There was a time when a quality fishing reel would set you back at least £100, however, some of the best fishing reels under £50 are truly astonishing. Thanks to improvements in technology and manufacturing processes, you can now pick up something that will offer smooth performance, durability and often a spare spool!
Whether you’re a match or pleasure angler who enjoys float and feeder fishing, a big-fish specialist in search of a freespool model for carp or barbel, or even a lure fanatic, there are some fantastic fishing reels under £50 to choose from.
The best fishing reels under £50 at a glance:
• Best Match Fishing Reel Under £50 - Daiwa 23 Matchman Reel - View offer on Total Fishing Tackle
• Best Baitrunner Reel Under £50 - Sonik Vader X 6000 FS - View offer on Go Outdoors
• Best Budget Fishing Reel Under £50 - Shimano Catana FE -View offer on Total Fishing Tackle
• Best Value Fishing Reel Under £50 - Nytro NTR Mk2 Reel - View Offer on Total Fishing Tackle
Gone are the days you could tell a reel was a budget model. The big manufacturers especially, have realised the demand for a good quality reel with a cheaper price tag and it's safe to say, they have delivered. Here is a guide to some of the best fishing reels under £50...
Best match fishing reel under £50
www.total-fishing-tackle.com
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.
Pros
- Great range of reels for all styles of angling.
- 4000 model ideal for any feeder fishing.
Cons
- No spare spool.
Best spinning reel under £50
www.fishingtackleandbait.co.uk
The Wychwood Agitator Series 2 reels offer a combination of eye-catching appearance and powerful performance.
With it's graphite body offering lightweight and strength, it's anodised aluminium deep spool with stunning purple highlights offers exceptional line lay. Incorporating a high gear ration of 5.2:1 making lure retrieval quick and effortless.
Available in sizes 2000, 3000, 4000 & 5000 there is a reel to cover all lure fishing from dropshotting to big lures for big pike.
Pros
- Compact, powerful design
- Eye catching purple highlights
Cons
- The purple colour may not necessarily be for everyone liking
Best reel for lure fishing under £50
www.total-fishing-tackle.com
The Abu Garcia Carindal X is a fantastic little reel. Incorporating a graphite body and anodised aluminium spool, the reel is both lightweight and strong. Featuring 3+1 stainless ball bearings, the reel has a very smooth rotation, allowing the handle to be turned effortlessly, perfectly for reeling in lures.
High performance washers are included in the drag to make it perfectly smooth and reliable, so when you get the bite, you can be confident of landing the fish.
Available in 1000, 3000, 4000 and 5000 there is sure to be a reel that is ideal for every scenario, all at a very competitive price point too.
Pros
- The smaller sizes are perfect for lure fishing.
- Smooth drag system.
Cons
- The bail arm is a bit clunky.
Best value reel under £50
www.total-fishing-tackle.com
The Nytro NTR MK2 is an update on the previous model, bringing slightly improved gear ratio and shallower spool. Available in 3 sizes 3002, 4002, & 5002 there's a size to suit most anglers.
The medium sized shallow spool make it perfect for both low diameter mono and braid users.
It's graphite body makes it very lightweight and durable, it has a surprising amount of cranking power, so no matter the size of the fish or the situation, the reel will be able to cope. The NTR features a line-friendly line clip, this makes sure your line will never suffer damage when hitting the clip when fishing to features or set distances.
Pros
- Uprgraded performance and gearing from previous model
- Very powerful reel
Cons
- Oversized bail arm may not be to everyones taste
Best budget reel under £50
www.total-fishing-tackle.com
A Shimano classic, the Catana FE is the latest offering. Value for money has always been a hallmark of the Catana range and the FE is no exception, a freshwater and in-shore saltwater spinning reel. Its application suits all kinds of freshwater fishing.
Catana FE is one option you should not ignore. 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.
Pros
- Long established pedigree in Catana family
- Multi use lure, float and feeder fishing
Cons
- 7 Variants available making it not so simple choice for novice anglers
(Experet tip – “HG’ at the end of model numbers means High Gear, and will mean a faster retrieve)
Best beginner reel
www.total-fishing-tackle.com
Daiwa Sweepfire is a simple no frills reel that offers value in a surprising package.
It offers some of Daiwa’s market leading features such as Digigear II and Twistbuster. Gives smooth performance and optimal line lay whilst reducing line twist.
This reel is the perfect reel for a beginner with basic features that will minimise the chance of tangles and dreaded birds’ nest, this is primarily down to the lack of anti-reverse or backwind. Therefore, the reel will only retrieve.
Several models available in the range but by simply opting for a 3000 or 4000 size will suit any beginner in any style of freshwater fishing be it spinning, float or feeder fishing.
Pros
- Brilliant beginner reel
- Simple, robust and reliable
Cons
- Lack of anti-reverse may not be for everyone
Best reel range under £50
www.total-fishing-tackle.com
The Okuma Ceymar XT is an ultra-reliable reel that steps up to the plate when needed. Available in sizes from a tiny 1000 light-lure fishing tool, through to a big feeder 6000 model, although the larger models do push over the £50 barrier.
