If you are struggling to find the best reel for bass fishing amongst all the options available to you, you are not alone. Even people who are veteran bass fishers have a problem selecting a good quality reel.
Why wouldn’t the process be hard? With hundreds of brands coming up with different kinds of reels, choosing a good quality bass fishing reel that performs well and is also durable can be tough.
To help you find the ideal spinning reel for bass fishing, we have listed down below some of the options that are currently the best in the market. Also, the buying guide will help you get the reel of your dreams easily.
Best Reel for Bass Fishing Comparison:
Image | Product Name | Weight | Gear Ratio | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ABU GARCIA AMBASSADEUR | 9.3 ounces | 5.3:1 | |
 | Abu Garcia Revo SX | 1 pounds | 6.2 : 1 | |
 | Shimano Spirex FG | 10.6 ounces | 6.2:1 | |
 | Lews Fishing Tournament | 6.7 ounces | 6.8: 1 | |
 | Daiwa Tatula Btcst | 8.8 ounces | 8.1:1 | |
 | SHIMANO STRADIC HG | 11.8 ounces | 6.0:1 | |
 | One Bass Fishing reels | 7 ounces | 5.2:1 |
7 Best Reel for Bass Fishing Reviews:
Finding a good quality fishing reel is quite important when fishing for bass. Here are some of the products that are fan-favorites, and we think these will live up to your expectations.
1. ABU GARCIA AMBASSADEUR C3 ROUND REEL
Abu Garcia is a well-known brand that provides high-quality fishing reels to customers.
Smooth
The single roller bearing works in coherence with the three-ball bearings in this system. This gives you a smoother operation when you reel in the fish – no signs of tugging or pulling sensation. Pull in your fish with ease.
We all know that the weight and drag of the fish cause enough trouble. So, having a reel that operates with such comfort can be quite handy.
Ergonomic
A reel that is too large can be troublesome to hold and operate. On the other hand, reels that are too small can be tough to get a grip on. That is why this compact reel that fits right into your palm is so easy to use. A perfect sized reel like this one can be used by people of any age.
High Drag Performance
How your reel acts when there is too much drag in the water says a lot about the reel’s quality. This high-performance reel follows a carbon matrix drag system that causes no disruption when fishing, no matter how large the bass is. This is a great feature to have if you fish in deeper waters.
Strong
Made with aluminum, this fishing reel is here to stay. You won't notice this one breaking or bending any time soon. This is a great material for reels when dealing with drag.
Improved Line Lay
A synchronized level feature gives you a better lay line while the wind system gives you better cast ability.
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2. Abu Garcia Revo SX Spinning Reel
Another one from Abu Garcia that people love and adore. This one will last you years and make fishing for bass easy and fun.
Great Drag Performance
Fishing reels that have carbon matrix hybrid drag systems are known for their high-performance in water.
Having a reel like this one is the best when catching fish with greater weight. Fishing in water that has string waves is also made easier with this fishing reel.
Smooth Performance
When reeling in your fish, smoothness is a crucial factor. No one likes to struggle when it comes to this. An AMGearing system gives you precision machined gears so that you can get amazing smoothness and durability.
Good Quality Construction
This reel is made with an insert molded C6 design, which includes the combination of a X-Crafty gearbox and a C6 carbon body. A construction like this gives you a sturdy and strong-bodied reel that also performs great. So, you can expect this reel to last quite a long time.
Corrosion Protected
Stainless steel HPCR bearings and a roller bearing give you protection against corrosion. This is a vital feature that we think almost all kinds of fishing reel should have. Fewer chances of corrosion also mean longer life for the product.
Efficient
The gear design on this one was made with computer optimization. This allows your fishing reel to be more efficient and get the job done faster.
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3. Shimano Spirex FG Spinning Reel
If you’re searching for a good quality bass reel at a reasonable price, look no further. Shimano is here to save the day.
Graphite Frame
Graphite frames are loved by all users because of the weight of the material. Reels that are made with this material tend to be strong and also easy to carry and store. The side plate, frame, and rotor are made with graphite and give you great support and structure.
Good Spool
Having a good quality spool means that you can store any amount of line that you need easily. The Shimano FG gives you an aluminum reel that is ready to store braided lines. This model can accommodate a 30-pound braid and several other types of line sizes.
