11 Best Baitcasting Reels-Angler’s Favourite

Most baitcasting-fishing reels might have similar features, similar appearance, and mechanism, but there is a significant difference in action and quality. You must identify which baitcasting reel works the best for you. A compromised quality reel also comes with a risk of losing that big fish, so it is better to prepare in advance.

Finding a good baitcasting reel might not be accessible due to the overwhelming amount of choices in the market. Moreover, testing tens of reels is very time-consuming and budget draining. To narrow down your choice, I have made of list of the 11 best baitcasting reels in the market. I have tested most of these fishing reels myself in my five years of fishing.

Our Top Picks

11 Best Baitcasting Reels

1- Kastking Royale Legend GT Baitcasting Reel

Kastking Royale Legend GT baitcasting reel is one of the most preferred reels of passionate anglers. Since, before testing the reel, my expectations were a bit low. Yet to my surprise, I was astonished to see how great this reel performs even today. It is a low-profile reel with the smoothest performance I have ever experienced in a fishing reel.

    Specifications:

• Weight:               7.2 Ounces
• Drag ratio:          7.2:1
• Brand:                  KastKing
• Bearings:              5BB, 1RB
• Material:             Aluminum
• Recovery rate:   14”/90
• Main gear:            Brass

The reel produces almost no sound. It also gives you a pleasant and calm casting experience. Moreover, the frame and side plates are graphite, making them much stronger and firm. The overall reel is extremely light weighs about 7.2 ounces which is impressive since the material feels so strong. The magnumlite super and a lightweight aluminum spool make casting effortless.

Audible micro click tension adjustment and ceramic line guide are the two features in this baitcasting reel for smooth casting performance. The magnetic braking system in this reel can quickly stop the mighty fish. The 5BB system provides a smooth spool rotation enhancing the reel’s performance.

After testing this reel, I would say it exceeded my expectations. The reel provides excellent casting performance and can easily tackle big fish. I would highly recommend this to all anglers trying a smooth baitcasting reel. Compared to the most expensive reels today, it stands its ground.

2- Piscifun Torrent Baitcasting Reel

This is one of my favorite bait cast fishing reels since I love inshore fishing, and this reel is just ideal for that. It has a gear ratio of 7.1:1, which gives good spool rotation speed. You can also go for the 8.1:1 gear ratio for faster rotation.

    Specifications:

• Weight:           8 ounces
• Gear ratio:      7.1:1
• Brand:             Piscifun
• Bearings:         5BB, 1RB
• Material:           Aluminum
• Brake System:  Magnetic
• Max drag:           13lb

This fishing reel also has six bearings, all of which are corrosion resistant. five of them are CRBB, while one is an anti-reverse bearing. The reel itself is pretty strong with brass gear. You can feel the durability just by touching the frame.

I love the vast line capacity on this reel, allowing you to cast it further. Also, for rolling up the reel, a 5.3:1 gear ratio has been provided which offers a great torque for deadly slowing rolling. It also comes with double winding shafts and 0-10 magnetic braking dial setting.

I would recommend this reel for more experienced anglers. It is an excellent baitcasting reel. The cast distance is enormous, and the drag is enough to catch most big fishes. Moreover, it has six corrosion-resistant ball bearings, making the rotation smoother. Overall, this is a great casting reel for its price.

3-Abu Garcia Max Pro Baitcasting Fishing Reel

The Abu Garcia Max pro is the latest Abu Garcia Pro Max bait-caster reel model. I have used the Pro Max version for about 1.5 years, and I think it’s one of the greatest budget casting reels. The Abu Garcia Pro Max is precisely similar to the Max pro with just a few updates.

    Specifications:

• Weight:               7.37 ounces
• Gear ratio:          7.1:1
• Brand:                  Abu Garcia
• Bearings:              7BB, 1RB
• Material:             Aluminum
• Recovery rate:   28”
• Size:                     LP

The first one is the handle which is a bit softer now. It has the same bent handle. Moreover, it is a low-profile reel, so it will fit in your palm perfectly when fishing. The frame and the side plates of this fishing reel are graphite. I like its light design since it allows you to cast longer distances. Furthermore, it has seven ball bearings instead of 6 and 1 roller bearing.

This reel has a PD drag system. The ball bearings combined with the drag system provide an overall smooth performance of the reel. A magnetic brake system (MagTrax) works with magnets applying force on the spool. The Aluminum material feels durable and robust.

If you are a beginner and want to practice bait cast fishing, it is the baitcasting reel. It is low budget and has all the necessary features to catch a big fish. The drag performance is smooth, and the cast distance is perfect. I would recommend buying this reel if you are on a budget.

