As a seasoned angler, I've learned the best spinning reels are an absolute must-have. The spinning reel's versatility is unmatched. From the precision required for dropshotting to the cranking power needed for big pike fishing, 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
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Best In Class Spinning Reel: Daiwa 24 Certate G LT Reel - View offer on Total Fishing Tackle
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Best Baitcasting Reel: The Westin W4 Baitcasting Reel - View offer on Fishing Tackle & Bait
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Best Beginner Spinning Reel: Okuma Solaris Reel - View offer on Total Fishing Tackle
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Best Budget Spinning Reel: Shimano Sienna FG Reel - View offer on Fishing Tackle & Bait
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.
Best In Class Spinning Reel
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The Daiwa 24 Certate G LT is the pinnacle of spinning reel technology, designed for demanding anglers seeking precision and performance.
Its Airdrive design, Monocoque body, and MagSealed construction deliver exceptional durability and power. Premium features like 10 CRBB ball bearings, Zaion V Air Rotor, and Tough Digigear ensure smooth operation and long-lasting reliability. With its focus on casting accuracy, line management, and overall performance.
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
Best Sub £100 Spinning Reel
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A perfect blend of performance and affordability for lure anglers the Daiwa Prorex X LT is certainly a reel to consider adding to your armoury.
Its LT design and Tough Digigear technology provide lightweight operation and powerful performance. Ideal for braided lines, the Prorex X LT is a versatile and reliable choice for anglers on a budget. Available in sizes from 2500 to 4000.
Pros
- Sleek black and purple aesthetic
- Shallow spool perfect for thin braid
Cons
- Larger sizes will be needed if mono is your preferred line choice
Best Multi Use Spinning Reel
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Exceptional performance in a lightweight package. The Daiwa 23 Ninja LT delivers an effortless performance with its Airdrive Rotor, Tough Digigear, and ATD drag ensure smooth casting, powerful retrieval, and responsive line release.
Perfect for braided lines, the 23 Ninja LT is a versatile and reliable spinning reel. Available in a range of sizes from 2500 to 6000 including high speed models.
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 FL is a premium spinning reel that delivers exceptional performance. Its Silent Drive, Micromodule Gear II, and Long Stroke Spool offer smooth reeling, powerful casting, and increased durability.
Perfect for a wide range of fishing styles with models ranging from 1000 to 5000 sizes and boasting high speed options, the Stradic FL 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 looking spinning reel
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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 Beginner Spinning Reel
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The Okuma Solaris Spinning Reel is a well-crafted spinning reel that offers a combination of durability, performance, and value. Its corrosion-resistant graphite body and metal handle ensure long-lasting use, even in harsh conditions.
The Solaris features a smooth and efficient operation thanks to its 5 ball bearing + 1 roller bearing system. The Quick Set infinite anti-reverse system prevents accidental line slippage, ensuring reliable hook-setting. The aluminium black spool with blue anodising provides a stylish appearance and enhances performance.
Pros
- Premium looking reel for budget price
- High capacity spool
Cons
- Not really suitable for light lures
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.
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 Perch Spinning Reel
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The Abu Garcia SPIKE S Spinning Reels are specifically designed for perch and zander fishing. They offer strong construction, smooth rotation, and a waterproof carbon drag system. Available in various sizes, they are a great choice for anglers targeting these species.
Available in a range of sizes from 2000S to 4000SH, catering to different fishing scenarios and target species. The 2000S size is perfect for targeting perch with light lures and techniques, while the 4000SH size is ideal for larger zander that inhabit big bodies of water.
Pros
- Unique aesthetic compared to other reels
- Designed specifically for freshwater predators
Cons
- May not be suitable for targeting larger pike on larger waters
Best Baitcasting Reel
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With an exceptional combination of power, style, and performance, The Westin W4 series of baitcasting reels are ideal for a wide range of predator fishing applications. With a variety of sizes available, from 50 to 300, these reels cater to different casting weights and fishing styles.
The W4 series is constructed with durability and strength in mind, featuring robust one-piece aluminium frames that ensure rigid and reliable performance. These reels are designed to handle a wide range of predatory species, from pike and bass to zander, perch, and even trout. Offering innovative features like Fast Line Connector, Line View, and CBS6, these reels deliver smooth performance and precise control.
Pros
- Suitable for a wide range of lures
- 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 (1000-3000) 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.