The practice of bass fishing is quite common for anglers. However, you’ll need a quality fishing reel to succeed in the game, whether you’re a professional or novice angler.
Also, you may have noticed that using the wrong reel kind for bass fishing could greatly hinder your fishing. And we do not want that.
This article provides reviews of the top bass reels in the market, in both spinning and casting categories.
Be sure to check out how to pick the right bass reel near the end of the article!
There’s a wealth of helpful information, especially useful for beginners! So, let’s begin.
Here's What's In Store For You...
- Top 7 Bass Fishing Reels Of 2022
- 1) Best Overall Bass Fishing Reel: Pflueger’s SUPXTSP30X Supreme XT Spinning Fishing Reel
- 2) Best Durable Bass Fishing Reel: PENN’s Battle II & III Spinning Fishing Reel
- 3) Best Baitcasting Bass Fishing Reel: SHIMANO’s CURADO K Fishing Reel
- 4) Best Budget-Friendly Bass Fishing Reel: Abu Garcia Revo’s X Spinning Fishing Reel
- 5) Best For Beginners Bass Fishing Reel: KastKing’s Summer and Centron Spinning Reel
- 6) Best Premium Bass Fishing Reel: Abu Garcia Revo’s MG Xtreme Low Profile Reel
- 7) Best Value For Money Bass Fishing Reel: Pflueger’s President XT Low Profile Reel
- Buying Guide
- Types of Bass Fishing Reels
- What to Consider While Buying A Bass Fishing Reel?
- How to Maintain and Care for A Bass Fishing Reel?
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is A Bass Fishing Reel, and Why Do You Need It?
In general, bass fishing is the game of angling for bass gamefish within North America.
The black bass is a powerful combatant found in lakes, reservoirs, ponds, rivers, creeks, or streams.
There are many types of black bass like smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, Micropterus dolomieui, Micropterus salmoides, Micropterus punctulatus, and spotted bass.
You might find the bass fishing complex challenging and useless without a good reel. Typically, professionals use a bass fishing reel.
However, it is critical to have a good reel and a fishing rod for fishing a big game.
If you select the wrong rod and reel to catch bass, it will not just affect your ability to capture any bass but could even turn you away entirely from the sport.
Although, don’t worry!
We have compiled a list of top bass fishing reels to simplify it.
If you’ve been fishing for long enough, don’t be tempted to think this guide isn’t suitable for you.
We’ve got reels from every part of the spectrum, and if you’re looking to improve the existing gear, we’ve got a few top options for you.
Here are the best bass fishing reels to buy in 2022:
At A Glance
[wps_box title=”” title_color=”#FFFFFF” box_color=”#3d92b8″ radius=”20″ class=”wpbox”]- Best Overall Bass Fishing Reel: Pflueger’s SUPXTSP30X Supreme XT Spinning Fishing Reel
- Best Durable Bass Fishing Reel: PENN’s Battle II & III Spinning Fishing Reel
- Best Baitcasting Bass Fishing Reel: SHIMANO’s CURADO K Fishing Reel
- Best Budget-Friendly Bass Fishing Reel: Abu Garcia Revo’s X Spinning Fishing Reel
- Best For Beginners Bass Fishing Reel: KastKing’s Summer and Centron Spinning Reel
- Best Premium Bass Fishing Reel: Abu Garcia Revo’s MG Xtreme Low Profile Reel
- Best Value For Money Bass Fishing Reel: Pflueger’s President XT Low Profile Reel
Top 7 Bass Fishing Reels Of 2022
[wps_box title=”” title_color=”#FFFFFF” box_color=”#3d92b8″ radius=”20″ class=”wpbox”]1) Best Overall Bass Fishing Reel: Pflueger’s SUPXTSP30X Supreme XT Spinning Fishing Reel
The Pflueger’s SupremeXT Spinning Reel is one of the top fishing reels available.
The reel offers a fantastic bearing system; it’s lightweight and affordable.
The reel has a magnesium body that makes this reel robust and lightweight, combined with the rotor and the handle.
Made from carbon, the handle is extremely light in weight. Furthermore, you will find it easier to turn.