It’s a reel that can do it all and then some. It has a high-speed 6.2:1 gear ratio, solid aluminium bail-arm, corrosion-resistant graphite body and rigid metal handle with EVA knob. It even comes with a spare spool and rear drag options in the 3000 and 4000 sizes.
Pros
- Lovely all-round reel.
- High speed retrieve.
Cons
- High speed retrieve my be too quick for some.
Best mini-baitrunner reel for under £50
www.total-fishing-tackle.com
If you want to use the famed Shimano Baitrunner technology but you’re on a budget, the Shimano ST-FB Baitrunner 2500 is the reel to go for.
The XT-7 body and rotor is covered with understated graphics, a traditional easy-to-use rear Baitrunner system, and Varispeed line lay all combine to produce an affordable reel packed with technology that won’t let you down.
The 2500 size is perfect of bomb or feeder fishing on small venues, the baitrunner function helping with those sometime aggressive bites.
Pros
- Easy to use and reliable baitrunner system
- Tough construction, compact size
Cons
- No spare spool
Best floater reel under £50
www.total-fishing-tackle.com
If you want a reel for small water carp fishing the Fox EOS 10000 FD reel could well be the one for you. The compact size and high power make it a great reel for targeting carp. These reels are perfect to balance a short rod under 10ft and double up as fantastic floater fishing reels, with the perfect line lay allowing you to cast freelined baits out much further than with other reels.
The EOS 10000 are also great barbel fishing reels, their high cranking power make easy work of winding large feeders and leads in as well as efficiently pulling barbel upstream to your landing net. The reel is packed with features internally, with 5 ball bearings it is very durable and will take some severe punishment, with the drag system so smooth, it's a joy to use. For small water carp fishing or barbel angling there aren't many better options, especially for the price!
Pros
- Power in abundance.
- Great for floater fishing.
Cons
- No spare spool.
Best spod reel under £50
www.total-fishing-tackle.com
The Okuma Custom 7000 spod reel offers a compact powerful spod reel that offers excellent value for money,
Constructed with a graphite body and fitted with an aluminium spool that is supplied loaded with 30lb braid, its good to go straight out the box.
The reel is perfect for the angler just looking to add a spod set up to his armoury. It is powerful yet very smooth in the retrieve of the biggest payloads, offers great line lay and fast retrieval.
Pros
- Compact, powerful and sleek design
- Fully loaded with 30lb braid
Cons
- Anti reverse switch a little difficult to access due to been tucked under rota
Best baitrunner reel for under £50
www.gooutdoors.co.uk
The compact Sonik Vader X 6000 FS freespool reel is perfect for targeting small to medium-sized rivers. It has a micro-adjustable front drag and an independent freespool rear drag adjustment.
Build quality is impressive, and the reel is made from a light but hardwearing graphite material (with a stainless steel main shaft), and comes with solid aluminium handles, oversized line-friendly line clips and two anodised aluminium spools. With a gear ratio of 5.5:1, there’s no lack of cranking power either, which is handy when retrieving heavy leads and swimfeeders at long ranges, and the wide spool can easily hold heavier lines.
The clutch adjustment on the front of the spool, and the tension settings for the freespool facility, are functional rather than precise, but they won’t let you down. All-black aesthetics and understated graphics give these Soniks a classy look, and for the asking price, you’ll struggle to find better.
Pros
- Great cranking power.
- Baitrunner option.
Cons
- Not the most precise clutch system.
| Gear ratio: | 5.5:1 |
| Line capacity: | 0.32mm/350m, 0.35mm/270m |
| Weight: | 455g |
What to look for in a fishing reel under £50
Just because you don't want to spend hundreds of pounds on a reel doesn't mean you have to compromise on everything. Some of the best fishing reels under £50 are truly amazing in what they offer both aesthetically and performance wise. When choosing a reel there are a few features to look for that will determine which is the best choice for you.
The size of the reel will impact how well it performs certain tasks, if you only fish the float, then look for a reel around 3000 in size. Generally, these reels are smaller and lighter, and balance a waggler rod perfectly. In fact, a 3000 is a great all-round size reel. If you like to use a Method feeder or fish for larger fish on commercials or rivers, it's best to opt for a 4000 or larger. These reels have a bit more cranking power to help you tame those larger fish and control the larger end tackle required more efficiently.
If carp or specimen fishing is your chosen discipline, look for a reel that can hold plenty of line, this will aid you when casting longer distances and give you the reserve line when big fish go on powerful runs. A baitrunner is always helpful when fishing for larger fish, it prevents the rod being dragged in when you get a take, something no angler wants to happen.
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.
Frequently asked questions on fishing reels under £50
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, or kip in the bivvy, 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. An old toothbrush can be useful too.
Author Aidan Bordiuk is an enthusiastic angler who enjoys all fishing disciplines from match fishing to beach casting. He is currently occupying the position of Commercial Content Writer at Angling Times.