Baitcasting reels check a lot of boxes for many fishermen who prefer to fish with heavier lures and fishing lines.
Some of the benefits of baitcasters include greater casting distance, better accuracy, support for power fishing techniques, and more.
Our overall favorite is the Lews Fishing Speed Spool LFS which at its current price we think is a real bargain.
And before you cringe at the thought of learning the “difficult-to-master” baitcaster, some of the best baitcasting reels come with features that make it easier for beginners to use.
As you’ve probably already figured, there is no shortage of baitcasting reels on the market. So we’ve put together this guide to save you some time and help you find the best baitcasting models available.
Check out our top five picks below.
Best Baitcasting Reels – Reviews & Buying Guide
Best Overall: Lew’s Fishing Speed Spool LFS
Lew’s upgraded the original Speed Spool with this new LFS model. This reel features a new frame built from heavy-duty, high-end materials.
The design includes extremely strong brass speed gears, a premium 10-bearing system, and P2 Super Pinion gear, among several other first-rate features.
It has a gear ratio of 7.5:1, which suits the bass angler who wants to quickly retrieve drop-shot rigs in deep water.
At its current price, this reel is a real bargain.
The Lew’s Fishing Speed Spool LFS Baitcast Reel comes as a one-piece aluminum frame, giving the reel impressive strength to reel in even the strongest and biggest species.
This model is fitted with a palming graphite side plate that is pretty easy to detach.
Its heavy-duty construction combined with machine-forged and anodized aluminum drilled spools means you have a very solid reel in your hands.
At only 9.9 ounces, Lew’s Fishing Speed Spool LFS is a considerably light reel, so you won’t be grappling with a heavy baitcaster when you’re out fishing.
You’ll most likely have a great experience fishing this baitcaster.
It has a smooth and stable casting performance with nearly zero backlash issues, thanks to its top-of-the-line components, such as high-strength brass speed gears, one-way zero reverse clutch, and an externally adjustable magnetic control system.
All of these outstanding features notwithstanding, the reel won’t cost you an arm and a leg! This is, no doubt, one of the best baitcasting reels under $100.
While not every angler will fall head over heels for this model, it is definitely worth considering if you are in the market for a durable, high-performance, and heavy-duty baitcasting reel.
Featured Specs
- Handle Material: Aluminum
- Bearing Material: Stainless Steel
- Hand Orientation: Right Hand
Pros
- Extremely durable reel
- High-quality components
- Magnetic control system can be adjusted externally
- Smoother operation due to new pinion gear design
- Great value for money
Cons
- Not suitable for saltwater species but will work great in tidal waters
Runner-Up: Abu Garcia Pro Max
Engineered as a one-piece graphite frame, Abu Garcia’s Pro Max model is designed with easy-to-use features, making it the best baitcasting reel for beginners.
There isn’t a ton of bells and whistles with this baitcasting reel, but what it lacks in frills, it makes up for in outstanding reliability.
The reel is equipped with a powerful max drag, so it is highly unlikely to slip on your hookset. And it comes at a very affordable price point.
If you want a baitcasting reel that’s adaptable to all skill levels the Pro Max Baitcast Fishing Reel by Abu Garcia might be just the right model for you.
This reel can take a lot of abuse and still perform when you need it most.
The Pro Max will stand the test of time and prove to be a worthy purchase, even for those who aren’t too careful with handling.
Weighing only 7.3 ounces, this baitcasting reel is suitable for all-day fishing. Plus, the low-profile design gives it a smaller look and feel.
It comes with a machined doubled anodized aluminum spool, a 7+1 stainless steel ball-bearing system, and a MagTrax brake system.
All of these combine to provide great casting performance, a consistently smooth retrieve, and significantly minimize backlashes.
With this reel, newbie anglers won’t have to spend a great amount of time and endure a steep learning curve before becoming proficient in the use of baitcasters.