Additionally, it features a slim design and ten bearings. Unfortunately, this does not mean you will get an increased gear ratio even with the additional bearings.
There are a lot of fantastic qualities of this model; however, the most notable of them (at least to us) can be that of the SMART retrieve system.
Many anglers struggle to achieve an accurate casting distance and cast because it can be difficult to even layout the line on the spool.
Pflueger’s SMART Retrieve feature is the ideal solution to that frequently occurring and irritating issue.
SMARTretrieve allows you to ensure an even line.
Pros
- Very reasonable
- Anti-reverse features
- Extremely light
Cons
- Problems with durability
2) Best Durable Bass Fishing Reel: PENN’s Battle II & III Spinning Fishing Reel
Penn Battle II & III Spinning Reels are among the best spinning reels to use for bass.
The reel, made by Penn’s well-known and trusted brand, is highly durable and surprisingly inexpensive for its quality.
The unit is ideal for those who fish in saltwater. Hence, saving the reel from corrosion.
It comes with a complete metal body, side plates, rotor, and a strong aluminum bail wire.
Furthermore, the drag mechanism is made of HT 100 carbon fiber, providing the user with excellent drag and ease of use.
These drag washers have explicitly been greased (it’s an exclusive blend) and are made to last.
It also has five sealed stainless steel bearings (sealed is crucial to saltwater) and an instant anti-reverse. The process of cranking is easy and smooth.
The Superline Spool is ready to be a braided line.
It also has rings for line capacity, so you’ll always know the number of lines left.
Additionally, you don’t require monofilament backing due to the rubber basket built into the spool.
The Penn Battle II Spinning Reel is available in 8 sizes, ranging from 1000 to 8000.
To catch bass, we suggest any of the sizes from 1000 to the 4000 model, based on the amount of the bass you’re hoping to catch and the style of fishing and the environment, and other variables.
Pros
- High max drag helps fight big fish
- Highly durable and robust construction, with an all-metal body and carbon fiber drag washers
- Various reel sizes
- Corrosion-resistant
Cons
- The larger-sized reels in this model could become very heavy
- The bearings don’t come with an entire seal system. Therefore, you must cleanse your reel with clean water
3) Best Baitcasting Bass Fishing Reel: SHIMANO’s CURADO K Fishing Reel
Shimano offers many excellent fishing reels; however, the most effective Shimano baitcasting reel to catch bass comes from the Shimano Curado Baitcast Reel.
If you are looking for a reel that can be used for tournaments and especially for fishing bass, then this is the one.
It is durable and reliable. It is suitable to use in saltwater or freshwater.
It’s manufactured using Shimano’s Ci4+ technology, which means lighter and more durable graphite.
The slim design (10 percent smaller than the previous models) aids in bringing a light reel with ergonomically designed palms that feel solid in hand.
Its Micro Module Gear System also creates an improved gear train, allowing easier and smoother retrieval.
Furthermore, SVS Infinity control provides consistent and easy-to-manage brake force and spool control.
Its Shimano Curado K Baitcast Reel includes six ball bearings and a roller bearing, each specially designed to be highly corrosion-resistant.
The Curado K comes in several different sizes. However, they’re almost identical.
These reels differ only a little concerning gear ratio and line retrieval.
Among the several gear ratios available, 6.2:1, 7.4:1, and 8.5:1 can cover nearly every scenario from pitching and flipping light jigs and lures.
Pros
- The high-quality parts and the skilled construction makes the K series durable
- Continuously reliable performance when casting
- A smooth and powerful retraction
- An elegant, durable design
- Small, lightweight design makes it simple to fish all-day
Cons
- It is important to note that the 5.5:1 power retrieve isn’t included in this model
- The casting control is a little unwieldy.
4) Best Budget-Friendly Bass Fishing Reel: Abu Garcia Revo’s X Spinning Fishing Reel
This is one of the top-quality reels for bass fishing at an affordable price that’s very light and useful. It comes with 6+1 bearings in a set, along with EVA handles.
They also employ a lightweight graphite rotor and an X-crafty design for the gearbox that ensures everything is in perfect alignment, making it simple to fish and hold throughout the day.
