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Following the footsteps of professional anglers and picking a baitcasting reel for saltwater or bass fishing is always a wise step. Although these reels need a bit more experience than using a spinning reel but once you get trained there is no way back to other reels.
Baitcasting reels give high control over your large or heavy lures and cast your lure to your desired point, handle your heavy line better, and let you catch a big fish through rough and giant waves. Just you need short-span training you will also become an expert in using baitcasting reels.
In this guide, you not only will discover the best baitcasting reels but also their features, their pros and cons, and much other related information this will help beginners who barely know about bait casters and also to help anglers in making the right choice for their perfect baitcasting reel of this season.
You can also have a look at some budget-friendly bait casters i.e. our guide to “Best baitcasting reels under $100”.
Top 3 picks of best baitasting reels
- Micro module gear system
- Hagane Body
- Super free spool
- Easy adjustments
- Powerful drag
- X2-Craftic alloy frame
- The Infini Brake System
- Not pre-spooled
- Zero Adjuster spool
- T-Wing System
- Magforce Z-cast Control
- Small in size
List of Best baitcasting reels
best baitcasting reel for retrieval speed
FEATURES
The best of all baitcasting reels is Shimano curado. It comes with many improvised qualities and meets all the latest requirements that a perfect casting reel should have. Highlighting its key features is its micro module gear system offering a smooth retrieval along with X-ship adding durability which makes this reel handle heavy loads.
Its hagane body makes it rigid and stiff and makes it corrosion resistant perfect for saltwater fishing. The best part about this reel is IDC4 “Intelligent Digital Control Braking System” due to which very minimal reel adjustment is required so any lure can be used so you don’t have to adjust it for each lure, making this reel easy to use. Many of its satisfied users declared this as their best baitcasting reel specifically due to its easy adjustments.
One more worth mentioning quality is C14+ which makes Shimano curado a very lightweight reel and a much stronger reel than previous Shimano models.
The reel offers 11lbs max drag with 8.5:1 gear ratios which are specific to the Curado series. It comes with 7.6 oz of total reel weight.
Although the reel is more expensive as compared to other reels but its properties make it worth buying you wouldn’t regret spending your money on this reel.
Shimano Curado bait cast reel is perfect for anglers of all skill levels proving the reel’s versatility moreover the company gave it the title of “go-to baitcasting reel” which indicates this reel is an all-rounder.
- Lightweight reel
- Suitable for saltwater fishing
- Multiple gears
- Durable
- Not fully backslash proof
- Expensive reel
Best baitcasting reel for the money
FEATURES
Abu Garcia has always been serving its customers with quality fishing gear. This time the Abu Garcia Revo SX Low Profile fishing reel is an upgraded reel perfect for bass fishing. Its powerful drag wouldn’t let you miss your catch.
Its dual braking system provides adjustments for multiple baits and allows anglers to adopt different techniques. The reel is lightweight, strong, and with increased durability.
Due to its Infini II spool design, the reel can handle extremely loaded situations with smooth casting ability along with smooth retrieval.
Due to the stainless steel body material, the reel is corrosion resistant. The unique thing about this reel is its 10 ball bearings which let the reel perform its operation smoothly.
This reel series comes with two gear ratios models one model with a 6.6:1 gear ratio suitable for general purpose baitcasting experience but if you are into some serious fishing and interested in fast baits casting and line retrieval I will recommend you to buy a 7.3:1 gear ratio reel.
The reel consumes 0.23 kg weight available in both the left and right-handed orientation.
At last, I will advise you on spool tension readjustment when you try a different braid, make it tight enough.
Abu Garcia Revo SX Low Profile has been a reliable and trustworthy reel for anglers for many years and proves itself as a long-lasting bait cast reel.
- Lightweight
- Smooth drag
- Corrosion-resistant
- Durable
- Attractive body
- A bit heavier than Shimano Curado
Best baitcasting reel for beginners
FEATURES
An upgraded version of the Tatula series which is lighter in weight and smaller in size than other reels. The best thing about Daiwa products is being beginner-friendly. So as a newbie in bait casting you can for this reel.
