The five best baitcasting reel models are right here. Compared to one another by weight, ease of use, total line capacity, and everything in between, each one of these baitcaster reels has something unique to offer.
What Is The Best Baitcaster Reel?
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More Detailed Baitcaster Reels Reviews
SHIMANO SLX DC Baitcast Fishing Reel
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SHIMANO SLX DC Baitcast Fishing Reel Review
Shimano won our spot for the best baitcasting reel for the UK market, primarily because of the excellent brake force of 4.9 kgs.
With a 4+1 stainless steel ball bearing system, you get just the right amount of smooth operation without it turning into a spin reel system.
Drag control is completely digital, which is a nice touch, and works like a charm. Line retrieval comes in at 89 cm, but the total body weight is what’s surprising.
For such a powerful system, you’re only adding 215 grams of weight onto your rod. Despite being a bit bulky and complex, Shimano kept the weight down, and the costs low.
Lew’s Mach Crush
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Lew’s Mach Crush Review
While Lew’s isn’t the best affordable baitcasting reel brands available, it’s worth every pound for what you get. The housing material is completely synthetic, giving it a lightweight design.
Fitted with a 10+1 bearing system, I don’t believe a smoother baitcasting experience exists in fishing today. Lew’s gives you a multi-setting brake to control exactly how you want that resistance to pop up.
Built with some aluminum elements, you have 9 kg worth of drag power while still keeping that lightweight handling as a primary option.
Lew’s is built to last for well over a decade with a basic waterproof rating, as well as an easy to clean system that reduces maintenance times between fishing trips.
Penn Fathom Lever Drag
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Penn Fathom Lever Drag Review
Penn came in close for the top spot, and that’s thanks to its two-speed drag system that puts you in full control of everything you need to land those catches.
With line capacity rings and a total weight of just 600 grams, you get this amazing sense of versatility while using it. The lightweight body makes it easy to attach to your rod, while the ball bearing system glides with ease.
Penn is known for their smooth ball bearing systems, and with the Fathom Lever, it feels like the fish isn’t even fighting back.
With the handle, it’s wide enough to give your entire palm something to hold onto, but with that excellent feeling of reeling in the additional dexterity is a bit overdone.
Between comfort and ease of use, Penn makes a compelling argument, even if their system isn’t as lightweight as some of their competitors.
Abu Garcia Black Max Low Profile Baitcasting Reel
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Abu Garcia Black Max Low Profile Baitcasting Reel Review
If you’re trying to save some money, Abu Garcia wants to help you out. This ultra low profile baitcasting reel ends up saving you a ton of cash while providing a double-handle, easy-to-reel experience.
With a smooth 4+1 ball bearing system, you’ll feel an even glide on the machined aluminum spool the whole way through.
This left-handed reel comes in with a low 290 grams, really testifying to that low profile name and attaching to your rod without adding much casting drag onto it.
The gear ratio is agreeable enough at 6:4:1, making it a decent experience especially for the price. Overall, Abu Garcia is all about providing quality without taking away from the experience.
KastKing Crixus Baitcasting Reels
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KastKing Crixus Baitcasting Reels Review
They put “king” in their name for a reason. Baitcaster reels are often hard to get right, which is why they’ve added a carbon-infused nylon frame with an eight-piece magnetic braking system.
It’s entirely low profile, it’s built to last, and has an impressive 7:2:1 gear ratio depending on which reel you get.
Thanks to the polymer grips, you’ll be able to maintain that steady state from the minute yoru line tugs until the fish is flopping around on the deck.
The best part? It’s only 218 grams, give or take, so you’ll have all that control in your hands, alongside the 7.7 kg breaking point.
Baitcaster Reel FAQ
What is the Benefit of a Baitcaster?
Consider baitcasters to be one step up from spinning reels. While spinning reels have their purpose and are useful, baitcasters allow for better casting precision.
One of the biggest issues with spin reel fishing is that the bait hits the water so quickly that it causes a splash, and that tells nearby fish that danger is approaching.
A baitcaster comes with a higher skill ceiling, but it offers greater benefits if you’re actually able to control it.
How Does a Baitcasting Reel Work?
Once your bait is cast, it is fed additional line from your spool. There’s nothing to put your thumb down on to slow down the cast: once the line is set in motion, it’s moving.
There’s a great deal of skill required to land that bait successfully without splashing on the water, or tying up a ton of line, known as backlash.
You let the line go, and it keeps going until the hook hits the water and begins to sink. At the end, you want a taut line from nothing more than the force of your initial cast with no extra reeling necessary.
Why is Baitcasting Better Than Spinning?
Precision. You’re able to land your bait in the water exactly how you want to, and refrain from scaring nearby fish in the process. Sometimes when we cast, our bait hits the water, plops, and startles nearby marine life. That’s not the goal.
Spinning is easier, which is why beginners opt for it over a baitcasting reel, but if you’re all about increasing your skill and landing better baits, then a baitcaster reel is what you want to go for.
At the end of the day, you can do more with a baitcaster, and you will learn more about fishing while using one. There’s a reason that pros rarely use spincast reels.
Your New Way to Fish
Our top baitcasting reel offers unparalleled value and durability, although the alternative options each have their own strengths and weaknesses as well. For the best fishing experience, you need one of the baitcaster reels on this list.