Spinning Reel Reviews 2024: Buying Guide and Comparison

In our fishing reel review for 2024, we compared 5 versatile allround spinning reels from various reputable manufacturers for you. The criteria for comparison were customer reviews, our evaluations, and the price-performance ratio.

In the following overview, you can see the rankings of all models from our fishing reel comparison.

 

Click on “Details” to access the detailed product description of a product. In the product description, you will also find a summary of the customer reviews and our own evaluation. Or click on “View Offer” to directly see the offer.

Fishing Reel Review 2024: All Placements from 1-5 in the Overview

The Essentials in Brief

More Spinning Reel Categories

• Baitrunner Reels

• Surf Fishing Reels

 

Fishing Reel Types: What Are They and Which One Is Right for You?

Generally, fishing reels are classified into three different types based on their construction: spinning reels, baitcasting reels, and fly reels. These three types of fishing reels differ in their construction and functionality:

Which fishing reel is suitable for you primarily depends on the fishing method you use and the types of fish you aim to catch. To help you with your decision, we will explain the features, advantages, and disadvantages of these types of fishing reels below.

 

Spinning Reels

Spinning reels are lightweight, easy-to-handle fishing reels. They are ideal for bottom fishing, spin fishing, and float fishing and are more cost-effective than baitcasting reels. However, they reach their limits when fishing for large deep-sea fish due to lower drag force and smaller line capacity.

Therefore, more robust baitcasting reels are typically used for fishing very large sea fish. Spinning reels are well-suited for most freshwater fishing methods and saltwater fishing for small to medium-sized fish.

In most fishing methods, a spinning reel is used. Spinning reels are light in weight and easy to operate. They are suitable for bottom fishing, spin fishing, and float fishing. Additionally, they are generally cheaper than comparable baitcasting reels. Only when fishing for very large fish do spinning reels quickly reach their limits.

If you have ever watched a show about deep-sea fishing for tuna, swordfish, and other powerful sea fish, you will have noticed that trolling for these fish mostly uses baitcasting reels.

This is because spinning reels, by design, have a weaker drag compared to baitcasting reels. Another reason is that spinning reels hold less line than baitcasting reels. For example, if you use a spinning reel with insufficient drag power and line capacity when fishing for large tuna, a big tuna will most likely pull all your line off the reel in a short time.

So, spinning reels have the following advantages and disadvantages:

If you want to use your fishing reel for bottom fishing, float fishing, or spin fishing in freshwater, a spinning reel is the right choice. You can also use spinning reels for sea fishing, as long as you are not targeting very strong and very large sea fish.

 

Baitcasting Reels

Baitcasting reels are the best choice for fishing for very large and powerful sea fish. They have a higher line capacity and stronger drag force than spinning reels. They allow for effective responses to rapid runs from large fish.

Despite their advantages, they are heavier, more complex to handle, and more expensive compared to spinning reels.

Baitcasting reels are especially the top choice when fishing for powerful sea fish. Due to their particular design, they typically hold 200 to 500 meters of very strong line.

Another advantage is that baitcasting reels have a higher drag force due to their particularly large, side-mounted brake discs. This makes them ideal for responding to the rapid runs of powerful sea fish.

Baitcasting reels are significantly heavier than spinning reels and somewhat more difficult to operate. Additionally, they are usually more expensive than comparable spinning reels.

Below is a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of baitcasting reels:

If you’re looking for a fishing reel for catching large sea fish, a baitcasting reel is the best choice.

 

Fly Reels

For fly fishing, lightweight fly reels are required. Fly reels are exclusively suitable for this fishing method and are used for line storage.

When fly fishing, the rod is held in the hand the entire time. Therefore, it is particularly important that both the fly rod and the fly reel are especially lightweight. Fly reels are often made of plastic, magnesium, or aluminum and usually weigh less than 100 grams. Their main function is the orderly storage of the line.

There is a small handle on the edge of the fly reel for reeling in the line. Due to their special construction, fly reels are not suitable for other fishing methods.

Here is a summary of all the advantages and disadvantages of fly reels:

For fly fishing, a fly reel is the best choice.

 

Buying Fishing Reels: Questions You Should Consider Before Purchasing

 

Advantages of Fishing Reels Compared to Other Tools for Retrieving Line

With a fishing reel, you can better control fish and have more security when catching large fish. Additionally, the fishing reel enables long casts and ensures orderly storage of the fishing line.

