Panfish such as bluegill, black crappie, and red sunfish can be rather powerful despite their small size. Panfishing requires finesse and accuracy. That should be reflected in the fishing reel you use. A lightweight, smooth, and good casting is the best spinning reel for what you need. There are various panfish spinning reels on the market, and you can even buy a panfish reel combo.
To help you choose, we’ve reviewed the list of the best panfish spinning reel.
Is Ultimate Panfish Reel Good?
Top 10 Best Panfish Spinning Reels
When looking to catch panfish, it’s great to use the best equipment. Here are our top 10 best spinning reels for panfish:
- Piscifun Carbon X
- Daiwa Crossfire
- Mitchell Avocet RZT
- Shimano Sedona
- Cadence CS-8 1000
- Micro Lite Elite
- Abu Garcia Revo X
- Okuma Ceymar
- Pflueger President
- Daiwa Tatula LT
Piscifun Carbon X
Specification
- Weight(oz): 5.1 – 9.6
- Gear ratio: 5.2:1 – 6.2:1
- Ball bearings: 10+1
- Retrieve rate(in): 20.1 – 35.8
- Max drag(Ib): 8.8 – 33
The Piscifun Carbon X spinning reel is well-known among professional anglers. This reel has several features that every angler wants in a reel. The most distinguishing feature of this reel is its lightweight and high durability when capturing fish. It gives excellent distance and accuracy when casting lightweight baits.
Piscifun Carbon X contains three superior large carbon washers that enable up to 33 lbs of drag power. You can capture panfish with ease thanks to this incredible drag power. It has 10+1 shielded stainless steel ball bearings for a pleasant fishing experience and greater functionality and mobility. The gear ratio on this reel is 6.2:1. This reel ratio is excellent for fast-paced fishing since it allows you to retrieve and cast lines quickly. Piscifun Carbon X gives you all of these features for a lower cost than you would typically pay for them on a reel that costs much more than this.
Pros
- Very lightweight and smooth
- Fast and responsive
- Reasonable price
Cons
- It’s less smooth under high load.
Daiwa Crossfire
Specification
- Weight(oz): 7.8 – 13.3
- Gear ratio: 5.2:1 – 5.3:1
- Ball bearings: 1 BB + 1RB
- Retrieve rate(in): 25.5 – 32.5
- Max drag(Ib): 11.0 – 26.4
The Daiwa Crossfire LT spinning reel is well-liked by all of its users. This reel gives outstanding performance across the board and is a need if you’re looking for a speedy spinning setup. And it’s astonishing that it’s so reasonably priced.
The Crossfire’s body and rotor are graphite, incredibly rigid, and light. Using a rigid reel when fishing ensures that the fish battle receives the full force of your handle pressure. The aluminum spool and handle add durability and strength to the reel’s key pressure points. The handle has been machine-cut to eliminate weak points and is finished with an ergonomic ABS knob for a secure grip.
The Daiwa Crossfire LT is available in three eye-catching colors: red, black, and gold, and in three sizes: 2500, 3000, and 4000. These reels may be used for anything and everywhere, making them ideal for Panfishing. Try the Crossfire LT if you’re searching for a reasonably priced, dependable spinning reel.
Pros
- Quality features
- Lightweight and very smooth
- Affordable priced
Cons
- Low line capacity
Mitchell Avocet RZT Spinning Reel
Specification
- Weight(oz): 6.6 – 9.8
- Gear ratio: 5.1:1 – 5.4:1
- Ball bearings: 7+1
- Retrieve rate(in): 22 – 29
- Max drag(Ib): 8.8 – 17.6
Mitchell’s Avocet RZT Spinning Reel is functional and reasonable for experienced anglers or beginners. This reel maintains the dependable operation that Mitchell reels are recognized for. The Mitchell Avocet has a graphite rotor and body. Its also casting is smooth and consistent with eight bearings and instant anti-reverse.
It has a multidisc drag mechanism that ensures accurate retrievals, and its aluminum handle and spool, combined with its Neverfail bail spring system, make it a sturdy piece of gear. The dual-supported pinion gear provides smooth operation and reduces fatigue on your cranking hand.
The rear drag models offer an extra Rapid Drag function that makes it even easier to ramp up or decrease your drag level quickly. This reel is a sturdy addition to any fishing equipment and is offered in various sizes. Mitchell’s Avocet isn’t the reel you’d use on a tournament day if it has to handle large fish that will damage your line.
Pros
- Smooth operation
- Quality features
- Affordable price
Cons
- It can not handle large fish.
Shimano Sedona Spinning Reel
Specification
- Weight(oz): 6.3 – 21.7
- Gear ratio: 4.9:1 – 6.2:1
- Ball bearings: 3+1
- Retrieve rate(in): 26 – 41
- Max drag(Ib): 7 – 24
Shimano Sedona is an excellent choice for anglers seeking a lightweight reel that can handle various fish sizes, including panfish. Because it is built of a highly light carbon composite material, it helps reduce weight which can make your arms and wrists tire after a long day of fishing. This lightweight spinning reel is also built with many high-quality internal components, making it one of the better choices for anglers looking for a lighter reel with the same smooth action.
