Best Spinning Reels For Crappie

Crappies are a species of sunfish that can find throughout the United States. They commonly live in lakes, where fish have plenty of foliage for cover and food. Crappie fishing requires finesse and accuracy. You’ll need the proper equipment, such as the appropriate fishing reels, to catch this tiny fish. The most typical choice is a spinning reel. This post will go over ten of the Best spinning reels for crappie and crucial buying tips.

How to Catch Crappie

Top 10 Best Spinning Reels For Crappie

Here is our choice for you to find your best crappies spinning reel:

Pfleuger President
Okuma Ceymar
Cadence CS-8 1000
BassPro Micro Lite Elite
Daiwa Regal LT Abu Garcia Revo X
KastKing Sharky III
Sougayilang Spinning
PENN Battle III Spinning
KastKing Summer and Centron

Pfleuger 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

The Pflueger President series has been a popular entry-level spinning reel. This is a very competitive pricing point in the spinning reel market. The President is a fashionable spinning reel with a classic-style design.

The Pflueger President’s spool and drag capacity are more than suitable for many fishing situations. The spool features the standard porting of a modern spool design, with a substantial bail giving a touch of toughness to the elegant lines. The belly filled with stainless bearings is the standout feature. There are a total of ten bearings, with twenty sporting 7. The lightweight body and rotor are made of synthetic materials, providing some external corrosion-resistant.

This reel comes in five models with different line diameters and drags pressures. A lower model number, which means a lighter weight, is the one you should pick for crappie. The Pflueger President is ideal for anglers who want a little more feel at a low price.

Pros

Lightweight
Stainless steel bearing system
Affordable price

Cons

Lack of durability

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 crappie reel due to its lightweight and dependability. It weighs just 6 ounces and is compatible with mono fishing lines weighing 2 to 6 pounds. It’s a terrific choice for crappie, trout, sunfish, bluegill, and tiny perch in addition to crappie.

The reel is well-made and has a metal body, aluminum handle, bail wire, and spool. This small design is solid and long-lasting. A multi-disc drag mechanism with 7-ball bearings and 1-Quick-Set, anti-reverse roller bearing is included with this reel.

Okuma Ceymar features a precision machine-cut brass pinion gear and a corrosion-resistant Blade Body design. This design also minimizes the size of the reel, making it more compact and easy to transport. The two-tone spool is made of machined aluminum. The sturdy aluminum bail wire and oversized line roller enhance this reel’s performance. Okuma Ceymar comes in various sizes, but the C-10 is the best option for crappie.

Pros

Compact and lightweight
Excellent build quality
Available in various sizes

Cons

Slower with a 5.0:1 gear ratio

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

The Micro Lite Elite Shops is excellent for panfish such as crappie and trout. This reel provides performance features similar to heavier reels, all in a compact design that works for you. It sports a 7-bearing system with Powerlock instant anti-reverse that is smooth and precise.

It has a corrosion-resistant double-anodized aluminum spool and a machined-aluminum folding handle. It also features a carbon fiber drag system that exerts constant pressure to land your fish. This drag system is conveniently positioned near the spool’s end, making it simple to use and adjust. Even after a few dips in salt water, it continues to operate without any issues. This reel has a soft-touch rubber crank knob and can be switched from right to left-hand operation. It is available in five different sizes ranging from 20 to 40. The Micro Lite Elite is perfect for casting lightweight lures on light lines.

Pros

Lightweight
Great performance
Affordable price

Cons

Drag isn’t sealed

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 CS-8 1000 has the most outstanding drag system on this list. Due to the revolutionary wave spring drag technology, you may change your drag power up to 11 pounds. Thanks to this, the reel can now be used with a wider variety of fish.

