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.
Other Baitcasting Reels That We Like
Here are some of the top baitcasting picks from the previous editions of this buyer’s guide. While they might be slightly older models, we have tested them thoroughly and can vouch for them. And these reels are still available to purchase for anglers.
From Lew’s
Lew’s HyperMag Casting Reel
The original Lew’s HyperMag Casting Reel still remains one of my favorite Lew’s reels ever designed and the next generation version of the HyperMag does not disappoint. It’s light but strong and the operation is effortless quality. I’ve been fishing it with heavy braid and light line applications to get a feel for it. I’ve really enjoyed skipping frogs and pitching topwaters to shallow fish on this reel. As well as skipping light baits under flooded trees. There are so many fish biting a topwater right now and this reel makes for fun fishing because of its superb performance.
It’s one of the lightest reels we’ve tested at 5.2 ounces. It comes in left and right hand models in 7.5:1 and 8.3:1 ratios. It has 10 ball bearings and a whopping 20 pounds of drag. Which is why I have liked fishing braid on it. It will hold 110 yards of 12-pound monofilament. And about 70 yards of 50-pound braid. The HyperMag has a 110mm swept handle with small, tacky knobs that make it a very good feeling and fishing reel in your hand.
Read our full review on the Lew’s HyperMag Casting Reel here.
Lew’s Custom Pro Gen 3
This Lew’s Custom Pro is their third generation of one of their most popular reels. This is a flagship level reel at a higher price point. The calling card for this reel comes in the form of their ParaMag ITB system that uses Inertia Transfer Braking to monitor spool speed during a cast, calculating and controlling the overrun of line and eliminating nearly all backlash. Instead of a computer chip it’s using an advanced inertia control system to control the overrun. It’s a very smooth casting reel that is easy to dial in and go. It is quiet, strong and smooth from cast to retrieve.
The Custom Pro is an 11-bearing reel with a 1-piece aluminum frame and drilled aluminum U-spool with a Zero Reverse one-way clutch and a smooth carbon-fiber drag system. Titanium coated zirconia 2-stage line guides, Speed Dial line indicators, Speed Keeper hook keepers, bowed 95mm carbon-fiber handle and Pro Power knobs give this sleek smooth operator a well rounded set of features at those middle price points.
Read our full review of the Lew’s Custom Pro Gen 3 reel here.
From Abu Garcia
Abu Garcia Revo Rocket
One of the only reels to ever best the 10:1 gear ratio, this is a line grabbing screamer. But don’t let it’s speed fool you, it’s meant to bring power to the fight just as well. These reels were designed for guys that fish for fast aggressive fish. From big largemouth in heavy cover to redfish screaming through the mangroves, the Revo5 Rocket delivers.
This is the fifth generation of the Revo line of reels from Abu Garcia. This Revo5 Rocket features 11 ball bearings, an X2-Cräftic alloy frame, IVCB-6 braking system that uses 4 centrifugal brakes, a magnetic brake and normal tension control to perfectly control your spool performance on the cast. The Power Stack carbon matrix drag system has 18 pounds of stopping power while the gear ratio takes up an amazing 44 inches of line per handle turn. That means you can deliver bone crushing hooksets in a fraction of a second. These reels can hold 90 yards of 17 pound line or 160 yards of 10 pound line. So they are ready for a fight.
From Daiwa
Daiwa Tatula SV TWS
You really can’t go wrong with this long-running staple baitcaster, and whether you like to fish lighter fluorocarbon or heavy braided fishing line, you’re going to absolutely fall in love with this reel. Featuring a Super Duralumin SV Spool and corrosion-resistant ball bearings, you can yank on any fish in just about any type of situation with the utmost confidence.
I’m actually surprised it’s not a little more expensive. Having tested so many reels over the years, you could have blindfolded me and put this reel into my hands and I would have guessed it to be in the $300 range. Go ahead and get your heavy braid ready, gunk up the reel with a bunch of matted lake scum and get to fishing; you’re going to have a really tough time abusing this tank.
Daiwa Zillion SV TW G
Make no mistake, this particular reel is made for the baitcaster enthusiasts throughout the world. If you find yourself in that particular demographic, you will be thoroughly impressed by this piece of equipment. As mentioned earlier, we have fished with all kinds of reels throughout our careers and this is one of the best we’ve had the good fortune of using. It’s super lightweight at 6.7 ounces but it also has a strong and tough aluminum frame and sideplates. You can put this reel through just about anything and it will come through it unscathed.
This reel features the SV Booster System which is a two-stage electromagnetic induction braking system that allows for two very important things: insane casting distance and precision braking performance. With all of the fancy talk aside, this reel will allow you to cast a lightweight lure and skip a 1/2-ounce jig all the way under a dock with minimal, if any, adjustments. While fighting fish, I’ve also noticed that you can actually hear the UTD drag clicking throughout the fight. Personally speaking, this audible assistance can help you monitor how much line is being dispensed which will help you stay ahead of the fight. Let’s not forget the popular T-Wing System (TWS) that’s featured in this reel. This greatly reduces line resistance which helps for even better casting and line management.
Read our full Daiwa Zillion SV TW G review.
From Spro
SPRO Jason Christie Elite MG
SPRO introduced this line of reels for the first time at ICAST 2024 but they have been working on them for several years. I even tested some of the prototype handles before the reels were released as they were getting input from a lot of folks to build a very good reel right out of the gate. The JC Elite MG reel features an 11 bearing system that comes in 4 speeds, indicated by different color knob handle covers.
The frames are magnesium while the handles are a super solid Carbon Fiber, making for very light and smooth reels. I was very impressed with these reels. They are loose like the original Lew’s reels were and this makes them dynamite cranking, spinnerbait and power fishing reels. If you’re a guy that likes fishing shallow dirty water, these reels were made for you. Powerful, strong but light enough to fish 10 hour days with ease.