The body and side plates of the reel are built of a proprietary carbon composite material that is equivalent to aluminum while weighing only a tenth of the weight of an all-metal reel. The internal mechanisms of the Sedona are all of high quality, as the reel is built with a cold-forged Hagane Gearing system that eliminates friction during casts and retrieves. Shimano Sedona is the greatest value reel for the money while still providing excellent performance.
Pros
- High-quality components
- Lightweight
- Great performance
- Affordable price
Cons
- It has just a 3+1 ball-bearing system.
Cadence CS-8 1000
Specification
- Weight(oz): 6.3 – 8.5
- Gear ratio: 5.2:1 – 6.2:1
- Ball bearings: 9+1
- Retrieve rate(in): 25 – 38
- Max drag(Ib): 11 – 20
The Cadence CS8 reel is a fantastic reel that might outperform more well-known brands. This ultralight reel from Cadence is jam-packed with premium parts, and for the budget, it can compete with even the most costly options. The CS8 offers all these wonderful features in a reel built to last.
It starts with a sturdy, lightweight magnesium frame, followed by a carbon composite rotor and side plate. Cadence uses aluminum components in the CS8 to reduce weight even more, including the pinion gear, main shaft, one-piece bail, handle, and spool. The nine corrosion-resistant bearings and one instant anti-reverse bearing on this reel provide silky-smooth retrieves.
The CS8’s carbon fiber drag is adaptable to a range of line strengths and fishing tactics. The smooth drag allows you to play and work a large fish down without snapping the light line. The Cadence CS8 is a high-quality reel at an affordable price.
Pros
- Premium-quality
- Super-smooth operation
- Friendly-budget price
Cons
- The drag system isn’t sealed.
Micro Lite Elite
Specification
- Weight(oz): 6.2
- Gear ratio: 5.2:1
- Ball bearings: 6+1
- Retrieve rate(in): 23 – 24
- Max drag(Ib): 6
Micro Lite Elite spinning reel is a true contender in this pricing category. It’s an excellent reel at a highly reasonable price. This reel has an anti-reverse system activated by the standard tab located beneath the reel. It is continuous and smooth when turned on, preventing you from turning the crank backward. Its drag system is positioned at the spool’s end. It’s also simple to use and adjust.
The Micro Lite Elite has a soft-touch rubber crank knob and is switchable between right- and left-hand operation. It operates smoothly and without issue, and you will experience no problems with it, even after a few saltwater dips. The Micro Lite Elite has a 5.2:1 gear ratio, which means the spool will spin 5.2 times for every crank turn. This results in a retrieval rate of roughly 23 inches per turn, which is typical for an ultralight tackle. The Micro Lite Elite is a quality product with a competitive price.
Pros
- Excellent drag system
- Smooth operation
- Reasonable price
Cons
- The drag system isn’t sealed.
Abu Garcia Revo X
Specification
- Weight(oz): 7.7 – 9.1
- Gear ratio: 6.2:1
- Ball bearings: 7+1
- Retrieve rate(in): 33 – 40
- Max drag(Ib): 11 – 13
The Abu Garcia Revo X is an affordable fishing reel that offers everything you need. It makes sense and adds more significance to reel performance and durability. The reel body is sturdy and light, manufactured of carbon fiber. The Revo X Low Profile Reel boasts fully loaded features and a lube port that provides simple access support.
The Abu Garcia Revo X reel has a Carbon Matrix hybrid drag system for dependable and smooth performance while handling large fish. The stainless steel outline frames on the 30-ton rod blanks offer stability and performance to the lightweight body. The X2-Cräftic is designed to be corrosion resistant, which is critical given how much wetness and UV damage these reels are subjected to.
Eight ball bearings are ideal; the higher the number of bearings, the smoother the reel’s operation. The aluminum spool is extremely free-turning, thanks to the high-quality bearing employed. The Abu Garcia Revo X may be the best all-around panfish spinning reel.
Pros
- Smooth and excellent casting ability
- Impressive durability
- Lightweight design
Cons
- The anti-reverse switch may be faulty.
Okuma Ceymar
Specification
- Weight(oz): 6.0 – 20.7
- Gear ratio: 4.8:1 – 5.0:1
- Ball bearings: 6+1
- Retrieve rate(in): 21 – 36
- Max drag(Ib): 5 – 22
The Okuma Ceymar is an excellent fishing reel and comes at a great price. This reel is lightweight and smooth, with a lightweight yet confident crank and corrosion characteristics essential in saltwater conditions. The reel is well-made and has a metal body, aluminum handle, bail wire, and spool.
The Okuma Ceymar has aluminum blades and handles, contributing to its lightweight and corrosion resistance, making it perfect for all weather and fishing conditions. Corrosion can be prevented most effectively by removing moisture from your reel. Additionally, the reel is equipped with a proprietary Cyclonic Flow Rotor, which accelerates drying anytime water enters the casing by generating airflow around the internal gearing.