4- Shimano CURADO DC Baitcasting Reel

Shimano is a known brand among enthusiast anglers. I am a real-time admirer of the Shimano as it has a hangane body with reliable metal built. It reduces the chances of body flexing, and without altering the angler’s action, it transmits the same power in the water. It manifolds my efficiency to cast in the freshwater without much effort.

Specifications:

• Brand:Shimano
• Reel weight: 0.06 pound
• Side plate CI 4 +
• Body  Hangane
• Frictionless Spool
• Gear System Micro module
• Preference Right hand

While fishing in the freshwater, the alignment between the pinion and drive gear is crucial. Even after holding the heavy bass, there is no obvious impact on the gears due to x-ship technology. Moreover, the frictionless medium between the spool shaft and gear enables the angler to cast without any trouble and power dissipation. The freshwater hunt is deep in the water body; therefore, longer casts with lighter lures enhances the chance to have a better catch.

The most interesting part was the lightweight reel that prevents exhaustion while angling overnight. After several casts, there were no traces of tiredness, and I was ready enough to cast a few more with some stamina. The CI 4+ technology reduces excessive weight.

I-DC4 or intelligent braking controls enable the angler to cast variable lures without complicated adjustments. In addition, cross carbon drag also ensure the smoothest cast for better performance.

According to my personal experience, I found it the best baitcasting reel for fresh water and pro anglers. However, beginners may need to practice to elevate the success graph. The frictionless and flawless casting is an identity of Shimano, and therefore we add the model to the list of best baitcasting reels.

5- Pfleuger President XT Baitcasting Reel

Fishing requires more than just luck; it requires skill and remarkable precision in tools selection. This Pfleuger best bait caster reel provides the hassle-free experience of baitcasting in any kind of water. I used this reel for about six months and had a great experience.

Specifications:

• Weight:         0.5 pounds
• Gear ratio:     6.6:1
• Brand:            Pfleuger
• Bearings:       6CRBB, 1RB
• Material:        Aluminum
• Grip size:       array
• Size:                200

It has 13 pounds of drag which I found pretty impressive since most of the earlier reels I used usually had around 9-12 pounds. Moreover, it has nine ball bearings and a magnetic braking system that is responsible for reducing the speed of the spool which is very convenient while fishing.

Another good thing about this reel is that it is very lightweight. The model allows for a much longer casting distance. Furthermore, it has a composite frame that gives the reel strength and durability. The line guide is oval-shaped, allowing the line to spool up a lot smoother.

For its price, this baitcasting fishing reel provides good value. Adjusting the magnetic braking system of the fishing reel is very simple. You have to open the side plate and rotate the ring on the braking system. You can change the braking system to different values from 0 to 6. Moreover, this is an affordable reel, so even beginners can try it.

6- Lew’s Super Duty 300 Bait Caster Reel

I have not used this reel myself, but one of my friends used to have this reel. When I asked about his experience, he told me that this is one of the best baitcasting reels for catching big fish. It also received mostly positive feedback from the customers who used it, so I included it in this list.

    Specifications:

• Weight:               9.2 Ounces
• Gear ratio:          6.5:1
• Brand:                  Lew’s
• Bearings:              7BB, 1 ZR with ZRXTRA
• Material:             Stainless steel, Aluminum
• Recovery rate:   31” (per turn)
• Size:                      190/14 -31” LH

The reel has a counterbalanced handle with wind dry tech knobs that prevent your hand from slipping off. It has a huge-sized spool that can hold over 150 yards of 65 pounds braid. The side plate and frame are Aluminum, so it won’t flex when you put maximum torque on the handle.

It has seven stainless steel ball bearings with ZRxtra, a backup for the zero reverse bearing if you catch a big fish and fail. The drain ports make it Saltwater approved, and the inside of the reel is made from corrosion-free material.

This Super duty 300 baitcaster reel is just a powerhouse to catch most big fishes. I would recommend it to more experienced fishers, especially professional anglers. The tight grip and good line capacity make casting a lot easier. Moreover, if the ZR one fails, the reel has an additional ZRXtra bearing as a backup. This reel provides total value for its cost.

7- Daiwa Coastal TW Baitcasting Reel:

Daiwa is known for making quality casting reels, and this one is no exception. I used this reel for fishing in Saltwater, and the results were impressive. This reel doesn’t allow Saltwater to get inside. If you fish mainly in Saltwater, I suggest cleaning the reel with fresh water after fishing.

