Casting reels offer a range of emotions and reactions for much of the angling community. Some anglers only want to use baitcasting reels to fish heavier lines more effectively, while other folks won’t branch out from spinning reels. Personally, I’ve noticed many dedicated bass anglers who were baitcaster-only now using finesse spin gear too. Oppositely, spin anglers — maybe new to fishing or previously saltwater only — are starting to fall in love with baitcasters.
Baitcasting reel offers several advantages and can make your fishing more efficient. I fell in love with baitcasters at a young age while fishing off a friend’s boat. We were fishing this stretch of shoreline alone a spring fed river that was absolutely choked with weeds. I pitched a jig through the green carpet and pulled bass after bass out of the cover just a few feet from the boat. It was world-changing for me.
Wired2fish has spent a lot of time reviewing the best baitcasting reels available today. The reel market has seen some expansion in terms of the number of manufacturers, as well as updates on the most popular lines. Unfortunately as new introductions come in, a lot of what were the best reels become discontinued, so we review as many reels as we can year after year. And we try to make sure to highlight current reels you can easily find at different retailers.
Here is a quick run down of our extensive list of options.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall Reel – Lew’s Speed Spool RX – Buy from Bass Pro Shops
- Best Power Reel – Shimano TranX – Buy from Bass Pro Shops
- Best Cast Control Reel – Abu Garcia Revo SX VoltIQ – Buy from Tackle Warehouse
- Best Finesse Reel – Okuma Hakai DT – Buy from Tackle Warehouse
- Best Pitching Reel – Shimano Metanium – Buy from Bass Pro Shops
- Best Saltwater Reel – Daiwa Coastal – Buy from Bass Pro Shops
- Best Swimbait Reel – Abu Garcia Beast – Buy from Tackle Warehouse
- Best Newcomer Reel – Penn Fathom – Buy from Bass Pro Shops
- Best Inshore Reel – Abu Garcia Revo Inshore – Buy from Bass Pro Shops
- Most Affordable Reel – Shimano SLX – Buy from Bass Pro Shops
- Best Bait Finesse Reel — Bates Hundo LTS – Buy from Tackle Warehouse
Best Baitcaster Overall
Lew’s Speed Spool RX
What you need to know about the Lew’s Speed Spool RX is its ParaMag RX braking system, frictionless magnetic tech to maximize casting distance and minimize backlashes. It really shines, as I’ve thrown this reel with both fluorocarbon and braid without issues. And let’s just say, I can go through spurts when I’ll commit a string of “professional overruns.” I’ve been using the Speed Spool RX a bunch to cast chatterbaits and swim jigs on local small lakes. These areas can be pretty weedy so I have to pick and choose the lanes to make my casts. But the results are evident, with me averaging good numbers of fish, even if they aren’t too big.
The Speed Spool RX reel is built with a one-piece aluminum frame with graphite sideplates, weighing just 6.8 ounces. And the components are reliable with hard-anodized aluminum gears, 8 stainless-steel bearings, and carbon fiber drag. One thing I liked about the arbor of the reel was a unique Knot Slot which makes it easy to attach your line when re-spooling.
I feel like just about everyone has a couple Lew’s reels they use regularly, because they’re affordable and reliable. Almost like the Toyota Hilux of freshwater bass fishing. This is definitely one to have in your arsenal; mine’s paired with a Lew’s LFS series 7-4 medium-heavy, moderate-fast-action stick.
Check out our complete review of the Lew’s Speed Spool RX baitcaster.
Best Power Reel
Shimano TranX
I first fished with a Shimano TranX on a long-range trip out of San Diego in the 2010s. The Shimano TranX models didn’t just drop all at once; the first iteration was heavy-duty saltwater models that I used to catch yellowtail, mahi and wahoo. Over the years, Shimano scaled it down to inshore and freshwater models too. Most recently, I’ve used the 200XG, but also have a 300HG and 150XG in my lineup.
