Baitcast reels and bass fishing go together, and they have for decades. These level wind-style reels are essential tools for casting for bass, and although the round reels of old have given way to low-profile reels as the standard in bass fishing today, every bass angler likely has a few baitcast reels in their arsenal.
Several excellent brands are out there, and even some lower-priced reels have great features and will cast just about any lure a long distance. With so many reels, the following list showcases a handful that stand out and fit in three different price ranges.
Under $150
With baitcast reels sometimes selling for a small fortune, this price range now qualifies as a "budget reel" for many anglers. Thankfully, some exceptional reels are available if you don't want to spend an arm and a leg.
Piscifun Torrent II - $49.99
This reel won't break the bank, but it has some solid features, including 20-pounds drag. It's a solid reel that casts great, and it has few, if any, equals for the price. This is a brand that has become more popular in the last few years, and it is worth a shot if you are looking for a decent reel that won't cost a lot of money.
Shimano Caius - $79.99
Shimano is legendary for fishing reels, making some very good ones. Most of the attention is on their higher-end products, but more inexpensive reels like the Caius are still great. Shimano and other brands have trickled down reel technology after a few years, and the Caius has many of the same features as more expensive reels from a few years ago. The Caius is lightweight because of some of the plastic materials used, but this reel casts great and is very smooth.
Abu Garcia Revo X LP - $139.95
Abu Garcia is another reel maker with a long and storied history, and the Revo lineup has something for everyone. In the lower range is the Revo X, which also includes a BFS (bait finesse system) model with a shallow spool. These reels have a lightweight carbon frame and come in several different retrieve speeds to match any situation you need them for.
The $150 to $300 Range
Somewhere in the middle of the range of baitcast reels are a host of reels from all of the major brands. This is the price level where reels get much better and are built to last. Some good ones are in this range, including those from Shimano, Daiwa, and Abu Garcia.
Shimano Curado 150 MGL - $209.99
It's hard to talk about bass fishing reels without bringing up the Curado. The name is legendary in bass fishing circles, and each generation has been a great reel and consistent best seller at tackle stores. The newest Curado MGL has a MagnumLight (MGL) spool for great casting distance, CI4+ carbon material to keep it light, and many more Shimano technologies to make it smooth and improve overall performance.
Daiwa Tatula SV TW - $209.99
Like other reel names mentioned here, the Tatula name is synonymous with quality. Daiwa uses the name for many different products, including rods and reels, but this reel is one of the most popular products they make, and for good reason. It has its T-Wing system for effortless casting and the SV spool for even better distance. This workhorse reel casts great and can handle just about anything a bass angler needs to use it for.
Revo STX - $249
This Revo is stout, and even though it has a compact and light frame, it has oversized knobs and a slightly longer handle to help you winch big bass in from heavy cover. It has an aluminum frame but is very solid and has an insane 25 pounds of drag, which may seem like overkill until you are trying to wrestle in a big bass that's wrapped up in a pile of vegetation.
$300 and Up
At this price level, reels become excellent. They are built with the latest reel technologies and the best possible components to make them smooth, lightweight, and built to last. These three reels are not cheap, but investing in one should ensure you have a great reel that will perform flawlessly for years.
Lew's HyperMag - $349.99
This may be the best of all of the reels made by Lew's. It's incredibly light at just 5.2 ounces and still has a very solid feel. It's a unique, bright, and shiny metallic color, and the casting performance is excellent, even with lightweight lures.
Abu Garcia Zenon X - $369.95
Abu has long been known for the Revo lineup, but more recently, they started making a higher-end series called the Zenon. These reels are available in both casting and spinning, and even with a price tag this high, the Zenon X is on the low end of the pricing while the other reels reach even higher numbers.
One thing that stands out about this reel is how well it casts and how comfortable it is. The Zenon X also has slightly larger handles, making fighting fish or working lures easy.
Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B - $449.99
Like the other Shimano reel names, the Metanium has a long and storied history. The latest generation keeps the tradition going and is as smooth a reel as you will find. It feels light but also sturdy at the same time, thanks to the solid magnesium body. Inside, it has brass gearing and the best technology Shimano has to offer. This is a refined reel with a matching price tag.
There are many great choices out there when it comes to baitcast reels. The quality among all brands has increased tremendously in recent years, and there are some excellent reels to choose from, no matter your budget.
