Fishing reels come in 3 standard types. The simplest one is the spincast reel. It is an ideal entry-level fishing reel for beginners or those who are on a budget.
The baitcast reel is the most advanced and sophisticated type, making it popular among experienced anglers and fishers. It provides unparalleled power and precision.
The spinning reel is the most popular type for good reasons. It is more efficient, has a more durable design, and easier to use for beginners and pros alike.
Fishing Reels
In this article...
Whether you have been fishing for almost your whole life, or just getting into the sport, we have reviewed 5 of the best to point you in the right direction.
Top 5 Best Fishing Reels
| Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | okuma Ceymar Spinning Reel Size 10 - 5Lb Max Drag Pressure | PrimeEligible | Buy on Amazon | |
Top | PENN Battle II & III Spinning Fishing Reel (All Models & Sizes) | Prime | Buy on Amazon | |
 | PENN Pursuit III Spinning Fishing Reel, Black/Silver, 2500 | Prime | Buy on Amazon | |
 | KastKing Megatron Spinning Reel,Size 3000 Fishing Reel | PrimeEligible | Buy on Amazon | |
 | KastKing Centron Spinning Reel,Size 2000 Fishing Reel | PrimeEligible | Buy on Amazon |
Okuma Ceymar Spinning Reel
- Multi-disc, oiled felt drag system, Max Drag Pressure - 5-lbs
- Quick-set anti-reverse roller bearing
- Precision machine cut brass pinion gear
- Machined aluminum, 2-tone anodized spool
- Monofilament line capacity (diameter in mm.) - 210/2 (0.12) 110/4 (0.17) 70/6 (0.22)
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The Okuma Ceymar Spinning Reel is a lightweight yet efficient and powerful reel designed for freshwater and saltwater fishing. It is available in sizes ranging from the C-10 for smaller catches, to the C-65 for bigger fish.
It features a multi-disc drag system that optimizes drag strength over a small area to give you a more reliable and efficient drag.
Its rotor system is equipped with Okuma’s RESII computer balancing that allows the reel to spin at very high speeds without wobbling or bouncing.
It has an anti-reverse roller bearing that prevents the reel from turning backward by quickly engaging the drag.
More amazing features include machine-cut brass pinion gear, rust-proof blade body design, a 2-tone aluminum spool designed to hold both monofilament and braided fishing lines.
The aluminum handle arm with custom EVA knobs gives you total control over the reel by providing a comfortable grip.
One drawback some users noticed is that it does not stand up to saltwater very well. You have to prepare yourself for a little maintenance work if you are fond of saltwater fishing.
All in all, its amazing features outweigh that one flaw. It is disappointing but not a deal-breaker.
Penn Battle II & III Spinning Fishing Reel
- Full Metal Body and sideplate
- CNC Gear technology
- HT-100 carbon fiber drag washers
- 5+1 sealed stainless steel ball bearing system
- Line Capacity Rings
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
If you are after big-game saltwater fishing, the Penn Battle II & III Spinning Fishing Reel is the one for you.
Penn’s Battle line-up of spinning fishing reels promises unparalleled power, strength, and durability.
The Battle II & III feature a rigid full metal framework and rotor to protect the gears and keep the reel in perfect alignment.
It features the HT-100 Versa-Drag carbon-fiber drag system that provides maximum drag by balancing both sides of each drag washer, which is specially treated with a patented formula grease to provide long-lasting performance.
You can reel without interruption by its automatic anti-reverse bearing feature that gets rid of reel pullback. The 5 stainless-steel ball bearings are sealed for extra protection against corrosion and allow for fluid and smooth cranking.
The Superline spool comes with a custom rubber gasket that prevents it from slipping under pressure. You can use a braided line without the need for a monofilament backing. It also comes with line capacity rings that allow you to see at a glance how much line is still in it.
One drawback that is common to both the Penn Battle II & III is they are heavier than their nearest competitors.
PENN Pursuit III Spinning Fishing Reel
- HT 100 carbon fiber drag washers
- Lightweight and corrosion resistant graphite body
- Sealed drag system: Sealed drag washers, always lubricated, always smooth. Slow oscillation gearing: Improves line lay and minimize line tw
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The PENN Pursuit III Spinning Reel is a budget reel that gives excellent performance and durability. It is a multifilament reel available in 6 sizes ideal for most types of fishing.
The reel comes in a graphite body that is lightweight and corrosion-resistant for durability and longevity. Its black and multi-tone color scheme gives out a stylish vibe.
It comes with a stainless-steel handle designed to provide a comfortable grip even if you use it for a long time.
It features an HT-100 carbon fiber drag system that will give you quick and efficient operation even under heavy use.
The stainless-steel ball bearings are sealed against corrosion and ensure a strong and smooth crank. There are 2 bearings on the main gear and 2 more on the pinion gear, and together with the Instant Anti-Reverse feature, provide an exceptional performance very similar to those of higher-priced reels.
It has line capacity rings that let you know how much line you have remaining.
Many users are disappointed with the lack of more advanced features, but are satisfied with its performance for a budget spinning reel, and agree that the Pursuit III offers great value for money.
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KastKing MegaTron Spinning Reel
- MOST POWERFUL TRANSFORMER IN FISHING – KastKing MegaTron transforms the industry with the roll out of another great freshwater and saltwater fishing reel. The MegaTron spinning reel brings you a unique, geometrical, bionic engineering design. A spinning reel of this rugged build and unique optics deserves a special place in your fishing tackle arsenal. Its precise geometric forms offer a distinct autobot look that set it apart from all others and helps reduce weight while maintaining strength.
