The best baitcaster reels for you will depend on the amount of use, casting ability, and price. The price is often the primary concern among anglers. That is a problem since cheap reels lack the quality and feature you likely need in a reel.
The cheap reels lead to underperformance. Especially when casting results in shorter casts or backlashes. There is good news since a variety of reels will fit your needs and budget.
That said, a budget model starts at $100. Since reels under that price tend to be problematic with casting and will not be the best.
The key features of baitcaster reels are the frame, spool, bearings, and cast control. A handle can be changed to the one you like easily but not the core parts. A one-piece frame is by far the best since multi-piece frames can twist or have screws come loose.
The spool design has to work with the cast control and bearings for an effortless cast. The bearings are extremely important. Quality is more of a factor than how many but usually more bearings are better.
The cast controls have improved greatly since I started fishing. The centrifugal brakes work better at reducing backlashes than the magnetic controls. As a result, the best reels have a combination or specialized style of centrifugal braking with a few exceptions.
In other words, a reel with a basic magnetic cast control is going to have more backlashes. Yet, many modern reels perform well with only magnetic brakes. A few reels use advanced technology in the braking systems. Shimano and Daiwa lead in advanced magnetic braking.
The better the brakes will increase the cost. Reels under 100 dollars generally have poor or no braking. You will regret saving a few bucks if you buy a reel with a poor cast control system.
Best Baitcaster Reels $200-$300
The reels in this price range are of good quality, almost as good as the previously mentioned reels. They will have fewer bearings and some differences in the frame or spool design. These reels use aluminum instead of magnesium and titanium in the frame or spool.
The average angler will consider this an excellent reel. You will get better casts and smoother performance all-around compared to the lower-cost reels. These are the 4-star reels for bass fishing.
Shimano CURADO DC
- Magnesium Frame
- I-DC4 Computerized Cast Control
- Bearings; 6BB + 1RB
- Ratios; 6.2 to 1, 7.4 to 1, 8.5 to 1
- Mono Capacity; 10/120, 12/110, 14/90
- Braid Capacity; 20/150, 30/135, 40/105
- Drag; 11 lbs.
This reel has all the features of higher-priced reels. It does, however, have fewer bearings. The number or quality of the bearings changes with price. Shimano has reduced the amount of bearing to lower costs. The number of bearings is still more than adequate.
This reel has three gear ratios for different fishing applications. The 6.2:1 is a good all-around choice and the others are for anglers with a need for speed. In other words, you need to consider the ratio and match it to your style of fishing. The 11-pound drag is close to the industry average of 12 and not an issue.
The magnesium used in the frame is lighter than other materials. The material is also sturdier than aluminum or graphite. This results in less twisting and other movements when casting or reeling in large fish. A weak frame will cause problems with a baitcasting reel.
Shimano has stayed with the digital cast control on the model. As with the Metanium, you do have to set the control internally for the line type. You also need to adjust the setting on the outside for basic fine-tuning. Their claim is the control system monitors the cast 1000 times a second. However it works, this greatly reduces backlashes and as a result, increases the distance.
Lew’s Lite SLP Speed Spool
- Bearings; 10BB + 1 RB
- Drag 20 lbs.
- Gear Ratio; 7.5 to 1
- Line Capacity; Mono 90/12
- Externally adjustable 6-pin Adjustable Centrifugal Braking system
- Tanso Tech Frame;
The reel is one of the lightest available at 4.9 ounces. Lew’s does use graphite for frames on a few reels. The Tanso tech is likely a graphite frame to achieve the low weight of the reel. Graphite is a rigid compound yet very lightweight. The difference between graphite and aluminum frames is graphite or magnesium will crack. While aluminum bends under extreme pressure. Fishing is below the pressure limit so do not worry.
Lews for some reason does not offer options in ratios like other manufacturers. The ratio is fine but a choice in a lower ratio would be nice in a baitcasting reel. Where Lew’s shine is with bearings since they do not limit the number of bearings on their reels. This reel comes with 11 bearings more than enough in a bass reel.
A 20-pound drag is more than enough for most freshwater fish. The majority of musky reels come with drags of around 20 pounds. The line capacity is a little lower on this reel compared to other reels. The 90 yards of 12-pound test mono is more than you need for lure fishing. Using a braided line will get a few more yards in case you need more.
Abu Garcia Revo IKE
- X2-Craftic Frame; ( Aluminum alloy )
- Bearings; 10 SS BB + 1RB
- Gear Ratio; 6.6 to 1 or 8.0 to 1
- IVCB-6L braking system ( cast control )
- Drag 24 lbs
- Line Capacity; Mono 145/12
- Line Capacity; Braid 140/30
Let me start by saying, you cannot compare Abu Garcia’s better reels with the black or silver max. The better reels they produce are some of the best. What you pay for is true with baitcaster reels. This reel is one of the best at the price.
