Bass anglers frequently use spinning reels. What is the best spinning reel for bass? These reels are simple to operate, flexible, and suitable for usage throughout the year. They may be used for almost any technique, including jigging and drop shots. And also, bass anglers now have access to high-quality, cheap, and dependable spinning reels.
With a spinning reel, even beginners may learn rapidly. A spinning reel for bass will be helpful no matter what freshwater you’re fishing in, whether a stream or a lake. This article, the best spinning reel for bass, will go through the top best bass spinning reel, buying tips, and answers to frequently asked questions regarding this type of reel and bass fishing.
Read more at: Best Spinning Rods For Bass (Ultimate Buying Guide For Beginners)
Top 10 Best Spinning Reels For Bass
So what is the best spinning reel when catching bass? Here are ten of our favorites:
- Best Overall: Daiwa Exceler
- Best for the Money: Shimano Sienna
- Daiwa BG Spinning Reel – Great Bass Fishing
- SHIMANO Stradic FL Spinning Fishing Reel
- Best Premium Combo: Abu Garcia Veritas Spinning Combo
- Shimano Stradic Ci4+ Spinning Fishing Reel
- Abu Garcia Revo SX Spinning Reel
- Best Budget Combo: Daiwa Revros Combo
- Pflueger President XT Spinning Fishing Reel
- Penn Battle II
Best Overall: Daiwa Exceler Spinning Reel
Key features
- Carbon Light Material Housing – LT Concept
- Aluminium handle
- 6 Bearing System
The Daiwa Exceler is an extremely light, powerful, and super smooth reel at a meagre price. Everything it’s a bass angler would ever need, and maybe more. These reels are ideal for various ranges of fishing techniques. It is exceptionally smooth while being robust and powerful. The Carbon Light Material Housing was created with the LT concept, which stands for “light yet strong”.
The carbon-based material is lightweight yet extremely sturdy, making the reel comfortable to handle over time. It also has a machined aluminum handle that provides a secure and comfortable connection to the spinning reel’s main gear. This reel’s line lay reduces tangles and presumably increases casting distance. Daiwa Exceler’s excellent line capacity and strong drag ratings make it a top choice for you.
Daiwa is known for its dependability, and the Exceler is especially popular for light saltwater use worldwide, demonstrating its durability. The Exceler outperforms even the best and most costly fishing reel by at least 90% and is all most anglers will ever need.
Pros
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Strong handle
- Excellent line capacity and drag ratings
Cons
- High-priced
Best for the Money: Shimano Sienna Spinning Fishing Reel
Key feature
- Composite body
- Aluminum spool
- Propulsion Line Management system
The Shimano Sienna is an exceptionally smooth, robust, and dependable reel at a meagre price. There isn’t another reel for $30 that comes close to the value of the Sienna if you’re on a tight budget.
The Sienna is an outstanding reel that is lightweight, sturdy, and incredibly smooth. This reel has an instant and infinite anti-reverse, including the Propulsion Line Management system for longer casts and fewer wind knots and the Super Stopper II for instant anti-reverse with no back play.
The drag is smooth and nonstick, and it is simple to modify in small increments. The Sienna is available in sizes ranging from the ultra-light 500 to the 4000 and is ideal for anything from freshwater to inshore fishing. So the Shimano Sienna is the best for the money when you catch bass fishing.
Pros
- Infinite anti-reverse and adjustable drag
- Available in many sizes
- Reasonable price
Cons
- Bail wire is not very strong
- It doesn’t have an attached handle
Daiwa BG Spinning Reel – Great Bass Fishing
Key features
- Hardbody frame
- Black Anodized Machined Aluminum Housing
- Bearings (6BB+1RB)
- Carbon ATD drag system
The Daiwa BG spinning reel is constructed on a Daiwa Hardbodyz frame of lightweight ABS and Zytel polymers. As a result, the reel is exceptionally sturdy and durable. The reel is slightly heavier and bigger than some of the other reels on this list. However, its longevity and functionality compensate for this.
It comes with a Digigear ball-bearing system with seven bearings (6+1). The Digigear system is often found exclusively in the most expensive reel types. The retrieval of the BG is smooth. It’s common to experience minor oscillation over the first few reels. However, with only a little practice, the oscillation will disappear. The reel includes a braid-ready dynamic cut spool and excellent anti-reverse capabilities.
