Gone are the days of limited reel choices and hefty price tags, with some of the best fishing reels under £75 offering exceptional value and quality, whatever style of angling you enjoy. Today's market is a treasure trove for anglers on a budget, from the seasoned pro to the occasional angler, there's a perfect reel out there waiting to upgrade your current setup.
Best reels under £75 at a glance
• Best Feeder Fishing Reel Under £75: Matrix Ethos XR Reel - View offer on Total Fishing Tackle
• Best Float Fishing Reel Under £75: Shimano Aero BB Reel - View offer on Total Fishing Tackle
• Best Freespool Reel Under £75: Shimano DL 2500 FB - View offer on Total Fishing Tackle
• Best Carp Reel Under £75: Avid AV 8000 Reel - View offer on Fishing Tackle & Bait
Thanks to increased competition, you can now snag high-performance reels without breaking the bank. With careful consideration, you can find a reel that not only fits your budget but also delivers exceptional performance and durability. Let's dive in and explore our top picks for the best fishing reels under £75.
Best Feeder Fishing Reel Under £75
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The Matrix Ethos XR reel is available in 3000 and 3500 sizes, offering a balanced combination of performance and features at a reasonable price point.
This reel is packed with features designed to aid the angler when casting and retrieving from a distance, such as the rotor brake and graphite anti-flex body. These features prevent the reel from moving or twisting during the cast or under pressure, ensuring smoother performance.
The 3500 model retrieves 94 cm of line with each turn of the handle, enabling quick retrieval of end tackle. Anglers can choose between a double or single handle based on their preference. The reel’s multi-disc front drag is outstanding—so smooth and consistent that it can significantly increase your chances of landing more fish.
Pros
- Super smooth drag system
- Anti-Flex body construction
Cons
- Only available in single handle
Best powerful feeder reel under £75
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Designed for efficient feeder fishing, the Daiwa N'ZON LT Feeder reel excels at tackling medium-range targets. Its slower gear ratio provides ample power to effortlessly retrieve heavy feeders and powerful fish like carp or big bream.
Packed with features like Digigear technology and a carefully designed spool, this reel delivers exceptional performance. The ergonomic handle and smooth line release contribute to accurate casting and effortless feeder fishing sessions.
Available in 5000 in single and double handle versions and 6000 in a single handle.
Pros
- Light and compact
- Great cranking power
Cons
- Not the biggest line capacity
Best lightweight float fishing reel under £75
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The Daiwa 23 Revros LT is a standout reel at this price point, offering incredible features in a featherweight package. It's incredibly strong and durable, yet remarkably lightweight, helping to balance the majority of rods on the market, making the reel perfect for tackling any float fishing situation. Lightweight enough to hold comfortably throughout a session whilst powerful enough to perform under the duress of a pellet waggler session.
At the heart of the Revros LT is Daiwa’s cutting-edge technology that ensures smooth casting and reliable performance. The reel's internal components work together seamlessly to create a smooth and consistent retrieve, while also minimising line twist.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Premium features
Cons
- No spare spool
Best float fishing reel under £75
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If you enjoy both float and feeder fishing, the Shimano Aero BB is ideal for all-round anglers seeking a reliable reel without breaking the bank.
With its anti-reverse system and smooth performance, the Aero BB excels in playing fish. Available in three sizes (3000, 4000, and 5000), it caters to a wide range of fishing situations, from light float work to targeting larger species like carp and bream.
If you're a match or pleasure angler on a budget, the Aero BB offers exceptional value without compromising on quality.
Pros
- Great all-round reel
- Multiple sizes available to suit
Cons
- Basic features
Best value freespool reel under £75
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The perfect work horse for method feeder work is the The N-Gauge Specimen reel. The adjustable freespool is a worthwhile tool to make sure your rod remains secure during what can be savage takes when fishing techniques like the method. It also great for fishing for specimen fish like barbel, tench and carp.
Lightweight in construction and smooth gearing make the N-Gauge Specimen a pleasure to use even for extended periods, its an adequate choice for beginners and experienced anglers alike.
Whilst it may lack some of the refinements of some of its more expensive counterparts it offers a lot of reel for the money and does everything you need a freespool reel to do.
Pros
- Strong, durable
- Adjustable freespool
Cons
- Very basic, no frills look
Best freespool reel under £75
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Building on the success of its predecessor, the Shimano Baitrunner DL 2500 FB offers anglers a reliable, feature-packed reel without breaking the bank. This updated model retains the core qualities of the original while boasting a sleek new black finish.
Equipped with a front drag system, a cold-forged aluminum spare spool, and smooth performance, the Baitrunner DL 2500 FB is a versatile choice for a variety of fishing styles.