It definitely doesn’t lose that heavy-duty feel. The 200XG is also a speedster, with a gear ratio of 8.1:1, handling roughly 35 inches of line per crank, making it ideal for burning topwaters, ripping jerkbaits, or quickly picking up slack when a fish charges the boat. I have been using it to cast topwater baits like spooks, ploppers and even buzzbaits. The reel still has its tried-and-true Hagane Body and CoreProtect water resistance, so it holds up to the brine and marsh. If trophy bass is on your mind, this reel can definitely handle it. Personally, I have trophy bass on my mind often, I just wish they would get with the program and cooperate with my plans. Big bass have a way of leaving me with plenty of heartbreak.
Check out our complete review of the Shimano TranX 300 B.
Best Cast Control Reel
Abu Garcia Revo SX VoltIQ
The Abu Garcia Revo SX VoltIQ marks a major technological leap for the brand with its first entry into the digital cast-control market. The new model is based on the popular Revo SX platform and integrates a self-powered electronic braking system.
Unlike its Revo predecessors, the VoltIQ utilizes a waterproof, battery-free electronic brain that monitors spool speed in real-time, making micro-adjustments during the cast to help eliminate backlashes and maximize distance. This system is housed in a X2-Craftic alloy frame and incorporates Abu Garcia’s EXD design. Added to the reel is a 10-setting digital dial for the angler to make precision changes.
This reel will flex its capabilities when casting light weight or weightless baits a long ways, like throwing a weightless fluke a mile for northern smallmouth. Likely almost any scenario when getting the bait a long distance away from the boat is important. It will also standout in heavy winds where big baits and baits that can be caught by the wind are difficult to cast; A-rigs, big glidebaits, and Carolina rigs immediately come to mind. – Nick Dumke
Best Finesse Reel
Okuma Hakai DT
The Okuma Hakai was released a couple years ago but it’s one of the lightest reels we’ve tested at just 5.9 ounces. It has a magnesium alloy frame at a reasonable price point which is very rare for baitcast reels. It features a SUS FLITE SHAFT and FLITE-SPOOL that is at the crux of it’s lightweight and smooth effortless casting. In fact, we had to spend a minute getting the reel dialed in properly because it is one of the freest casting reels we’ve tested. So if you have a very trained thumb, this will probably give you the best casting distance. But if you don’t you will want to spend the time over tension and braking and backing off slightly each cast to dial it in properly.
The Shaft is unique in that it has bearings at the end of each end of the spool shaft, which is how they are able to achieve such free casting. It’s a 6BB reel that holds 100 yards of 14-pound fluoro and offers a whopping 20 pounds of drag.
Best Pitching Reel
Shimano Metanium
The Shimano Metanium DC A casting reel represents the lightest digitally-controlled reel to date. Beyond its light weight, it’s performance is very impressive. I have run the gamut with this reel, fishing weightless senkos on light line and casting big 3/4 ounce spinnerbaits. It has the guts to handle much larger lures but it’s sweet spot seems to favor the lighter baits I think. Even spooled with hold heavy-duty line, it casts super smoothly with it’s fifth generation DC braking system. But the reel’s ability to cast super light baits on light line in windy conditions is where it sets itself apart from most other reels on the market. I’ve used it pitching and skipping weightless worms and soft jerkbaits and swimbaits around cover with incredible ease and precision.
The reduced startup inertia of the third generation MGL Spool technology gives you effortless casting with the flick of a wrist and buttery smooth retrieves that help you feel everything the lure is doing with no friction. It’s an impressive feat of reel making in my honest opinion. It holds 110 yards of 10 pound line, has 10 ball bearings plus roller bearing, and weighs just barely 6 ounces. It comes in both right and left hand models in 7.1 and 8.1:1 gear ratios. It’s on the upper end of most budgets.
Best Saltwater Reel
Daiwa Coastal
Casting the Daiwa Coastal 150 SV TW is a light-tackle blast. The latest version of the Coastal is a Texas and Louisiana seatrout slayer, with a max of just 11 pounds. That seems a bit light, but I haven’t had any problems when casting and battling fish with 20-pound braid. In fact, I’m often using lightweight soft plastics and this reel launches them plenty far. It’s a relatively small reel that fits in your hand easily, but still has a deep enough spool to offer enough line capacity.
The reel comes straight out of the box with the spool tension knob set, but if you really like to dial in your reel and tinker with the knob, it’s in a tight spot near the star drag. I have a bit of trouble getting my chubby fingers into the tight spot.
