Baitcasting reels are critical devices for fishermen who need to have the capacity to viably angle bigger draws and procedures where light line turning reels just don’t cut it. A decent baitcasting combo gives you a high level of control of your draw, permitting pinpoint bait arrangements, and the ability to haul slouches out of the spread and profound water.
This guide will enable you to see how to pick the best baitcasting reel for the cash, one that causes you to fish your preferred methods as productively as would be prudent, just as coming in under your financial plan. For those new to bait casters, we’ll spread the most critical particulars to search for so you settle on the correct decision for your very own best baitcasting reel. In the event that you know about these things effectively, at that point bounce directly down to our Top 15 baitcasting reels.
Best spinning reels
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| CAIUS | CITICA | TRANX 200 | BANTAM MGL | CURADO K | CURADO 70 | CHRONARCH G | CHRONARCH MGL | CURADO DC | TRANX 300-400 | METANIUM MGL | TRANX 500 | ANTARES | SLX | ALDEBARAN MGL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model | CIS151A | CI201IHG | TRX201AHG | BANTMGL151XG | CU201XGK | CU71XG | CH151HGG | CHMGL151XG | CUDC151XG | TRX401AHG | METMGL151XG | TRX500PG | ANT101HG | SLX151XG | ALDMGL51HG |
| Ball bearings | 3+1 | – | 3+1 | 7+1 | 6+1 | 5+1 | 8+1 | 8+1 | 6+1 | 5+1 | 10+1 | 7+1 | 10+1 | 3+1 | 9+1 |
| Gear ratio | 6.3:1 | 7.2:1 | 7.2:1 | 8.1:1 | 8.5:1 | 8.2:1 | 7.1:1 | 8.1:1 | 8.5:1 | 7.6:1 | 8.5:1 | 4.6:1 | 7.4:1 | 8.2:1 | 7.4:1 |
| Drag power | 11 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 11 | 18 | 11 | 25 | 11 | 11 | – |
| Weight | 7.2 | 7.4 | 8.5 | 7.8 | 7.8 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 7.9 | 12 | 6.2 | 20 | 7.93 | 6.9 | 4.8 |
| Drop2 | 27 | 30 | – | – | 36 | 32 | 30 | 34 | – | 40 | 36 | 30 | 34 | – | – |
| Line capacity | 20/150, 30/135, 40/105 / 10/120, 12/110, 14/90 | 30/190,50/120,65/80 / 8/180,10/155,14/110 | 30/190, 50/120, 65/80 / 8/180, 10/155, 14/110 | 20/150,30/135,40/105 / 10/120,12/110,14/90 | 30/190, 50/120, 65/80 / 8/180, 10/155, 14/110 | 20/115, 30/105, 40/80 / 10/105, 12/85, 14/70 | 20/150, 30/135, 40/105 / 10/120, 12/110, 14/90 | 20/150, 30/135, 40/105 / 10/120, 12/110, 14/90 | 20/150,30/135,40/105 / 10/120,12/110,14/90 | 50/275, 65/170, 80/140 / 12/330, 14/260, 20/160 | 20/150, 30/135, 40/105 / 10/120, 12/110, 14/90 | 50/420,65/270,80/210 / 30/160,40/120,50/100 | 20/120,30/110,40/85 / 6/200,8/140,10/120 | 20/150,30/135,40/105 / 10/120,12/110,14/90 | 20/85 30/75 40/60 / 8/85 10/75 12/65 |
CAIUS
The Caius is a compact, versatile, and durable baitcasting reel, designed with lightweight lure casting in mind. Reducing the size of the new Caius from 200 to 150, and upgrading the braking system, means the reels cast much easier.
2. CITICA
Proven Shimano technology comes to the new Citica I Series baitcasting reels, including X-Ship for smooth retrieval of your favorite bait. Achieve maximum casting distance and put your bait where the fish live with the combination of S3D spool and the easy-to-manage SVS Infinity braking system. Citica reels are available in 7.2:1 and 6.3:1 gear ratios. Anglers looking for a tough and durable reel look to Citica. Only from Shimano
- Ease of use
- Great for finesse techniques and light lures
- More resistant to wind
- More resistant to backlashes
- Very versatile in different casting situations
- Great for live bait
- Distance limited
- The large, heavy line is cumbersome
- Line twist
- Line memory
- Little control over cast in flight
3. TRANX 200
Tranx 200 is built to withstand the harshest saltwater environments. After over a decade of corrosion study, Shimano has developed a reel concept that will deliver long-lasting durability and performance for inshore anglers around the world.
- Smooth and strong drag
- Durability from HEG and X-Ship technologies
- Coreprotect waterproofing
- Variable braking
- Price
- No clicker
4. BANTAM MGL
40 years ago, Shimano released its first baitcast reel, Bantam, to the market. This began what is now a legacy of durable and high performance casting reels.
- Lighter weights
- Greater line capacity
- So powerful
- Accuracy
- Not beginner friendly
- Higher price tag
5. CURADO K
Built tournament tough, Curado is the benchmark for reliability and durability. Generations of anglers have looked to Curado as their trusted partner. Shimano gives you more than ever with the new Curado K series reels. Now featuring the latest in Shimano technology, such as super smooth, efficient, durable MicroModule gearing, and offered in multiple gear ratios up to 8.5:1, Curado builds on its legacy as the ‘go to’ baitcasting reel for both fresh and saltwater action.
