As a seasoned angler, I've learned the best fishing reels are an absolute must-have for the discipline you are fishing. A spinning reel is no different and it needs to be versatile too, due to the variation in lure fishing methods from dropshotting for small perch to chucking topwater lures for bass, a well-chosen reel can make all the difference.
When selecting a spinning reel, finding a balance between the rod and reel is key. As you will be holding the rod all session, the reel should complement the rod, ensuring a comfortable and efficient set up. For dropshotting and light work on small canals and rivers, a 1000-sized reel is ideal. As you move up to larger venues and fish like pike, consider 2000-3000 sized reels. For big pike in larger venues using heavy lines, a 4000+ sized reel is necessary.
Best spinning reels at a glance
With countless options available, it's essential to consider factors such as the reel type, body size, gear ratio, line capacity, and drag system when making your decision. In this guide, we'll delve into the key considerations and recommend some top-rated spinning reels to help you find the perfect match for your angling needs.
How we test the best spinning reels
These spinning reels were tested by experienced members of the Angling times team. We have been using and abusing reels for decades and have probably used most, if not all of them during our time on the bank, so we know the best from the rest!
Team members, Mark Sawyer, James Furness and Aidan Bordiuk have been testing a variety of spinning reels from chucking big lures for pike, dropshotting for perch to working topwater lures for bass, these reels have took a beating.
Our decision process of what makes the best spinning reels takes into account various factors including price point, cranking power, build quality and usability to ensure we can give you the best advice on factors that will make an actual different to your angling, rather than confuse you with a load of specifications.
The following list includes a mixture of our favourites for all types of lure fishing to help find a reliable reel for you. Find out how we test our gear, HERE.
Best In Class Spinning Reel
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The Daiwa 24 Certate G LT is the pinnacle of Japanese spinning reel technology. Put this reel through its paces and you will quickly discover why this is considered one of the best spinning reels on the market. Incorporating the best tech Daiwa has to offer this reel epitomises performance and durability.
Its Airdrive design reduces weight keeping your setup light weight so you can cast your lure without fatigue from sunrise to sunset. Featuring MagSeal, this will deliver exceptional longevity sealing the internal workings from the elements. Zaion V Air Rotor, and Tough Digigear ensure smooth operation and long-lasting reliability.
Available in a range of sizes from 2500 to 6000, with different gearing options and spool capacities, there is a version of this reel to suit any lure fishing application, from compact, fast retrieve, and shallow spool option for braided mainlines to larger, deeper spooled option for big lures on big waters.
Pros
- Magsealed making the reel impervious to water, salt, or debris
- Lightweight, powerful and silky smooth
Cons
- The handle knob may not suit all anglers preferences
Exceptional performance in a lightweight package. Building on the popular Ninja Spin models this new light and tough offers a much more refined and aesthetic reel incorporating some of Daiwa's market leading tech to enhance your fishing.
The 23 Ninja LT delivers an effortless performance with its Airdrive Rotor reducing weight, Tough Digigear, and ATD drag culminate in a smooth casting, powerfully retrieving, and hard wearing reel.
I have personally used this reel for everything from catching pike down on my local canal, to huge exotic species like tarpon and bonefish as this reel comes with me on my travels. For their size and price they are incredibly capable reels, which have a surprising amount of power and durability. Even when used in saltwater, they don't seize up after a few uses making them excellent reels for fish like bass and pollock too. If you like to chuck lures about in any body of water, don't look past the Ninja LT, it is an excellent reel!
They are perfect for braided or mono lines, with a range of sizes from 2500 to 6000 including high speed models. There is a version of this reel to suit any lure fishing application from delicate dropshotting right through to launching large lures on big reservoirs.
Pros
- Range features a high-speed model for anglers looking for a quicker retrieve
- Updated spool design to aid casting
Cons
- Smaller models unsuitable for mono of diameters over 0.16mm
Best Pike Spinning Reel
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The Shimano Stradic FM is a premium spinning reel that delivers exceptional performance. With features that will enhance your fishing experience.
Its Silent Drive, Micromodule Gear II, and Long Stroke Spool offer smooth reeling, powerful casting and cranking, and increased durability. Perfectly suited to the rigours of working a lure in every nook and cranny.
Perfect for a wide range of fishing styles in particular, spinning and lure fishing with models ranging from 1000 to 5000 sizes and boasting high speed options, the Stradic FM is a reliable choice sporting increased gear strength and X-Protect water resistance ensure long-lasting performance.