The advanced system added to this reel is TWT “T-Wing System” which offers smooth, longer casting and smooth line retrieval due to reduced friction. Wondering what TWT is?? It lets our line flow freely and keeps us from getting backslashes allowing us to cast farther and on line retrieval the line sets smoothly on the spool.
Even though smaller in size, it offers a smooth grip over handles and gives casting accuracy with artificial baits. The zero Adjuster spool setting adds more to its accuracy.
The reel come with 3 variations in gear ratio i.e. 6.3:1, 7.3:1, and 8.1:1. The first two are available with a left-hand orientation while the last one is available with a right-hand handle.
It contains a total of 8 ball bearings.
One thing to notice is that this reel isn’t only for youngsters the junior anglers with small hands can also pick this reel.
- Easy to use
- Affordable price
- Strong grip on handles
- Backslash free
- Not suitable for saltwater fishing
best baitcasting reel for smoothness
FEATURES
This Lew’s lightweight reel maintains its tag and perfectly works as a tournament reel. It is popular among professionals due to its easy adjustments, low profile, and most importantly its versatility. Lew’s Tournament LFS series reel can be combined with any of your bait casting rods.
Lew’s Tournament MP being part of the LFS series which stands for “Lighter Faster Stronger” surely fulfills these three quality factors.
Being an aluminum-framed reel it balances the weight with long and heavier rods moreover it is corrosion-resistant and casts smoothly with longer distances.
Its Multi-Setting brake system offers external adjustment to magnetic brakes and centrifugal brakes so it becomes easy to tune. The reel comprises all qualities to beat any top-rated baitcasting reel with that affordable range. Casting swimbaits, top waters, and crankbaits you can target bass resulting in victory at the end of the day.
The sound able “click” on the tension knob is also praised by anglers as it gives a sense of feedback.
The special Lew’s Combat Grip paddle knobs with Grip thumb bar on the long aluminum handle and the reel’s handy size fits on your palm very well. All these factors add a strong grip over the reel even with wet hands when targeting big fish.
Lew’s Tournament MP reel is available in 4 different models each with different gear ratios so you have options to choose from.
Being tough and sturdy the reel can also serve as a saltwater reel but keep in mind to clean it with fresh water after every use from the maintenance point of view as this will increase your reel’s life.
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Smooth operation
- Stronger
- Faster
- Reel adjustment may not be easy for some beginners at first
Best baitcasting reel for bass
FEATURES
Another worth mentioning bait caster reel is 13 fishing Concept A. 13 Fishing is an almost new brand in this race but remarkably made its place in the competition with big names like Kast King, Daiwa, and Shimano.
This tough bait caster reel with competitive qualities i.e. 13 Fishing Concept A. The reel is upgraded with more line capacity without disturbing its size. It is still lightweight and smaller in size and the reel fits in your palm so well that you will get used to this reel.
The reel offers easy adjustments to the braking system, easy spool access via beetle wing along with a bull Dog Drag system which offers a smooth and max drag of 25 lbs which is I guess no other reel offers that much drag so confidently target a big catch.
This reel is lightweight, resistant to corrosion, rigid, and with increased durability thus a perfect alternative to your expensive and top brand tournament fishing reel.
The specific thing to highlight about concept A bait caster reel is its KeepR integrated hook keeper that saves your reel from lure scratches as the lure is fixed to the reel frame’s center so your reel’s looks will last for a longer time.
The reel is not only externally attractive with a black matte body and cork handles but performs well as it casts longer and works well with different baits like chatter baits, spinnerbaits, or some shaky heads.
13 fishing Concept A reel is perfect for bass anglers as reels offer accurate and consistent casting ability.
- Vivamus integer non suscipit taciti mus euismod
- Smaller in size
- Perfect for both freshwater and saltwater
- Tie your line correctly to make the drag work properly otherwise, the line may slip
best baitcasting reel for durability
FEATURES
Coming up with another Shimano reel.
Shimano has never disappointed us with its quality products and this time let us discuss the Shimano Chronarch MGL 150 bait caster reel.
This reel comes with a graphite frame thus reel is more light in weight and more resistant to corrosion than aluminum ones.