This reel’s Rocket Line management system gives anglers more control, no matter what fishing lines they choose to use.
The Rocket Spool Lip design enhances the line’s lay on the spool, allowing you to cast farther distances and with greater accuracy.
There are four sizes of options for this model; our review is based on Revo2x30.
It’s a low-cost and best spinning reel for beginners and fine-tuned anglers.
Pros
- The body is well designed and durable
- Affordable
- Line management system
Cons
- A bit heavy
5) Best For Beginners Bass Fishing Reel: KastKing’s Summer and Centron Spinning Reel
KastKing Summer/Centron Spinning Reel makes fishing enjoyable at an affordable cost for novice or experienced anglers.
The slim and light graphite frame design and the computer-controlled balancing system ensure ease of use, making it ideal for anglers who are new to the field.
The powerful Superior Drag System offers a tremendous stopping power of up to 17.5lbs and comes with the highest quality pinion gear for head-to-head fish fights.
The spinning reel has a machined lighter CNC aluminum spool that features internal grooves to aid in lube retention.
It also has more capacity for fishing lines than previous KastKing spinning reels. In addition, the smooth, robust ball bearings and the anti-reverse bearings provide a smooth performance.
The gear ratio of the KastKing Summer/Centron is 5.2:1. It’s not the fastest among our choices but is capable of functioning well in freshwater environments as specified.
This medium reel is ideal for catching snapper, bass, Morwong, Tailor, Cod, Mulloway, or Drummer.
The anti-reverse feature on the hook is a helpful feature that provides a quick response after you feel the sensation of a hit.
As advertised, this particular reel is perfect for fishing in freshwater fishing.
Avoid saltwater or freshwater fishing that requires a large reel of 5000 or beyond.
Pros
- Great for beginners
- Lightweight
- Compact design
- Excellent drag system
- Attractive design
Cons
- Not suitable for saltwater
6) Best Premium Bass Fishing Reel: Abu Garcia Revo’s MG Xtreme Low Profile Reel
The premium baitcasting reel available is the Abu Garcia Revo’s reel designed for fishing bass.
It’s versatile, smooth, and long-lasting. Many prefer braided lines, and this comes with an aluminum spool machined to work with braid.
Its Rocket Line Management system allows you to control all types of lines.
The reel is comfortable in your hands; it’s a bait caster with a low profile easy to handle and cranks smoothly.
The only thing we dislike is the handle that is made from cork.
Additionally, you’ll be amazed by the reel’s exceptional retrieval and casting capabilities.
Even with the lightest lure, there is virtually no possibility of bird-nesting using this reel—Revo MG Xtreme.
The casting process is exact. The unit is constructed of the X-Craftic Gearbox and C6 carbon.
This ensures the durability you need while also being light.
It’s less heavy than the earlier versions. If you’re looking to take on tough fish, expect an excellent alignment even in challenging conditions.
The gear’s design is computer-optimized. Carbon Matrix is a computer-optimized drag system that gives you a smooth, robust drag.
Other features include eight HPCR ball bearings, an Everlast bail system sporting a steel main shaft, and K-Clutch anti-reverse feature.
Pros
- Amazingly light
- Great design
- Durable and protective of major components
- Silky smooth
Cons
- Cork handles can be better
7) Best Value For Money Bass Fishing Reel: Pflueger’s President XT Low Profile Reel
This bait caster can retrieve so efficiently that it’s virtually impossible to think of backlash.
You should consider this bait caster if you want the best price for your purchase.
It is, in fact, the top bass reel with regard to features and offering what a reel needs to ensure a successful fishing trip.
The Pflueger President XT features a Magnetic Braking System that eliminates backlash completely.
It also allows you to achieve a smooth spool rotation and casting long distances.
Surprisingly, this reel is constructed of durable materials.
The handle is made from aluminum, aircraft quality for increased durability and a comfortable grip.
This model is comfortable in your palm and doesn’t feel heavy because of its XT Low-Profile design.
Pros
- Handle made of aircraft-grade aluminum that is machined for unbeatable endurance
- A low profile design allows the reel to be easier to hold
- The 9-bearing system runs smoothly and helps reduce the cranking effort
- Affordable price
Cons
- Might have a slightly weak drag
Buying Guide
There are some aspects to be considered when selecting the most effective bass reel for your needs. This depends on the style of fishing you wish to tackle.