Daiwa’s exclusive Carbon ATD drag system is also included in the BG. The drag system of the Carbon ATD is made up of carbon washers, which are claimed to improve drag system consistency. The drag system comes in handy when you’re fighting a giant bass. The BG spinning reel can be used in both freshwater and saltwater. So this type of reel is the best fishing reel for bass.
Pros
- Strong and durable construction
- Smooth retrieve
- Excellent drag system
Cons
- Quite heavy
SHIMANO Stradic FL Fishing Reel – Good Bass Spinning Reels
Key features
- Hagane Body and gear
- Cross Carbon Drag System
- G-Free Body
- SA-RB Bearings
The Shimano Stradic FL is a newer reel in the Stradic series. Shimano’s MicroModule Gear II provides maximum rotational smoothness and robust power transfer. Due to material and manufacturing technology advancements, its Hagane body is twice as robust as the preceding Stradic model. It has high rigidity, excellent stiffness, and high impact resistance, all contributing to the elimination of body flexing.
When all of these things combine, your actions become pure cranking power. The Hagane Body is even better because it is lighter than prior models. Furthermore, warp and distortion have been eliminated, allowing for smooth reeling with very little power loss. Shimano’s SilentDrive and Dyna-Balance technology are used in the Stradic FL to reduce noise and vibration throughout the cast and retrieve operation. This results in an exceptionally smooth reel to use.
The 6.1 shielded ball bearing system, Super Stopper II Anti-Reverse, and the vast range of settings in the Cross Carbon drag system make this the ideal reel for catching the biggest bass while maintaining a smooth and steady retrieval. It is more expensive than some of our other best bass spinning reel selections, but we believe it is well worth it.
Pros
- Great technology integration
- Smooth action
- Excellent durability
- Lightweight
Cons
- Reversing the reel direction is difficult.
Abu Garcia Revo S Spinning Reel – Good Bass Spinning Reel
Key features
- Mono Capacity: 175 yards of 8 lbs
- Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
- Max Drag: 11 lbs
- Weight: 7.6 oz
- Braid Capacity: 180 yards of 10 lbs
Abu Garcia Revo S Spinning Reel is capable of catching larger fish because of its sturdy construction. This part is proudly made of a C6 Carbon body known for being lightweight yet durable. Its lightweight gives the bar a balanced weight, making it easier to cast the chain. This carbon bodywork also improves gear alignment, making it easier for you during your catch.
You can use them in freshwater and saltwater environments, as the Abu Garcia Revo S is also built with 7 stainless steel HPCR bearings. These components are known for their corrosion resistance. It has an ambidextrous design, a reel everyone can use.
Another notable feature of the Abu Garcia Revo S is its superior drag system and smooth spinning action.
Pros
- High-quality and durable materials
- Easy to operate
- Very stylish
- It offers excellent value for money
Cons
- Sometimes having problems with the bail arm
Shimano Stradic Ci4+ Spinning Reel Fishing – Best Spinning Reel For Bass
Key features
- X-ship technology
- Aero Wrap II tech
- Hagen gearing
- Magnumlite Rotor
- G-Free Body
The Stradic Ci4+ is undoubtedly the most popular all-purpose spinning reel on the market. The Stradic spinning reel employs Shimano’s most recent technology while relying on traditional methods. Every component has been engineered to enhance the angler’s experience on the water. The body is extremely powerful. It features a metal line cover, a dragging knob, and a lightweight gearbox cover. It’s strong, yet it’s also light, at only 5.6 ounces.
X-ship technology increases gear longevity and decreases friction between the spool shaft and gear, improving casting performance and enabling longer casts. It has a drag force of up to 25 pounds, depending on your chosen model. Because of its small weight, the reel may not be suitable in strong winds.
The Hagene gearing, G-Free Body, and Magnumlite Rotor are all features of this spinning reel. This new addition to the reel gives it a very light, smooth feel while cranking.
It also provides more power while dragging. Six ball bearings and one roller bearing are included. These improve smoothness and provide quick reverse stopping. This is an excellent reel in strength, smoothness, gears, and dragging force.
Pros
- Powerful construction
- Lightweight crank
- Excellent longevity
Cons
- The handle is ineffective for strong cranking.
Abu Garcia Revo SX Spinning Reel
Key feature
- 8 stainless steel bearings and one roller bearing
- Am-gearing System
- Carbon matrix Hybrid drag System
- Im-c6 body design
The Abu Garcia Revo SX reel is our top pick for bass fishing. It’s smooth, adaptable, and durable. One of the most outstanding features of this spinning reel is its line management system. It combines the Rocket Spool Lip Design and the Everlast Bail System, ensuring that your line always lays fully flat on the spool regardless of your technique or lure weight.