Pros
- Super smooth and powerful
- Suitable for braid or mono
Cons
- Would benefit from spare spool enabling to switch between braid and mono
Best Mid-range Spinning Reel
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Shimano’s done something special here with the Ultegra FC Spinning Reel. They’ve taken tech you’d normally find on their flagship reels like the Stradic and worked it into a mid-range option that looks just as sharp as it performs.
It’s packed with everything you’d expect from a Shimano reel. The winding is powerful yet silky-smooth, even when you’re working a lure hard or dragging a crankbait through weed. With HAGANE Gear, MicroModule II, X-Ship and Silent Drive all onboard, it will crank the heaviest lures and holds its composure under pressure from a big predator.
One of the standout features is Shimano’s X-Protect system. It stops water getting into the reel’s internals, keeping this reel operating at its best for longer.
For lure anglers, it’s the full package. The Long Stroke Spool helps you hit the distances without needing a longer rod, and the AR-C spool design will cut down on tangles. The CI4+ body keeps the reel lightweight, so you can keep casting without feeling it in your wrist three hours in.
Pros
- High end features at a mid-range price
- X-Protect system stoppping water ingress
Cons
- Spool is a little deep for braid will need reducers or backing
Best budget spinning reel
The Shimano Sienna FG offers exceptional value and reliability. It's an ideal choice for new anglers or those on a budget, offering the hallmarks of Shimano quality without breaking the bank.
Despite its affordable price, the Sienna boasts impressive performance and durability. The reel's smooth rotation and precise casting are a result of its 3 ball bearings, 1 roller bearing, and Shimano gears. The strong XT-7 body provides protection for the internal parts, ensuring long-lasting use.
One of the most surprising features of the Sienna is its aluminium spool, which is often found on more expensive models. The 1000 size is perfect for delicately woking a lure with a dropshot, and the 2500HG (High Gearing) is perfectly suited to retrieving a spinner.
Pros
- High performance at a budget price
- AR-C spool helps with line lay and assist line release when casting
Cons
- Front drag not as precise as others
Best beginner spinning reel
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If you're just starting out with lure fishing and don't want to spend a fortune on your first reel, the Okuma Azaki is exactly where you should be looking. It's a budget-friendly reel that keeps things simple, without cutting corners where it counts.
Designed with beginners in mind, the Azaki is lightweight, smooth enough to enjoy straight away, and tough enough to stand up to regular use. The corrosion-resistant graphite body means it’ll hold up whether you’re flicking lures for perch in a canal or just getting a feel for spinning on a reservoir.
The reel despite its cheap price is still smooth, with a capable drag and aluminium spool, it’s an ideal platform for any newcomer to spinning.
Pros
- Capable despite cheap price tag
- Aluminium spool
Cons
- Better suited to spinners than lures
Best looking spinning reel
www.fishingtackleandbait.co.uk
The lightweight and durable Wychwood Agitator Series 2 Reel is designed to complement the Wychwood Agitator lure rods. With a graphite main body, smooth adjustable front drag, and infinite anti-reverse, these reels offer exceptional performance for a variety of fishing applications.
Additional features of the Agitator Series 2 include 7BB+ 1RB precision bearings for smooth and efficient operation, a cold forged double anodised machined and chamfered spool for durability and performance, an aluminium handle with EVA anti-slip grip for comfort and control, and a 5.2:1 gear ratio for a balanced combination of speed and power.
Pros
- Stand out aesthetic with anodised purple highlights
- Wide range of sizes to suit all aspects of lure fishing
Cons
- The purple highlights may not suit all anglers
Best Baitcasting Reel
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The Wychwood Agitator S1 200 delivers performance you'd expect from a far more expensive reel. It’s a lightweight, built for light to medium lure work, with a casting sweet spot between 10 and 80 grams. It feels balanced on the rod and won’t tire your arm out during long sessions.
Build quality speaks volumes, with a anodised aluminium spool that is drilled, and chamfered. The ceramic line guide helps to reduce friction just as it does on rod rings for smoother line flow.
The star drag control on the handle enables quick and easy control, which has more than enough stopping power for targeting species like perch, zander, or even small pike on lighter setups.
The nine-magnet braking system helps reduce overruns or backlash, so you can focus on fishing rather than unpicking birds’ nests. Available in both left- and right-hand wind
Pros
- Available in left handed and right handed wind
- Can be cast single handedly making setups very manoeuvrable
Cons
- Is suited to more experienced anglers
What to look for in a spinning reel
When selecting the best spinning reel, several key factors should be considered. The reel type, whether baitcasting or spinning, plays a significant role in determining precision and control. Baitcasting reels offer greater precision but can be more challenging for beginners, while spinning reels are generally easier to use and suitable for a wider range of fishing styles.