The main factor to consider is the type of lure you intend to use it.
It doesn’t mean that you cannot recycle a reel down the road but knowing how you’ll use the reel is an excellent beginning point.
The first thing to determine is whether you need a spinning or baitcasting reel. Here’s all that you need to know:
Types of Bass Fishing Reels
The two most effective reels suitable for bass fishing include spinning reels and baitcasting reels.
Both styles are excellent for specific applications, and all bass anglers already own both or must at some point.
The reels are used with two different styles of bass fishing rods.
Spinning reels work along with a spinning rod, while a baitcasting reel works well with a casting rod.
The easiest and most unique way to differentiate the two is that spinning reels are situated behind the rod, while in baitcasters they are located on the top.
Furthermore, casting rods only feature a trigger integrated into their rod handles.
Comparing a spinning and baitcasting reel boils down to three aspects: technique, lure style, and lure weight.
1) Baitcasting Reels
Baitcasting reels are bass anglers use for most of their fishing.
They are specifically designed for those who want to take on a heavier line in the ten-pound test range and higher.
They are likely to handle most of your lures; however, specific dimensions or gears ratios may best control certain types of lures.
2) Spinning Reels
Beginner fishermen mostly use spinning reels because they’re simpler to operate than the baitcaster.
However, this doesn’t mean they are less valuable for bass fishing.
There are occasions when a spinning rod can outperform the performance of the baitcaster.
Spinning reels are more suitable for lures with a lighter weight, so they are convenient for fishing with finesse.
Finesse fishing lures require light lines, and spinning reels perform best when spooled with lines within the two to fourteen pounds test range.
What to Consider While Buying A Bass Fishing Reel?
1) Drag Strength
Drag strength measures the amount of weight the reel can take in without damage.
A reel with a low drag will be more likely to snap under pressure or fight a big strong bass.
The strength of your drag must be at or near that of the size and weight of fish that you’re trying to catch and more if you add that weight to your gear.
The larger reels usually have more substantial drag; therefore, you should increase the reel size if you require more drag.
It’s all about the type of bass you’re seeking, the average weight of bass is typically between 2 and 10 pounds, but record-breaking largemouth bass can weigh more than 20 pounds.
2) Gear Ratio
Tho understand better, the gear ratio is the number of times you must turn the reel to retrieve your line.
The ratio determines how many spools turn you get per spin of your reel’s handle.
Thus, a gear ratio that is 4:1 will mean that the spool spins four times for every handle turn.
A higher gear ratio implies that you’ll capture your fish quicker.
This is beneficial; however, the most efficient gear ratio may not be the most effective.
Lower ratios in gears generally provide more torque per spin, making it ideal for reeling in hard-fighting fish.
Pick the best gear ratio according to the size and fighting ability of the fish you want to catch or find a ratio between 4 and 6:1 for a handy reel.
3) Construction
The reel’s structure is an important aspect to take into consideration.
What were the materials used in creating the reel?
If you’re bass fishing in saltwater, it’s important that you look for a reel that is constructed of corrosion-resistant materials such as aluminum that can withstand harsh saltwater conditions.
Aluminum is generally favored for its durability, while graphite is superior due to its lightness.
Many reels use diverse materials for various components, and you will be able to find a mix of the top features.
4) Line Capacity
Line capacity refers to how many lines can fit on the spool.
It will vary based on the kind of line used and the length of the line.
However, most reels provide a complete estimation of the amount of line they can hold.
Bass fishing typically involves long casting; therefore, it’s essential to have enough line to last the entire day.
The majority of bass are located in areas with many covers, which may cause snagging or line breaking.
It is essential to be ready by having enough lines to cast again in this situation.
If you’re confident that you’ll be casting long distances or require more lines, purchase an extra reel to increase your line capacity.
However, if you think that you’ll not require a massive line capacity, you could choose an option with less.
Some reels come with rings that indicate line capacity to know how many lines capacity you have to work with throughout the fishing trip.
