In bass fishing, baitcast reels get plenty of attention, but spinning reels are a crucial part of fishing, especially with finesse techniques. There are many good options and several top brands to choose from, so selecting the right one often comes down to your budget and what you plan to use the reel for.
The following reels are available at various price points, and many feature unique features that set them apart from the crowd of fishing reels. Before you buy your next spinning reel, take a look at these reels, as they may just be what you are looking for.
Under $150
While not an actual "budget" price, spending less than $150 will get you a solid reel that will last several seasons and often do what you want them to do. The main difference between reels in this range and those that cost much more is the little details and features, but all three of these reels would be a welcome addition to any bass angler's reel arsenal.
Okuma Ceymar "A" - $68.99
Okuma makes some excellent rods and reels, and for the price, it's hard to beat the Ceymar "A" series. They produce several reels under the Ceymar name, but this version is available for less than $70 and comes in ten models, ranging from ultralight to 8000 for saltwater fishing. Some of the standout features of this reel are the heavy-duty aluminum bail, comfortable reel handle knobs, and a graphite frame that helps keep it light.
Daiwa Exceler LT - Starting at $99.99
Daiwa is a king in the fishing reel world and has a dizzying amount of different rods and reels to choose from. You can spend as much as you want with Daiwa and know they have a reputation for excellent drag systems on spinning reels. With extensive experience in creating reels, they often start with technology designed for higher-end reels and gradually scale it down to less expensive options later on. That's the case here, as the Exceler LT reel includes items like their ZAION V body, Air Drive Bail, and Rotor, among others.
KastKing Speed MegaJaws Elite - $139.99
KastKing produces high-quality products across a range of prices and continues to gain more loyal fans each year. The MegaJaws reels are built to withstand harsh conditions and feature gearing stronger than the zinc alloy used in many reels. It's a very smooth reel with a one-piece bail wire and a 10+1 bearing system, both made of stainless steel, ensuring it works well in both fresh and saltwater environments. It's also a sharp-looking reel with some great color accents and CNC aluminum and carbon fiber on the reel handle.
$150-$250
This price range is the mid-level for most bass fishing reels made today, and they are all lightyears ahead of what anglers used a decade ago. Any reel on this list is equipped with advanced technology that makes it smooth, lightweight, and durable enough to withstand the rigors of heavy use.
Daiwa Tatula MQ LT - $199.99
Daiwa uses the Tatula name for several reels, each with a range of models. The Tatula MQ LT version is a workhorse reel with an MQ (Monocoque Zaion) body, designed to keep it both lightweight and strong. The LT stands for "light and tough," which it truly is. This is an excellent reel that is smooth, lightweight, and built to last for years.
SEVIIN GX Series - $205.00
SEVIIN is the reel brand for the renowned St. Croix Rods, which have long been recognized for their exceptional craftsmanship and outstanding customer service. They've now dipped their toes into the reel game and offer several reels, with the GX being their top-of-the-line spinning reel. It boasts excellent looks, features an 11-bearing system, a carbon-fiber body, a forged-aluminum spool, and a titanium bail.
Abu Garcia Revo Winch SP - $189.95
Abu Garcia is another renowned rod-and-reel brand, and the Winch series has been around for several years now. It's primarily designed for moving baits that are "winched" in, and for the Revo Winch SP spinning reel, it features a slower 4.7:1 gear ratio for moving baits. This reel is built with a one-piece aluminum frame and oversized gearing. It's built tough and perfect for swimbaits, crankbaits, and other moving baits.
$250 and up
This is a price level that should command some high expectations, and the following reels deliver on that. These reels are not inexpensive, but they are built to last and are among the best spinning reels available.
Shimano Vanford FA – Starting at $284.99
The Vanford name is relatively new for Shimano, but these are among the most popular reels it makes, and they are smooth and feature the great drag systems Shimano is known for. The newest version of the Vanford features its light and strong CI4+ body and MGL rotor, which delivers immediate, low-inertia performance and better control of your lures.
Daiwa Luvias ST Spinning Reel $429.99
Daiwa makes more expensive reels than this, but the Luvias uses the MQ body, precision DigiGear made of aluminum alloy, and AIRDRIVE rotor, spool, shaft, and bail. It's an extremely lightweight reel that is beyond smooth. Like all Daiwa reels, this reel is also built to last and will serve you well for many seasons. It has all of Daiwa's best technologies and is among the best reels that money can buy.
Shimano Stella FK Spinning Reels – Starting at $864.99
The price of this reel may come as a surprise to some, but the Stella name is well-known among anglers seeking the very best. It's an exquisite reel that, along with the Daiwa Exist, is one of the best reels you can find in freshwater fishing.
The newest version of the Stella is exceptionally smooth and has the buttery drag you would expect from a reel of this caliber. Some of the technical features include MicroModule gearing, finely cut gear teeth for improved control of your line and lures, and additional features that enhance casting, line control, and overall performance. This is an enthusiast-level reel that is part showpiece and part workhorse, designed to last for decades.
Spinning reels are a critical part of bass fishing, and you can find one at just about any price you are looking to spend. The reels listed above come from the leading brands in bass fishing and are sure to work very well for you.
