When it comes to fishing, it is vital for tanglers to prepare the best baitcasting fishing reels. Among reputational brands, Shimano has gained a name for its reel series with excellent performance. However, not everyone is familiar with this face, especially tangler new anglers. So, we decided to release the best Shimano baitcasting reel list for anyone interested.
If you want to leverage your fishing techniques with the Shimano baitcasting reel model, examine our post thoroughly.
Is Shimano A Good Brand?
Yes, Shimano is a good brand and industry leader due to its wide variety of high-quality product models. Therefore, we recommend choosing Shimano among the top baitcasting reel manufacturers.
Now, let’s discuss six premium players in detail. Each Shimano baitcasting reel reviewed today features different characteristics, but all provide superior performance for their price in 2021.
Some reel of Shimano is ideal for inshore saltwater fishing, and some for freshwater fishing. Hence, it’s not difficult for you to find top models that can handle both bass fishing locations. For peace of mind, users can benefit from an included warranty on Shimano rods and reels that lasts two years.
Top 7 Best Shimano Baitcasting Reels
| Product images | Product names | Editor's rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Shimano Metanium DC Low Profile Reels | Best Overall | |
 | Shimano Curado MGL 70 K Low Profile Baitcast Reel | Best For Budget | |
 | Shimano Calcutta Conquest 300-400 Round Reels | Best For Line Control | |
 | Shimano Curado DC Fishing Reel | Best For All-Day Comfort | |
 | Shimano Chronarch G SW Baitcasting Fishing Reel | Best For Durability | |
 | Shimano SLX MGL 70 Low Profile Baitcast Reel | Best For High-Speed Retrieves | |
 | Shimano Chronarch MGL Low Profile Baitcasting Fishing Reel | Best High-End Version |
1. Shimano Metanium DC Low Profile – Shimano’s Best Overall
Model Shimano Metanium DC reel is the apex of Shimano DC versions for its excellent baitcasting reel performance. However, a few anglers consider it expensive, while others who aspire to top-level sports think it is worth it.
Featuring a Shimano Hagane body, the reel uses CI4+ for its side plates, making the model ultra-light and highly durable. This feature speaks of how comfortable it feels in your palm and how lightweight it is, around 6.7 to 6.9 ounces.
Shimano Metanium DC gear ratio falls in the high-speed reel category, going from 7.4:1 to 8.5:1. As a result, people often use the reel for freshwater and saltwater fishing. With its outstanding gear ratio, your casts will not be tiring during the course.
Next, the reel possesses a significantly superior digital controlled system – I-DC Gearing. The gearing adjusts resistance while you cast by using a micro-computer. Selecting lure weights ranging from 5 to 30 grams and users’ favorite fishing line type on the reel inside helps minimize the backlash and keeps the cast longer and further.
Besides, you can also expect this premium reel of Shimano for the consistency in its drag system with a max drag of 11 pounds, the S3D spool design that creates a smooth and balanced retrieving and casting, or the powerful gearing featured by the 9+1 bearing system.
Pros
- Non-exhausting casts without backlash
- Super smooth Bearings: 9BB + 1RB
- The advanced I-DC5 braking system
- Superior cast management system
- Ultimate micro-computer auto mode
Cons
- Pretty expensive
- Not offer actual anti-reverse lever
2. Shimano Curado MGL 70 K Low Profile Baitcast Reel
Launched in the fall of 2020, this Shimano MGL Curado 70K reel became one of the most superior baitcasting reels to welcome the 2021 fish-for-bass season. If you are a fan of the Shimano K series and prefer pitching and flipping, then this new model is undoubtedly the apple of your eye.
Suppose the Shimano Metanium DC reel evokes a modern, classy display, its brother. In that case, the Shimano 70 K low-profile reel has a metallic and matte black frame featuring a robust and powerful appearance. While some comment that the 70 K model shares a similar appearance to the 200 K, they differ in size.