    Specifications:

• Weight:               8.16 Ounces
• Gear ratio:          7.3:1
• Brand:                  Daiwa
• Bearings:              7CRBB, 1 RB
• Material:             Synthetic
• Recovery rate:   31” (per turn)
• Size:                      200

The reel itself is pretty strong with an aluminum handle and bearings. The Aluminum also makes the reel lightweight, which is only 8.1 oz. It has a maximum drag of about 15.4 pounds.

The TW system is excellent for reducing backlash by slowing the spool’s speed and the line’s angle. Moreover, the reel has corrosion-resistant ball bearings for Saltwater. Thanks to the 200 size A7075 aluminum grade spool, it can hold a good line.

I would highly suggest this reel if you are new to saltwater baitcasting or baitcasting in general. It is easy to learn as a beginner plus the TW system just makes casting a lot easier and more precise. The material is durable and won’t flex that easily. This reel is no doubt worth its price.

8- Lew’s Speed Spool Inshore Bait Caster Reel

This is one of my favorite bait caster reels on this list. I have used it for over two years, and it still feels new. Maintaining the reel is extremely easy. I have always been a big fan of Lew’s reels, and this one is just the perfect balance of weight and power. Moreover, this is a budget reel so that beginners can handle it.

    Specifications:

• Weight:               7.3 Ounces
• Gear ratio:          7.5:1
• Brand:                  Lew’s
• Bearings:             6BB, 1 ZRB
• Material:             Synthetic
• Recovery rate:   31” (per turn)
• Size:                      7.5:1 LH

The reel has seven stainless steel bearings to provide smooth rotation with a non-reverse one-way clutch bearing. Moreover, it has the same magnetic brake system as the Abu Garcia max pro reel. You can adjust the brake system without having to open the side plate.

The drag is about 20lb which is more than suitable for a budget reel. The drag star makes an audible noise when adjusting, which helps to change the drag accurately. The anodized aluminum spool is perfect at inshore.

I love the feeling of the handle knobs of this reel. The knobs have combat sized grip, which makes them more comfortable. The line capacity is also excellent, providing a longer cast distance.

My own experience with this reel was primarily positive. It is pretty durable and can sustain for a long time, given that you use it properly. The 20lb drag combined with the durability makes for a perfect fishing combo. Moreover, the extended line capacity makes it ideal for anglers and inshore fishing.

9- 13 Fishing Origin A Baitcasting Reel

Fishing requires more than just luck; it requires skill and remarkable precision in tools selection. This 13 fishing best baitcaster reel provides the hassle-free experience of baitcasting in any kind of water. I used this reel for about six months and had a great experience.

Specifications:

• Weight:         7.2 ounces
• Gear ratio:     6.6:1
• Brand:            13 fishing
• Bearings:       6CRBB, 1RB
• Material:        lightweight composite
• Grip size:       array
• Size:                200

It has 13 pounds of drag which I found pretty impressive since most of the earlier reels I used usually had around 9-12 pounds. Moreover, it has seven ball bearings, and one of these bearings prevents the handle from going reverse. Earlier baitcasting reels did not have this anti-reverse bearing.

Another good thing about this reel is that it is very lightweight. The model allows for a much longer casting distance. Furthermore, it has a composite frame that gives the reel strength and durability. The line guide is oval-shaped, allowing the line to spool up a lot smoother.

For its price, this baitcasting fishing reel provides good value. Adjusting the centrifugal braking system of the fishing reel is very simple. You have to open the side plate and rotate the ring on the braking system. You can change the braking system to different values from 0 to 6. Moreover, this is an affordable reel, so even beginners can try it.

10- Daiwa LX-TW400HS-P Lexa 400 HD Baitcasting Reel

This is one of my favorite baitcast fishing reels since I love inshore fishing, and this reel is just ideal for that. It has a gear ratio of 7.1:1, which gives good spool rotation speed. You can also go for the 8.1:1 gear ratio for faster rotation.

    Specifications:

• Weight:           17.1 ounces
• Gear ratio:      7.1:1
• Brand:             Daiwa
• Bearings:         6CRBB, 1RB
• Material:           Stainless Steel
• Line per crank:  37.7
• Size:                   400 size 120mm

This fishing reel also has seven bearings, all of which are corrosion resistant. Six of them are CRBB, while one is an anti-reverse bearing. The reel itself is pretty strong with stainless steel and pinion gear. You can feel the durability just by touching the frame.

I love the vast line capacity on this reel, allowing you to cast it further. Catching a big fish can be a bit uncomfortable on the thumb with a rough handle, so this reel has custom EVA foam to provide you with a comfortable experience.

