When it comes to different types of fishing, you need to get a perfect fishing reel designed for that particular activity. For instance, you need to have the best reel when you are fishing onshore, in saltwater or saltwater among other types of fishing.
In America, bass fishing is a common sport which is very exciting. The practice is very easy to learn after practicing for some time. For you to ensure that you enjoy bass fishing, you need to have the best spinning reel for bass fishing.
With these in mind, revolutionary products have been invented since fishing came into existence. From fishing lines to bait casters and now the spinning reels.
Spinning reels have surpassed bait casters in the fishing business today. This has caused a lot of spinning reels from all sorts of manufacturers to flood the market. Anglers hence find it difficult to choose an ideal spinning reel to suit their needs especially when he has low experience in fishing.
This article will look over some of the best bass spinning reels in the 21st century fishing. Some of course, will have extra features, others will be more costly than others. It is important to look at the things to consider before buying one.
Why You Need The Best Spinning Reel For Bass Fishing
- For efficiency
- Ease of use
- For catching bigger fish
Factors To Consider When Buying The Best Spinning Reel For Bass Fishing
Choosing a spinning reel seems a tough decision, however, knowing what you are looking can make the decision easier for you. First of all, it is important to choose the best reel you can afford and you won’t regret your decision. Apart from cost, other factors to consider include;
Size
This is a pretty obvious consideration. Depending on the fish size you are aiming for, it is important to look for a reel that can accommodate the size and not break.
It should be easy when choosing the correct size. The lighter the line you intend to use, the smaller the reel the angler should purchase. It is important to check the line capacity information found on the spool of the reel.
Reel Body
Often referred to as housing and can be made of graphite or aluminum or both. Usually, aluminum housing is stronger than graphite and exhibits less flex. Graphite is much lighter. The angler hence must decide what is more important to him, between strength and weight
It is also important that the reel should have no loose or flimsy part and all moving parts should be smooth in performance
Reel Gear Ratio
It refers to how many revolutions the spool makes with each complete turn of the reel handle. This in part how rapid line is retrieved as the angler cranks the handle
The higher the gear ratio is not necessarily the better and faster the reel retrieves the line. Same size and type reel with a higher ratio will certainly retrieve the line faster than other lesser rationed reels.
Reels with high speed gear ratios are better for working lures quickly back to the boat or gaining line when fish charges towards the boat. It is also important to note that those models which offer lower gear ratio don’t offer fast retrieve but in turn provide the greater cranking power ideal for bottom fishing.
Drag System
It is important to look for a good drag because the drag is what is going to lose you the most fish if you abuse it. It is, therefore, important to look for a maximum drag capacity approximately equivalent to the likely breaking strain of the line to be used.
The fisherman can choose either a star drag or lever drag system. With a star drag, pressure is increased or decreased by turning the star shaped wheel located inside the handle. With star shaped drag system, they are simple to operate and fine for most applications,
Lever drag systems are generally smoother, more consistent fish-fighting performance. A lot of the lever systems allow drag tension to be adjusted in smaller, more precise increments than star drag systems. They are also more expensive compared to star drag system.
Ball Bearing
Spinning with more bearings are of higher quality because more bearing reduce the play of the body. Conventional, spinning and baitcasting models feature either ball bearings or bushing put in reel strategically for smoothness, support and stability.
Sealed stainless steel ball bearings are preferable over bushings when it comes to smooth performance and durability. Anglers should understand that the more ball bearings a reel has, the more smooth it will perform.
Anti-Reverse Handles
They are a prerequisite when searching for the ideal spinning reel. This function prevents the handle from spinning backwards so that hook sets are powerful and accurate
It is important to ensure the reel you choose has a substantial arm and knob. Generally, a larger stature enables the angler to quickly find the handle and also allows a firmer grip with a lesser chance of slippage during wet weather or when hands are sweaty
Ten Best Spinning Reel For Bass Fishing Reviewed Below
1. Quantum energy PT spinning reel E25 PTID
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The quantum energy PTI series with a legendary reputation of being a solid performer on tournament trail and perfect for the weekend angler that knows how to target big fish. This spinning reel is among the best you will find in the market today.
This reel deserves all the bragging rights of being smooth and strong at the same time. These qualities make it flawless.
One thing I do not understand about this reel though is its fair price, considering other reel’s much expensive prices and poor service they give. Its price makes the buyers opt for a much expensive reel and doubt this reel.
But upon using this reel, users have expressed their satisfaction with this reel and are asking for more from the manufacturers.
Customers are giving amazing reviews for this reel. From giving it five stars to describing it among the greatest reels, most users of this reel are happy with it and manufacturers have not received any major complaints from this product. It definitely is good use for the money.