The size of the reel should be chosen based on the type of lures you'll be using and the target species you're fishing for. Larger reels (4000-6000) are better suited for heavier lures and larger fish, while smaller reels are ideal for lighter lures and smaller species.
The gear ratio, which determines how many times the spool turns for each handle rotation, is another important factor to consider. A higher gear ratio is ideal for faster retrieval speeds, while a lower gear ratio provides more torque, making it better suited for retrieving larger lures or fighting bigger fish.
Line capacity is also crucial, ensuring the reel can accommodate the appropriate line diameter and length for your needs. This is especially important when targeting larger fish or fishing in deeper water.
Finally, a smooth and reliable drag system is essential for controlling fish during fights. Even if you prefer to backwind, look for reels with high-quality drag systems that offer precise adjustments and consistent performance.
Glossary
Drag/clutch: An adjustable tensioning system that allows a hard-fighting fish to pull an additional line from the reel instead of breaking the line.
Freespool: Similar to a clutch but working at far lower tensions, the Freespool will allow a running fish to take line, preventing a rod on a rest from being pulled in. Once the rod is picked up and the reel handle turned, it will disengage, putting the reel back into 'fish playing' mode with the drag working as normal.
Spool: The cylinder at the front of a reel which holds the line.
Dropshotting: A drop shot rig is essentially a line tied to a hook with a leader underneath that's attached to a weight, so the bait hovers off the bottom and creates a very natural, realistic presentation.
Lure fishing: Using artificial baits that are replicas, designed to mimic real prey animals and attract the attention of predatory fish.
Line clip: A small clip on the spool that line can be placed under, stopping it from leaving the reel. Originally designed to stop lines from falling off in transit, they are now commonly used to repeatedly cast a set distance.
Line Twist: Casting, retrieving and using the freespool and clutch adds twist to your line, which can weaken it and reduces casting distance. In extreme cases, the line will bounce off the spool and ball up as it untwists. More expensive reels incorporate various technologies to minimise line twists.
Frequently asked questions
Should I use braid or monofilament line?
This all depends on how sensitive you want the setup to be. Braid transmits all of the indications or movements of the lure directly to the rod allowing you to feel everything that's going on. It is also stronger for diameter than mono but does break easier if it rubs over a snag. Mono is great for beginners as it is more forgiving and won't tangle up as easily as braid can.
What size reel should I use for dropshotting?
2000 is the perfect size with most manufacturers' reels, but a smaller 1000 might match lighter rods and finer lines in some models.
How much backing line should I use?
A cheap and thick backing line is often needed to bulk out a deep spool before adding the line you intend to fish with. Once the backing line and your fishing line has been added, the level of line should sit just beneath the lip of spool. Too little line on a reel reduces casting distance, whilst over filling will lead to tangles and frap ups. A shallow spool might not need any backing line.
How can I clean my reel?
A damp cloth and warm water should be enough. Although reels are designed to be as watertight as possible, keep their exposure minimal, as any that gets inside will rinse lubricants from the reel. An old toothbrush can be useful too.
Can I use one reel for multiple tactics?
Yes, as long as the size is suitable, you can use a smaller 2000 size reel for dropshotting, small crankbaits and surface lures as well as larger shads. The bigger the lure and the fish, the larger we recommend you go with the reels size as reeling a large lure in all day on small reel will put a lot of pressure on the bearings which can make them fail.
How should I load a reel with line?
There are three methods.
1 Ask a second person to place a pencil through the hole of the spool and use a cloth to add friction to the spool to stop it spinning out of control whilst you wind it onto the reel.
2 Place the spool in a bucket of water and allow it to rotate whilst you wind it on. Beware, as getting it wrong will cause line twist.
3 Use a dedicated line loader.
How do I choose the right reel for a specific type of lure fishing?
Consider the type of lures you'll be using, the target species, and the fishing conditions. For example, a heavy-duty baitcasting reel might be suitable for pike fishing with large crankbaits, while a lighter spinning reel might be better for perch with small jigs.
What is the best way to cast with a lure fishing reel?
Casting technique is essential for accurate lure fishing. Practice casting with different types of lures to develop your skills.
How do I prevent line backlash on a baitcasting reel?
Backlash can be prevented by adjusting the reel's centrifugal brake, using the correct line diameters, and practicing casting techniques.
Author Jonathan Longden, is an experienced angler. With over 20 years experience in the tackle trade specialising in match and coarse fishing he has an extensive practical knowledge of the latest equipment and the specific needs of anglers. He currently occupies the role of digital content writer at Angling Times.