Another critical aspect of the fishing line concerns whether your reel is braid-ready.
Certain reels require backing before you can put braided lines to them.
If the braid is the preferred line, choose the reel designed to spool the braid without the additional step to add a backing.
5) Ball Bearings
Ball bearings enable your reel to cast and then retrieve. Reels differ in the number of ball bearings.
Specific models add additional bearings to decrease friction, while some stick to just 3 or 4.
The quality of the product has more importance than the number in the field of ball bearings.
Shielded ball bearings made of stainless steel, which is corrosion-resistant, will outperform a greater quantity of brass bearings.
How to Maintain and Care for A Bass Fishing Reel?
As with any other piece of equipment or gear, a fishing reel requires regular maintenance to perform well and be robust.
If you typically fish in freshwater, it is recommended to clean your reel at least every five fishing trips.
Saltwater anglers must wash their reels following each excursion. Here’s what you need to do:
- The reel should be dismantled: You can use masking tape to identify each piece so that you can easily reassemble later.
- Utilize tweezers to handle springs and wire clips. Unwind the line from the spool.
- Tape or strip your line: Either strip the fishing line from the spool or fix it with masking tape before taking off the spool.
- The line can become caught between the frame and the spool if you do not follow this step.
- Clean: Rinse the entire reel with clean water before cleaning the spool.
- Apply: Apply a cleaner that you prefer.
- Make use of a small brush, paintbrush, or toothbrush for scrubbing.
- Be sure to wash all cleaner thoroughly: Rinse thoroughly with running water after cleaning.
- Dry to stop corrosion: You can first dry the area with a soft towel and then use the blow dryer to ensure that there isn’t any water remaining.
- Apply oil and grease: Apply a thin coating of grease to the gears by using a small brush or toothpick and then repeat the process using a few drops of the oil onto ball bearings.
- The coating of grease prevents corrosion.
- Then reassemble: Use the number system you set up at your initial setup to put the reel again together.
- Make sure that the components are functioning as they should.
Conclusion
When looking for the top bass fishing reel, you need first to spend a few minutes establishing your budget and the kind of bass fishing you’re likely to be taking part in.
The reels we’ve listed are high quality, and all have their proper use.
If you take a moment to decide on the lure and bass rod you’ll be using along with the reel, you’ll find it easier to determine the fishing reel you’ll need to buy.
A good spinning reel will last for many years and make the experience of bass fishing an absolute pleasure, so don’t rush to a decision; take your time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What reel is best for bass fishing?
There are many fishing reels available to pick from, and with the plethora of reel makers available, it is challenging to decide which one is the best. After all, each claims to be among the top! A good bass fishing reel should be made from top-quality materials that provide durability, easy retrieve, mobility and reliability, and overall satisfaction. At the end of it all, the most significant factor in deciding the best reel is the weight of your line and lure. A small lone spinning reel is perfect, but for a heavier line or a more professional experience, a baitcaster is the best option.
Is a baitcaster good for bass?
Baitcasting reels are the best for bass but know that they work well for anglers with more experience. If you're serious about bass fishing, you should invest in baitcasting reels. You need considerable time to get used to it. Besides, it also requires more technique.
Are spinning reels good for bass?
YES! Spinning reels might not be as well-liked among bass anglers compared to baitcasting fishing reels. However, that shouldn't stop you from purchasing one because they're versatile, easy to use, reliable, and inexpensive. Spinning reels have many advantages for novice bass anglers also. They offer a reliable and solid drag system and are relatively easy to operate.
Is a 2000 reel good for bass?
If you're looking to purchase fishing reels, the terms and jargon might overwhelm you. What do the numbers or the words 1000, 2000, and 3000 mean?
It's straightforward. Most reel companies evaluate the size of the reel and its capacity using a number that ranges from 1000 to 10,000. It is the most widely used rating system, though some firms employ 20, 30, 40, and so on. The lower the numbers, the less the load (or the size of fish) that the reel was intended for.
So, if you were to catch small or medium-sized fish, a 2000 reel would be outstanding. In fact, you can use 1000, 2000, 3000, and even 4000-sized reels to catch bass. However, we would not suggest anything more than that.