Overall, the reel weighs 6.9 ounces. It exhibits a gear ratio of 7.4:1 or 8.1:1 and a maximum drag of 12 pounds. Thus, anglers use this reel of the Shimano brand to catch bass in freshwater or light saltwater areas. Compared to the Shimano Metanium DC, the model also uses innovative gearing that helps increase contact for buttery smooth retrievals. In addition, the “Supper Free” design of its spool plays a vital role in eliminating erosion on the spool shaft during your casts.
Next, another feature worth your notice is SVS Infinity – an advanced brake system that offers spool speed controllability for precision casting as thrown with lighter lures.
There is no significant difference between the Shimano’s DC reel and the MGL 70 K reel regarding the reel frame construction. Both come with a Hagane body, CI4+ side plates, and dual-handle paddles. Likewise, the Shimano 70 K also provides precise fishing line management with S3D technology.
Pros
- Incredible braking system: SVS Infinity
- New MGL spool
- Offer comfy grab in palm
- “Super Free” design
- Waterproof carbon drag washers
Cons
- A bit costly
3. Shimano Calcutta Conquest 300-400 Round Baitcaster Fishing
Shimano Calcutta Conquest 300-400 Round reel has always been a staple of the Japanese market. When the model penetrated the US market in 2021, it became an industry leader in round bait caster reels. Therefore, newcomers to the brand may feel excited at the reel’s ability: high resistance to some baits such as crankbaits, chatter baits, and spinnerbaits.
Shimano offers a new Calcutta Conquest line in four new models: 300 and 400 round reels. They have a max drag of 15 pounds, a gearing ratio of 6.2:1, and 12+1 bearings. These reel versions also come with a hefty 33” retrieve per crank.
The Shimano Calcutta Conquest 300 series shares the same object weight at 11.6 ounces and can spool 40 to 65 pounds of braid line. Hence, this version is the best size to go for if you are a freshwater angler that powers more than the SLP series baitcasting reel.
Yet, if you choose inshore saltwater areas to fish bass, we recommend you use the 400-round baitcasting reel, which weighs a little heavier, 12 ounces. Compared to the 300 series, this 400-size model holds a bigger spool capacity: 50 to 80 pounds of braid fishing and 12 to 20-pound test monofilament.
Recently, the Shimano Conquest 300-400 reel has had a few excellent renovations, including a synchronized level wind for smoother casting and a variable braking system (VBS) that uses centrifugal force instead of magnets like the old reels. In addition, the 300/400 models use shielded anti-rust ball bearings to optimize the rotation.
Pros
- New synchronized level wind
- 12 + 1 unique shielded stainless steel bearings
- Buttery smooth drag
- The superior variable braking system
Cons
- Bulkiest of the bunch
- Regular maintenance needed
- Renovation on star drag needed
4. Shimano Curado DC Reel – Best Bass Baitcasting Reel
People always mention the Shimano Curado as “a superpower” that is creating excellent, effortless casts. You don’t have to worry about fatigue during the fishing course.
For anglers who have acquired some experience with this series, the Shimano’s DC version is like a Curado K but comes with a DC brake system. Thus, if you are a fan of the “DC whine” signature, we believe you will love this reel.
The Shimano DC weighs 7.8 to 7.9 ounces, featuring a line recovery of 26 to 36 inches per turn, using 6 + 1 rust-resistant bearings and an 11-pound max drag. Also, the reel has a variety of gear ratios: 6.2:1, 7.4:1, and 8.5:1.
However, this model Shimano has a small spool capacity: 20 to 40-pound braided and 10 to 14-pound monofilament lines.
Overall, the Shimano’s Curado DC is not different from the Metanium DC regarding a Hagane body, CI4+ side plates, dual handles with paddles, or S3D technology. Some anglers prefer thumbing the reel as long as they set the brake modes right, while others don’t. Doing so helps feather the lure as it lands.
To sum up, this Shimano Durado DC baitcasting reel fishing is such a pleasure to accompany you since you can catch bass in any condition.
Pros
- Powerful and smooth drag
- Awesome braking system
- High gear options
- Microcomputer for spool speed control
Cons
- I-DC4 setup issues
5. Shimano Chronarch G SW Reel
Are you looking for a series baitcasting reel that can handle fast species sheltering near inshore saltwater? Your search is over; you found the right one, the Shimano Chronarch G SW reel series. Get this reel if you aspire to the MGL excellent performance but love to catch bass around inshore salt or brackish areas. Now go to the quick specs series.
