Fishing Reels: The Best of 2026
We compared the best fishing reels—from light-tackle reels for trout to casting reels for pike—to select a model that runs smoothly, has good drag, and is durable.
Our #1 pick
SHIMANO
Best Overall Fishing Reel
$148.07
The reel is the component that works the hardest during a fight. A progressive drag that lets out line at the right moment and a smooth retrieve make the difference between landing a fish and losing it.
A light-duty spinning reel, mounted below the rod, is the easiest to use and is suitable for most anglers. A heavy-duty casting reel, mounted on top of the rod, offers more power and accuracy when using large lures.
Our comparison highlights our top fishing reels by use, followed by a guide to choosing the right type, size, and gear ratio based on the target species. The specifications listed are provided by the manufacturers.
SHIMANO
Sedona 2500HG FJ
A smooth, reliable, and reasonably priced light-trolling reel. In size 2500, it’s suitable for trout, walleye, and bass.
Pros
- Very smooth recovery
- Progressive Brake
- A Trusted Brand
Cons
- Less waterproof than a high-end model
Manufacturer description
- •SEDONA 2500HG FJ
Specifications
- Color
- Silver
- Size
- Gear Ratio: 6.2 | Size: 2500
- Quantity
- 1
Price and details provided by Amazon at display time — may vary. Affiliate link.
Pflueger
President Spinning Reel-Clam- 30-10- 5.2:1
A lightweight, smooth-running reel, highly regarded for finesse fishing and walleye, that maintains excellent balance on a light rod.
Pros
- Very light
- Gentle Brake
- Reasonable price
Cons
- Less durable for large fish
Manufacturer description
- •President Spinning Reel-Clam- 30- 10- 5.2:1
- •Fishing Reel
- •Fishing Reel
- •Fishing Reel
- •Fishing Reel
Specifications
- Color
- Multi
- Size
- One Size
- Quantity
- 1
Price and details provided by Amazon at display time — may vary. Affiliate link.
Abu Garcia
Revo SX Low Profile Reel
A precise and powerful casting reel for casting large lures for pike and bass, with an adjustable drag to prevent line tangles.
Pros
- Accurate throws
- Powerful brake
- Sturdy construction
Cons
- Practical Application
- Not for very light lures
Manufacturer description
- •Revo SX Low Profile Reel
- •Revo SX Low Profile Reel
- •Revo SX Low Profile Reel
- •Revo SX Low Profile Reel
- •Revo SX Low Profile Reel
Specifications
- Color
- Multi
- Size
- One Size
- Quantity
- 1
Price and details provided by Amazon at display time — may vary. Affiliate link.
Penn
PENN BTLIII4000DX Battle III DX Spinning 4000
A very sturdy metal-body reel with a powerful drag: ideal for pike, muskellunge, striped bass, and bottom fishing.
Pros
- Very sturdy
- Powerful brake
- High line capacity
Cons
- Heavy
- Too big for trout
Manufacturer description
- •2020 ICAST Online Best of Category Winner – Saltwater Reel
- •Full Metal Body and sideplate; CNC Gear technology
- •HT-100 carbon fiber drag washers
- •5+1 sealed stainless steel ball bearing system
- •Line Capacity Rings; Superline Spool
Specifications
- Color
- Black/Gold
- Size
- 4000
Price and details provided by Amazon at display time — may vary. Affiliate link.
Daiwa
Daiwa BG Saltwater Medium/Xtra Heavy Spinning Reel, Black/Gold - BG3000
A sturdy reel with a metal body, known for its durability, that can withstand the test of time and tough fights.
Pros
- Very durable
- Reliable brake
- Good capacity
Cons
- Heavier
Manufacturer description
- •Made of the highest qualitiy materials
- •Daiwa BG Saltwater Medium/Xtra Heavy Spinning Reel, Black/Gold - BG3000
- •Made of the highest qualitiy materials
Specifications
- Color
- Multi
- Size
- Medium/Extra Heavy
- Quantity
- 1
Price and details provided by Amazon at display time — may vary. Affiliate link.
Okuma
Okuma Ceymar Lightweight Spinning Reel- C-30
A lightweight, well-built reel for the price: a good choice for a second rod or for beginners.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Lightweight
- Proper recovery
Cons
- Less smooth than a higher-end model
Manufacturer description
- •Used by professionals worldwide
- •Tested for reliability and quality
- •Made using the highest quality materials
- •LIGHTWEIGHT COMFORT Designed with comfort in mind. The soft touch and feel of the light weight, EVA handles knobs, combined with the graphite body construction, bring you a reel that is light and strong starting out at just 6 ounces in weight
Specifications
- Color
- Black/Red
- Size
- C-30
- Quantity
- 1
Price and details provided by Amazon at display time — may vary. Affiliate link.