Highlighted Features
- 19lb maximum drag
- Smooth and strong
- 5:2:1 gear ratio
- 11 bearing mean ultra-smooth cranking
- Relatively lighter, 8.3oz
2. Daiwa Ballistic EX reel
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With an additional sealed drag, air rotor and digigear drive, you have a very powerful and durable reel here. Time of release being as recent as May 5 2015, means that this particular spinning reel has additional modern features to meet current demands in spinning reels. These reels in the store are the smoothest you will find anywhereThe ballistic reel is now magsealed which will enable it to perform in either freshwater or salty water conditions. It has a zaion body and side cover to make it lightweight and corrosion proof.
A fishing buddy of mines went fishing in South America and he loved the Daiwa reel. Smooth and powerful were the word he said when I asked him of his experience with the reel he had just bought. He said it handles big fish easily compared to other reels he had used before.
He even had pictures he showed me of the big fish he had caught in the fish rich continent n I can tell you, catching a few fatty 54 pound salmon is no joke. Considering the size of this reel, this proves how efficient this reel is in handling big sized fish.
Highlighted Features
- Waterproof drag
- Air bail of lightweight, hollow stainless
- Machine cut aluminum direct screw handle
- Two ball-bearing spool support keeps drag washers in perfect alignment
- Abs aluminum spool
- Magsealed construction
- Lightweight, corrosion-proof zaion body and side coverair rotor for lighter weight and greater sensitivity
- Digger digital design
3. Pflueger Patriarch Spinning Reel
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I can tell you for a fact that once you buy one of their product, you won’t hesitate buying their next one. But this lightweight with a smooth operational bearing is a big selling point in the fishing business. Because of its small size and light weight, it is great for the lighter and smaller trout rod as well.The Pflueger patriarch spinning reel is a super smooth cast and retrieve. Myself, I have one which I find excellent spinning reels as well as being aesthetically appealing. The manufacturers themselves are known for their quality products when it comes to producing spinning reels.
The fact that this reel comes with a braid ready spool, is a must have. Users do not have to back the spool with a carbon or mono line to keep the braids from slipping. Apart from this, the Pflueger also has spare aluminum spools unlike most of other high end reels.
I definitely recommend this reel for everyone in the fishing business.
Highlighted Features
- Made with lightweight magnesium body and double anodized spool for superior toughness in water
- Comes with neoprene protective bag and spare aluminum spool
- Sealed carbon drag system; spring-loaded line clip
- Solid sure-click bail provides an audible signal when bail is fully open and ready to cast
- Spring loaded line clip
- Lightweight carbon handle
4. Shimano Spirex fg Spinning Reel
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The Shimano Sprilex is one of the few reels with the quick fire feature. My father, who mentored me into fishing is a veteran in this business. He described to me how he loved the quickfire feature when it was introduced in the 80s.
He had sincere placed every reels he had with the one with the quick-fire mechanism. This feature allows you to cast as quickly as possible.
My father has several of the older models of the same reels which work almost as if they were new. The newer models are much better because of their new wide spool design which allows you to wrap more line on the reel
I personally like the double hand because it has the same feel as the baitcasters. Its exclusivity to salt water environment is also not a problem at all
The overall performance of this reel is solid and smooth with the line winds evenly on the spool. It is a well-made spinning reel at a reasonable price too. It is much easier to award it five stars in the reviews. I highly recommend it.
Highlighted Features
- Line capacity; 2/270, 4/140, 6/110
- Maximum drag: 7 pounds
- Ball bearing: 5 bearings
- Gear ratio: 6:2:1
- Weight: 8.8 ounces
5. Abu Garcia Ambassaudeur C3 Round Reel
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The Abu Garcia Ambassaudeur is a reel with brute strength that meets its refined style. It has an upgraded performance with styling merge with strength and engineering of this piece. When you look at it, it’s small size and weight makes it portable, an advantage over other reels in the fishing business today
I can tell you for a fact that this model was designed to meet demands of the most hardcore angler. Manufacturers are among the few ones who design models for the left-handed individuals. The left-handers can now buy one which is at the same price as others without having to dig deeper in their pockets for a special order.
Manufacturers have been in the business for long, their other models have received amazing accolades by top fishermen.
However, this particular reel, having been still in the market from 2013, show you how the model is still hot in the market, its demand is not going down and more fishermen have grown to like it more and more.
I would recommend you buy yours now since the demand for their upcoming new improved model of the same is getting bigger and bigger and so will its price.
Highlighted Features
- 3 stainless steel ball bearing + 1 roller bearing provide smooth operation
- Carbon matrix drag system gives smooth drag performance
- Compact bent handle and star provide a more ergonomic design
- Synchronized level wind system improves line lay castability
- Upgradable performance and styling
- Proven strength and engineering
6. Pflueger President Spinning Reel
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A 9 stainless steel ball bearings and instant antireverse one way clutch bearing defines the Pflueger president spinning reel. It is not called the president for nothing, it will instantly become your favorite reel. It is not hard to look for the reason behind the excitement about this model. Its price is friendlier than ever and it meets the demands of the fishermen.
