The Best Spinning Reels For Bass? We Review The Top 5.
Do you love bass fishing? Make sure you have the right spinning reel! Continue on to find the best bass fishing reels for you.
Do you love bass fishing? Make sure you have the right spinning reel.
Do you need to upgrade your spinning reel game? Continue on to find the best bass fishing reels for you.
Bass fishing is a lot of fun, and it can be really rewarding to catch a big fish. In order to make sure you have the best chance of success, you need to use the right equipment. That's why we wrote this article – to help you choose the best spinning reel for bass fishing.
There are a lot of reels on the market and the choices can be overwhelming, with things like gear ratio, if the drag systems have smooth drag, ball bearings, and whether or not you should be concerned with line twists. Or shouldn't you just use a baitcasting reel? But we've read the reviews and tested many bass spinning reels, so you can make an informed decision on what reel is best to match with your rod.
We'll discuss some of the best fishing reels on the market and explain what makes them stand out from the competition. We'll also provide a buyer's guide to help you choose the right spinning reel for your needs. So whether you're just getting started or you're looking for a spinning reel upgrade, we've got you covered.
What Are The 5 Best Spinning Reels For Bass?
1. Shimano Stradic FK
Why We Love It
Because you just can't go wrong with the Shimano Stradic FK, it's a fantastic reel. A Shimano spinning reel is used by most professional bass anglers for good reason – it's simply one of the best bass spinning reels on the market. If you’re looking for a tough and durable spinning reel for your next fishing adventure, this spinning reel checks all the boxes. And if you know how bass professionals fish, which is hard and fast, that says a lot about Shimano as a choice for the best spinning reels.
This Stradic FK is designed for anglers who demand the best in terms of power and performance. The Hagane (a Shimano process) gearing and body gives this reel unbeatable cranking power and unmatched rigidity, with a 6.2:1 gear ratio. Plus, with other top Shimano technologies like X-Ship, which eliminated friction between the gearing and spool shaft, so you can be confident that this reel can handle anything you throw at it.
Shimano also puts a lot of work into their reels being water repellent so water can't creep in and damage internal components. It's another level of detail that goes into this reel. It's not a cheap reel, but you can certainly spend more.
Whether you’re bass fishing in the north or targeting redfish in the southeast, the Stradic FK is the perfect choice for any application. So don’t wait any longer – the Shimano Stradic FK is one of the best reels on the market.
What You Should Know:
The Stradic FK spinning reel from Shimano uses Hagane technology for strength and durability. The cold forging process creates a state of the art reel that is tough and corrosion resistant. X-Ship gearing eliminates friction, while the Aero wrap system lays the line on the spool in an x pattern to reduce line friction. The Propulsion Line Management system provides longer casts, and the anti-reverse eliminates back play for instant power when setting the hook. These features are available in a 6.0:1 to 6.2:1 gear ratio, depending on model.
2. Abu Garcia Revo SX
Why We Love It
The Abu Garcia Revo SX is a top-of-the-line spinning reel that incorporates cutting edge design with superior durability for bass fishing. The im-c6 carbon body design is incredibly lightweight, while the one piece aluminum gear box provides excellent rigidity and improved gear feel, and making it lighter than previous generations of their spinning reels.
This spinning reel is perfect for anglers of all levels who demand the best in terms of performance and construction from their reel. With the combination of a superior drag system, smooth operation, and the six-pin centrifugal braking system, you always get smooth and consistent braking action. And with a 6.6:1 gear ratio the Revo SX will give you the edge you need to land that big fish, whether it's catching bass, walleye or that big game fish. Another one of the best reels on the market.
What You Should Know:
The Abu Garcia Revo SX spinning reel is perfect for anglers who demand quality and performance. Its carbon body and gearbox make it incredibly lightweight, while the 8 HPCR bearings provide smoothness and power. The Rocket Line Management system ensures accurate casting, while the braid-ready spool makes it easy to tie on your favorite line. The K-Clutch anti-reverse provides reliable stopping power when you need it most.
3. Penn Battle III
Why We Love It
The Penn Battle III is a versatile, durable spinning reel that won't break the bank. This reel is packed with features like Penn's proprietary CNC Gear Technology, a 6.2:1 gear ratio HT-100 carbon fiber drag system, and Full Metal Body construction. Whether you're fishing for striped bass or tarpon, the Battle III has the power and performance you need to land your big one.
This reel was the 2020 ICAST Online Best of Category Winner in the Saltwater Reel category. That in itself says something about this reel. And if you know it's a winner for bass fishing too.
Penn has made the Battle III in sizes from 1000 to 10000, so there's a model that's will be right for all bass anglers. So don't wait any longer, get out on the water and start bringing in the big ones with the Penn Battle III spinning reel!
What You Should Know:
Penn Battle III Spinning Reel is the ultimate saltwater reel. This reel features CNC Gear technology that provides a smooth, consistent feel and has an HT-100 carbon fiber drag washers that are super durable and reliable. The Penn Battle III also has 5 sealed stainless steel ball bearings for extra smooth performance.