This reel’s body comprises an x-Craftic alloy frame and a C6 carbon body, resulting in remarkably lightweight and corrosion-resistant construction. This implies that you should have no trouble using this reel in saltwater or freshwater. The red and black color scheme looks great, and the foam grips make holding it a pleasurable experience. The gear design is computer optimized. The Carbon Matrix drag system provides smooth, robust drag.
This reel’s overall performance is excellent and built to handle both tiny and large fish. This reel’s spool lip is slightly angled, which might aid a lot by enabling the line to flow easily. This is an excellent choice if you frequently use lightweight bait when fishing.
Pros
- Durable and high-performance design
- Highly versatile
- Excellent drag performance
Cons
- The slight discoloration in a small area on the handle might not look unappealing.
Best Budget Combo: Daiwa Revros Combo
Key features
- Composite body
- 5 bearing system
- Aluminum spool and handle
- Graphite blank
- Aluminum oxide guides
The Daiwa Revros is ideal for bass fishing, and one of the rod selections suits how you want to fish (in terms of lure or bait weight). If you take simple care of it, it will provide smooth, reliable service for many years. Daiwa’s Air Rotor is also included for lower weight and increased sensitivity.
The body is sturdy and light, the drag is incredible, and the handle is rugged and comfortable. The Revros LT reel incorporates four ball bearings and a Digigear digital gear design for smooth, simple rotation.
The Daiwa Revros is a high-performance combo that will help you catch more fish. The Revros reel is one of the best for its pricing.
Pros
- Quality construction
- Lightweight
- High-performance and sensitive
- Great action
- Reasonable price
Cons
- The rod needs a bit more refined
Pflueger XT President Spinning Reel
Key features
- 10-bearing system (the 20 size has a 7-bearing system)
- Corrosion-resistant stainless steel ball bearings
- Aluminum main shaft
- Aluminum pinion gear
- Sealed drag system
- Rubber cork knobs
The popular Pflueger President XT Spinning Reel is lighter and smoother than ever, delivering excellent quality within its price range. The reel’s body and rotor are magnesium, making it lightweight but sturdy. This reel provides exceptional comfort and balance partly due to its aluminum main shaft and pinion gear.
President XT also has a carbon handle that is 21% lighter and stronger than aluminum. Its lightweight rubber cork handle knob provides excellent gripping power in all weather situations.
Its high-quality 10-bearing system (the 20 size has a 7-bearing system) includes corrosion-resistant stainless steel ball bearings and instant anti-reverse. The sealed drag prevents water and grit from entering, ensuring it remains fully lubricated and smooth. Pflueger has included a braid-ready spool on this reel, enabling direct tying without backing.
President XT is still one of the most fantastic bargains on the water, thanks to its numerous improvements. The Pflueger President XT is undoubtedly worth the money.
Pros
- Light and smooth
- Extreme comfort and balance
- Instant anti-reverse
- The smooth, reliable, sealed drag system
Cons
- It doesn’t hold well to extra-large fish
- It is not designed for saltwater
Penn Battle II
Key feature
- Full metal body, side plate, and rotor
- Heavy-duty aluminum bail wire
- HT 100 Carbon fiber drag system
- Fluid cranking with five sealed stainless steel ball bearings
- The instant anti-reverse bearing
- Superline spool
The Penn Battle II spinning reel is an excellent choice for fishing for bass in saltwater. You won’t have to worry about corrosion because it’s mainly for salty waters. This saltwater reel, made of durable materials and loaded with fish-fighting capabilities, is designed to catch bass fish yearly.
Each component, from the complete metal body, side plate, and rotor to the five sealed stainless steel ball bearings, is designed to assist you in landing your catch. The drag system is an HT 100 carbon fiber system that uses both sides of each drag washer to maximize drag. Its fast anti-reverse bearing reduces pullback so that you may reel without interruption.
Drag washers are also properly lubricated (proprietary blend) to provide long-lasting performance. Five stainless-steel sealed bearings are included. As a result, cranking is simple and smooth.
A braided line may be wound on the Superline spool. It even has line capacity rings, so you can always know how many remaining lines. The rubber gasket fitted inside the spool eliminates the need for monofilament backing. The maximum drag on the 8000 sizes is 30 pounds. The sizes of reels range from 2000 to 8000.
