Best fishing reels for all budgets | top picks for 2025

I waited a long time to get my grubby mitts on these reels, and not just because they are shiny and new; and let’s face it every angler loves a bit of shiny new tackle. These reels are a breath of fresh air, and have been specifically designed as a UK coarse fishing reel, so you can be sure they are up to the task of anything the UK fishing scene can throw at it.

That doesn't mean they can't be used when spinning for species like bass, but if you want the most from this reel, you buy it to cope with the demands of modern day feeder and float fishing on commercials and running water. Packed with some superb unique features, it is designed to be as comfortable and useable as a reel can be, and will aid to improve your angling ability.As a fishing enthusiast and tackle tester, I have been getting to grips with these reels for a few weeks now, putting them through their paces in all manners of angling situations, it is fair to say they are seriously impressive...

Matrix has concentrated on the features that are most important for UK anglers, including the distance of the spool from the rod, allowing for precise finger dab casting action and instant access to the anti-reverse switch.

Featuring an ultra-light magnesium body, carbon-reinforced rotor, CNC aluminium drive gear, triple sealed body, line-friendly clip, multi-disc precision front drag, and a sleek one-piece bail-arm, they are available in 3000 and 4000 sizes. Designed specifically for UK match and coarse anglers in 3000 and 4000 sizes.

SEE WHAT DAN THOUGHT IN TACKLE TALK ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL.

We were really impressed with the original Ninja reels, which are super smart, practical and really versatile little reels. These new Ninja reels have seen slight upgrades to their cranking power and sizes to cater for the more serious match and coarse anglers. The Ninja Match and Feeder is great for doing exactly what it says, for any sort of feeder fishing the bigger 4012 reel is superb.

Its smooth and effortless winding capabilities, coupled with the slightly larger spool to improve casting distances, just make them a really fantastic reel and for less than £70 it offers remarkable value for money. The 3012 is a great all-round reel, and is one of the best float fishing reels we have used. But they are capable of much more we have used them for catching barbel and chub on the float, feeder fishing on local commercials and even as travel reels for using abroad when lure fishing for some hard fighting, saltwater species.

There really is nothing we have found the reel to be incapable of.If you want a versatile and durable reel, then the Daiwa Ninja Match and Feeder reels take some beating in their price bracket and we still aren't sure if Daiwa have mistakenly priced these up, as they feel and perform far above what they cost.

Preston’s Extremity reels have been the go-to for feeder anglers who fish at range.  The new SD versions bring meaningful upgrades without losing the core attributes that made the originals so popular.

The biggest change is the new Speed Drag system. A simple half-turn takes the drag from locked up to free running, which is ideal to stop your rod disappearing after a savage take or when you’re playing powerful fish on lighter hooklengths. It gives you instant control, crucial for dealing with those last-minute lunges under the rod tip.

Still featuring the worm drive system which delivers smooth and consistent power when cranking in heavy feeders from distance. It delivers the power you want when fishing big waters or dealing with deep venues and long chucks.

The SD range comes in two sizes 520 and 620, these cover everything from standard commercial feeder work to serious distance fishing. Both feel solid, cast cleanly, and balance well on modern feeder rods.

The opportunity arose to run the rule over Shimano’s Nasci in the three most popular body sizes – 2500, 3000 and 4000. The test did obviously include three rods, all the same model but at lengths of 10ft, 11ft and 12ft. It seemed an ideal way to match them to the reels, as we’d use them on the bank.

So, let’s now take a closer look at the smart grey and chrome-liveried Nasci reels. All three have a fairly fast 5:1.1 gear ratio that retrieves around 73cm (29ins) of line per handle crank. All three were a little faster than I’m used to, but using a short Method feeder hooklength there were absolutely no issues with spin-ups and the like.

They run smoothly, silently and completely wobble-free thanks to high-quality Hagane gearing and a 5+1 bearing assembly. With plenty of winding power, and zero play between the handle and the gearing, they respond instantly when the handle is engaged.

They weigh around 8.5oz which, in my book, is quite acceptable for both float and feeder fishing, and they slot painlessly into their seatings on the rods and are forgotten about once in situ, just as it should be!

The Nasci does not have an anti-reverse facility. I asked Shimano why this is so, and the company gave me these two main reasons why it stepped away from having this feature on most of its spinning reels: “Not adding the anti-reverse lever improves the waterproofing quality of our reels. It is easy to imagine that the lever section allows water and dirt to slip into the reel over time, potentially damaging or hampering its performance."