Generally speaking, the reel of Shimano weighs 6.5 to 6.7 ounces, reaching 10 to 11 pounds with a max drag. Besides, the line recovery falls in the range of 30 to 34 inches per turn.
With the 8 + 1 high-efficiency gearing (HEG), you can get high-speed retrieves without suffering any flex in the drive train. Specifically, the gear ratio at 7.1:1 or 8.1:1 also contributes to the leverage in casting speed and the retrieve speed per crank.
Let’s discuss the MicroModule gear fishing reels, a newly added feature of Shimano’s Chronarch G reel models. This MicroModule helps fine-tune the gear reel teeth for better contact to enhance slipping and pitching, and power for more delicate cuts to give the best user experience with a smoother feel.
Finally, you can also benefit from the brass gears with X-Ship. This further improves the reel gear’s durability and rigidity when working in harsh salt conditions.
Pros
- Lightweight reel
- MicroModule for more power
- Best Chronarch until now
- 8+1 shielded anti-rust bearings
- Smooth drag
Cons
- Re-greasing needed for the gear
- Hollow problems
6. Shimano Casting Reels SLX MGL 70 Low Profile
The next name on this list is the Shimano SLX MGL 70 baitcasting reel. Thanks to its compact 70-size form, the reel palms perfectly and comfortably in your hand. Also, Shimano’s reel made some surprise upgrades, including the SVS Infinity braking system and a Magnumlite (MGL) spool.
To enhance skipping and pitching, we recommend taking full advantage of the MGL 70 size spool for light baits such as small top waters or jerk baits.
Additionally, the reel of Shimano weight range is around 7.1 ounces. Its gear ratio is various, some operating at 6.3:1, some casting at 7.2:1, and others reaching far distances at an 8.2:1 baitcasting ratio. For flexible usage, you can choose between these gear ratios.
Besides, the Shimano MGL SLX 70 series also uses a 12-pound max drag, loaded with 4+1 corrosion-resistant shielded stainless steel ball bearings. Remember that the 6.3:1 gear ratio is suitable solely for right-hand retrieval.
Pros
- Affordable
- Versatile brass gearing
- Innovative SVS Infinity braking
- Lightweight a Hagane body
- MGL 70 size spool advantage
Cons
- “DC whine” sound that is annoying to some users
7. Shimano Chronarch MGL Low Profile Fishing Reel
The last name on this list is the Shimano Chronarch reel. Impressive with the Chronarch MGL Shimano’s upgrades the previous Ci4+ with a new spool and their micro-module drip technology down this spinning shaft. It is constructed of carbon composite material, which is the higher-end version. The red metal pieces are very subtle and well-dispersed.
Casting: Megabass’s Vision OneTen. This half-ounce rip/Jerkbait is, in its own right, a legend, so it’s just suitable for this bait task. The result is phenomenal with the SVS Infinity brake system combined with the new Magnumlite spool. Easy casting only with better low-speed performance in pitching and lighter lure transmission.
Strength: There are three retrieve ratios in this reel. Shimano’s use of oversized gears only reinforces this confidence. Larger gears give you more leverage when driving that 90mm big handle.
Pros:
- The smoothness of this reel is hard to match.
- Quiet reel, long-distance cast.
- Ci4+ housing is rigid but extremely light.
- MGL spools are lighter and designed to cast lighter. The MGL spool has become a fan favorite. It allows anglers to make many presentations without backlash. Super Free Spool feature – reducing friction and increasing casting distance with less effort. SVS infinity brakes are always reliable and incredibly easy to tune.
Cons:
- The high price.
- Explicitly designed for freshwater – this is a reel specifically for bass fishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of rod do you need for a Shimano baitcasting reel?
Selecting the right kind with features that match your current techniques regarding speciality Shimano rod and reel combos is vital.
Two basic kinds of rods monopolize the bass fish market spinning and baitcasting. Choosing the kind of rod for a baitcaster depends on the type of reel you use, the technique you will fish with, and how large your targeted species are. If you aim at large fish, we suggest using the baitcasting rod option.