Pros
- High-quality components
- Smooth drag performance
- Designed for saltwater
Cons
- Quite fragile
FAQs About Best Spinning Reel For Bass
Things To Consider When Buying The Best Spinning Reel For Bass
If you’re new to bass fishing, you should know what to look for in a spinning reel. The following section will review the most crucial things to consider before purchasing.
Construction
The best spinning reel for bass is made with great care and precision and uses high-quality materials and components. If a reel is not composed of high-quality materials, it will not work correctly and will not survive long.
Graphite composite or aluminum alloy is the most common material in a spinning reel. Graphite is an excellent choice for saltwater fishing. However, Graphite is less expensive, but it is less durable.
Metal is more durable than Graphite, although it is more prone to corrosion. Aluminum is also more expensive and heavier.
If you have the budget, die-cast aluminum is the most robust material. Look for strengthened or iodized frames to prevent corrosion. Every material produces an excellent spinning reel; be cautious of the material and take any necessary protection precautions to ensure the reel’s longevity.
Weight Of The Reel
It’s crucial to keep your spinning reel’s weight in mind. If it’s excessively heavy, it might put a strain on your shoulders and arms. You may look for something light but strong. Fortunately, several brands and reels are available that balance these two aspects.
The weight is also essential since pairing a hefty reel with a lightweight rod combination generates an imbalance and makes casting more difficult. Graphite is much lighter than metal. And the weight is also affected by the material used to make the spool.
Spinning Reel Size
When looking for a fishing reel, you’ll see they come in various sizes. There are a few things to consider while choosing the reel size. Make sure the reel you choose is the proper size for the fishing you want. It’s pointless to buy a reel made for 20 pounds if you’re only going to fish for 5 pounds. Remember that the reel size must match the size of the bass fishing rod you’ll be using. You will want an excellent reel combination. An unbalanced reel-to-spinning rod ratio will make casting and utilizing your setup challenging and uncomfortable.
Spool size
The spool of the reel is essential. It keeps the line in place and impacts the smoothness and distance of the cast. Graphite and aluminum are the most used materials for spools. Spool size corresponds to reel size; therefore, if you buy a medium-sized reel, the spool will also be medium. Small or medium reels and spools are ideal for most bass anglers.
Gear ratio
The reel’s gear ratio shows how many times the line passes around the spool every handle rotation. 6:1 is a great, adaptable ratio for numerous lures and techniques while bass fishing. Gear ratios are lower on larger reels. Most brands offer devices with a ratio of 5.2:1 to 6.2:1. When fishing in deep water with drop-shot rigs or tube baits, seek reels with a gear ratio of up to 7.0:1.
Line capacity
The spool’s line capacity relates to how many yards of line it can store. Two numbers quantify it. The pound test is the first, and the length is the second. The type of line you’re using will determine what works best. Suppose you’re fishing for bass with braid line, which is popular with spinning reels. In that case, you can generally get away with less line capacity than with mono or fluorocarbon. Stick to line capacity and a pound test of fewer than 20 pounds for the best results.
Drag system
The drag system is part of the reel that allows you to adjust the resistance of the line against the rotation of the reel spool. You must pick a drag system capable of handling the size and speed of your fish. They are often adjustable, allowing you to fine-tune the amount of drag you need to apply to your fish. If you use the correct drag for your line type, you will avoid breaking your line. A bad drag system might lead to lost fish.
Bearing System
The smoothness, support, and stability of the spinning reel are all improved by this feature. Higher-end spinning reels will have numerous bearings in their drive system, which will minimize friction on the spool and make your reel’s ability to cast and retrieve more fluid and smooth. It doesn’t matter how many there are if they’re of poor quality.
Stainless steel ball bearings are standard on the top bass spinning reel. Chrome is another material that is commonly seen in lower-cost spinning reels.
Anti-Reverse System
The Anti-Reverse system stops your reel from spinning backwards while your lure is still in the water. This is crucial for preventing the reel from becoming entangled with the line as it is reeled in. Remember that some reels have an “always-on” anti-reverse feature, whereas others include an on/off switch.
Read more at: What Size Reel For Striped Bass
What Line Should I Use On Spinning Reels For Bass?
The fishing line you use can significantly impact how you fish. Where and how you want to fish determines what you should put on your spinning reel. One of the best things about spinning reels is their flexibility to operate with almost any type of line. Because they don’t tangle as easily as baitcasters, they function well with smaller lines, such as ultralight monofilament or standard braided lines. However, for use on their spinning reels for bass, 15- to 20-pound braided or 8- to 12-pound high-quality monofilament are excellent choices for spinning reels for bass.