So there you have it. For me, playing a fish straight off the clutch is something I do anyway – I can backwind if I have to – but so precise are front drag clutch systems these days that there seems little point. The absence of an anti-reverse didn’t hamper my enjoyment of the Nasci reels, or their performance, one bit.

YOU CAN WATCH MARKS FULL REVIEW OF THE SHIMANO NASCI HERE...

The Daiwa 23 Matchman Reel is a very impressive item of tackle, it's really hard to believe you will get the reel and change from £50. The range covers three sizes, including a 2500 model, which is compact and great for lure fishing or light float work, it is also great for kids or beginners.

The 3000 size is the most versatile in the range, it is the perfect size to allow you to fish normal wagglers and balance a light rod when fishing for silvers or trotting a float. It also still has the cranking power for pellet waggler fishing or chucking a Method Feeder out catching big carp.

If you were just looking for a feeder reel to target the rivers after barbel and chub, or take it to chuck a long way on your local commercial, the 4000 is definitely the size to go for, as it just has that extra power you'll need. It also has a retrieval rate of 95cm per turn, so you'll have those feeders back in and back out in no time.

A quality budget fishing reel under £50 is hard to find. But the Shimano Catana FE fits the bill perfectly.

Value for money has always been a hallmark of the Catana range and the FE is no exception. Ideal for a wide range of fishing, from lightweight and medium sized lures, to match and feeder fishing. It’s understated appearance looks premium and the performance is remarkable for a reel under £50. It's the perfect choice for an all rounder on a budget.

There is a wide range of sizes available with different gearing. Choose the 1000 size for dropshotting and light lure fishing, the 2500 & 3000 size reels for beginners are one of the best float fishing reels, with a high gear model perfect for pellet waggler fishing, and choose a 4000 or 5000 size version for all feeder work.

The Daiwa 25RZ reels are set to be known for their excellent value and versatility, making them suitable for a variety of fishing techniques. These reels cater to different preferences, including float fishing, feeder fishing, and lure fishing. The 25RZ series is available in three sizes: 2500, 3000, and 4000.

The 2500 size is particularly well-suited, and one of the best float fishing reels for beginners, as well as light lure fishing, making it a great option for those who favour finesse over power. On the other hand, the 3000 and 4000 sizes are designed for feeder fishing and medium to heavy lure fishing, providing the strength and performance needed for more demanding conditions. One of the standout features of these reels is the infinite anti-reverse system, which effectively eliminates any backplay in the handle.

The 25RZ reels sport a slim metal reel handle that ensures a comfortable grip for the user. The 2500 model features an I-shaped grip, while the 3000 and 4000 models are designed with a T-shaped grip, catering to different preferences in handling.

Okuma Custom Black CB-80 Reel exudes both style and substance, its matte back finish is undeniably sleek. Designed to tackle specimen carp it’s aesthetic and features set it amongst some of the best out there.

Built to last, supplied with a aluminium spool the reel incorporates a weighted wooden handle that is both comfortable and offers that old school look. Pair it with a cork handled rod for a traditional, timeless look.

It's not all about looks with the Okuma Custom Black CB-80 Reel, it also has impressive features but its stand out attributes, are its performance, power, smoothness and durability make it an excellent choice for budget minded anglers or those just starting out on their carp fishing journey.

I found the Daiwa Ninja BR LT performed exactly as required. The freespool was easy to set and smooth, with just a tweak of the handle required to engage the standard drag. It might be a little bulkier than a standard Ninja, due to the extra gearing required, but this was hardly noticeable, even on an 11ft Ninja rod.

Smooth, powerful and easy on the eye, with Daiwa’s renowned reliability, it ticks all the boxes for a mid-priced reel.Although line clips tend to be used less often on freespool reels, since they need to be taken on or off all the time to use the freespool properly, I still would have preferred it to have the same high-impact line clip seen on top-end Daiwa models.

If used with care, though, I can’t see the clip on this reel giving you any issues.This is a belting reel that almost any angler would no doubt find a use for, whether it be the 4000 for general use or the slightly bigger 5000 model for heavier lines and bigger rods. Great looks and powerful in function, it’s the Swiss Army knife of reels.

You can read our full review of the Daiwa Ninja BR LT Reel here...

Whether you're hauling carp on the method or punching a feeder across a river, the Preston Magnitude doesn’t flinch. This is a reel designed to cater for the demands of both float and feeder fishing on naturals or commercials.

The first thing you’ll notice is how compact the body is. It’s not bulky or heavy, but inside, it houses a gearing system that perform. That oversized spool and worm drive setup give you super slow oscillation, giving excellent line lay and suppressing line twist. There’s real winding power too, which you'll appreciate when you’re repeatedly chucking feeders or winding in big fish on heavy gear.