The aluminum frame coupled with 11 bearings makes this a solid reel. The bearings in reels define the quality. Abu Garcia has more than enough in this reel. The “Ike” performs well casting and is smooth. Almost all the reviews rave about the casting distance. The cast control is part of the casting distance.
The reel comes with the IVBC-6 cast control system. This is a centrifugal braking system with six adjustable pins. A six-pin system allows for more variations to the setting of cast control. You can have all 6 working or use none of the pins. The pins can be locked out of use. The angler’s experience will dictate how many pins are used.
The drag exceeds what is needed for bass fishing. The line capacity is one of the highest available on a bass reel. If you need a lot of line, this reel delivers. The gear ratios are in the standard ranges for baitcaster reels. You can choose the 6.6:1 overall or the 8.0:1 for fast applications. One of the models will serve your purpose.
Daiwa Tatula Elite 100
- Aluminum Frame and Side plate
- T-wing line guide
- Gear ratios; 6.3 to 1, 7.1 to 1, and 8.1 to 1
- Bearings 7BB + 1 RB
- Drag 11 lbs.
- Line capacity; Mono 12/150, 14/125
- Line capacity; Braid 30/140, 40/110
- Magforce Cast control
A trait uncommon in many baitcaster reels is having all the ratios available in left or right-hand retrieve. The Daiwa Tatula Elite has filled this gap for anglers. All the ratios are available in left or right-handed models. The three ratios cover the range any angler will need in a reel.
The aluminum frame and gear side plates are to be expected at this price along with a weight of 6.7 ounces. The reels do have the improved mag force cast control offering better spool control during casting. The mag force cast control is specific to Daiwa reels and there are variations. This reel has one of the better versions.
The line capacity is higher than many reels for anglers that desire a lot of lines. The drag is the industry standard 11 pounds. The eight bearings will add to the longevity of the reel with proper maintenance. The reel also has the Daiwa T-wing guide reducing friction on the cast.
Best Budget Baitcaster Reels $100-$200
A budget baitcaster for bass fishing will be at least $100, if you cannot afford this much it would be better to buy a spinning reel instead. The cheap baitcaster reels will be a nightmare with poor casting and stiff reeling. A reel under $100 is a waste of money except for round reels for catfish.
That said, these offerings would be considered 3-star quality reels. They will lack a few features or have less quality in the materials, however, the reels do perform well for the average angler. An angler that is not pounding away several days a week will be served well by these reels.
Lew’s Custom Speed Spool Msb
- One-piece Aluminum Frame with Graphite Side plates
- Multi-Setting Brake dual cast control system
- Bearings; 9BB + 1RB
- Gear ratios; 6.8 to 1, 7.5 to 1, or 8.3 to 1
- Drag 14 lbs.
- Line capacity; 110/12
The reel has many features of higher-priced offerings. The aluminum frame with graphite side plates is nice on the reel. In addition, the three ratios fit any angler’s need for versatility. The drag and line capacity are close to industry standards also. There is one drawback to this reel although.
It has some plastic gears that become noisy with age. This is common in lower-priced reels and expected. This requires regular cleaning and maintenance for the reel. After extended use, the plastic gears will likely need to be replaced or you will have to buy a better reel. It is, however, a good entry-level reel for bass fishing.
SHIMANO SLX DC
- Magnesium Frame
- Bearings; 4BB + 1RB
- Gear ratios; 6.3 to 1, 7.2 to 1, 8.2 to 1
- Drag; 11-12 lbs., 6.3 to 1 ratio has 1 lb. more
- Line capacity; Mono 10/120, 12/110, 14/90
- Line capacity; Braid 20/150, 30/135, 40/105
- I-DC4 Cast Control
The magnesium frame is a nice surprise at the price, although the weight is a bit high at 7.6 ounces. The I-DC4 cast control will help reduce backlashes. A consideration for anglers buying their first baitcasting reel. The 3 ratios being available in left and right-handed models is a plus.
The five bearings are expected at a lower price. This reel compares close to the Curado in performance but has fewer bearings. This will affect the life of the reel eventually. Proper maintenance will help them last longer but if you want longevity then buy a reel with more bearings.
Abu Garcia Revo STX
- X2-Craftic; Aluminum alloy frame
- Aluminum; handle side plate and carbon palm plate
- IVCB-6L Cast control
- Drag; 24 lbs.