Featured Specs
- Handle Material: Aluminum
- Bearing Material: Stainless steel
- Hand Orientation: Right Hand
Pros
- Very durable to fight large size fish
- Has great balance and is reliable
- MagTrax brake system for better casts
- Large, soft-touch knobs
- Ultra-light baitcasting reel
Cons
- Lacks fluid smooth retrieve
- Does not have plenty of high-end features
Alternative: Piscifun Alloy M
From Piscifun comes this exceptionally durable right-handed cast reel designed to perform even in the most extreme fishing conditions.
The powerful reel is dependable when it comes to fighting large fish species both in saltwater and freshwater.
It comes in a high-quality aluminum frame with a 6.3:1 gear ratio.
The reel is fitted with eight double-shielded ball bearings and one roller bearing, so you can expect to get a very smooth retrieve even when dragging a heavy load.
Arguably the best baitcasting reel for saltwater, the Alloy M Baitcasting Reel by Piscifun is built to resist corrosion, impact, and plenty of punishment, thanks to its ADC12-grade aluminum frame.
The Alloy M model is simply a powerhouse, delivering up to 22 lbs of drag, thanks to its oversize Hamai CNC brass gear and four different large carbon drag washers.
Pulling trophy fish from heavy cover is effortless with this reel.
When it comes to casting distance, this reel helps you to cast further due to the NMB bearings. And the retrieve is nothing short of ultra-smooth, even under heavy load.
That’s a result of the high-quality, eight double-shielded ball bearings with one roller bearing and the Hamai cut technology that features more teeth compared to other baitcasting reels.
Surprisingly, Piscifun’s reel won’t create a huge dent in your wallet. You can get the model for less than $100, making the Alloy M one of the best baitcasting reels for under $100.
Featured Specs
- Handle Material: Aluminum
- Bearing Material: Aluminum
- Hand Orientation: Right Hand
Pros
- Outstanding build quality offers exceptional durability
- Great for saltwater fishing, great for freshwater too
- Easily adjustable magnetic braking system to minimize backlashes
- Offers ultra-smooth retrieve with quality ball bearings and one roller bearing
- High-density EVA knobs for increased comfort
Cons
- Some of the products might have quality control issues
Alternative: KastKing Crixus Baitcasting Reel
This is a good entry-level cast reel that performs nearly as well as many higher-priced models. It will hold up for a long time and works great in all fishing conditions.
KastKing’s beautiful Crixus reel offers increased line capacity and speed due to its CNC machined aluminum U-shaped spool.
Its list of notable features includes heavy-duty brass main and pinion gears, carbon disc drag system with fingertip star drag adjustment, and dynamic line guide among others.
Check out the KastKing Crixus Baitcasting Reel if you are interested in baitcasting reels that offer higher fishing line capacity and longer casts.
Available in a frame engineered using carbon-infused nylon material, the low-profile reel comes in a gorgeous matte black design with hi-tech blue anodized features that will have heads turning.
But this reel isn’t just about aesthetics. Although it comes at a comparatively low price point, there is nothing cheap about KastKing’s Crixus reel.
It is strong, tough, and durable. Plus it offers exceptional performance, thanks to the 7 shielded, high-quality stainless steel ball bearings plus an anti-reverse bearing.
Fitted with a reliable magnetic braking system, the Crixus cast reel provides multiple levels of spool braking, so you won’t have to deal with overruns.
The reel weighs in at 7.3 ounces, making it a fantastic option if you plan to fish all day.
Plus, the slip-resistant polymer grips on the strong aluminum handle allow for a firmer and more comfortable grip even in wet conditions.
KastKing’s attention to detail with this reel is quite remarkable. Consider this option if you want a beautiful baitcasting reel that’s great at what it is built to do.
Featured Specs
- Handle Material: Stainless Steel
- Bearing Material: Stainless Steel
- Hand Orientation: Right Hand
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Carbon disc drag system delivers 17 lbs of fish stopping drag power
- Premium components for a reliable performance every time
- Sleek modern design, looks great on any fishing rod
- Lightweight yet tough as can be
Cons
- The thumb switch is a bit bulky
Alternative: RUNCL Merced Baitcasting Reel
This right-handed baitcasting reel comes with many features that make it easy to use, even for the newbie.