Cadence employs aluminum components in the CS8 to reduce weight and boost durability, along with the pinion gear, main shaft, one-piece bail, handle, and spool. Unlike other carbon fiber body reels, adding anodized magnesium keeps the reel sturdy and lightweight. Additionally, it includes an ergonomic, plush, and comfy EVA grip. Its silky-smooth retrieves are possible by nine corrosion-resistant bearings and one fast anti-reverse bearing. The CS8’s carbon fiber drag accommodates a wide range of line strengths and fishing methods. Cadence CS-8 1000 provides a powerful drag at a reasonable price.

Pros

Powerful drag system
Lightweight and durable
Super-smooth operation

Cons

Drag isn’t sealed

Daiwa Regal LT

Specification

Weight(oz): 6.7 – 7.6
Gear ratio: 5.2:1 – 6.2:1
Ball bearings: 9+1
Retrieve rate(in): 25.5 – 36.8
Max drag(Ib): 11 – 22

The Daiwa Regal LT is a low-cost spinning reel that has become one of Daiwa’s best-known models. This reel’s lightweight design allows you to fish for hours, and the range of sizes lets you use it for various techniques. It provides many seasoned or novice anglers with reliable, durable, and economical options when shopping for their new crappie reel.

Unquestionably, one of the smoothest spinning reels is the Daiwa Legalis LT. It is equipped with Daiwa’s Air Rotor and Air Bail systems, which provide smooth operation and performance. The handle is made of machined aluminum, which prevents flexing or breaking, and the housing is made of carbon light material, which helps eliminate extra weight.

Daiwa Legalis LT performs well with braid, monofilament, and fluorocarbon lines. This reel’s drag system will distribute the line consistently throughout the battle. If you want to add a budget-friendly option to your spinning reels, you should consider the Daiwa Regal LT.

Pros

Lightweight design
Smooth retrieval and great casting
Reasonable price

Cons

It may be mild line tangling.

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 excellent crappie fishing reel. It will hold up over time, be smooth, have good drag, and be helpful on the water. The reel body is built of carbon fiber and is solid and light, making the reel a joy to cast.

The Carbon Matrix hybrid drag system on the Abu Garcia Revo X provides smooth, constant drag pressure over the full drag range. The Rocket Line Management system increases casting distance, while the Rocket Spool Lip Design improves accuracy. Slow oscillation ensures that all types of lines have an even lay line.

This reel also has broad EVA knobs that are ergonomically built for all-day comfort. Seven stainless steel HPCR ball bearings and one instant anti-reverse bearing ensure a smooth fishing experience regardless of skill level. Your reel will last longer thanks to these high-performance corrosion-resistant bearings. The Abu Garcia Revo X is a low-cost fishing reel with all the necessary features.

Pros

High-quality features
Great casting ability
Lightweight design

Cons

Noisy operation

KastKing Sharky III

Specification

Weight(oz): 6.9 – 10.5
Gear ratio: 5.2:1
Ball bearings: 10+1
Retrieve rate(in): 26.2 – 33.4
Max drag(Ib): 33 – 39.5

The KastKing Sharky III spinning reel is elegant and ergonomically designed. This spinning reel can be applied in various situations, including freshwater and saltwater ones. This reel is all about robustness and durability.

Sharky III has a water-resistant design protected by the KasKing Intrusion Shield System. It protects even minor components, such as the drag adjustment dial in the front, which is sealed with a D-ring. The drag system is made with a triple-disc carbon-fiber design that is significantly more durable than other manufacturers. Sharky III has smooth and silent operation due to its 10+1 double-shielded stainless steel ball bearings. It’s possibly the smoothest reel available at this price.

The handle’s ergonomic design makes it easier for fishermen to hold on to it during tight battles with large fish. KastKing offers this reel in five different sizes, ranging from 1000 to 5000. The KastKing Sharky III spinning reel has received high marks from anglers of all skill and experience levels.

