclusive manufacturing technology. The surfaces of the drive gear and pinion gear have been analyzed and updated from the ground up in pursuit of perfection. Further improving smooth gear feeling and reducing sound.
Silent Drive: From the fundamental, whole body design to the most intricate parts of the drive train, including the drive gear, wormshaft, wormshaft pin and wormshaft gear, every piece has been carefully reviewed, and the smallest clearance gaps and wobbles have been eliminated to the highest tolerances.
Pros
Silky smooth drag
Very lightweight
Great line capacity
Excellent technology from Shimano
Great choice in reel sizes
Cons
Still have to be careful around saltwater as the components are not fully sealed.
CI4+ Body: This material is an advanced version of the original CI4. This highly technical carbon material maintains 2.5 times more rigidity than CI4. While improving lightness and rigidity, the body is further reduced in size and weight.
MGL Rotor: The new design of the MagnumLite Rotor produces unprecedented light rotation. The rotor profile is now asymmetrical. The bail arm mechanism, which was previously situation on the same side as the line roller, has been moved to the opposite side. This improves balance and combined with a lightweight line roller, titanium bail and optimum arrangement of rotor thickness, a 14% reduction in rotational inertia has been achieved increasing sensitivity to unreached levels
Hagane Gear: With amazing strength and durability, the HAGANE Gear is at the very heart of the reel. Shimano, through the application of state-of-the-art technologies, gives you the long-lasting smoothness and pleasure that you feel when you first use a reel, over and over again. No cutting work is applied to the teeth of the drive gear. Instead the entire surface is calculated in minute detail by special 3D design and then formed by Shimano’s cold forging technology
MIcroModule Gear II: State-of-the-art, gear tooth surface design and MicroModule Gear II, are further advanced through Shimano’s exclusive manufacturing technology. The surfaces of the drive gear and pinion gear have been analyzed and updated from the ground up in pursuit of perfection. Further improving smooth gear feeling and reducing sound.
Silent Drive: From the fundamental, whole body design to the most intricate parts of the drive train, including the drive gear, wormshaft, wormshaft pin and wormshaft gear, every piece has been carefully reviewed, and the smallest clearance gaps and wobbles have been eliminated to the highest tolerances.
Infinity Drive: The new main shaft supporting structure improves winding torque by 30% while allowing incredibly smooth and light rotation. This essentially means having the benefit of a quick line retrieve HG ratio reel but with the power and winding torque similar to that of a PG.
X-Protect: By combining our water repellent coating and our specially designed, water channeling, labyrinth construction, X-Protect provides high-level water resistance without sacrificing light gear and rotor rotation.
IPX8 Water Resistance to create long-lasting durability without sacrificing performance
Hagane Gear: With amazing strength and durability, the HAGANE Gear is at the very heart of the reel. Shimano, through the application of state-of-the-art technologies, gives you the long-lasting smoothness and pleasure that you feel when you first use a reel, over and over again. No cutting work is applied to the teeth of the drive gear. Instead the entire surface is calculated in minute detail by special 3D design and then formed by Shimano’s cold forging technology
Cross Carbon Drag: This drag material provides a wider range of drag settings, along with the smoothest Shimano drag performance ever.
Amgearing System provides precision Machined gears for unparalleled smoothness and durability
Computer optimized gear design allows for the most efficient gear System
Carbon matrix Hybrid drag System for Super smooth reliable drag performance
Im-c6 (insert molded C6) body design combines an x-crafty gearbox design with a C6 carbon body, which gives a lightweight construction that houses gears in perfect alignment
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.
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 30 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 25.3″ | 64cm 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 10lb 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: 255/4 145/6 130/8 for optimal casting distance and accuracy.
LIGHTWEIGHT COMFORT – Designed with comfort in mind. The soft touch and feel of the light weight, EVA handles knobs, combined with the graphite body construction, bring you a reel that is light and strong starting out at just 6 ounces in weight
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.
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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