A 10+1 bearing system combined with an enhanced seal drag system, and a 4-inch reinforced ergonomic handle all help to reduce casting effort and provide better control when fighting with a trophy catch.
Overall, this reel provides good value for a considerably cheap price.
The RUNCL Merced Baitcasting Reel is an excellent pick if you are a beginner looking to learn baitcasting.
It is a great budget reel, so you won’t have to spend a ton of cash when you’re still learning the ropes.
It is also an ideal choice if you are already an experienced angler but want a backup baitcaster.
RUNCL engineered this with an impressive magnetic brake system that offers an incredibly stable and smooth cast control.
Plus, you can fine-tune the cast control to suit different types of lures and to work in a variety of fishing conditions.
The precision magnetic brake system significantly reduces the chance of experiencing backlashes or bird nests even when you choose to fish on a windy day.
Keep in mind that the reel’s body is mostly plastic. In other words, this is not the most durable baitcasting reel on the market.
But that trade-off is necessary to drastically bring down the price.
While you can find some of the best baitcasting reels under $100, it is difficult to get a very good-quality option for less than half of that price point.
This is where this RUNCL model beat many of its competition, making it one of the best baitcasting reels for those on a budget.
Featured Specs
- Handle Material: Stainless Steel
- Bearing Material: Stainless Steel
- Hand Orientation: Right Hand
Pros
- Very affordable price point
- Improved sealed drag system for a larger catch
- Spool with anti-slip metal grip hold the line in place
- Ergonomic handle increases hand comfort
- Suitable for a variety of lures and fishing conditions
Cons
- A bit heavy, so it won’t be suitable for all-day fishing
- Plastic body might not be quite durable
Baitcasting Reels FAQ
What makes a good baitcaster?
Choosing a good baitcaster can be quite daunting if you’re new to them, especially with so many models and designs available.
But the best baitcasting reels for beginners and even experienced anglers should have certain qualities, including:
Good frame material
Usually, baitcasting reels come in graphite and aluminum construction. Graphite frames are generally lightweight and less expensive but can’t withstand a ton of punishment like their aluminum counterparts.
If you have can afford it, a high-end reel made from a one-piece aluminum frame is an excellent option.
Spools
You want to keep an eye out for the spool design. Most baitcast reels have drilled spools made from aluminum material.
High-end options feature forged aluminum spools, making them more rigid and difficult to scratch.
A good baitcasting reel for beginners should have spools that feature holes drilled in them. These are often lightweight and are easier to start and stop spinning.
Ball-bearing
When it comes to bearings, more isn’t necessarily better. It is usually best to choose baitcasting reels with fewer bearings as long as they are quality ones.
Here’s one way to quickly spot a poor-quality baitcasting reel: it will have plenty of bearings.
This is a dead giveaway that you might be looking at a cheaply made baitcaster. Moreover, this type of reel will have a really low price tag.
Keep an eye out for the following labels on a baitcasting reel: “sealed bearings, shielded, and double-shielded”.
These keywords are usually found on top-of-the-line reel models.
Line guides
Another thing to look for in the best baitcasting reel for beginners is line guides with solid construction.
Generally, baitcasters are manufactured as either ceramic or titanium line guides.
While models with ceramic line guides are typically less expensive, they tend to break or crack when exposed to harsh conditions for extended periods.
Go for baitcasting reels with titanium line guides if you want an option that will withstand much abuse with caving in.
Of course, these are usually more expensive because they are high-end models. But they are worth the investment.
Handle
Comfort is of utmost importance. Remember that learning and mastering the use of a baitcaster requires a ton of work. You don’t want to add discomfort to the equation.
For this reason, choose a baitcasting reel with a soft, rubberized knob. This will ensure that your hands don’t tire quickly while you’re out fishing.
Are baitcaster reels good for beginners?
It is normal for beginners reading about baitcasters for the first time to feel overwhelmed about the steep learning curve associated with using baitcasting reels.