Pros

Good build quality
Very smooth & quiet
Friendly budget price

Cons

Not waterproof

Sougayilang Spinning Fishing Reels

Specification

Weight(oz): 10.9 – 12.6
Gear ratio: 5.2:1 – 6.2:1
Ball bearings: 12+1
Retrieve rate(in): 22 – 33.
Max drag(Ib): 22 – 35

The Sougayilang Spinning Fishing Reel has yet to have standout features, but its components perform effectively together. It has a wide range of fishing applications. The design and construction result in a lightweight yet effective cast and reel-back performance.

This reel includes corrosion-resistant and smooth ball bearings. It can stop instantaneously in one direction and has an anti-reverse that contributes to smooth performance. It contains a solid metal main shaft, precision brass gears, an aluminum grip that can be switched from right to left, and triple disc drag washers made of carbon. It also includes a graphite-made spare spool.

Furthermore, these components were designed to be lighter than a typical fishing reel. Because of the hollow frame of the design, it is feasible. The simplicity of this design makes it ideal for long-term fishing use and easy reel maintenance. Sougayilang Spinning Fishing Reel has a simple design yet performs effectively.

Pros

Lightweight
Smooth performance

Cons

Plastic-made frame

PENN Battle III

Specification

Weight(oz): 7.9 – 38.8
Gear ratio: 5.2:1 – 6.2:1
Ball bearings: 5+1
Retrieve rate(in): 33 – 47
Max drag(Ib): 12 – 40

The Penn Battle III spinning reel is a fantastic option if you’re searching for a solid and reasonably priced fishing reel. They provide the features you require at an affordable price. The reel is more than looks, with an appealing black and gold design.

The stainless steel body of the Penn Battle III gives it an additional sheen that makes it admirable, ensuring that you appear both fashionable and well-equipped to attract as many fish as possible. Penn is now using patented CNC-cut gears instead of their standard cast gearing system, which gives the reel greater longevity and smoothness. It can handle freshwater and saltwater fishing because it is reinforced with corrosion-resistant material that can withstand saltwater.

The handles are also cushioned, which is gentle on your hands and helps keep you and the system steady. Additionally, this reel has line capacity guides to quickly tell how many lines are in the water. The Penn Battle III reel is a fantastic option and good for the money overall.

Pros

Great performance
Sealed drag system

Cons

Quite heavy

KastKing Summer

Specification

Weight(oz): 6.9 – 13.9
Gear ratio: 5.2:1 – 6.2:1
Ball bearings: 9+1
Retrieve rate(in): 19.7 – 29.1
Max drag(Ib): 11 – 17.5

The KastKing Summer Spinning reel is a fantastic alternative for people searching for a long-lasting and reasonably priced reel. It has a tough metal body that can withstand the elements and a smooth drag system to enhance your fishing experience. This reel is popular among anglers due to its unique design and high quality.

KastKing Summer’s frame is made of solid graphite. The reels are extremely lightweight due to the use of graphite. The shaft is made of hardened metal, making the reels sturdy and long-lasting. KastKing fishing reels have integrated Computer Numerical Control (CNC) technology, which allows for exact line lay. It features an anti-corrosion covering that protects the reels from seawater and substances that could cause damage. It also includes an interchangeable handle that suits left- and right-handed users. The KastKing Summer Spinning reels are excellent for novice and experienced anglers.

Pros

Lightweight body
Excellent drag system
Affordable price

Cons

Not as lightweight as some alternative options

What Should You Look About The Best Spinning Reels For Crappie?

Weight

The best tackle for crappie fishing is light or even ultralight. A light rod, bait, line, and reel are all included. Long fishing days may become uncomfortable and painful if it is too heavy. At the same time, your tackle is portable and simple to use with light reels.

Line Capacity

Crappies don’t require a large spool. Crappie reels are generally lightweight and have sufficient line capacity. The diameter of a fishing line increases with its strength. Therefore, higher test lines occupy more of the spool. When you use a 40-pound test line, the capacity of a reel that can handle 160 yards of 30-pound test monofilament will be reduced. Most fishing reels have mono and braided line capabilities. Braided line capacity on a reel is often greater than mono line capacity.