What Size Spinning Reel Should I Use For The Bass?
The size of your spinning reel is determined by four factors: the rod you want to use, the amount of line capacity required, the desired retrieve speed, and your personal choice. The smaller and lighter the reel, the shorter and lighter the rod. The more line capacity a reel has, the larger it will be. Some anglers prefer a larger, beefier reel with a faster retrieve, a larger body, and a larger handle. Others want a tiny, lightweight reel. Most bass anglers will be satisfied with a reel size between 1000 and 3000, with 2000 or 2500 being the ideal size that pairs well with freshwater rods ranging from 5.5 to 7.5 feet.
What Is The Drag On A Bass Fishing Reel?
The drag on any fishing reels for bass is critical, especially if attempting to capture giant fish, bass fishing in heavy cover, or using extremely light gear. The drag is a system in the reel that prevents the line from breaking by allowing it to fall off the reel under a particular tension. This is regulated by a series of washers forced together by a cap on the spool’s top. A knob at the top of the spool is used to tighten or loosen the drag.
Most anglers think putting your drag at around 30% of your line’s breaking strain is a decent rule of thumb. However, this necessitates using a scale, which many of us dislike. Instead, if your drag doesn’t slide when you set the hook, and it slips before your line breaks, even if you give it a quick, strong tug, you’ve set it appropriately. Keep in mind that the rod will add some drag, so it’s better to test everything by tugging the line from the rod’s end rather than straightening the reel.
What Is The Ideal Gear Ratio For Bass Fishing?
The gear ratio describes how often a reel spool revolves when turning the handle. A 6.2:1 ratio indicates that the spool rotates 6.2 times for every reel handle revolution. The faster the line can be retrieved, the higher the ratio. The ideal gear ratio is determined by the sort of lure you’re using and the approaches you wish to employ. Because you’ll most likely be employing basic techniques, a gear ratio of 5:1-7:1 will most likely be adequate. Lower gear ratios are excellent if you’re fishing with a crankbait. Jigs function with larger gear ratios.
As I learned from experience with older bass anglers, I realized how important details like knowing the best gear ratio for each situation are. The best gear ratio for bass fishing is 6:1, as this is the medium gear ratio reel that covers the widest range of techniques. Once I started using the right gear ratio, I captured more bass consistently.
Spinning Vs. Baitcasting Reels, Which Is Better For Bass?
In many cases, anglers use spinning reels better than baitcasting reels when catching bass. There are a few advantages when going for spinning reels. They perform nicely with light jerk baits, crankbaits, and other light tackles. Compared to baitcasting, they’re also simpler to deal with on windy days. They do not experience the same level of backlash as baitcasters (the lure slows after casting, but the spool does not, resulting in a line tangle).
A spinning reel’s line also sinks more smoothly, making the surrounding bass less alarmed. Other reels have their place, but if you want to prioritize lightness, smaller lures, and ease of use, a spinning reel is a way to go.
Does Pflueger Supreme Spinning Reel Good For Bass?
Supreme is an extremely straight usable lightweight reel. This is a good choice if you are looking for a new reel to fish for the first time. Supreme comes in various sizes, but the most suitable line for bass fishing is the SP30X or SP35X.
These two types are great reels for bass fishing as it is lightweight and weighs only about 7.5 ounces. Besides, SP30X is a standard-sized crankshaft with a gear ratio of 6.2:1. It is made of a magnesium rotor and body. It has an anti-reverse unidirectional clutch, a gear ratio of 6.2:1, and a 62 mm aircraft-grade aluminum handle. The reel has very quiet traction, a large barrel opening, and a sleek ergonomic crown that fits in the palm of your hand.
Conclusion
The reel is an essential component of your fishing gear. Spinning reels are ideal for bass fishing due to their versatility and ease of use. When selecting the best spinning reel for bass, consider the construction, weight, line capacity, gear ratio, and drag system. Balance is key, so no matter what brand you choose, trust how the reel and rod feel in your hand.
Each of the reels in this list is a strong candidate with a specific purpose. You may narrow down the spinning reels to buy by considering the bass rod and lures you’ll utilize with the reel. If you’re new to bass fishing and trying to decide between reel types, consider the spinning reel. The appropriate spinning reel may last for years and make your bass fishing experience memorable.