For the Shimano’s baitcasting reel, anglers commonly use a medium-heavy rod with 6 feet, 6 inches, and 6 feet, 10 inches. If you are about to learn the basic techniques of baitcasting, get a heavy line. The recommended fishing line weight range is around 15 to 17 pounds. As a result, this option makes it easier for you to cast at first without suffering any backlashes.
What lures to throw on a Shimano Reel?
The lure and added sinker of the reel of Shimano shouldn’t weigh less than ⅛ of an ounce – a recommended lure weight used for the type of reel. Generally, you can use some typical fishing lures listed below:
- Soft plastics
- Flipping baits
- Swimbaits
- Punch baits
- Swim jigs
- Buzzbaits
- Spinnerbaits
- Jerkbaits
- Crankbaits
- Topwater lures
How do I choose a gear ratio for a Shimano baitcasting reel?
To choose the gear ratio for the reel of Shimano, baits, and techniques drive the selection of the proper gear ratio. Casting at slow, medium, or high speed depends on what species you catch and how you fish them. Therefore, we break gear ratios into three small groups: slow (lower than 5:1), medium (around 6:1), and fast (higher than 7:1).
Specifically, using a slow reel of Shimano for crank baiting is ideal. Meanwhile, medium gear ratio reels are the best for top waters, swimming jigs, jerk baits, and spinnerbaits. And, if your intended techniques are worming, pitching, or flipping, then get the high-speed reels for your fishing day.
How do you cast a Shimano baitcaster without Birdnest?
To cast the reel of Shimano without birdnest, you need to prepare the following:
- The perfect fishing line that helps to untangle the birdnest
- Heavy lures like big crankbaits or huge swimsuits
- An adjustable braking system to avoid backlashes
- A medium-sized fishing rod for easier controllability and casts with fewer backlashes
- A correctly set spool tension for your fishing purposes
- A lubricant line conditioner to increase the casts’ distance and reduce backlash and friction
- The right reel for smooth and fast casts
How do I know what baitcasting reel is better to buy?
Currently on the market, due to the lack of a standardized system, the reel size of each brand is different. However, manufacturers like Shimano, Daiwa, Okuma, and KastKing share the same size convention from 100 to 400. Determining the right baitcasting reel size often involves selecting the fishing line size and gear ratio.
If you use a light line, you should purchase a smaller reel. For instance, the fishing line weighing 8 pounds will probably be the average line strength. So, you can make the right decision by selecting a medium-sized reel that should come with a 6, 8, or 10-pound line.
The size 100 reel is suitable for small fishing applications in shallow waters; it is light and comfortable for all-day fishing. A 150 or 200 reel will be a great choice if you’re fishing for bigmouth bass or large fish at a depth of coverage. Ultimately, a 300 or 400-size reel will suffice for those looking for a bait reel for saltwater fishing that can handle the monster fish.
What is the best baitcasters reel brand?
Below are the best baitcast reel brands, dominating the market in 2021 as the top 10 premium brands popular among experienced anglers:
- Penn Fishing Tackle Manufacturing Company
- Daiwa Seiko Corporation
- Pflueger
- Abu Garcia
- Shimano, Inc.
- KastKing
- Piscifun
- Okuma Fishing Products
- Cadence
- Zebco
What is the easiest reel to use?
Most anglers consider a spinning reel the easiest-to-use modern reel since its basic design allows beginners to practice. Moreover, this reel is also affordable to become an arsenal for every angler. You may find it challenging to see this reel around at fishing stores, but these reels used to be the rage.
Follow three super-simple steps to use a spinning reel:
- Press the button on the spool control
- Take the swing
- Release
After releasing the button, you will see the line files out to the spot at which your rod is pointing. Next, press the button again once you are about to stop the line. Super easy!
Final Verdict
After scrolling through our post about the best Shimano baitcasting reel, hopefully, you have managed to select your favorite product. If you have acquired experience with at least one of the premium Shimano baitcasting reels, please feel free to share your experiences to know that the information provided is helpful for practice. Lastly, don’t forget to revisit us for more valuable tips and advice on fishing.