Pros
- Compact design with baitrunner
- Feature packed
Cons
- Not the biggest line retrieve
Best long range carp reel under £75
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Designed specifically for long-range carp fishing, the Okuma INC reel is a powerhouse. Its compact body houses a redesigned internal system optimised for casting distance and retrieving big leads and big fish from distance.
Key features include a long-stroke spool for smooth line release and a durable, corrosion-resistant build. With its combination of power, precision, and reliability, the Okuma INC is a top choice for serious carp anglers.
Pros
- Designed to fish at range
- Hardwearing construction
Cons
- It's on the heavy side
Best Carp Reel Under £75
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The Avid AV8000 reel is a versatile tool designed for both long-range casting and close-quarter fishing. Its compact size belies its impressive power, making it suitable for a wide range of angling conditions.
Features a rapid front drag system for quick drag engagement, a smooth line lay for optimal casting, and a durable build quality. If you do a lot of carp fishing but don't want to pay a fortune for three reels, this a fantastic reel to add to any carp fishing setup.
Pros
- Rapid front drag
- Compact size
Cons
- No spare spool
Best value spod reel under £75
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Designed specifically for spodding, the Okuma Custom Carp 7000 Spod Reel is a powerful tool for anglers seeking to cover water quickly and efficiently. Its durable graphite construction, combined with smooth ball bearing internals, ensures reliable performance under pressure.
Pre-spooled with 200m of 30lb braid, this reel is ready to use straight out of the box. Additional features like the Cyclonic Flow rotor and Even Flow Line Roller contribute to optimal casting distance and line management.
Pros
- Pre-spooled with 30lb braid
- Large line capacity
Cons
- Basic features
Best spod reel under £75
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The Sonik HeroX is a high-performance carp reel designed for the demanding carp anglers on a budget. Its sleek, stylish design houses advanced features like a smooth worm-shaft transmission and Heli Coil gearing for exceptional casting and winding performance. Pre-loaded with 30lb braid its ready to go at a moments notice.
It's lightweight graphite body and rotor, combined with a range of practical features, make the HeroX a top choice for anglers seeking a reliable, powerful reel. Featuring a smooth casting and retrieval, solid graphite construction and a comfortable, ergonomic design.
Pros
- Specifically designed for use spodding
- Powerful and lightweight
Cons
- Basic understated look may not suit everyone
What to look for in a reel under £75
Don't let a limited budget restrict your angling ambitions. There are plenty of exceptional fishing reels under £75 that deliver impressive performance. To make the most of your investment, consider these key factors when selecting your next reel:
The size of your reel significantly impacts its performance. For float fishing, a 3000-sized reel is generally ideal, offering a perfect balance of size, weight, and line capacity. If you're targeting larger species or using feeder tactics, a 4000-sized reel or larger will provide the necessary power and line capacity. Carp and spod reels typically range from 7000 to 10,000 in size, with larger reels offering more power and performance.
Look for reels equipped with features that suit your style of angling. For example, a freespool system is particularly useful if you're targeting carp or other large fish, as it allows the line to run freely when a fish takes the bait, preventing your rod from disappearing into the water. Additionally, consider the reel's line capacity—a larger capacity is beneficial for long-range casting and fighting powerful fish.
While price is a factor, don't compromise on quality. Seek out reels constructed from durable materials with smooth gear systems. A good reel should cast effortlessly and retrieve line smoothly and the best reels under £75 will do that.
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.
Big pit: A reel with a long spool designed for extreme long-range casting by reducing the resistance of the line.
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.
Cranking power: This is the reel's ability to wind under pressure, the better the cranking power the more powerful the reel is.
<strong>Frequently asked questions on fishing reels under £75</strong>
Can I use one reel for multiple tactics?
Yes, as long as the size is suitable, as too big a reel for waggler fishing, for example, makes a lightweight rod feel clumsy, whilst too small a reel for feeder fishing will restrict casting distance and reduce the winding power needed to retrieve heavy feeders. This is where spare spools become useful. On a 4000-sized reel, one could be loaded with 3lb line for waggler fishing, whilst a second could be loaded with 6lb for the feeder work.
Should I use a Baitrunner reel for barbel fishing?
If you are going to be watching the rod and roving the river, perhaps rolling baits, then a Baitrunner is not essential. However, if you are an angler who likes to sit back and relax, a Baitrunner reel is essential to stop your rod being dragged in on the take. A barbel bite is typically far more savage than anything any other fish will give.
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, ultimately effecting performance and longevity. An old toothbrush can be useful too.
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.