But don’t pigeonhole this reel to just commercial carping, it just as effective for running water tactics or distance feeder work on naturals. It’ll handle mono or braid with no complaints, and it’s as at home swinging in roach on a cold river as it is bullying summer carp in a match.

The dual line clips is a unique feature, so swapping between lines or ranges is quick and reliable. The CNC-machined aluminium spool looks and feels solid. The soft-touch single handle keeps things comfortable, there’s even a spare spool. Available in 320, 420 and 520 sizes.

The Shimano Super GT RD is a rare rear drag reel, packing a little more bulk and weight, but with the advantage of reduced cost and Fightin' Drag – a lever to adjust the drag during a fight or to use the reel as a freespool without losing your initial clutch setting.

A huge amount of winding power and updated with an ARC spool and Aero Wrap 2, the chance of frap-ups is reduced, and line lay improved.

Loved by long-range specialists, the bull-nosed spool offers little resistance on the cast, takes fine or strong lines, and has bags of cranking power. Featuring a line clip, super-slow oscillation and a high-speed drag, the Shimano Ultegra ultra-shallow spool holds 200m of 0.20mm line.

The Daiwa Tournament Feeder 25QD design is full of little tweaks and improvements over the other Daiwa distance reels, with its dual HIP line clips, one-touch folding handle and fully furnished spare spool but, most notably, Magseal! This is top-end technology uses a magnetic oil developed by NASA that fully seals and lubricates the reel, protecting it from water ingress and impurities.

In simple terms, Magsealed reels run smoother for longer than reels with basic rubber seals.
In use, it was everything I thought it would be, and then more! It felt very familiar, thanks to my extensive use of its predecessor, yet not only had its features been enhanced, but so had its looks. With its exquisite red detailing, it doesn’t just perform like the best distance feeder reel in the world, it looks the part too!

The modestly-named LC Long Cast 25mm spool is optimally sized for the longest of friction-free casts but, more than that, the lip is created to control rather than restrict the flow of line, leading to a smoother transition through the guides, greater distances and, ultimately, fewer frap-ups.

Despite a very strong head wind, no matter how hard I cast, my 40g Method feeder hit its 70m target without a problem.It’s very rare with fishing tackle that extra expenditure leads directly to improved results, but on venues where metres matter, this is one of them.Now, I fully understand that £400 is well beyond the budget of many anglers, but if you want the very best reel possible for casting long distances, look no further – this is it!

Daiwa 24 TDR QD is more than just a reel, it’s an iconic beacon of Daiwa’s relentless drive to engineering excellence. The TDR has a legacy going back to 2006 and is consider the pinnacle of match and feeder fishing.

I personally, am a huge fan of these reels and have owned, used and abused every model and generation of this reel. From the 2508 is one of the best float fishing reels. also very capable for pellet waggler fishing, the 3012 is my go-to reel for all larger waggler, feeder and method feeder work and finally the 4012 makes an appearance for larger feeder work up to 50m. Any further than that I use its big brother the TDR distance.

Throw in the high impact line clip and my personal favourite feature the QD quick drag system and you have a recipe for success. I can honestly say in the years I have used TDR reels; they have never let me down.

If you prefer to rely on the drag system and don’t backwind, once you have the drag dialled in, breakages become a thing of the past as the accuracy of the ‘QD’ drag system gives line smoothly as and when its critical, virtually eradicating breakages and significantly reducing hook pulls under the rod tip, helping you to land every fish you hook.

If you're in the market for a capable, high performance reel that looks as good as it performs then you need look no further than the Daiwa 24 TDR, it's pedigree speaks for itself.

SEE WHAT JONATHAN THINKS OF THE DAIWA 24 TDR IN HIS TRIED AND TESTED REVIEW.

This reel is the best money can buy! The Exist's one-piece monocoque design reduces body size while increasing gearing capacity.

All Daiwa's high-level technology is here, while Magsealed construction ensures a long and maintenance-free life. The drag is smoother than we thought possible, and the winding is taken care of via no fewer than 12 ball-bearings.

In five sizes, plus a High Gear option, Exist is ready for any battle - saltwater, freshwater, large or small.

This 4.5ins diameter Okuma Sheffield reel in machine-cut aluminium with two German HPB stainless ball-bearings gives virtually friction-free running perfect for smoothly trotting a float on the river. The ideal choice for those wanting a top product without the cost getting out of hand.

Perfect for the traditionalist that prefers a more old school approach to float fishing rather than using a modern fixed spool reel.