Fulfilling the latest casting reels’ requirements this one also offers easy external adjustments to the braking system and spool controls. The SVS infinity, the latest technology added to this Shimano reel’s braking system allows spool control, control of its speed, and various adjustments for different situations, especially when changing baits.
Due to its MGL spool, Magnum lite (MGL) spool design the reel offers casting accuracy and distance.
Shimano’s significant X-ship system allows anglers to use Chronarch MGL for their serious fishing where heavy fish are targeted with easy reeling and retrieving.
The reel comes with a variety of three gear ratios 6.2:1, 7.1:1, and 8.1:1 with 11 lbs max drag.
Although Chronarch MGL 150 is more expensive than the listed baitcasting reels but I assure you won’t regret buying it and will add this reel to the list of best baitcasting reels by yourself.
- Lightweight
- Corrosion-resistant
- Smooth retrieval
- Easy brake adjustments
- Expensive reel
best baitcasting reel for line capacity
FEATURES
Kast king reels are popular not only because of their performance but also their attractive looks.
The Kast King Royale Legend GT Baitcasting reel comes with a shiny black body with a red-colored frame design on it.
The special quality of this reel is its super comfortable handles, the company named the feel “Grand Touch” when in contact with the handles. These handles are mounted aluminum alloy handles that offer a strong grip even with wet hands. You can do all day fishing with these comfy handles without pressure on your hands or wrist.
With all upgraded components the kast king still manages its reel weight, the reel weighs only 7.2 ounces.
In this affordable range kast king royal is all that a good baitcasting reel should have. It is lightweight and has a max drag of 17.6 lbs which is quite impressive in this price range. Moreover, the reel is also smaller and handy in size.
Using a kast king royal reel your fishing line will be protected because ceramic line guides it to protect your line under heavy fishing and also offers smooth casting.
Although Kast king royal is recommended for both freshwater and saltwater fishing and the reel doesn’t demand special maintenance.
- Easy to use
- Smooth cast
- Corrosion-resistant
- Affordable price
- Can catch aggressive fish
- Some users don’t like its colorful body
best lightweight bait caster reel
FEATURES
A pre-spooled, extremely lightweight, and worth mentioning bait caster reel is Lew’s HyperMag Speed Spool Baitcast Reel. The reel only weighs 5.4 ounces, the lightest reel I have ever used the reason behind its weight is its magnesium body which reduces overall the reel weight.
The versatility of this reel makes it a good secondary option for baitcasting.
One of its features that I like the most is the zero reverse one-way clutch ball bearing what does that mean?? This offers no reverse action in the handle when you are pulling back your line with a catch.
The reel supports all different line weights so you can conveniently use any of the fishing lines.
The adjustable centrifugal braking system provides you with full spool control and lets you enjoy a smooth casting with different baits. It casts very well with lightweight lures moreover also with topwater lures.
The reel has many satisfied users who declared it a worth buying reel. I agree about that price factor but HyperMag lasts longer as you won’t have to change it frequently so that covers its higher price.
The HyperMag Speed spool series comes with 4 different variations. It’s a good baitcasting reel for bass anglers.
- Super lightweight
- Easy to use
- The reel has no manual so it becomes difficult for beginners to set it first
- Higher price baitcasting reel
Difference between Round and baitcasting reels
In the above list of best baitcasting reels, I have mentioned many reels as low profile reels now what does that means?? And how is it different from Rounded baitcasting reels? As a beginner, you will definitely be confused about these two terms so let me explain to you some key differences for a better understanding.
If you are familiar with these terms then just skip this part…..I wouldn’t mind at all.
- Lightweight reels
- Smaller in size
- Less line capacity
- Lightweight lines and small lures
- Perfect for the whole day small-sized fish
- Less wear and tear on the arm
- Perfectly fits in the anglers palm
- More Compact
- Commonly used reel by beginners
- Heavier than low profile
- Relevantly larger than low profile reels
- More line capacity due to larger size
- Used for serious and aggressive fishing
- Heavy lines and lures are used
- Challenging to palm
- Most used by professional anglers
Although low-profile reels are easy to use but you can’t neglect the powerful features of a rounded one. I recommend you to try both, let it depend on your personal experience. Because it also depends on the personal preferences of many anglers rather than the reels’ specialties or features.