You should see the new style handle knob, well designed, providing a nice non slip grip. It is definitely an improvement over the last versions. The reel is now lighter than previous models. Drags have also become smoother and stronger.
You definitely get a lot more than you pay for this reel. It is by far the cheapest reel I have come across that would fit my fishing requirements.
Of all the spinning reels I have used, I consider these and one other brand to be by far the best buy at their price point.
In terms of performance, they easily beat other more expensive reels. I honestly haven’t heard of any fishing enthusiast who has not possessed the Pflueger President spinning reel or has come across it and not kept it.
Highlighted Features
- 9 stainless steel ball bearings
- Instant anti-reverse one-way clutch bearing
- Machined, ported and double anodized aluminum spool with distinctive hole pattern for lighter weight
- Braid ready spool
7. Okuma Trio High Speed Spinning Reel
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The Okuma trio high spinning reel is as lightweight as possible; this is as a result of the one-piece stamped aluminum reel stern and rotor arm paired with lightweight graphite side plates, providing strength where needed and weight savings where possible.
The Trio spinning reels from Okuma offers a unique crossover construction. I find these features particularly
The spool construction houses the drag system in the aluminum chamber for stability and smoothness of the reel. Honestly, at the price you are getting this reel for, you will not find another reel with a much stronger drag than this.
If you do not find enough drag in this reel, then you are hooked for something way beyond or too big or way beyond your reel. It is engineered to the fact that it is going to last for a long time handling from small to medium fish.
The bail is as strong as anything you will ever find in the industry; it’s built like a tank, nice and thick. It is the top most spinning reel that is giving top American reels a run for their money. Apart from a few complaints about the amount of weight it can handle, I recommend this reel.
Highlighted Features
- Hybrid spool design with graphite arbor and aluminum lip
- Crossover aluminum and graphite hybrid body and rotor design
- Precision dual force drag system
- 9BB + 1RB stainless steel bearings
- Quick-set anti-reverse roller bearing
8. Abu Garcia Orra sx Spinning Reel
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The ORRA as it is popularly known is another product from Abu Garcia manufacturers that meets the quality of the average spinning reels in the market today. First, the model comes at a much lower price that I doubted its performance specification.
A rival reel with same performance specs comes at a much high price, 2-3 times as much as this model.
I bought this particular model, and I was impressed with it right out of the box. Regardless to say, my first outing with it was delightful, and this engineering piece performed flawlessly. Its drag is relatively smoother and more reliable than my older reels that it is replacing
Considering the prices of a good reel nowadays, I find this reel far cheaper and well balanced and of good value. As I have had experiences with other reels, I find the ORRA SX the best match for me and definitely for any serious fisherman out there.
Highlighted Features
- Ultra-light model because of graphite material
- Well balanced and designed
- Relatively smoother
- Adjustable drag
- Smooth retrieve
9. Abu Garcia Revo SX Spinning reel
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It works smoothly, but if you are right at the point where you click the bail, it catches. I also can use it in any weather that is in both winter and summer steelhead fishing Being a huge fan of the Abu Garcia products, I did not hesitate to purchase this piece of engineering and just as its predecessors; it does not disappoint. I remember my wife’s remarks when we first used it. “smooth, powerful and pretty” as my wife put it. It looks so good that my fishing buddy who happens to own a local store in another state started stocking them
The product has a high reputation among the renowned fishermen including myself would recommend it for you. It is also getting positive reviews on the web; I do not see any reason whatsoever of a fisherman not possessing this latest model.
Highlighted Features
- Durable structure that can withstand the test of time
- Super light and handy
- Relatively smoother
- Well-designed model
10. Piscifun Fishing Line Winder Spooler Machine Spinning Reel
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The Piscifun fishing line is a unique design; any fisherman will tell you that. It is among the first line spooler ever if not the first. I had to try this engineering piece, and I must say, it’s very stable and strong. It takes a little time getting used to fitting your line spools in the clamps since it is a new idea, but other than that it works perfectly.
The sunction cup stays put and you can adjust the tension of the line by adjusting how far apart you set the bolts. This makes it possible reel your rod without the help of someone else. This is an advantage to lone fishermen/ women.
For me, this spooler is a revolutionary product in the fishing industry and is a turning point for other industry players. To me, this spooler ranks with the best of the best reels in the industry. It reminds me of the invention of quick fire back in the 80s.
Highlighted Features
- One year warranty with Pascifun the only authorize to sell spooler.
- The lime winder works great with both wide and narrow spools
- Spinning reel, baitcasting reel, and trolling reel interchange direction
- Easiest way to spool fishing line by yourself
- Can easily be disassembled
Final Verdict
All these best bass spinning reels I have reviewed here earn the stamp of my approval. They are all up to the standards of average spinning reels.
After reading this article, I am sure you have found the ideal spinning reel for yourself depending on what you are looking for.
It is extremely important for you to look for a reel that suits your demands. So make your choice and get value for your money.