Easy Line Management
A Quickfire II casting system that can be operated with one hand makes line management easy breezy. This will also increase your casting accuracy.
Lightweight
You might think that a reel that has so many components and features must weigh a lot. But surprisingly, the whole system only weighs 8.8 ounces. You can carry this reel and pack it in your bagwith ease as the product is quite travel-friendly.
Double Paddle Handle
Double paddle handles are commonly seen on baitcasters but never on spinning reels. Shimano has included this feature in this model to make reeling in longer lines easier on your hand. This feature provides greater comfort and ease of reeling.
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4. Lews Fishing Tournament MB Baitcast Reel
Easy to use fishing reels like this product makes your fishing experience less stressful. That with high-performance and a sturdy structure make this fishing reel one of a kind.
Smooth Retrieve
This high-speed routine retrieve reel allows you to control and keep the tension in your line – a crucial step when fighting your game fish. Thanks to the 9 stainless steel double-shielded ball bearings and one roller ball bearing, you get amazing retrieve force. The line capacity of 12/120 also helps in this department.
Multi-Setting Brake
The fishing reel can adjust externally by the centrifugal system. This way, you get better cast control. So, you can easily catch heavy fish that tend to swim away with great force. A dual innovative magnetic brake system like this keeps your line in one piece while helping you get a tight pull.
Long Casting Distance
When trying to catch game fish like bass, you need a reel that can handle longer casting distances. As you might face line breakage and tear during longer casts, this feature is quite important.
Line guide coated with zirconium allows you to use a large variety of baits and types of lines. With the reel being so lightweight, anglers can also cast a long distance. You can cast lines at a distance of 1 mile without putting any pressure on your arm.
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5. Daiwa Tatula Baitcasting Reels
Getting a fishing reel with such a high gear ratio and smooth drag system at a price like this is quite unimaginable. That is why this product is one of the most popular ones on our list.
Easy to Use
This model from Daiwa comes with a larger than normal and lightweight structure. Using the reel is, therefore, quite easy as you can locate all the parts easily.
Lightweight construction means you can take this reel on all your fishing adventures without having to worry about luggage weight, but space might be a problem as the reel is not compact. This feature is a bit controversial, as a lot of people like smaller reels in their hands. In the end, this comes down to personal preference.
But if you like a large bulky reel, this one will be the best option for you.
Can Be Used in Saltwater
By opening up the reel and greasing the innards, this reel can be used in saltwater with ease. This step is common and should be done to any reel that is used in saltwater. By taking the necessary steps and care, you can use this reel for years and years.
Good Drag System
This product is known to have tournament-quality drag performance. No need to waste time and energy on flimsy and jerky rods. Now you can pull your fish in with ease without getting tired.
Magnetic Brake System
When you have a controlled friction present throughout your cast, you get amazing precision and accuracy. Thanks to the magnetic brake system, you have friction during your cast that is fully controlled. You'll catch more fish in less time this way.
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6. SHIMANO STRADIC HG, Freshwater Spinning Fishing Reel
Reels from Shimano rarely disappoint. This spinning fishing reel, which has a great quality spool and gives you smooth performance in freshwater, is hard to say no to.
Improved Gear Durability
A problem that a lot of fishing reels have is that they have too much friction between the spooland the gear. The X-Ship technology on this model reduces this friction to give you a smoother experience.
This also helps keep your reel and gear in good condition for a longer time. A feature like this also means that you get longer casts and better cast performance. Longer casts are necessary when fishing for bass. Having this means that your line won't break or tear easily. You get better gear durability overall.
Smoother Overall Fishing Experience
Shimano's HAGANE gearing and body work hand in hand to give you a smoother, long-lasting, and durable product. This makes both offshore and inshore fishing a treat for all anglers.
Good Casting Capability
Three main components; Shimano's propulsion line management system, Dyna-Balanced rotor, and Fluidrive II system work coherently to improve the casting capability. These features also get rid of any kind of line management issues.
Lightweight
Weighing only 7.1 oz, this fishing reel will be easy to carry around. The reel also comes in a compact size that is easy to store once you are done with your fishing. Having a reel so dainty and light will be the best option when you travel.
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7. One Bass Fishing reels
Good for beginners and professionals, this reel is quite great at its job. This lightweight all-purpose spinning reel is very hard not to love.
Lightweight
Made with a hollow frame design, this reel will make your fishing experience light and breezy. Reels that weight too much can add unnecessary weight to your rod and cause trouble when reeling in the fish.
All-Purpose
Won't it be amazing if you could get one reel that does it all? Well, One Bass is here to make this dream of yours come true. This model is the best for fishing bass but can also be used for both saltwater and lighter freshwater fishing.
You can buy this one reel for all types of fishing. Game fish like bass, trout, redfish, walleye, and flounder can be caught with ease when using this reel.
Durability
The C4LF carbon-fiber that constructs this reel is known to be quite strong and sturdy. This, combined with the hard-PT gears and aluminum spool, makes this reel unbreakable.
Smooth Operation
This reel includes a body that is made with high-percentage fiber-reinforced graphite. Having this means you'll have quite and smooth retrieves. No need to worry about your lines getting stuck and tangled anymore.
Powerful
It might be hard to believe, but this lightweight reel has 12 ball bearings and one anti-reverse bearing. This along with the aluminum spool lowers your chances of line slipping and gives the system constant pressure through the carbon fiber drag system. The EVA handle knob helps in reducing the weight even further.
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Things to Consider Before Buying
There are some factors that you should keep in mind or look for while buying the best spinning reels for bass fishing. These features will make your fishing reel more productive, easy to use, and helpful.
Line Capacity
When going for bass fishing, you must keep a lot of fishing lines in hand. This kind of fishing requires long runs and casts. When working with longer lines, there is a greater risk of your string breaking due to drag or tearing if the fish pulls too hard. To ensure that it does not happen, you need a good amount of line at hand.
Check out this post on Bass Fishing Tips for Summer and Clean Fishing Rod and Reel.
The reel that you plan on buying should have the capacity of storing the spool. A reel that can contain a good amount of line and 3 or 4 types of them with their braided counterparts will be good enough for bass fishing.
Ability to Withstand Harsh Weather
Fishing for bass means traveling for longer times in water. You could also find yourself fishing in adverse temperatures when the waves are too harsh. At times like this, your fishing tool must maintain its integrity and remain strong. Breaking is not an option.
Things, like getting banged across the boat railing due to strong wind or falling on the deck with high speed, should not affect a good quality fishing reel.
Most good quality fishing reels should last you years or long enough for you to pass them on to your younger ones.
Construction
Bass are considered as game fish because of their capability to grow into quite a large size. Larger fishes are known to be one of the biggest reasons your fishing reel might break.
When fishing for bass, you will be dealing with a minimum of 5-pound fish. The fishing reel you choose should be able to handle this weight effortlessly. Even if your reel bends a lot due to the weight and drag, there should be no signs of breakage or permanent deformation of the rod.
If your reel lacks this feature, you will lose both the fish and the rod.
Reel Drag
Having a smooth reel drag is important when fishing for bass. A smoother reel drag will allow you to reel in the fish without any chances of breaking or sapping when the fish tries to swim away. A stronger reel drag will also help with this cause and give you more power when reeling in the fish.
Material
There are three kinds of materials that usually make up a good quality fishing reel. They are aluminum, carbon composite, or graphite.
For a tighter fit and stronger composition, you could choose an aluminum fishing reel. Fishing reels like these are great for use in harsh weather or water bodies with stronger waves.
Graphite could be a great option if you are looking for a fishing reel that is lightweight, easy to carry and store, and also durable. Graphite fishing reels are protected from corrosion and thus last a longer time.
Spool
One of the main problems people face with their spools is spooling the spinning reel itself. A product that does not need to be backed to spool in the new line onto the spinning reel is the most helpful.
This will save your time and energy and be quite helpful in emergencies when you need more lines. The fishing reel you buy should be able to contain at least 3 or 4 types of fishing line, including braided ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the questions that most people have when buying a fishing reel answered for you to diffuse all your confusion.
Do you always need to soak your fishing line before spooling?
Do fishing lines go bad?
What is linebacking?
What is a single action reel?
How tight should your drag on the reel be?
Final Words
Having the best reel for bass fishing can help you catch more fishes easily. This tool will make your fishing experience easier and more fun. We hope you'll be able to find the fishing reel that meets all your requirements on our list.
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