There is no arguing the fact that baitcaster reels take plenty of time and patience to master. But that doesn’t necessarily mean they are off-limits for beginners.
Think of it this way: no one is born a pro. Even the most experienced fisherman was once a complete novice and didn’t know the first thing about baitcasters.
If the pro didn’t put in the time and effort to learn, practice, and master the use of baitcasting reels, they wouldn’t eventually become proficient, right?
Here’s the thing, though: baitcasting reels are known for the dreaded “birds nest“.
This is the terrible knot that forms when there is too much line without tension.
A baitcaster bird nest or backlash is the last thing any angler would want during a fishing adventure, regardless of experience level.
It can take some time to get used to the drag control, brake control, and tension knob of baitcast reels.
Thankfully, beginners have the option to buy shop beginner-friendly models that’s suitable for learning how to work with heavier lures and lines. Also, make sure you spool your reel correctly by using a fishing line spooler. These handy gadgets ensure the fishing line is applied to the reel with the correct tension to help avoid bird nests.
For example, the Pro Max Baitcast Fishing Reel by Abu Garcia is designed to suit the newbie looking to get into baitcaster fishing with a particular focus on large-size bass.
This makes it one of the best baitcasting reels for beginners and also doubles as the best baitcasting reel for bass.
Bottom line: baitcasting reels are more suitable for pro anglers but beginners can learn a great deal and do a lot more with these reels if they are patient.
Plus, there are beginner-friendly models that are ideal for newbies.
Why do pros use Baitcasters?
Pro anglers use baitcast tackles for two major reasons. First, baitcasters offer the ability to hold heavier fishing line.
With this, pro fishermen can have better casting distance and greater accuracy even when using small baitcast reels.
The second and most important reason is the ability to use the reel for power fishing techniques.
With baitcasters, pro anglers don’t just use heavy line but can also fish heavy cover and use big baits.
The reel also allows for Carolina rigging and slow-rolling spinnerbaits, as well as pitching and flipping.
In a nutshell, pro fishermen prefer reels that offer greater control and that’s exactly what baitcasters do.
Why is Baitcaster better than spinning?
First off, spinning reels aren’t bad. In fact, they are great and work absolutely well for several fishing applications.
But if you are hoping to take your fishing skills to the next level, you are better off with a baitcaster.
Baitcasting reels are great for chasing big gamefish, pitching, flipping, working heavy cover, and throwing heavy lures, and swimbaits.
Attempting to use spinning reels for these applications will be a steep uphill task.
With a baitcasting reel, you have the perfect tool for accurate casting. Experienced anglers can cast with exactness and even stop their lure in midair!
Of course, this takes countless hours of practice.
Here’s another way to say all of the foregoing: baitcasters offer better line control than spinning reels. That’s why they allow for more accurate casts.
Other advantages that baitcasting reels have over spinning reels include:
- A baitcaster offers the ideal cranking power necessary for crankbaits, spinnerbaits, swimbaits and other high-drag baits.
- With a baitcasting reel, you are in constant contact with the lure, regardless of whether the reel is in free spool. This allows you to quickly detect strikes as you let the line out.
- Baitcasters give you the ability to slow down a lure during a cast. This allows the lure to fall softly into the water without spooking any nearby fish. This is particularly very useful when you need to flip baits into cover.
- You can cast heavier fishing line using a baitcaster than a spinning reel of the same size.
Conclusion
Becoming a pro angler doesn’t happen overnight. But investing in the best baitcasting reel is a good place to start.
Our overall favorite is the Lews Fishing Speed Spool LFS which at its current price we think is a real bargain.
On the other hand, if you already have a fair amount of fishing experience and want to switch out your old baitcaster, you’re more than likely to find a solid option from this list of the best baitcasting reels.
Whatever the case, a baitcaster will significantly up your fishing skills and make fishing more fun and worthwhile.
Want to know what’s the best fishing line to put on your baitcaster? Check out our other article Best Fishing Line For Baitcasters.
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