The multidisc design is responsible for the remarkable drag performance. For smooth functioning, there are seven stainless steel ball bearings and one extra bearing for anti-reversal support. Okuma Ceymar is an ultra-lightweight panfish favorite reel.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design
- Smooth performance
- Available in various sizes
Cons
- The drag dial is a little fragile.
Pflueger President
Specification
- Weight(oz): 6.2 – 11.5
- Gear ratio: 5.2:1
- Ball bearings: 7 – 10
- Retrieve rate(in): 20.2 – 31.6
- Max drag(Ib): 6 – 14
Pflueger President is a high-quality reel that offers excellent value. This reel contains a lightweight graphite body and rotor, which make it both sturdy and light. The 10-bearing system, which hasn’t changed and still offers a very smooth retrieve, is made of corrosion-resistant stainless steel ball bearings.
Pflueger President has a ported braid-ready spool made of solid aluminum. This spool allows the braid to be connected directly to the spool through a set of vertical rubber grommets, enabling the slippery braid to hold the spool without a mono backing. The heavy-duty aluminum Sure Click bail from Pflueger makes a satisfying audible click when it is open and ready to cast, letting you know it is ready.
The ergonomic soft-touch knob makes it easy to hold. It offers in five sizes, ranging from 20 to 40. The Pflueger President is a good option if your budget is exceptionally tight or you’re just starting and want to spend less money on a reel.
Pros
- Highly smooth and lightweight
- Friendly budget price
Cons
- The drag system isn’t sealed.
Daiwa Tatula LT
Specification
- Weight(oz): 5.8 – 7.4
- Gear ratio: 6.2:1
- Ball bearings: 6 (1CRBB, 5BB, 1RB)
- Retrieve rate(in): 30.5 – 39.1
- Max drag(Ib): 11- 26.4
The Daiwa Tatula LT is a mid-tier freshwater reel incredibly lightweight and of excellent quality. The Tatula LT is lighter and more durable than the other reels, which is why it has the LT name. It meets or exceeds the other reels’ maximum drag and line capacity. Daiwa employs a Zaion carbon-strain body with a cutting-edge air rotor that weighs 15% less than the materials used in the competition’s reels.
This reel’s Digigear systems maximize the size of the gears while minimizing the weight. Even though this is a freshwater reel, it has a watertight drag that keeps the drag system from becoming moist and possibly corroded. The Tatula LT reel has a 7-bearing system that includes a CRBB, which places one corrosion-resistant ball bearing ahead of five stainless steel and an anti-reverse ball bearings. The corrosion-resistant bearing acts as a barrier, keeping sand and grime out. The Daiwa Tatula LT is the ideal combination of lightweight and smooth retrieving.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight and sturdy
- Smooth retrieval
- Corrosion-resistant ball bearing
Cons
- Issues with drag knobs
FAQs About The Best Panfish Spinning Reel
What To Look For At The Best Panfish Spinning Reel?
- Size: The size of a panfish spinning reel should be small. The size range of 1000-2000 could be ideal.
- Weight: A lot of casting and watching for a minor bite are standard fishing techniques for panfish. Consider searching for little reels that can snap a 1/32-ounce bait.
- Drag: One of a panfish spinning reel’s most crucial features can be a drag. The ideal drag is smooth and adjustable.
- Price: The price is also essential for many anglers. If you are searching budget-friendly reel but still high quality, this list is all for you.
What Size Is The Best Panfish Spinning Reel?
Panfish are best caught with reels from the 1000–2000 series that weigh 6–10 ounces. To get the best performance, look for a reel with a line capacity that can carry 2lb to 8lb test lines and smooth drag.
What Line Should We Use For Panfish?
The fluorocarbon fishing line is perfect for panfish due to its high tensile strength and low visibility in the water. The fluorocarbon line does not reflect light as well as the monofilament line. It lacks the elastic structure of the monofilament. As a result, the fluorocarbon fishing line is an ideal choice for fishing in clear water, mainly when targeting panfish in clear or shallow water.
Do 1000 Reels Good For Panfish?
The 1000 series reels are perfect for Panfishing. These sturdy yet lightweight reels can easily land fish up to 8 pounds when used with the appropriate rod.
How Many Lines Do You Need For Your Spinning Reel?
The line-class requirements will be printed on the spool of every spinning reel. It is typically stated as lb test/Quantity in yards. Before selecting how many lines you need for your spinning reel, carefully read the instructions. For example, a reel with a capacity of 8/120 will store 120 yards of an 8-pound test line.
Conclusion
Since panfish are usually quite light, utilizing suitable spinning reels might be especially beneficial. When selecting a spinning reel for panfish, there are several factors to consider, including features, quality, money, and, most significantly, your panfish trip planning. So, all the spinning reels mentioned above are worth considering; make sure to choose the Best panfish spinning reel that will work for all the species and environments you intend to target.