- RIGID ALUMINUM SKELETAL FRAME - The KastKing MegaTron spin fishing reel is built for enormous strength and endless durability. The MegaTron aerospace aluminum alloy skeletal design frame is more than a great look! It’s the basis for its strength to battle hard fighting fish in fresh and saltwater. With its matrix of leadership KastKing rolls out this series of affordable metal body reels and sends a shock wave through the industry. KastKing MegaTron transforms you into the angler you want to be.
- PRO LEVEL QUALITY GEARS – MegaTron spinning reels provide maximum performance and strength for all tournament anglers looking for victory. The main drive gear is made of durable zinc alloy matched with a pinion gear machined from solid brass. Both deliver rigidity and smoothness needed in building reels ready to tackle tough conditions. MegaTron spinning reels feature a CNC machined T6061 aerospace aluminum alloy spool and exclusive design robot inspired aluminum handles.
- MORE POWER – KastKing MegaTron spinning reels are waiting for you to handle the biggest fish. Every MegaTron fishing reel features an exceptionally smooth carbon fiber drag system that delivers over 30 lbs. of impressive run-stopping power. Making MegaTron a perfect big game spinning reel. The triple-disc carbon fiber drag delivers consistently strong and flawless drag without start-up hesitation that can result in snapped fishing lines and lost fish.
- FLUID PERFORMANCE - You will be amazed at the dynamics and faultless mechanics of KastKing MegaTron spinning reels. Each reel features 7+1 MaxiDur double-shielded stainless-steel ball bearings. The instant anti-reverse provides for quick hooksets. Double-shielded stainless ball bearings mean the MegaTron will perform equally in saltwater fishing and freshwater fishing, they are like a fishing robots in disguise! Fish with peace of mind.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The KastKing MegaTron Spinning Reel is a great saltwater and freshwater fishing reel that is sure to transform your fishing game.
Its unique geometric “autobot” look partners extremely well with the geometric and bionic engineering design.
Its aerospace-inspired aluminum alloy skeletal frame provides the strength to enable you to reel in your prize catch like a pro angler. The rotor and graphite body protects the inner workings of the reel while reducing the reel’s overall weight.
It has an aluminum alloy CNC-machined T6061 handle that can be used for right- or left-hand retrieves, and equipped with sure-grip EVA knobs imprinted with the KastKing logo.
Its main drive gear is made from a tough zinc alloy while the pinion gear is made from solid durable brass. The gears’ combined action delivers smoothness and rigidity to withstand tough fishing conditions.
The KastKing MegaTron features an amazingly smooth triple-disc carbon-fiber drag system designed to give you over 30 lbs. of run-stopping power for a consistent and flawless drag without any hesitations.
It features 7 MaxiDur double-shielded stainless-steel ball bearings and 1 more for the instant anti-reverse. They are corrosion-resistant and are placed in precise positions to give you smooth performance.
KastKing Summer and Centron Spinning Reels
- GREAT VALUE - Loaded with features yet low on price. KastKing Summer/Centron offers the best value...at any level. The KastKing Summer Fishing Reel turns any angler into a PRO.
- LIGHTWEIGHT - narrow graphite frame design and computer balancing system combined with high performance in the compact Spinning Reel makes KastKing Summer/Centron an awesome gift for anybody who loves fishing.
- HIGH POWERED - KastKing Summer/Centron spinning reels Superior Drag System offers incredible stopping power up to 17.5LBs. It has a hardened metal main shaft, perfect mesh drive gear and precision machined pinion gear for fish fighting power.
- SMOOTH PERFORMANCE - Summer/Centrons nine quality ball bearings and one instant stop one-way anti-reverse bearing give it ultra-smooth performance.
- LOOKING GOOD - Summer/Centrons attractive, brilliant finish and its high strength two color anodized aluminum spool, with a power launch lip for farther casting, holds more line than competitors models that sell for much more.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The KastKing Summer and Centron Spinning Reels are among the most affordable yet high-quality spinning reels available in the market today.
They feature a sleek graphite frame design combined with precision computer balancing system to give you awesome performance and a lightweight reel. The shaft is made from high-quality, hardened metal to make the reels powerful and long-lasting.
They come with an interchangeable handle that allows you to switch it with just one push of a button to accommodate left- and right-handed users.
Their Superior Drag System provides up to 17.5 lbs. of stopping power. More features include a perfect-mesh drive gear and precision-machined pinion gear for strength and power.
Their 5:2:1 gear ratio allows you to retrieve tube baits or drop-shot rigs quickly and easily when you are fishing in deep waters.
The 9 high-quality ball bearings and 1 instant anti-reverse bearing assure an ultra-smooth performance every time.
The KastKing Summer and Centron spinning reels boast of a sleek and attractive finish, with the Summer reel in white, and the Centron reel in black.
The two-toned anodized aluminum spool is equipped with a power launch lip for a stronger and farther casting.
Things to Consider When Buying a Spinning Reel
The most important features to remember are the instant anti-reverse handles, smooth and adjustable drag, a high number of ball bearings, and a high gear ratio.
Instant anti-reverse handles assure no backward motion, a smooth and adjustable drag with no jerks or pulls assure easy reels, a high number of ball bearings assure smoother retrieves, and a high gear ratio assures faster retrieves.
The combination of these features will ensure that you have all the power and rigidity plus the smooth and sleek operation you need to land in your prize catch whether you are freshwater or saltwater fishing.