I would recommend this reel for more experienced anglers. It is an excellent baitcasting reel. The cast distance is enormous, and the drag is enough to catch most big fishes. Moreover, it has six corrosion-resistant ball bearings, making the rotation smoother. Overall, this is a great casting reel for its price.

11- Shimano Chronarch MGL Baitcasting Reel

Classical baitcasting reel was released in about 2017 and still preferred reel of passionate anglers. Since, before testing the reel, my expectations were a bit low. Yet to my surprise, I was astonished to see how great this reel performs even today. It is a low-profile reel with the smoothest performance I have ever experienced in a fishing reel.

    Specifications:

• Weight:               6.2 Ounces
• Drag ratio:          6.2:1
• Brand:                  Shimano
• Bearings:              8BB, 1RB
• Material:             Aluminum
• Recovery rate:   14”/90
• Size:                     CHMGL 151

The reel produces almost no sound. It also gives you a pleasant and calm casting experience. Moreover, the frame and side plates are graphite, making them much stronger and firm. The overall reel is extremely light weighs at about 6.2 ounces which is impressive since the material feels so strong. The magnumlite super and a lightweight aluminum spool make casting effortless.

The X-ship gear support technology provides you with more casting distance and increases the cast’s performance with lighter lures. The SVS braking system in this reel can quickly stop the mighty fish. I don’t think the 8 BB were necessary since after 5BB adding more ball bearings does not significantly affect the reel’s performance.

After testing this reel, I would say it exceeded my expectations. The reel provides excellent casting performance and can easily tackle big fish. I would highly recommend this to all anglers trying a smooth baitcasting reel. Compared to the most expensive reels today, it stands its ground.

Buying Guide:

There are plenty of things that make up a great casting reel. We will discuss the important ones below. According to user experience and baitcasting reel reviews, I have considered the factors while selecting the best baitcasting reel.

1-Gear ratio:

The first thing to look for in a casting reel is its gear ratio. The most common gear ratios are 5.1:1 or 5.3:1. That is a low gear ratio, and these types of reels handle torque very well and can handle deep swim baits that pull hard on you.

On the other hand, a high gear ratio is good for quickly taking up the line. You can quickly pull the line back and set up your hook if something bites the bait. These types of reels provide quick reaction, so it’s ideal for smaller fishes that are faster. If you are unsure, I recommend going for something in the middle, like a 6.2:1 or 6.5:1.

2-Spool size:

Reels come in different sizes, and these have various line capacities. A bigger spool size would be better if you cast farther and take up the line a lot faster. Since a big-sized spool can hold more lines, taking up the line also becomes faster.

 Another thing to consider is if you are using a line with a greater diameter like a fluorocarbon, a more extensive spool reel would be preferable because it would make the line more manageable.

3-Reel materials:

This includes the frame, side plates, and ball bearings. Having more ball bearings means a much smoother casting performance, but 5-6 are enough for most casting reels; using more than 5 or 6 makes a tiny difference in the overall performance.

You need reels that are lightweight but durable at the same time. Reels made of Aluminum or magnesium are ideal. Magnesium reels are the most expensive because they are light and powerful. So if you can pay some extra cash, I would recommend going for a magnesium reel.

FAQs

1-What is the best Gear ratio for a baitcasting reel?

It mainly depends upon your preference and what you want to use the reel for, but an ideal gear ratio would be 6.5:1 since it falls in the mid-range. It allows you to handle the pressure of deep water baits but at the same time will enable you to be fast.

2-What is the average life of a baitcasting reel?

The life of a reel depends on how well you maintain it. Baitcaster reels can last for years if you keep them well. I had a reel that I used for about three years, and it worked fine even after that. So, it’s all about maintaining the reel, but to answer the question, if maintained properly, these reels can easily last for over four years.

3-Is it better to have more bearings in a reel?

Having more bearing can make the reel feel much smoother but only up to a given point. For example, six ball bearings with one reverse bearing would be enough for most reels, so adding more bearings will not do much good. Instead of going for more bearings, you should look for the quality of bearings since a good quality bearing would provide more value.

Final Verdict:

So, what is the best baitcasting reel? It all depends on the situation and your budget. It doesn’t mean that the more you pay for your reel, the better reel you would get because there are plenty of good-budget reels in the market. It means that the best baitcasting reel may vary depending on your budget and the situation you are in.

Keeping this in mind, here are 3 of my favorite reels from this list:

• Kastking Royale Legend (Best Baitcasting Reel Overall)
• Piscifun Torrent Baitcasting Reel (Best Budget Baitcasting Reel)
• Shimano Curado DC Baitcasting Reel (Best Premium Baitcasting Reel)

I tried to include a wide range of reels to provide more diversity. Let us know which reel was your favorite!