Materials and durability

Durability mostly depends on the material of the reel. Carbon and graphite are suitable materials for crappies reels since they are both solid and light. However, graphite is less durable than metal and more prone to rusting. Metals, such as aluminum or magnesium, are both solid and light. Because these materials are corrosion-resistant, they may be used for saltwater and freshwater fishing. Die-cast aluminum is most likely the best but is also the most costly. Steel isn’t great, so fewer and fewer reels use it because it’s heavy and rusts easily.

Ball bearings

A good ball-bearing system also makes line retrieval considerably easier. Although some reels have many more, most excellent reels have at least five ball bearings. But quality does not always imply quantity.

Stainless steel ball bearings are ideal, so if you get a reel with only a few ball bearings, but they’re stainless steel, it’s probably just fine. Chrome ball-bearing is frequently used in lower-priced reels. A good reel will most likely have one roller bearing. Roller bearings are constructed with rollers rather than balls.

Anti-reverse

The anti-reverse switch prevents your reel from reversing and allowing more lines to be released. It is helpful if the crappie bites and then begin to swim away, cutting your line. Typically, the drag operates immediately, and your reel moves back to prevent the line from snapping. The handle cannot turn backward after the anti-reverse is engaged. This allows you to fight the fish while maintaining a tight line. Anti-reverse is a classic method that works well with tiny fish. The best crappie reels will allow you to choose whether to turn the anti-reverse switch on or off.

Drag system

Because crappies are little, you won’t need a strong drag on your crappie spinning reel, but you will need a smooth one. Front drag systems offer more power, reliability, and smoother functioning but are more challenging to reach. However, with some experience, you will soon become accustomed to a front-drag system. While back drag systems are simpler to use, they are mechanically more sophisticated and less effective since they do not make direct contact with the spool.

FAQs About The Best Spinning Reels For Crappie

Are Spinning Reels Best For Crappie?

The best reels for crappie are spinning reels. Crappie is a little fish that should be approached with the lightest equipment possible. Spinning reels are excellent at fishing light, finesse, and ultra-light. Crappie anglers prefer spinning reels for their smooth casting ability with ultralight lures.

What Is The Ideal Line For Crappie Fishing?

Monofilament is a robust and practical material for most anglers. While more expensive, fluorocarbon is also a good choice, especially if you want your line to sink into deeper seas. The braided line is considerably less common. Crappies’ lips are well-known for being sensitive, and braided lines may rip straight through them. So, Mono is an excellent choice because of its low cost, ease of use, and benefits.

What Rod Should You Use With A Crappie Spinning Reel?

For crappie fishing, most rod and reel sets are practical. Which one works best for you is determined by where you are fishing and the depth of the water. It would help if you learned about the many kinds of fishing rods available first. If you have a lot of fishing experience, you will be familiar with it. A spinning rod will perform the best for you because spinning reels are best for catching crappie. A lightweight spinning rod is the best choice for most crappie anglers.

How Deep Should You Go Crappie Fishing?

Crappie can be found throughout the water column at different depths. They also enjoy hanging around near underwater structures and sheltering in cover. The depth they choose during their spring spawning is determined by water clarity. If the water is dirty, it can be found in shallow areas. Take a boat out 20 feet if the water is clear.

After spawning, they will remain at this depth in dense cover. They tend to go closer to the shore to eat in the late afternoon and early evening. Remember that post-spawn crappie is harder to capture because they are more dispersed. They enjoy diving in weedy, deep, and wooded regions. Crappies spend the winter in deeper water, usually at least 25 feet.

Conclusion

Anyone who fishes for crappies, even a novice, can have a lot of fun. These freshwater fish, found in various areas, are small and relatively easy to catch. The correct tackle, including a quality fishing reel, is required for the best chance of success. We’ve listed the top ten Best spinning reels for crappie and given you reviews of features such as a corrosion-resistant material, superior drag system, a graphite rotor, and more. This list can still meet your needs whether you’re seeking the most outstanding value, premium, or affordable reel.