When a fisherman heads out onto the water, it becomes a contest between man and fish. The most decisive part of the contest boils down to having the best baitcasting reels.
In order to become a successful fisherman, you will need two things. The first is sufficient knowledge about the sport in order to maximize the possibility of catching the most fish, the biggest fish, or the right species of fish based on your personal goals.
The other thing you need is the right and dependable equipment, again depending on your objectives.
Our editoral staff here at SeaKayakerMag.com’s have tested gobs of Bait caster reels to come up with the 10 best baitcasting reels for the money. Yea we know its hard work but someones gotta do it! We love our job!
10 Best Baitcasting Reels
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As far as equipment is concerned, it all starts with the process of selecting the type of reel that best suits your fishing needs. Many things could factor into this decision, but there are five primary types of reels that are common in the sport of fishing.
The five types are a fly reel, fixed spool reel, baitcasting reel, underspin reel and the spin cast reel. Of these types, the most popular type of reel is the baitcasting reel.
Regardless of type, the reel is mounted on the top of the rod with the line wrapped around a spooling device that sits inside the reel frame. Once the line is cast, the weight of the lure propels the line towards the target. The heavier the lure, the easier it is to cast for distance and accuracy.
The main advantage of a baitcasting reel is that it gives the fisherman the ability to better control the distance of the cast. The main disadvantage is the spool might continue spinning after the target has been reached, causing excess line to get tangled within the reel.
10 Best Baitcasting Reels For The Money
When trying to determine the best baitcasting reel, there are several factors that warrant consideration. In a nutshell, it comes down to the finding the one that provides the best performance at the best price. Baitcasting reel reviews like this one are designed to identify reels that score well in both of those categories.
1. KastKing RXA 40-90 Round Baitcasting Reel
This reel is extremely popular due to its flexibility. It is suitable for both troll fishing as well as deep bottom fishing. It also work well in a saltwater or fresh water environment.
The reel provides up to 20 lb / 9 kg of smooth drag and is made with stainless steel components held together by anodized red side-plates.
The spooling component is made from aircraft-grade aluminum, which helps make the reel light and durable. Priced at under $100, this is one of the best deals on the market.
>> Get a great deal on KastKing RXA 40-90 Round Baitcasting Reel here <<
2. Lews Fishing BB1 Pro Speed Spool ACB PRS1SHZ Reel
Lew’s has reestablished itself as a leader in the market with its line of speed reels.
The PRS1SHZ is made from aluminum frame and graphite side plates with a lightweight carbon fiber reel handle and custom paddle knobs. Braid ready, machine forged with large capacity of 35 mm spool. It also has a 10-bearing system with double-shielded stainless steel ball bearings.
The reel is ideally suited for experienced fishermen who prefers lighter reels with quick action. Priced between $150-$200.
>> Get a great deal on Lew’s BB1 Pro Speed Spool ACB PRS1SHZ here <<
3. Daiwa Tatula CT Type-R Baitcast TACT-R100XS 8.1:1
For the serious tournament fisherman, this reel comes with Ultimate Tournament Carbon Drag (UTD) with up to 13.2 lbs of drag, 7 ball bearings plus roller bearing, hyper speed for the right hand, and Magforce-Z cast control for accuracy.
In testing labs, this one tested in the upper echelon for both durability and quality. Priced in the $130-$200 range.
>> Get a great deal on Daiwa Tatula Baitcasting Reel TACT-R100XS 8.1:1 here <<
4. Abu Garcia Silver Max Low Profile Baitcast Reel – SMAX2 / SMAX2-L
Abu Garcia makes a great line of affordable reels for the casual fisherman. Priced between $50-$100, this reel has become a favorite for fishing in freshwater environments.
The item is made with light-weight and durable graphite, (5) stainless steel ball bearings, and a MagTrax brake system, which provides precise cast control. This is one of the lighter and more durable reels on the market in this particular price range.
>> Get a great deal on Abu Garcia Silver Max Low Profile Baitcast Reel here <<
5. Abu Garcia CS Pro Rocket Black Edition 6500CSBPROROCKET
At the high end of the Abu Garcia product line is the Pro Rocket. Smooth and quick operation is assured by the use of 4 stainless steel ball bearings + 1 roller bearing made from high quality materials.
It also comes with a Carbon Matrix drag system for optimum drag and a synchronized level wind system that improves casting control. The casing is made from high quality stainless steel and aluminum to keep the reel light and easy to control. Priced between $150-$250.
>> Get a great deal on Abu Garcia CS Pro Rocket Black Edition 6500CSBPROROCKET here <<
6. Shimano Curado I Reels
In the higher-priced range ($150-$300), Shimano consistently provides one of the best product lines.
The Curado I has a low profile, sleek design with Shimano’s Stable Spool Design to minimize vibration for smooth casting and receiving.
For the casual fisherman, it would be hard to find a reel that provides as much control and durability as this one.
>> Get a great deal on Shimano Curado I Reel here <<
7. Eagle Claw Skeet Reese Victory II Casting Reel 6.3
A championship reel made by championship fishermen. This item is larger than most reels and built for power fishing in both saltwater and freshwater environment. Both the size and structure provide optimum stability and durability for fishermen who like to “crank it.”
The item is made with high grade aluminum and graphite with an extra-large power handle and rubber paddles, 9 plus one ball bearings, unlimited anti-reverse, and removable aluminum spool. Reasonably priced at under $100.
>> Get a great deal on Skeet Reese Victory II <<
8. Abu Garcia Black Max Low Profile Baitcast Reel (12-Pound/145-Yard)
It makes sense that Abu Garcia would hit the list with a low-priced ($50 or less) high quality reel.
It comes with a lightweight graphite frame and compact bent handle, machined aluminum spool, power disk drag for smooth drag performance, Duragear brass gear and MagTrax brake system for maximum control and efficiency.
>> Get a great deal on Abu Garcia Black Max Low Profile Baitcast Reel here <<
9. KastKing Assassin Carbon Baitcasting Reel
This reel is super light weight and designed to be perfect fish stopper for anyone looking to keep the weight down.
It is made of Crabon Fiber and costs around $59. Great bang for the buck with its gives you smooth, amazing 4 disc carbon fiber tournament ready 16.5 Lbs. drag MaxiDur ball bearings, hard anodized aero-grade aluminum spool Make this one of our best buys.
>> Get a great deal on KastKing Assassin Carbon Baitcasting Reel here <<
10. Daiwa Lexa High Capacity Baitcast Reel
At the top of the Daiwa product line comes this Lexa.
It is made with high quality aluminum for the frame and side plates, 7 bearing system, a swept handle with cutouts to reduce the overall weight, Magforce cast control for distance and accuracy, and infinite anti-reverse.
Priced at the high end, coming in at around $200.
>> Get a great deal on Daiwa Lexa High Capacity Baitcast Reel here <<
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Now you know all about the Best Baitcasting Reels take a look at our review of the What is the Best Bait for Bass as well as the What is the Best Lure for Bass Fishing!