The reel has Daiwa’s T-Wing System, aluminum frame and side plate, and a Zaion star drag made from “high density carbon-strain” material, according to Daiwa. Specs aside, what I noticed with the drag system was its smooth operation. There’s no jerkiness, or what some in the biz might call “startup inertia,” that plagues other reels with too tight of a drag too early in the fight. In fact, this drag almost takes a quarter-second to kick in, definitely able to slam on the brakes but not too quickly. And the way this plays out is when a fish shakes its head or surges boat side, there’s a slight give to prevent it from breaking free late in the game. That comes in handy when a big redfish or trout is fighting for its life.
Best Swimbait Reel
Abu Garcia Beast
You’ll never guess what Abu Garcia’s intentions were with its new line of Beast casting reels. Actually, you might have guessed it quite easily — it’s to over-power any brutes you hook into. Quite literally, go beast mode with it. The new low-profile casting reels — available in 200, 300, and 400 sizes — handle swimbaits, A-Rigs, even giant muskie baits.
I fished Abu Garcia Beast casting gear over the last few months, mostly in Florida’s fresh waters. The casting setup we tested was a Beast 300 Low Profile Reel paired to a 7-foot, 9-inch Beast Casting Rod (Heavy Fast). The cranking power and smooth casts were obvious as I launched swimbaits into deep holes in different sections of the St. Johns River. Big bass were the target, but I wouldn’t have turned down a lost striped bass or tarpon. I also had to try flipping some creature baits into the water-hyacinth and lilly pads that crowded a nearby shoreline. I didn’t catch any monsters, but I was able to catch a few bass that pulled from their hidey holes rather easily.
With enough power in the low-profile reel to ponder taking it bull redfishing, I realized why Abu Garcia called it their Beast series. Each baitcasting reel is constructed with a durable X2-Craftic aluminum frame. They are equipped with an oversized, double-bowed aluminum handle featuring power knobs, GullWing sideplates, and plenty of cranking power.
Check out our complete review of the Abu Garcia Beast rods and reels.
Best Newcomer Baitcasting Reel
Penn Fathom Low Profile
When you think of baitcasters, PENN is not the first brand that comes to mind, but the company introduced new options a couple years ago. For as long as the brand’s been around, they’re actually a relative newcomer to the world of low-profile baitcasters. The PENN Fathom Low Profile casting reel is definitely saltwater tough. I’ve fished it hard for the last year; honestly, I wouldn’t expect anything less from the company.
Built with a full metal body and beefy brass gears, it’s designed to provide cranking power and a sturdy feel when locked into a tug-of-war. The Fathom actually has 30 pounds of drag on the 300 and 400 sizes, but I mostly used the 200 size with 24 pounds. When I pick up the Fathom, I’m casting swimbaits or jig-and-soft plastics. That’s where the reel shines, launching heavy lures into a headwind without fear of a bird’s nest.
It’s not the lightest reel on the shelf, but I do like the feel of it in my hands with the oversize gearing on the right side, reminding me a bit of PENN’s slow-pitch reels. I’ve used a model with 6.6:1 gear ratio, capable of a moderate 27 inches per turn. Steady retrieves feel very smooth when reeling in lures, and fighting bass to the boat quickly is mechanically strong like a winch.
Best Inshore Reel
Abu Garcia Revo Inshore
I can’t help but feel the Abu Revo Inshore baitcaster was made for all Gulf Coast anglers who target redfish, seatrout and flounder. The Abu Garcia Revo Inshore is engineered for the harsh saltwater environment and stronger fighting fish, whereas standard Revo models (like the X, SX, or STX) are optimized for freshwater bass fishing.
The key differences lie in corrosion resistance, line capacity, and additional stopping power. The Revo Inshore has large EVA knobs, a Duragear Gen II gear system, corrosion-resistant bearings, X2-Craftic alloy frame, and a Power Stack Carbon Matrix Drag System. I’m not going to lie, I love the oversized knobs on the reel even when bass fishing.
I use the Revo Inshore, paired with a Fenwick Elite rod, when fishing the marsh and flats. You can cast weedless jerkbaits over the grass, work topwaters near oyster beds, or even pop artificial shrimp along the bottom paired with a jighead. At least, that’s how I’ve been successful. When it comes to the Revo, Abu Garcia continues to be successful with the many different models it has brought to market.