M MAXIMUMCATCH
Maxcatch ECO Large Arbor Fly Fishing Reel (3/4wt 5/6wt 7/8wt) and Pre-Loaded Fly Reel with Line Combo (Fly Reel Black (Without Line), 7/8 Weight)
A lightweight fly reel with a disc drag, designed to be paired with a 4- to 6-weight fly rod for trout.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Disc brake
- Good price
Cons
- Specialized Use
Manufacturer description
- •ONE-YEAR-WARRANTY – we as a 16 years fly reel factory, offer “No Hassle” warranty for all our reels. If you are not 100% satisfied with our reel, you can return it in any time.
- •OUTSTANDING VALUE – this reel incorporates all of the features of reels that costing much more money. We just wish to bring the experience of Fly fishing to more people
- •Strong and Durable All-aluminum construction, Large arbor design for rapid line retrieval
- •Rugged disc drag for putting serious pressure on the fish. One-way bearing for quick and easy left-to-right hand retrieval switch
- •Color: Silver, Black, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout and Brook Trout
Specifications
- Color
- Fly Reel Black (Without Line)
- Size
- 7/8 weight
- Quantity
- 1
Price and details provided by Amazon at display time — may vary. Affiliate link.
13 FISHING
13 Fishing BBFFGW2.5-LH: Freefall Ghost - Inline Ice Fishing Reel - 2.5:1 Gr Lh Retrieve
A free-fall ice fishing reel: you press a lever, and the lure sinks to the bottom on its own, without having to pull the line by hand.
Pros
- Free-fall of the lure
- Designed for cold weather
- Compact
Cons
- Winter Use
Manufacturer description
- •FreeFall Performance Window
- •Graphite Frame Construction
- •Instant Stop Anti-Reverse
- •3+ 1 Stainless Steel Ball Bearings
- •Improved Slide Drag System
Specifications
- Color
- Multi
- Size
- One Size
- Quantity
- 1
Price and details provided by Amazon at display time — may vary. Affiliate link.
Light-duty or heavy-duty casting reel?
The light spinning reel is the most versatile: easy to cast, it allows you to use light lures and is suitable for both beginners and experienced anglers. It’s the right choice for trout, yellow perch, walleye, and bass.
A heavy-duty casting reel is mounted on top of the rod. It offers more power and accuracy when using heavy lures and thick line to target pike or bass in weed beds. However, it requires some practice to avoid tangles.
What size reel should I choose?
The size (1000, 2500, 3000, 4000…) indicates the line capacity. A 1000 reel is suitable for stream trout; a 2500 is the most versatile for walleye and bass; and a 3000 to 4000 is suitable for pike and thicker braided line.
Always match the size of the reel to the rod: a reel that’s too heavy will throw a light rod off balance and strain your wrist.
Brakes, gear ratios, and bearings
The drag should let out the line gradually, without jerks. The gear ratio (for example, 5.2:1) indicates how many revolutions the pick-up makes per crank handle revolution: a high ratio retrieves the lure quickly, while a lower ratio provides more power. The number of ball bearings is less important than their quality.
Reel for bottom fishing
For bottom fishing (bait on the bottom, rod on a stand), choose a sturdy reel in size 3000 or larger. Some models have a second “release” drag that allows the fish to take line without feeling any resistance before you set the hook.
Frequently asked questions
Which fishing reel should a beginner choose?
A size 2500 light spinning reel, such as the Shimano Sedona, sold separately or as part of a rod and reel set. It is the easiest to use and the most versatile.
What is the difference between a light-trolling reel and a casting reel?
Light casting is positioned below the rod and is suitable for light lures and beginners. Casting is positioned on top of the rod and offers more power and accuracy with large lures, but requires practice.
What size reel should I use for walleye?
A size 2500, sometimes 3000, on a light-action rod with a power rating ranging from light-medium to medium.
Do you need a special reel for ice fishing?
Not necessarily, but a reel designed for ice fishing (small, with grease suitable for cold weather, and sometimes with a free-spool feature) is more practical and reliable in extremely cold weather.