A fishing reel offers you many advantages that you don’t have when fishing without one.

Imagine you are fishing with a pole rod. When fishing with a pole rod, there is no fishing reel, and the fishing line is attached directly to the tip of the rod. If a large fish bites, you have little room to give line and control the fish.

A fishing reel has a drag system that you can adjust optimally. This allows you to slowly weaken the fish by letting out the line in a controlled manner.

Another advantage of a fishing reel derives from the same example. When pole fishing without a reel, the length of the line is usually the same length or slightly shorter than the rod. Therefore, you cannot make long casts and can only place your setup close to the tip of the rod.

With a fishing reel, you can cast long distances, and casts over 100 meters are possible.

What if you were to use a simple hand line with a winding board for fishing? Such hand lines are often used in Mediterranean countries for boat fishing. With this method, after a bite, the retrieved line is loosely placed in the boat by hand.

It becomes problematic in windy weather because the pile of line can easily get tangled, forming an unresolvable mess.

A fishing reel also offers you the advantage of keeping the fishing line always neatly coiled on the reel.

If you were to hold the fishing line in your hand while fishing, it could cut into your finger if a large fish bites. This can’t happen when fishing with a reel because the bite is absorbed by the rod’s flexibility and the reel’s drag system.

When fishing with a reel, you have the following advantages:

 

How much does a fishing reel cost?

The price of a fishing reel depends on its craftsmanship and features. Fishing reels range from 10 to 4000 dollars. We differentiate between the categories of “affordable beginner fishing reels,” “high-quality fishing reels from reputable manufacturers,” and “professional high-end fishing reels.”

Fishing Reel Price Categories	Price Range
Affordable Beginner Fishing Reels	10-50 dollars
High-quality Fishing Reels from reputable manufacturers	50-300 dollars
Professional High-end Fishing Reels	300-4000 dollars

Like many other products, fishing reels are available in different price categories.

Affordable beginner fishing reels can be found for a price of 10-50 dollars.

High-quality fishing reels from reputable manufacturers cost between 50 and 300 dollars. They often have many ball bearings, making them particularly smooth.

Professional high-end fishing reels cost between 300 and 4000 dollars. High-end fishing reels have an especially large number of ball bearings, making them very smooth. In this category, you can also find reels with special technical features, such as digital displays and a motor for retrieving the line.

Additionally, high-end fishing reels are made from exceptionally lightweight and highly durable materials. With an especially lightweight reel, you can accelerate the rod even faster during the cast, achieving greater casting distance.

Highly durable materials and gears ensure that high-end fishing reels can withstand the significant stresses of big game fishing without any issues.

We recommend that you exclusively purchase high-quality fishing reels from reputable manufacturers. Well-known fishing reel manufacturers have extensive experience in producing reels and incorporate the practical experiences of professional anglers into the development of their products.

With such a well-tested fishing reel, you have the assurance that you are buying a reliable product, allowing you to enjoy your fishing day without worry.

 

How does fishing with a fishing reel work?

Fishing with a fishing reel is very easy. To cast, you first open the bail arm. Turn the handle to retrieve the fishing line. You adjust the drag resistance by turning the drag knob.

When fishing with a fishing reel, you need to make sure to open the bail arm before casting to release the line. You do this by simply flipping it up.

At the same time, press the line against the rod with the index finger of your casting hand. This prevents your rig from falling to the ground.

After casting, you can close the bail arm with a short turn of the handle. Retrieving the fishing line is also done by turning the handle.

Another important aspect is properly setting the drag of the fishing reel. It’s best to set the drag correctly before your first cast. This ensures that the line won’t be broken by a fleeing big fish.

The correct adjustment of the drag resistance requires some experience. With the bail arm closed, pull the line with gradually increasing force. If the drag doesn’t give way, it is set too tight, and you can loosen it slightly by turning the drag knob.

If the drag gives way when you pull the line again, you have already found the correct coarse setting. Now, fine-tune the drag, and if in doubt, set it a bit lighter.

 

Where can you buy a fishing reel?

You can buy fishing reels at local tackle shops or online fishing stores. Some supermarket chains, such as Walmart, also offer fishing reels in their assortment.

Our research has shown that most fishing reels are sold by the following providers:

• FishUSA
• Discount Tackle
• Okuma Fishing Tackle USA
• Amazon.com*
• TackleDirect
• Bass Pro Shops
• American Legacy Fishing
• PENN Fishing
• Tackle Warehouse

So that you can conveniently purchase your desired fishing reel if you like it, we have provided all the fishing reels we reviewed with a link to at least one of these retailers.