From Shimano
Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B
The Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B is one of the finest fishing reels we have ever fished. It is a solid performer with smooth buttery retrieves, and effortless long casts. A powerful handle and drag makes this the total bass fishing package. Featuring the newly created Magnesium CoreSolid Body that provides rigidity, durability and sensitivity in a much lighter frame. It’s what gives this reel that rock-solid feel in your hands.
The reel has been improved for throwing smaller lures by integrating the MGLIII spool which reduces spool inertia 17% over the previous generation. And, the SVS Infinity Braking on this latest Metanium also provides the ultimate in casting and adjustability to match with any technique and lure you choose.
Shimano upgraded its gearing in the Metanium with a solid brass construction for enhanced durability and smoothness that will last a lifetime as well as incorporating Shimano’s Silent Tune technology to reduce spool bearing vibration which also gives the reel its unique smooth casting feel and performance.
Read our full Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B review.
Shimano Bantam MGL A XG
The previous rework of the Bantam reel quickly became one of my favorite bait casting reels. The newer reel is the same platform, but with new technological advances also incorporated to make this an even more sturdy, powerful and significant casting reel in a slightly improved form factor. This will make it a lot more attractive to enthusiast anglers.
I love the Bantam line and love how “tankish” these reels feel in the hand. I think a little extra oomph when you set the hook gives you the confirmation of strength and durability. I like knowing my reels are going to last a decade if I take care of them. And I have a lot of Shimano reels that have.
Read our full previous Shimano Bantam MGL review.
From Bates
Bates G.O.A.T. SWM 200
I’ve got a hodge podge of swimbait reels from Shimano Tranx 300 to Lew’s Super Duty 300s. But I’ve come to love the Bates Goat SWM as my favorite swimbait reel. It’s solid milled aluminum bar stock frame, super powerful 110mm titanium cranking handle, premium 11 bearing system and extra deep large capacity spool make it a tremendous reel for serious swimbait anglers.
This reel weighs 9 ounces but feels lighter than most swimbait reels on a swimbait rod which is nice when you’re fishing heavy rods and baits all day long. Its 20-pound drag can lock down to give you power over the fish during the fight and the impressive 100 yards of 20-pound fluoro capacity means you can heft big baits a long ways to weary big bass and other fish. The reel’s 7.1:1 gear ratio allows you to take up 32 inches of line per handle turn. Again helping you control fast, strong, aggressive fish.
Bates Hundo 100 Casting Reel
A unique option, the Bates Hundo turned heads with it’s fully machined aluminum frame. This one isn’t cast like most other reels, the Hundo features a frame that is cut from aircraft grade aluminum bar stock. I actually got samples last year of the stock and was floored at how much more dense and solid the material felt through various stages of the cutting. The reels are equally impressive in their ability to cast light lures and small baits with precision and distance. It’s a tremendous skipping reel as well as a light lure bomb casting reel.
It holds 100 yards of 14-pound monofilament, has 10+2+1 ball bearings, and has a solid one-piece, lightweight frame. The thumb bar can be a bit sensitive when bomb casting baits. I mostly use the reel for roll casting with precise casts shallow or for throwing light baits deep. It’s one of the best finesse baitcasters you will find on the market and a remarkable bit of new engineering in casting reels.
You can read our full review on the Bates Hundo 100 here.
From Ark Fishing
Ark Gravity BFS Casting Reel
Ark came onto the casting reel seen in 2023 with their line of Gravity reels. Late last summer they announced they were releasing a BFS reel in the Gravity line. The Ark Gravity BFS reel features 12 ball bearings, a line capacity of 55 yards of 6-pound mono and floating spool in lightweight reel at just 5.1 ounces. It casts light lures well down to 1/32 ounce. It features a cone-shaped line guide, and a C3 Force Drag. It can handle light lures and decent sized fish as I’ve managed to land an 8-pound channel cat on mine as the largest fish on it. I’ve caught several 1 to 2.5 pound crappie on it as well as several big shellcrackers and decent sized smallmouth on mine.
It’s a super lightweight BFS reel that fishes very well with light lures. I’ve been mostly using it as a BFS panfish reel with a little bass fishing mixed in as well. I do wish it had a clicker drag. But other than that, I’ve loved this BFS reel from Ark.
Ark Gravity G7
The Gravity line of baitcasters stands as Ark’s first entry into manufacturing baitcasting reels, but it has been under development for more than 3 years. And they were able to blaze their own path with a patented internal adjustable magnetic cast control to provide maximum casting distance in a flagship reel. Let’s take a look at the finer points of this reel to see how it set itself apart.
Ark developed a new cast control system called their Gravity Control System. This patented system incorporates an adjustable mechanism on the spool that moves the magnetic surface closer or further to alter the amount of resistance on the spool. Plus you can fine tune even more precisely with external magnetic controls and your tension knob.
Read the full Ark Gravity G7 review.
From SEVIIN Reels
SEVIIN GF Series Casting Reel
SEVIIN broke into the bass fishing reel market with their first series of casting reels is the GF Series. These reels feature graphite frames with rigid engineering. The GF Series casting reels palm well and feature carbon fiber handles. The 4+1 ball bearings offer smooth performance. They come in 6.6, 7.3 and 8.1:1 ratios and both left and right hand options. They hold 110 yards of 12-pound mono and will give good reel performance and a good price point of $120.
The reels are well built and fish well. I’ve used mine mostly fishing soft plastics on a medium-heavy St. Croix Mojo Bass Trigon rod. The reels cast well and have smooth drag operation for fighting fish around cover. Read our full review on the SEVIIN GF Series Casting Reel.
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.