- Bearings; 10BB + 1RB
- Ratios; 6.6 to 1, 7.3 to 1, or 8.0 to 1
- Line capacity; Mono 175/10 145/12 100/15
- Line capacity; Braid 190/20 140/30 100/50
The larger line capacity and drag make this reel suitable for more than bass fishing. It is strong enough to handle pike and the occasional musky. If you fish for other species than bass this is a reel to consider. The majority of bass reels have far lower line capacities and drags.
You will seldom need the 24 pounds of drag, but the line capacity does add options. The shore angler can cast good distances without any concerns about having a shortage of line. If you feel more is needed; obtaining a larger line capacity will require a larger reel and is not necessary for most anglers.
The other features of the reel are comparable to the higher-priced reels. An aluminum frame and gear side plate are needed for heavier use this reel is designed for with the 11 bearings also. The IVCB-6L Cast control is standard on the better Abu Garcia reels. When you combine everything on this reel it is a good choice for a budget-priced reel.
13 Fishing Concept A
- Aluminum Frame
- Gear Ratios; 5.3 to 1, 6.6 to 1, 7.3 to 1, 8.1 to 1
- Bearings; 6BB + 1RB
- Drag; 22 lbs.
- Line Capacity; Mono 12/100
- 6-Way Centrifugal Braking System
The reel has more ratios than the other reels in the review. The 5.3:1 ratio is one few anglers will seek but is desirable for crankbaits. Crankbaits will run too erratic at high speeds or dig into the bottom excessively. A slower reel prevents these problems and feels more natural while retrieving. You do not have to focus on the speed of cranking the handle while fishing.
The other ratios fit into the other fishing techniques. One of the four ratios will suit your style of fishing. The bearings and line capacity are normal for a lower to mid-priced reel. The drag is more than you need for bass in the heaviest of cover. In other words, you will not have a problem pulling fish out of weeds or brush with the right line.
The rest of the reel appears to be well designed and built. The carbon gear side plate may be of concern to an angler rough on gear but will hold up for someone who takes care of their equipment. The 6 pin cast control will work well when set correctly. At a cost of around $150, you will not find anything better.
Best Baitcaster Reels Honorable Mentions
These are the reels that did not quite make the top categories. In other words, they are good reels that the others beat out with bearings, frame or spool construction, or overall quality. The reels in this section are good for an angler just starting out with a baitcaster reel for bass fishing.
These fall into the 3-star range for quality but lack a little in the performance compared to higher-rated reels. You will have shorter casts and the retrieve will not be as smooth. They will be good introductory models before spending $200 or more on a better reel.
I have talked about bearings, frames, and cast control enough that you should have an idea of what is needed in a good reel. The following reels are entry-level models that will get you started off on the right track. If you are new to baitcaster reels these will work fine and fit any budget.
Daiwa Tatula CT
- Aluminum Frame
- Bearings; 7BB + 1RB
- Ratios; 5.5 to 1, 6.3 to 1, 7.3 to 1, 8.1 to 1
- Drag 13 lbs.
- Mag Force Z Cast control
- Line capacity; Mono 14/120, 16/100
- Line capacity; 30/130, 40/100
- T-wing Guide
A reel with 4 ratios, 8 bearings, and good line capacity is great for a first baitcaster. The price in the low range will fit even a stingy budget. The cast control may not be on par with the $200+ reels but it is very good.
Lew’s Speed Spool LFS Series
- Aluminum Frame
- Graphite palm side plate
- Magnetic Cast Control
- Bearings; 9BB + 1RB
- Ratios; 5.6 to 1, 6.8 to 1, or 7.5 to 1
- Drag 15 lbs.
- Line Capacity; Mono 120/12
Lew’s has hit the low-price market with a good starter reel in the Speed Spool LFS model. The quality exceeds the price of this reel making it a wise choice for a beginner.
SHIMANO SLX
- Magnesium body
- Bearings; 3BB + 1RB
- Drag 11 lbs.
- Gear Ratios; 6.3 to 1, 7.2 to 1, or 8.2 to 1
- Line Capacity; Mono 10/120, 12/110, 14/90
- Line Capacity; Braid 20/150, 30/135, 40/105
Shimano has kept quality in all the components with a lower-priced offering with the LXS model. The number of bearings is fewer than higher-priced options. But it should be expected in a reel around $100. A beginner will be pleased with this reel until they decide to go for higher quality.
Best Baitcaster Reels Conclusions
A baitcaster reel should be considered an investment. These reels are designed for performance and quality is based on the frame, spool, bearings, and cast control. The manufacturers use fancy names for the parts but they are either metal or plastic. Do not be fooled by fancy words. Look at the features and what metals or plastics are used in key areas. That will define the quality and what is the best baitcaster reels for you. This article covers upgrading from low-cost reels.
John McIntyre