 

Is it possible to rent a fishing reel?

Numerous providers offer fishing equipment rentals, with Reel Play Fishing Rentals in Florida being one of the most well-known, specializing in saltwater fishing gear.

Renting is particularly useful for big game fishing on the high seas, as it requires specialized equipment that many anglers may not own or wish to purchase.

There are numerous providers where you can rent fishing equipment. One of the most well-known providers is Reel Play Fishing Rentals in Florida. This company rents out fishing equipment for saltwater fishing.

Especially for big game fishing on the high seas, specialized equipment is often needed that not every angler has at home or wants to buy. In such cases, it makes sense to rent the necessary equipment.

Fishing Reel Comparison: You can evaluate fishing reels based on these characteristics

The spinning reel is the most commonly used type of fishing reel. Therefore, we will list some features that you can use to evaluate spinning reels as well as other types of fishing reels.

In the following section, we will show you which criteria are important when purchasing a fishing reel. This will make it easier for you to find the right reel for you.

Here are the characteristics you should consider when acquiring a spinning reel:

• Type

• Number of ball bearings

• Gear ratio

• Line capacity

• Type of drag

• Material

• Weight

• Saltwater resistance

• Freerunning function

Below, you will find a detailed explanation of all purchasing criteria. With these characteristics, you can compare different fishing reels and buy the right one.

Type

The three types of fishing reels—spinning reels, baitcasting reels, and fly reels—differ in their construction. Additionally, there is a subdivision into the following five types of fishing reels, which are named according to their intended use:

• Allround Spinning Reels

• Baitrunner Reels / Carp Fishing Reels

• Spin Fishing Reels

• Saltwater Fishing Reels

• Surf Fishing Reels / Long Cast Reels

Click on an accordion to learn more about the specific features of the different types of fishing reels.

Technical Fishing Reel Comparison Criteria

When purchasing one of the fishing reel types mentioned above, you can be assured that the requirements for your preferred fishing method will be met. Additionally, we have outlined technical comparison criteria that you can use to assess and compare different fishing reel models.

The technical criteria listed below can be employed to compare various fishing reels. Which criterion is most important depends on your preferred fishing method.

For active fishing methods like spinning and float fishing, we recommend particularly lightweight fishing reels, so that fishing remains comfortable and fatigue-free even over extended periods.

 

Number of Ball Bearings

The more ball bearings a fishing reel has, the smoother and easier it will operate.

The number of ball bearings determines how smoothly a fishing reel runs. Reels with a higher number of ball bearings are easier to handle and operate more smoothly than models with fewer ball bearings. If in doubt, it’s better to choose a model with a higher number of ball bearings to ensure that your reel always operates smoothly.

 

Gear Ratio

The gear ratio of a fishing reel determines how much line is retrieved per turn of the handle. Modern reels typically have gear ratios ranging from 4:1 to 7:1, with higher values making line retrieval more efficient.

This is particularly advantageous for techniques like spinning and beach fishing, where long casts are required.

The gear ratio of a fishing reel can be compared to the gears of a bicycle. With a spinning reel that has a 4:1 ratio, you would retrieve four times the amount of line with one full turn of the handle compared to a model with a 1:1 ratio.

In practice, there are hardly any fishing reels with a simple gear ratio. Most modern models have gear ratios between 4:1 and 7:1. A high gear ratio makes it easier to retrieve line, as you need to turn the handle fewer times to spool the same amount of line.

Fishing reels with a high gear ratio are particularly useful in fishing methods where rigs are cast very far, such as spinning and beach casting. This is why good spinning reels and beach reels often have high gear ratios.

Line Capacity

Most fishing reels have a line capacity of 100 to 250 meters, depending on the thickness of the line. Thinner lines allow for more meters to be spooled onto the reel.

Specific techniques such as beach fishing and lure fishing for predatory fish require reels with sufficient capacity for long casts and maneuvering large fish.

For catching large species like carp and catfish, we recommend reels with at least 150 meters of capacity, while for beach fishing, where casts can exceed 150 meters, at least 200 meters is advantageous.

Most spools accommodate between 100 and 250 meters of line. The line capacity depends on the thickness of the line. When using a thicker line, the spool fills up faster, resulting in lower line capacity than when using a thinner line.