Most Affordable Baitcasting Reel
Shimano SLX XT A 150 Reel
The SLX line was designed with the everyday angler in mind. These reels were made for guys like high School, college and serious anglers who sometimes fish every single day but can’t afford to drop $400 on a reel. The SLX XT A 150 brings more power capacity to their lineup at a super impressive price point. If you’re going to have a deck full of the same reel on a budget, this is arguably the most solid choice. Which is why we call it a workhorse reel.
The SLX XT A 150 features SilentTune technology to achieve near-noiseless and an overall smoother reeling experience. It also shares the SVS Infinity Braking System to give you good cast control for various lures. The lightweight, rigid-metal aluminum HAGANE Body provides an ultra-rigid platform for solid hooksets and uniform power. So you are going to have a lot of bang for your buck with this reel. It holds 90 yards of 14 pound line, has a 12-pound drag, comes in 6.3, 7.2 and 8.2 gear ratios in both left and right hand options and takes 25 to 32 inches of line per handle turn depending on gearing.
Read our full Shimano SLX XT A review here.
Best Bait Finesse Reel
Bates Hundo LTS
We are big fans of Bates reels. Their milled solid block aluminum frames make their reels some of the lightest yet most solid reels we’ve ever fished. Recently they introduced their first true BFS reel after many guys were using the Hundo 100 to cast light lures easily. The Hundo LTS is a flagship BFS reel comparable to Conquest and Gekkabijin level BFS reels in the market place. I regularly fish 1/16 ounce lures with the Hundo LTS with no issues. It casts effortlessly, has an ultra smooth clicker drag and manages your line perfectly.
Wether you fish PE 0.6 line or straight 4 to 8-pound fluoro on these reels for your bait finesse fishing, you will be very impressed with the features of this reel. From the CNC precision cut 6061-T6 bar stock solid aluminum frame to the adjustable dual braking system and 13 ball bearing system, this will be one of the finest BFS reels you’ve put in your hand.
They only offer 8.5 pounds of drag but that’s pretty common on a BFS reel as you usually won’t fish anything heavier than 10 pound braid on them. But the 7.1:1 gear ratio takes up an impressive 28 inches of line per handle crank.
Comparing Baitcasting Reels
| Reel Name | Gear Ratio | Max Drag | Weight | Braid Capacity (lb/yds) | Reel Bearings |
| Lew’s Speed Spool RX | 5.6:1 to 8.3:1 | 20 lbs | 6.8 oz | 30/120 | 7+1 |
| Shimano TranX 200 | 6.2:1 to 8.5:1 | 13 lbs | 8.5 oz | 30/190 | 3+1 |
| Abu Garcia Revo SX VoltIQ | 6.7:1 to 7.3:1 | 25 lbs | 7.76 oz | 30/110 | 10 |
| Okuma Hakai DT | 6.2:1 to 8.1:1 | 20 lbs | 5.9 oz to 6 oz | 30/140 | 6+1 |
| Shimano Metanium | 6.2:1 to 8.1:1 | 11 lbs | 6.3 oz to 6.5 oz | 30/135 | 10+1 |
| Daiwa Coastal TW 200 | 7.3:1 | 13.2 lbs | 8.1 oz | 30/220 | 2+1 |
| Abu Garcia Revo Beast 300 | 5.8:1 to 7.5:1 | 25 lbs to 30 lbs | 9.5 oz | 30/235 | 8 |
| Penn Fathom 200 | 4.5:1 to 9.2:1 | 24 to 30 lbs | 8.1 oz | 30/235 | 7 |
| Abu Garcia Revo Inshore | 7.3:1 | 25 lbs | 8.5 oz | 30/175 | 5+1 |
| Shimano SLX XT | 6.3:1 to 8.2:1 | 11 lbs to 12 lbs | 7.2 oz | 30/135 | 4+1 |
| Bates Hundo LTS | 6.3:1 to 7.1:1 | 8.5 lbs | 5.0 oz | 12/100 | 10+2+1 |
How to Choose the Best Baitcasting Reels
When you’re making a decision before finally buying a baitcaster, we believe it’s especially important to consider the following factors:
Smoothness of retrieve: Assuming you’re not buying online, the first thing you’ll do is crank the handle and consider its smoothness and feel. You’ll find some of the lesser reels to feel or sound like a coffee grinder at times and obviously, those are the ones you’ll want to avoid. We look for butter-smooth and silent operation throughout the entire retrieve, even when the reel is under a load and fighting a fish. This represents tight tolerances and high-quality components which, in turn, will result in maximum longevity and a bigger return on your investment.
Castability: Obviously this is nearly impossible to test in a store but don’t worry—that’s why we tested the new baitcasters for you. We look for both distance and accuracy when testing the castability of a new baitcaster. Some may skip a jig really well but not throw a lightweight crankbait well, so again, it’s important to consider your preferred application before making your final purchase. We have considered all of that in this piece for your convenience.
Comfort: This is an often-overlooked quality when it comes to baitcasters. Some folks like the ultra low-profile reels as that seems to be the trend these days and others like the beefier, more classic-style frames as it gives them more to grip throughout both the retrieve and fight.
Frame durability: This has become a really big deal in the past five or six years. With such an emphasis on weightlessness among manufacturers, frame durability has largely been ignored. A reel can be as light as a feather but it doesn’t matter if you accidentally step on it in the boat and it cracks. It’s incredibly important to have a frame that can stand up to the rigors of hardcore bass fishing.
Price: This might be the most obvious factor to consider but it’s still worth mentioning. If you’re new to fishing or even baitcasters, there’s no need to spend hundreds of dollars on a high-end baitcaster. In that situation, you’ll be better off spending $100 on an introductory-level reel until you get totally comfortable with the concept. If you’re a big-time baitcaster guy, however, you may prefer saving your money for a few extra weeks in order to buy that big-ticket baitcaster.
Best Brands
- Lews: Lew’s began manufacturing reels in 1973 with the launch of the revolutionary BB1 Speed Spool and is currently headquartered in Springfield, Missouri.
- Okuma: Okuma Fishing Tackle was established in 1986 and the US headquarters is located in Ontario, California.
- Abu Garcia: Abu Garcia first began manufacturing fishing reels in 1941 and is currently headquartered in Columbia, South Carolina.
- Shimano: Shimano first began manufacturing fishing reels in 1971 and is currently headquartered in the United States in Ladson, South Carolina.
- Daiwa: Daiwa first began manufacturing fishing reels in 1955 and is currently headquartered in the United States in Foothill Ranch, California.
- Penn: Penn first began manufacturing fishing reels in 1932 and is currently headquartered in Columbia, South Carolina, as a brand under Pure Fishing.
- Spro: Spro first began manufacturing fishing reels in 1994 and is currently headquartered in the United States in Kennesaw, Georgia.
- 13 Fishing: 13 Fishing first began manufacturing fishing reels in 2013 and is currently headquartered in the United States in Clearwater, Florida.
- KastKing: KastKing first began manufacturing fishing reels in 2014 and is currently headquartered in the United States in Lewisville, Texas.
- SEVIIN: SEVIIN Reels first began manufacturing reels in 2023 and is currently headquartered in the United States in Park Falls, Wisconsin.
- Bates: Bates Fishing Co. first began manufacturing fishing reels in 2020 and is currently headquartered in Irving, Texas.
- ARK: ARK Fishing first began manufacturing fishing reels in 2022 and is currently headquartered in the United States in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
How We Tested
At Wired2fish, I have to say I’m in a pretty unique position. I have my hands on many different rods and reels, including plenty of baitcasters. I’m able to test these baitcasting reels on the water in real-world situations that every-day anglers experience. When testing, I’m listening to that subtle hum of the bearings during the cast, feeling the performance of a carbon fiber drag system under load, and evaluating how a 6.2:1 gear ratio actually translates to working a bait and fighting a fish. By combining the fishy experiences of a seasoned angler with the stubborn opinions of a millennial, I offer field-tested data bridged with reel specs paired to real-world applications on the water. Our baitcaster guide is here to help you find the baitcasting reel that works best for your styles of fishing.