This is the 2020 ICAST Online Best of Category Winner for saltwater fishing reels.
4. Pflueger President
Why We Love It
Smooth performance and a great value from a mainstay of the bass spinning reel world. The Pflueger President® spinning reel is a high quality reel that delivers features and performance that will impress over and over again. The aluminum and graphite body is strong and lightweight, and the smooth and care free cranking with a 5.2:1 gear ratio makes this spinning reel fun to use. The oil-felt multi disc drag system is something Pflueger has been using for a long time, so it's time-tested, though some say it's older technology. It's probably why the Pflueger President is a great value as one of the best spinning reels for bass fishing.
This reel can be used right or left handed, has a comfortable cork handle, and even works well when it gets wet. The anti-reverse system keeps you away from backlash and temper tantrums that may come with it. It's a solid reel, incredibly popular, and it's a top seller. It's perfect for your next all around bass fishing adventure.
What You Should Know:
The Pflueger President spinning reel has a 10 ball bearing system and a graphite body and rotor. This reel is also braid ready, making it easy to use with braided line. The sealed drag system ensures smooth, consistent drag on fish, while the slow oscillation gearing ensures accurate casting. The aluminum handle with soft touch knob provides a comfortable grip, and the 5.2:1 gear ratio ensures quick retrieves when you need them. Finally, the aluminum bail helps to keep your line tangle-free.
5. Kast King Centron 3000
Why We Love It
The KastKing Summer/Centron Spinning Reel is one of the most underrated bass fishing reels. It is loaded with quality features, including a 5.2:1 gear ratio, 9 + 1 quality ball bearings, powerful drag system, and special components that stand up to hard use.
KastKing suggests pairing this spinning reel with their Kast King brand braided line, to provide an unbeatable high performance package for bass fishing. But really, any fishing line would work on this reel.
The Summer/Centron also features a durable construction that can handle the abuse from big fish, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a great value in a spinning reel.
The KastKing Summer/Centron 3000 is our pick for the best bass spinning reel for the lowest price. The narrow graphite frame design and computer balancing system make it compact and lightweight. This compact spinning reel is perfect for any type of angling, including saltwater fishing and ice fishing.
The Centron 3000 has a hardened metal main shaft, and a precision-machined pinion gear. And the Superior Drag System offers incredible stopping power up to 17.5 pounds, while the nine quality ball bearings and one instant stop one-way anti-reverse bearing ensure smooth operation and long-lasting durability.
Kast King also pays attention to looks. Anglers are now going for a good looking reel also, and this one features a brilliant sharp black finish, with two color anodized neon blue accents. This is a spinning reel that looks like it's going to a Hollywood premiere.
And to repeat, it's a great reel for the price, so it's really hard to beat the Kast King Centron 3000 spinning reel.
What You Should Know:
The KastKing Centron 3000 Spinning Reel is a great value in a spinning reel. The Centron has the looks of more expensive reels, with a two-tone blue and black look that will look great on any rod. It’s also loaded with features like Power Launch Lip for casting distance, High Line Capacity spool handles braided line well, Mesh Drive Gear and Precision Machined Pinion Gear for fishing power, 5.2:1 gear ratio, an easy to use smooth drag system, 9 quality ball bearings and one instant stop one-way anti reverse ball bearing.
Honorable mention
Things To Consider In The Best Spinning Reel For Bass
When it comes to bass fishing, having the best spinning reel can make all the difference. But if you're new to the sport, you may be wondering what to look for when choosing a reel. Here are the most important factors to consider:
The Size Of The Reel
The best spinning reel for bass fishing will usually be medium to large in size. This will give you enough power to handle big fish, while still being able to cast light lures with ease. Make sure you match the right size reel with the right bass fishing rod you'll use. We'll cover what spinning rod to use in another article.
The Type Of Drag System
A good drag system is essential for preventing your line from breaking when a big fish takes off with your lure. Look for a reel with a multi-disc drag system for best results.
Gear Ratio
The gear ratio determines how many times the spool turns per crank of the handle. A higher gear ratio is best for fast retrieval, while a lower ratio is better for casting distance. Choose the ratio that best suits your fishing style.
The Bearing System
Bearings help reduce the amount of friction on the spool, so the action is more smooth. Higher end reels will have more bearings than other reels.
Anti-Reverse System
The anti-reverse system in will stop your reel from turning backward and prevent any tangles in the line, or a "birds nest" situation on the spool. On some reels you can turn the anti-reverse on and off, and on some other reels it's always on.
With these factors in mind, you'll be sure to choose the best spinning reel for your bass fishing needs.
How We Choose The Best Spinning Reel For Bass
Bass fishing can be a lot of fun, but it's also a challenging sport. You need the right fishing gear to be successful.
There are several factors to consider when choosing the best fishing reel for catching bass.
Some of the questions we asked were: What size lures or bait will I be using? Does it work with braided line?? What kind of drag system does it have? How important is sensitivity? How important is gear ratio? What size spinning reel do I need? Does it make a difference if it's the lightest reel, or not?
After answering these questions, we were able to break down the best options on the market for anyone in search of the best spinning reel combo for bass. For example, if you're mostly targeting larger bass with heavier spinning tackle, then you'll want a reel with a higher gear ratio and a large spool capacity. Conversely, if you're targeting smaller fish with lighter bass lures, then you'll want a reel with a lower gear ratio and a smaller spool capacity. No matter what your specific needs are, there's sure to be a spinning reel on this list that's perfect for you.
Most people don't have the time or knowledge to research all the different spinning reels on the market and decide which one is best spinning reel for bass fishing.
What are the right questions to ask? When choosing a bass reel, it's important to consider the size, durability, number of ball bearings, and quality of the drag system. Most bass reels are in the 2000 or 3000 range, with the larger sizes designed for bigger fish. Carbon fiber and aluminum reels are generally the most durable, while graphite tends to make a heavier bass reel.
Ball bearings and roller bearings help the reel operate smoothly, and a high-quality spinning reel will have a smooth, even, and consistent drag. Gear ratios indicate how many times the spool turns per rotation of the handle, and a higher gear ratio means more line is retrieved with each turn. When choosing the best spinning reel for bass fishing, it's important to consider all of these factors.
We've done the hard work to help you find the right reel. After reading thousands of online reviews and talking to some of the top bass pros in the country, we've compiled this list of the 5 best spinning reels for bass fishing.
Best spinning reels for bass FAQs:
Bass fishing can be a lot of fun, but it's also a challenging sport. Both the beginner and the seasoned pro need the right fishing gear to be successful.
Most people don't have the time or knowledge to research every different fishing reel on the market and decide which one is best for bass fishing.
We've done the hard work for you. After reading thousands of online reviews and talking to some of the top bass pros in the country, we've compiled this list of the 5 best spinning reels for bass fishing.
Are spinning reels good for bass?
They’re dependable, affordable, and easy to use. Spinning reels have a log of advantages, especially for new bass fishermen. A good spinning reel can make things easier, a great spinning reel can make things effortless.
Is a 4000 size reel too big for bass fishing?
No, a 4000 reel is not too big for bass. However a 3000 reel or even 2500 fishing reel is generally more adequate
How much drag do I need for bass?
Your drag system should be set at 25 percent of the breaking strength (pound test) of the fishing line you are using.
What line should I use on spinning reels for bass?
The fishing line you choose can be very important. But it’s based entirely on where and how you want to fish. Generally speaking, 8 to 12 pound monofilament or 15 to 20 pound braided fishing line are excellent options to use on a fishing reel. Consider the line capacity of the reel when choosing line.
What spinning reel should I use for bass?
What size fishing reel you use really comes down to four factors: the rod you're going to use, how much line capacity you need, the retrieve speed you're looking for, and your preference. The shorter and lighter a rod, the smaller and lighter the reel needs to be to match. The larger the reel, the more line capacity it will have.
Some anglers prefer a larger, beefier reel that has a faster retrieve and larger body and handle. Others prefer a super lightweight, compact reel. Most bass anglers will be happy with a spinning reel between 1000 and 3000 sized, with 2000 or 2500 the perfect “do-it-all” size that matches well with freshwater rods between five-and-a-half- and seven-and-a-half-feet.
If we had to choose just two spinning reels for bass, it would be a 1000 and a 3000, and these two fishing reels would cover every situation we would encounter on the water.
Why use a spinning reel for bass?
There's no reason not to use a spinning reel for bass in any circumstances. Anglers who like to catch bass with this style fishing reel can use it across the board. However, spinning reels particularly excel in light line, finesse techniques, and throwing lines lighter than 10-pound test.
Because the line comes off most spinning reels freely, they also excel for vertical techniques like dropshotting and shakey heads, where any “pendulum” action or resistance can be a huge negative. Some prefer baitcasting reels, but the trouble with most baitcasting reels is they can be tricky for newbies.
Should I use a baitcasting reel for bass?
You can, but if you're going to use a baitcasting reel and you've never used one, then you should take some practice first. It can be learned, but it takes practice.
How long do spinning reels last?
Typically spinning reels should last for 2-8 years if taken care of properly and not abused. It’s important to keep your fishing reel's ball bearings well oiled.
The summary on spinning reels
So, what is the best bass fishing reel on the market? It really depends on your needs as a fisherman. If you're looking for affordable spinning gear that still offers quality performance, we recommend checking out the Shimano Stradic FK, the Abu Garcia Revo® SX, the Penn Battle III, the Pflueger President spinning reel, and the KastKing Centron 3000.
Certainly there are other reels on the market but we feel these 5 reels are great options. Spinning reels are more popular and easier to use than baitcasting reels. Whichever fishing reel you choose, we hope this article has helped make your decision easier and you now can go out and catch bass.
Cheers to the bass angler,
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We recommend everything on this list. We hope you enjoy the goods we suggest! Just a little note, we may get a small commission on the sales from the affiliate links on this article should you order from here, which helps keep our site going. And prices are accurate at the moment of publication, but always check the final price on the best fishing line for spinning reels at the checkout page.