For example, if your spool indicates 150 m / 0.18 mm, it means the spool can hold 150 meters of 0.18 mm line.

Pay special attention to adequate line capacity when practicing fishing methods requiring long casts, such as beach fishing and lure fishing for predatory species.

When spinning, you not only need enough line to cast far but also an extra reserve to successfully stop the runs of large fish. Therefore, we recommend a line capacity of at least 100 meters for this fishing method.

For fishing for very large species like carp and catfish, you should have a fishing reel with a line capacity of at least 150 meters.

Beach fishing is a particularly specialized fishing method. Experienced casters can easily cast up to 150 meters with the right equipment. Therefore, for beach fishing, we recommend a spinning reel with a line capacity of at least 200 meters.

The specifications for line capacity refer to monofilament lines (simple, non-braided lines). If your fishing reel’s line capacity is insufficient, you can also use braided line, which is significantly thinner at the same breaking strength, allowing you to spool more of it.

Drag Force and Type of Drag

Front drag reels offer more drag force due to larger drag washers but can be slightly more challenging to operate. Rear drag reels are easier to access but have lower drag force.

A front drag is located at the front of the spool. Front drag reels have the advantage of larger drag washers, resulting in higher drag force. Some anglers find the operation of a front drag to be somewhat cumbersome, as it requires reaching around to the front of the spool with the free hand.

A rear drag is located at the back of the fishing reel. Due to this position, it is somewhat easier to operate than a front drag. However, rear drags have smaller drag washers and lower drag force compared to front drags.

Material

Fishing reels made from carbon fiber/graphite are popular due to their light weight and stability. They are particularly well-suited for methods where the rod is held for extended periods.

Aluminum reels are heavier than carbon fiber but offer even more strength. They are somewhat heavier and more expensive than graphite models.

Plastic reels are typically found in the beginner range. They are lightweight but not as durable as graphite reels. Some high-end fishing reels are made from particularly lightweight CI4+ or magnesium composites. This weight savings allows for longer casting distances.

As with fishing rods, carbon fiber is increasingly becoming the material of choice for fishing reels. Carbon fiber is extremely lightweight and very stable. A carbon fiber reel makes sense, especially when you are looking for a very lightweight spinning reel for fishing methods where the rod is held for extended periods.

Aluminum is slightly heavier than carbon fiber, but it is still a very lightweight metal. For this reason, it is also used in aircraft construction. Aluminum fishing reels are light and a bit sturdier than carbon fiber. They are somewhat more expensive and particularly favored by anglers who prefer a strong metal reel.

Plastic is generally only used in very low-cost fishing reels. While plastic spinning reels are lightweight, they are nowhere near as robust as models made from carbon fiber or aluminum. A plastic reel is the right choice for you if you want to spend very little money and are willing to accept lower durability and quality.

In the high-end fishing reel sector, specialized composite materials like CI4+ and magnesium compounds are occasionally used to make the reel exceptionally light while maintaining the same strength. With a very lightweight fishing reel, you can accelerate the rod more quickly when casting and achieve greater casting distances.

Weight

The weight of a fishing reel varies in importance depending on the fishing method. Lightweight reels are recommended for active fishing methods like float fishing and spinning. In these methods, the fishing rod with the reel is held for extended durations, and a quick response is needed when a bite occurs.

When beach or bottom fishing, where the rod is often placed in a rod holder, the weight of the reel is secondary.

Just like with fishing rods, the weight of fishing reels depends on the intended use, features, and material. Always keep in mind when purchasing a fishing reel that it will be attached to your rod, and you may hold both over long periods.

For instance, if you are using a very lightweight match rod or angler picker rod for float fishing for coarse fish, your fishing reel should also be very lightweight. After all, you’ll be holding both for hours and want to be able to respond quickly to bites.

Even when spinning, you should choose a spinning reel with a weight that you can comfortably carry with one hand for an extended period.

If you plan to use the fishing reel for beach fishing or bottom fishing, the weight is less crucial. In these fishing methods, you will lay the fishing rod with the reel on a rod holder after casting.

Saltwater Resistance

A saltwater-resistant fishing reel is significantly more resistant to saltwater than a freshwater reel. However, all fishing reels should be rinsed with freshwater after use in the ocean.

If you frequently fish in saltwater, you should opt for a saltwater-resistant fishing reel. Regardless of whether you use a freshwater reel or a sea reel, remember to rinse the spinning reel with freshwater at the end of each fishing day.

