Best Fishing Reels for Bass, Trout & Saltwater
Looking for the best fishing reels? We compare top picks for bass, trout, and saltwater fishing—including budget-friendly options under $50.
Introduction
Choosing the right fishing reel can make or break your fishing experience. Whether you’re targeting bass, trout, or saltwater species, having the right gear ensures smooth casting, durability, and better hooksets. In this guide, we’ll cover:
1.Best fishing reels for bass (baitcasting & spinning)
2.Ultralight spinning reels for trout (lightweight & sensitive)
3.Best saltwater spinning reels for redfish (corrosion-resistant)
4.Best cheap fishing reels under $50 (affordable yet reliable)
Best Fishing Reels for Bass
Bass fishing requires durable, smooth-drag reels with good line capacity.
1.Baitcasting Option: Shimano SLX DC (best for accuracy)
2.Spinning Option: Daiwa BG 2500 (great for finesse techniques)
Pro Tip: If you’re a beginner, check our section on “Best spinning reels for beginners” below
Ultralight Spinning Reels for Trout
Trout fishing demands lightweight, sensitive reels.
1.Top Pick: Shimano Sahara FI 1000 (buttery smooth drag)
2.Budget Pick: Pflueger President 20 under 60$
Best Saltwater Spinning Reels for Redfish
Saltwater reels need strong anti-corrosion builds.
1.Penn Battle III 3000 (best all-around)
2.Daiwa BG 3500 (heavy-duty option)
See our full comparison: “Penn Battle vs Spinfisher” (spoiler: Battle wins for affordability.
Best Cheap Fishing Reels Under $50
Yes, quality budget reels exist!
1.KastKing Centron (best under $30
2.Okuma Avenger ABF (great for saltwater)
Final Verdict
1.Bass: Shimano SLX DC (baitcasting) or Daiwa BG (spinning)
2.Trout: Shimano Sahara FI (ultralight)
3.Saltwater: Penn Battle III (best value)
Shimano vs Daiwa Spinning Reels: Which Brand Wins?
Shimano or Daiwa—which spinning reel brand is better? We compare drag systems, durability, and price to help you decide.
The Shimano vs Daiwa debate is a classic among anglers. Both brands dominate the spinning reel market, but which one is right for you? We’ll compare:
1.Smoothness & Drag Performance
2.Durability (Saltwater vs Freshwater)
3.Price & Value
Shimano Spinning Reels (Pros & Cons)
Best for: Smoothness, lightweight designs
1.Top Model: Shimano Stradic FL
2.Pros: Buttery smooth drag & Lightweight body.
3.Cons:More expensive than Daiwa’s mid-range options.
Daiwa Spinning Reels (Pros & Cons)
Best for: Durability, value for money
1.Top Model: Daiwa BG
2.Pros:Heavier but nearly indestructible & Better sealed against saltwater.
3.Cons:Slightly heavier than Shimano.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Shimano Stradic FL | Daiwa BG 3000 |
|---|---|---|
| Drag | Ultra-smooth | Strong, but not as refined |
| Weight | 7.9 oz | 10.2 oz |
1.Winner for Saltwater: Daiwa BG
2.Winner for Finesse Fishing: Shimano Stradic
Specific Fishing Reel
Best left-handed baitcasting reels
1.Abu Garcia Revo SX (Best for Heavy-Duty Fishing)
2.Daiwa Tatula Elite (Best Value LH Baitcaster)
3.Shimano Curado DC 151XG (Best Overall LH Baitcaster)
4.Lew’s Tournament Pro LFS (Best Lightweight LH Reel)
5.KastKing Spartacus Plus (Best Budget LH Baitcaster)
High-speed fishing reels for jigging.
1.Shimano Tranx 500HG (Best for Power Jigging) Best overall .
2.Daiwa Saltiga 15H (Best fast-retrieve jigging reels)
3.Penn Torque 25N LD (Best All-Around High-Speed)
4.Okuma Andros 12NIIa (Best Budget High-Speed) Best value.
5.Shimano Talica 16II (Best for Big Game Speed Jigging) Most powerful drag.
How to Choose a High-Speed Jigging Reel
1.Gear Ratio: 7.0:1+ = Best for speed jigging. or 6.0:1–6.9:1 = Balanced (torque + speed)
2.Drag Power: 20-30 lbs = Inshore/light offshore or 40+ lbs = GT, tuna, deep drops
3.Line Capacity : 300+ yds of 50lb braid = Minimum for offshore
Jigging Reel Maintenance Tips
1.Rinse after saltwater use (focus on drag washers)
2.Grease gears annually (use Shimano Bantam Oil)
3.Check screws regularly (vibration can loosen them)
Best surf fishing spinning reels
1.Penn Spinfisher VI 6500 (Best Overall Surf Reel)
2.Daiwa BG 5000 (Best Value for Saltwater)
3.Shimano Stella FI 14000 (Premium Pick)
4.Okuma Azores Z-65X (Best for Long Casting)
5.Penn Battle III 8000 (Best for Beginners)
How to Choose the Best Surf Fishing Reel
1.Size Matters: 5000-6500 = All-purpose surf & 8000+ = Sharks, rays, heavy currents.
2.Sealing Level: Fully sealed (Penn Spinfisher) & Waterproof drag only (Daiwa BG).
3.Gear Ratio: 5.0:1–6.2:1 = Better torque for big fish & 6.5:1+ = Faster retrieves (good for lures).
Final Recommendation
1.Choose Shimano if you want the smoothest reel.
2.Choose Daiwa if you need a tank-like saltwater reel.
3.Best Abu Garcia baitcasting reel
4.Penn Slammer IV vs Van Staal
Fishing Reel Maintenance Guide: Cleaning, Lubrication & Troubleshooting.
How to Clean & Maintain Your Fishing Reel
Is your fishing reel grinding or rusting? Learn how to clean a fishing reel, the best lubricant, and how to fix common issues!
A well-maintained reel lasts years longer. In this guide, you’ll learn:
1.How to clean a fishing reel
2.Best lubricant for fishing reels
3.Why is my fishing reel grinding?
How to Clean a Fishing Reel
You’ll need:
1.Warm water & mild soap
2.Soft brush
3.Reel lubricant
Steps:
1.Rinse (if used in saltwater).
2.Disassemble (remove spool, handle).
3.Scrub gently with a brush.
4.Dry completely before lubricating.
Best Lubricant for Fishing Reels
1.Shimano Bantam Oil (best for bearings)
2.Penn Reel Grease (thicker, ideal for gears)
Avoid WD-40—it attracts dirt
Why Is My Fishing Reel Grinding?
Common causes:
1.Sand/grit inside → Clean thoroughly.
2.Dry bearings → Apply lubricant.
3.Misaligned gears → May need professional repair.
Final Tips
1.Clean after every saltwater trip
2.Lubricate every 3-6 months
Happy Fishing !