Benefits of using a baitcasting reel over spinning reels
Line Control
Baitcasting reels offer a better line control than spinning reels. As they lie above the rod, line spools off directly through the guides, reducing line twists and offering casting accuracy.
More Gear Ratio
Baitcasting reels offer higher gear ratios than spinning reels. A reel with a gear ratio of 6.4:1 is a standard value and works well in every fishing situation.
Reduced Line Twisting
The main reason why your fishing line is safe from line twisting when using a baitcasting reel is these reels sets above the bait casting rod. Line twisting is one of the major reasons to skip a spinning reel and pick a baitcasting reel for a better fishing experience.
Lure Speed Control
Due to easy adjustments to drag in bait caster reel you can control your line as well as lure speed. Just focus on the pinpoint and cast your lures of different weights. It is difficult to use heavy lures with a spinning reel these are perfect for lighter fishing with lighter baits and lures.
Although a little bit of accuracy is required but you will be trained after some practice.
Casting Distance and Accuracy
Baitcasting reels are selected by professionals over spinning reels always because of their casting accuracy and distance. These reels are used for tournament fishing where longer casts on pinpoints are required.
Sensitivity
Baitcasting reels are more sensitive than spinning reels they let you feel the slightest touch or hit by fish, which means lesser are the chances that you miss your catch.
How to choose the best bait casting reels
Although baitcasting reels are overall the best reels, there are many points of consideration when buying them that not a beginner but a professional should also consider.
Let us discuss these points in detail
Gear Ratio
Your reel’s gear ratio decides the no of the spool’s rotation each time you rotate your handle, the spool completes its circle many times. In short, gear ratio indicates your spool speed on line retrieval.
We generally have seen the gear ratio written with a pattern like 5.3:1 or 6.2:1 indicating that the spool will rotate 5.2 times on one handle turn.
Now coming to this point, what gear ratio is perfect?? As baitcasting reels are usually available with a variety of gear ratios. the reels with lower gear ratios of 5.1:1 are slow and offer more torque so less effort is required on bait retrieval. These reels are perfect when using heavy fishing baits like spinnerbaits and crankbaits.
Now coming to this point, what gear ratio is perfect?? As baitcasting reels are usually available with a variety of gear ratios. the reels with lower gear ratios of 5.1:1 are slow and offer more torque so less effort is required on bait retrieval. These reels are perfect when using heavy fishing baits like spinnerbaits and crankbaits.
Line Capacity
Bait casting reels offer two line capacities options, more line capacity with rounded bait cast reels and low capacity with low profile ones. The bigger your catch is, the more line capacity is required. Mono and fluorocarbon lines are thicker in diameter than braided line so these two requires bigger spool and more capacity than braided line.
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Spool Size
Spool size mostly depends on the type of fishing line you are using. Mono and fluoro both have relevantly thick diameters than braided so you may require a larger-sized reel with a bigger spool. The risk of line twisting is lower with spools of larger size.
Reel Material
Two different construction materials are used for baitcasting reels these are aluminum and graphite. Where aluminum reels are heavier than graphite but more durable and tough because graphite ones can’t handle aggressive fishing.
Braking System
In order to prevent backlashes, a braking system is present there it slows down the spools over fast spinning when you cast the lures. Let it be more clear to you, backlashes often appear when the spool rotates faster than normal. This leads to a fishing line mess.
In addition to this, the adjustable centrifugal and magnetic brakes are also present in baitcasting reels each performing its task of slowing down the spool speed.
The best baitcasting reel must have a good braking system as it imposes strong effects on the reel’s functions.
Concluding My Opinion
Personally, I am a big fan of baitcasting reels I still remember when I used my first baitcasting reel, what a smooth cast it was.
Now there is much more variety available in baitcasting reels everyone can pick according to their fishing location, style and level. Different price ranges are also available.
I am not saying that baitcasting reels are onlynthe best reel option you should use spinning reels as well just the point is professional anglers prefer baitcasting reels over spinning reels for their serious and tournament level fishing.
This season, follow our best baitcasting reels guide and enjoy your fishing trips.