- Very Smooth
- Great Casting Control
- Small & Light Weight
- Very Quick Line Retrieve
- Can Take A While To Perfect Settings
- New Anglers May Struggle
6. CURADO 70
For 25 years now, the Curado continues to be the go-to baitcasting reel for bass and walleye, redfish and trout. Now offered with a new compact Hagane Body and a new model size perfect for pitching, flipping and casting lighter lures, the Curado 70 also features an enhanced SVS Infinity braking system designed for finesse and flipping techniques. X-Ship Technology provides even more smoothness and durability ? just as anglers have expected from Curado reels for more than two decades.
- Proven Durable Design
- Very Smooth
- Impressive Casting
- Small & Light Weight
- Not Ideal For Beginners
- Some People Prefer An Attached Side Plate
7. CHRONARCH G
Packed with Shimano’s most advanced technology, the new Shimano Chronarch G casting reel delivers the top level performance enthusiast saltwater anglers require. The new Chronarch G is fitted with Shimano’s MicroModule gearing, providing a more efficient gear train with a smoother, more positive feel. Light inshore saltwater reel, perfect for wade fishing for speckled trout, redfish, and flounder, MicroModule gearing provides more and smaller gear teeth for a more positive, efficient engagement and smoother feel
8. CHRONARCH MGL
Weighing in at only 6.5 oz. and packed with Shimano’s most advanced technology, the new Shimano Chronarch MGL Casting Reel delivers the top level performance tournament and enthusiast anglers require. More advanced than ever before, its lightweight Magnumlite Spool allows a low moment of inertia, requiring very little force to get it spinning. This means lures will cast farther, with less effort than before. Plus, the new Chronarch MGL is fitted with Shimano’s MicroModule gearing, providing a more efficient gear train with a smoother, more positive feel. The new Chronarch MGL is designed to help you get the most out of your freshwater fishing experience!
9. CURADO DC
Built on the legacy of durability, dependability, and versatility that Curado is known for, now with Shimano’s unique DC braking technology. Shimano’s new Digital Control braking system utilizes a microcomputer to monitor spool speed 1,000 times every second and apply the perfect amount of brake to prevent backlash and maximize distance. Anglers of all skill levels will appreciate less thumbing and trouble-free casting in all conditions.
- Great Build Quality
- Precision Casting Ability
- Significantly Reduced Backlash
- Can Take A While To Find Correct Settings
10. TRANX 300-400
Tackle anything that swims in freshwater or saltwater with the powerful, new Tranx. X-Ship & HEG technologies combine to provide massive cranking power with a smooth effortless retrieve, perfect for throwing big baits and catching big fish. Plus, Shimano’s new CoreProtect water-resistant technology provides long-lasting durability in the harshest environments.
- Smooth and strong drag
- Durability from HEG and X-Ship technologies
- Coreprotect waterproofing
- Variable braking
- Price
- No clicker
11. METANIUM MGL
The number one choice of our professional tournament bass anglers and avid fishermen alike, the new Metanium MGL baitcasting reels are all about versatile performance and lightweight. The new, Magnumlite Spool creates a very low moment of inertia, improving casting distance by 20% while enhancing the light, smooth feel of turning the handle. Loaded with Shimano technology and high-end features like Hagane Body, Micro-Module Gearing, Silent Tune, X-Ship and all new SVS Infinity braking, and available in three gear ratios from 6.2 to 8.5:1, the Metanium MGL is the optimal choice for a wide range of presentations, conditions and species.
12. TRANX 500
Revolutionary design and shape provide the comfort of low profile with the capacity of a conventional reel. X-Ship & HEG technologies combine to provide massive cranking power with a smooth effortless retrieve. Offered in high gear (HG) and power gear (PG) models to cover a wide range of applications.
- Smooth
- Line capacity
- Fast retrieve
- Strong and Durable
- Pricey
13. ANTARES
The flagship in Shimano’s low-profile baitcasting reel line-up, the Antares reels – offered in two gear ratios for multiple freshwater fishing techniques features the ultimate in long distance casting performance. With Shimano’s innovative Micro Module Gear System, plus a lightweight Magnesium frame, it’s built to be fished hard.
14. SLX
SLX is compact, rigid and versatile. With 3 gear ratios to choose from and a long handle, SLX offers tournament anglers a complete series of reels, that won’t break the bank.
- Compact and rigid body
- Long, comfortable handle
- Power knobs
- Hardened brass gear
- Great for tournament anglers
- The HAGANE Body is a metal reel body with high rigidity
Spool Size
A greater (more profound) spool can be useful on the off chance that you like to angle firm overwhelming line like a 20lb fluorocarbon. The bigger spool makes littler loops of line that are simpler to oversee. Littler shallow spools are best for short line applications like flipping and pitching.
Handle Size
Low profile bass angling reels have distinctive handle sizes. Probably the most minimal reels have shorter handles. This might be fine for most applications like angling a worm or a dance, however not for taking care of huge crankbaits or swimbaits. A bigger, longer handle makes more torque to winch fish out of the substantial spread, as while punching grass mats.
Brakes and Tension System
The strain handle controls the line toward the start of your cast, and the slowing mechanism controls the line toward the finish of your cast. The brakes help particularly when throwing into the breeze when your spool will in general turn quicker than the trap as it is backed off by the breeze. A decent strain and slowing mechanism are basic to have the capacity to make long throws with an assortment of draw loads and experience insignificant kickbacks.
Course and Materials
Search for quality clay or tempered steel metal balls in your baitcasting reels. When all is said in done. the more orientation a reel has, the smoother it will cast and recover. Search for reels that are lightweight and utilize solid materials like aluminum, magnesium, or carbon composite materials. These are solid and strong materials that will give you the best execution just as toughness.