Even saltwater-resistant fishing reels do not always guarantee 100% protection against damage from aggressive saltwater. They are certainly much more resilient against saltwater and won’t be damaged as quickly if you occasionally forget to rinse them.

Baitrunner Function

The baitrunner function allows you to set your fishing reel so that a fish feels no resistance when pulling line. Additionally, this function prevents your rod from being pulled into the water when a large fish bites while bottom fishing.

Reels without a baitrunner function can be used similarly to baitrunner reels by fully opening the drag.

Fishing reels with a baitrunner function are also known as  reels and are mainly used in saltwater fishing and freshwater bottom fishing.

The baitrunner function can be adjusted to environmental conditions and gives you the advantage that the fish does not feel resistance when it swims away with the bait in its mouth. This is a significant benefit when fishing for particularly cautious fish, such as carp.

Moreover, this function prevents your fishing rod from being pulled into the water when a large fish bites while bottom fishing. The rod remains in the rod holder, and you recognize a bite when line is pulled from the spool.

If a fishing reel does not have a baitrunner function, you can use a trick to operate it similarly to a baitrunner reel: simply release the drag completely, allowing the fish to feel minimal resistance when it bites. When a fish bites, you can quickly tighten the drag and reel it in as usual.

Fishing Reel Manufacturers: An Overview of Popular Companies and Some of Their Products

In the following overview, you will see well-known fishing reel manufacturers along with some of their products.

Below, you will find a list of well-known fishing reel manufacturers along with some of their products. Click on an accordion to learn more about each manufacturer and their products.

You can view additional details about the products, including their strengths, weaknesses, and buyer reviews, by clicking the ‘Details’ button. By clicking ‘Go to Offer,’ you will be taken directly to a retailer.

Fishing Reel Trivia: Interesting Facts

 

How can I properly spool my fishing reel?

To spool your fishing reel correctly, it’s best to use a fishing rod and thread the line through the first guide ring. The spool with the fishing line should be placed in a bucket of water during spooling.

If you want to spool your fishing reel properly, you need to make sure that the fishing line is spooled without twists. Here’s how you do it best:

1. The fishing reel must already be attached to the fishing rod using the rod holder.

2. Thread the end of the line through the first guide ring on your fishing rod and connect the fishing line to the spool of your fishing reel using a loop knot.

3. Place the spool with the fishing line in a bucket of water.

4. Spool the line with resistance. To prevent burning your fingers, press the line lightly against the fishing rod with a towel while spooling.

5. You should only spool as much line as needed to leave about 0.5 cm (0.2 inches) of space from the edge of the spool. This prevents the line from jumping off the spool edge.

In the following video, you can see how to properly spool a fishing reel:

 

 

What fishing reel can I use for spinning?

For spin fishing, use a fishing reel with a gear ratio of at least 5:1 and a line capacity of at least 100 meters.

In the previous section, we already explained why it is so important that your fishing reel used for spin fishing holds at least 100 meters of fishing line.

Another important criterion is the gear ratio of your fishing reel. For spin fishing, we recommend fishing reels with a minimum gear ratio of 5:1. This is important so that you can vary the speed of your spinnerbait effectively and are not overly occupied with retrieving the line.

Fly reels and other fishing reels with too low a gear ratio are not as well-suited for spin fishing.

 

How is a fishing reel constructed and how can I clean my fishing reel?

A fishing reel (fixed spool reel) is composed of the following main parts:

• Reel foot

• Reel stem

• Handle with knob

• Anti-reverse

• Spool

• Line roller

• Drag

• Bail arm

• Ball bearings and gears (not visible from the outside)

The best way to clean your fishing reel is to rinse it with freshwater after use. The bail arm spring and the line roller can be lightly oiled with an appropriate oil.

All fixed spool reels fundamentally consist of the parts mentioned above.

The biggest differences between various models of fixed spool reels are in the number of ball bearings, the type and design of the drag system, and the construction of the gears.

Even after use in saltwater, a simple rinse with freshwater is usually sufficient to clean the fishing reel. Cleaning and oiling the gears and ball bearings requires a bit more skill.

For oiling, only the oil from the respective manufacturer should be used. Alternatively, you can use other oils at your own risk, provided they possess suitable properties.

In this video by ReelCleanServices, you can see what to consider when cleaning and maintaining fishing reels: