If you are new to the sport, you may be wondering how to pick best fishing reel to get started. Fishing veterans will tell you that it only takes you one nice catch to get you ‘hooked’ to the art. There’s just this satisfying feeling of achievement when you haul that 10-pound bass out of the water for the first time. A sense of assurance that you can feed your family when the apocalypse hits, and you can’t get your Big Mac at McDonalds anymore.
But unfortunately, fish don’t come easy. You can’t just “throw the fish a stick” and expect it to fetch. No. To get the job done, you need the proper tools. And one such major one is a nice fishing reel.
“If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there’d be a shortage of fishing poles.”
- Doug Larson -
Thanks to advances in technology, fishing reels today are and much more efficient at their job. They are constructed using special lightweight material and feature various ergonomic designs to keep you steady and comfortable all day.
They also come equipped with more advanced bearings and gear ratios that make the retrieval process as quick and flawless as possible. These reels are also pretty affordable, yet offer the same quality you can expect from traditional high-end models.
But with all these new manufacturers trying to find their niche in the market, finding a genuinely reliable fishing reel can be quite daunting. Well, you can relax, because we have done the research so you don’t have to.
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Top Fishing Reels in 2021 - Our Picks
Before we get to review of the best affordable fishing reels, here's a quick preview of which ones we chose based on quality, overall customer satisfaction, and value for the money.
Best Fishing Reels Under 100 — Amazon Prices
Table shows products in order from high to low at the time of our research. Since prices frequently change, the order may not be exact when you view it. Also, please note that at the time of our review, all the ones we chose were fishing reels under 50 dollars.
Please Note: Links in this chart go to Amazon. To see our reviews, continue reading.
Best Fishing Reel Under $50 Reviews 2021
Before we get to our reviews, it's important to stress that we intentionally chose fishing reels that any one can afford. Now don't confuse these budget products with cheap fishing reels. All of the brands we have chosen have a reputation for both quality and a low price point.
We also chose a mixture of reels for freshwater and saltwater, as well as some casting and spinning reels. Do keep in mind that we chose a single reel from each brand, but if you don't find what you need, they all have more to offer.
If you have a higher budget and want to get a top of the line reel (or just want to do some window shopping), we recommend starting with any of these quality fishing reel brands.
- 13 Fishing Reels (does have some reals under $50, but mostly higher end)
- Shimano freshwater and saltwater reels (also has budget reels)
- Penn Fishing (wide range of top of the line fishing reels)
- Abu Garcia Reels (founded in Sweden, brand of Pure Fishing, Inc in the US)
Finally, we want to give a special shout out to Plussino spinning and baitcasting reels. They are well known for budget friendly fishing reels, rods and accessories. The only reason they are not in our list is because most anglers know the company and we wanted to focus on some brands you may have never heard of before.
Below are some of the best fishing reels you’ll find out there for less than $50!
Piscifun Flame Light Weight Spinning Reel Review
Perhaps the first thing you’ll notice about Piscifun Flame Ultra Smooth Spinning Fishing Reels is its incredibly sleek appearance. By this, we are talking about its matte black body that just effortlessly blends with the red aluminum spool to give justice to its name, the ‘Piscufun Flame’. To enhance your experience even further, it features a modern unique hollow body and an x shape spool with a personalized handle to give a more comfortable fit as you do your fishing.
But the Piscifun Flame Spinning Reel is not all looks; thanks to the reinforced metal shaft and precisely machined pinion gear, it offers a drag power of as much as 19.8 lb. The high-quality drive gear and triple drag washers on this device are also equally up to the task – powerful enough to subdue any beast of the sea. It also uses some elements of graphite in its construction that make it really lightweight. Of course, we can’t go without mentioning the incredibly smooth 9 quality ball bearings on this baby. They work perfectly to guarantee a smooth performance.
Pros
- Affordable yet offers quality performance
- Sleek design
- Lightweight and easy to move around
Cons
- Casting is a little wanting
- Is not so quiet in operation; therefore, bad for nighttime bass fishing
Sougayilang Interchangeable Left/Right Spinning Reel Review
Despite its complex name, the Sougayilang Spinning Fishing Reels may very well be one of the most outstanding spinning reels out there today. Everything, from its sleek design with the shiny gold and chrome colors and the fancy collapsible wood handles, to its fine ergonomic build. This beauty would be a tool any angler would be proud to own.
The reel also boasts of a fully adjustable cast control that is boosted by a sound.S-curve oscillation system to enhance the line winding. The spool itself is high-quality aluminum with a high-tensile gear for a smoother operation.
Additionally, the Sougayilang features two gear ratio of 5.2:1/5.1:1. This works to reduce any slacking and lets you retrieve the fishing lines as quickly as possible. You can also get the reel in different sizes that will apply in different scenarios.
Other than that, the reel is also lightweight and is made particularly portable such that it easily fits in a boat hatch, backpack, or fishing box. You’ll especially appreciate its built-in anti-reverse system, which instantly eliminates any backlash you might experience.
Pros
- Good looking design with a collapsible handle
- Is lightweight and easily portable
- Constructed using durable aluminum material
- Has instant anti-reverse
Cons
- The gears might need to be greased up for smoother operation
- Colors might start wearing off after some time
SAN LIKE Spinning Saltwater and Freshwater Reels Review
Now, the SAN LIKE Spinning Fishing Reel is a little more costly than some of its counterparts we’ve seen so far. However, 50 bucks is a small price to pay for all the qualities you get with the machine. For starters, unlike the plastic material you may find in other fishing reels, The SAN LIKE features a more detailed in its construction. It has gold aircraft-grade aluminum material on its handles, further backed by all-round stainless steel screws that are both corrosion and rust-resistant.
The 4000 reel also has one of the most practical internal structures out there. Their spindles are made of brass and stainless steel, and it has up to 3 layers of washers, which work to increase the brake force. With an ultra-smooth: 7+1 Bearing system, you get to enjoy a smoother performance. The tool is also made with ergonomics in mind. In fact, its handles are purposely made oversized to maximize comfort. The San Like Reaches a span of 250 yards easy and can handle a weight of 40 lbs.
Pros
- High-quality feel
- Has an impressive ergonomic design
- Comfortable to use
- Smooth and reliable
Cons
- A little costly
Tempo Vertix LP High-Tech Innovative Bait Casting Reel
Most people would describe fishing as a skill that is not honed by many. This might be true, but the Tempo Vertix LP Casting Reel is made to tip the scales to anyone's favor. Built for performance, the Tempo Vertix features an externally adjustable magnetic brake system, specially inclined to offer the maximum casting distance, while at the same time reducing backlashes. It also has a machined aluminum spool to eliminate any spills on the retrieve.
But that’s not all; the machine also has a whopping 6.6:1 gear ratio. This is by far the greatest we’ve seen so far. What this means is you get quicker operation and overall better control over the reel. It also has 9 high-quality stainless steel bearing and an additional instant anti-reverse bearing, so your retrieval is a breeze.
To make the deal even sweeter, the tempo has in place a carbon fiber drag system, known for being both powerful and smooth. With this, you get a drag of up to 20 lbs to keep the larger fish at bay. The tempo also boasts of a comfortable design that lets you palm the reel freely and comfortably all through the process.it is supported by anti-slip rubber handle knobs, which are water repellant.
Besides its elegant look, you get to choose between a dark grey or orange color depending on your preference.
Pros
- Affordable and Light
- Smooth casting
- Easily reels in heavy loads.
Cons
KastKing Brutus Spincast Fishing Reel Review
Lastly, we have the KastKing Brutus Spincast Reel which rightly earns its spot by being one of the most all-rounded reels on our list. Other than its unique honeycomb design, the mean machine comes with five stainless steel ball bearings and an anti-reverse bearing. It almost looks like a bullet. With a 4:0:1 gear ratio and the Kastking is not the fastest caster, but the stainless steel dual pin fishing-line-pick-up system, gives it that extra boost of speed during casts.
Besides its looks and durability, the reel also has a reversible handle supported by rubber grips that let you easily shift between hands. The good thing about this is that you only need one spin cast reel, and it will fit any angler’s style of fishing since it works well on whichever hand. Additionally, the Kastking comes pre-spooled with a premium mono line. With this, you get about 33% more line capacity than most other push-button reels. So feel free to make longer casts or fish in the deeper waters.
Pros
- It comes pre-spooled with a premium mono line
- Has anti-reverse bearing
- Has a reversible handle, so it works for any fishing styles
- Has a quality feel, with impressive design
Cons
- Users claim that the handle tends to get loose
- The Retrieval system could use some work
Best Fishing Reel Buying Guide 2021
Fishing is fun. When out camping, enjoying Trivia to go with your buddies or family, you will need to carry the best equipment, especially if you plan to do some fishing. When buying a fishing reel, it might be hard to settle on one that can guarantee your desired results. They all have features that make them unique performance-wise. For this reason, we shall look at some of the different types of fishing reels out there and go deeper about some of the significant features you should look out for when buying your own.
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Types of Fishing Reels
The first thing you need to do before you buy a new fishing reel is to make a decision about what kind of reel you need. Where and how you plan on fishing will have an impact on the reel you choose.
Right Vs. Left-Handed Reels
Much as this might seem like a straight forward thing, the question on which ‘handed’ reel you should pick is not as obvious as it seems. Common belief would be that a right-handed fishing reel is suited for right-handed people and vice versa. But this might not be the case in real-life situations. You see, in most cases, you’ll cast using your right hand, and since it is your dominant hand, you’ll end up using it to support the rod. This would mean that all the reeling would actually fall to your left hand. With this, you get more power and control over the rod.
Safe to say, right-handed people would be more suited with left-handed reels. And vice versa.
But then again, with technological advances, this issue has become nearly redundant. Most reels today are ambidextrous. What it means is that the crank handle is flexible and can, therefore, easily be attached to the side that suits you. But this feature does not come with every reel. You are advised to check for an adjustable crank handle before making your purchase.
Spinning Reels
These are the most popular types of reel out there. And as it so happens, it is also the most common in our list above. Spinning reels are known for their versatility. They have both strength and durability and can work in different conditions. For this reason, they can be used for catching both larger and smaller fish.
Much as these types of reels are not the sleekest or most compact; they still do their job efficiently without breaking the bank. Their affordability and practicality makes them perfect for beginners.
Spincast Reels
Spincast reels are not so different from spinning reels. That is to say that they are affordable, easy to use, and versatile as well. The major difference is that you get to control the line using a button-push. Spincast reels are also positioned on the top side of the rod. If you want the best results, you are encouraged to invest in the higher-end models. The cheaper ones are not so durable.
Baitcasting Reels
Baitcasting reels are made for catching large fish. Like spincast reels, the casting reels will also be mounted on the top side of the rod. Since they are built to handle heavier fish, Baitcastings will also feature longer lines and will be made of really strong materials. Baitcasting reels are not cheap, but if your aim is to achieve bigger catches, it’s a small price to pay for the results.
Trolling Reels
Trolling reels are specially designed to handle off-shore fishing. They can easily manage larger fish and longer lines, but their practicality is somewhat limited. Their design is in such a way that you can only cast them from the back of a moving boat. Then the line trails behind and catches fish as you move. If you enjoy fishing while the boat is in motion, then a trolling reel is perfect for you
Video: How Do I Choose the Right Reel? Spinning vs Casting Reel
Pro angler Mike Iaconelli talks about the difference between spinning and casting reels (Abu Garcia Fishing Reels)
Internal Parts: Let's Break It Apart!
Basically, if you take a reel apart, you’ll find a combination of bearings, gears, and connectors, working unison to make the whole thing function. But the reels still come in different designs, and it might be hard to know what does what. We shall look at some of the important aspects that are vital to the overall functionality of the reel.
Gear Ratio: For Faster Retrieval!
Basically, the hear ratio is the number of times the reels bail arm will spin for every turn the handle makes. With a higher ratio, you can retrieve the line quicker than lower gear ratios. Lower gear ratios, on the other hand, give on more torque while you crank the handle. You’ll often find the gear ratio elaborated as a numerical ratio like 4:1 or 5:1.
On average, a gear ratio of around 4:1 is taken to be a slow reel. On the other hand, anything around 5:1 to 6:1 is fast.
Bearings
This is yet another vital element influencing the functionality of the reel. They are what work to reduce friction when the bail arm is turning. Typically, bearings come in the form of rotating metal objects or ceramic rings with ceramic or metal balls on the inside.
Most reels will have about 5-9 bearings. In this case, more bearings are advantageous because they allow for a smoother action. However, smoothness is also determined by the quality of the bearing. Most reels today will have steel bearings, but the high-end quality bearings generally have ceramic bearings. Ceramic guarantees a smooth operation while being safe from debris and saltwater.
Video: How to Set Up Fishing Rod and Reel for Beginners
Beginners guide to setting up a fishing rod and reel. | Courtesy of Angling101
Get the Best Fishing Reel with the Right Features
Now that we've discussed the different types of fishing reels and the main construction factors, let's take a look at some other important features to consider when buying a new fishing reel.
Weight: To Hold On For Longer!
Fishing is an art that needs a lot of patience. In most cases, you are going to have to hold that rod for a while before you can get something tangible. And when the fish does eventually come tagging, it won’t go gentle into that good night without a fight. Well, this is where the weight factor comes in. A heavy reel will kill your strength and enthusiasm in an instant. You won’t stand a chance.
Therefore, check that your reel of choice is made up of lightweight material. Lighter reels are generally easier to control and hold for long periods. It is also easier to hold on to a lighter reel when a heavy fish is pulling on the other end of the line.
Comfort: The Ergonomics That Foster Perseverance!
Just like we’ve seen about weight, comfort also plays an important role in influencing just how long you can stay out there. You want your reel to have an ergonomically efficient design with features such as comfortably shaped grips, soft padding in the right places, and intuitive reel action. If the reel feels comfortable in your hands, you get to relax and actually enjoy the sport, rather than endure it.
Drag: Less Tension Equals Less Breakage!
Drag also contributes in making the task easier. You see, the drag a reel provides is what relieves the tension on the fishing line, which in turn, prevents it from breaking. Typically, a drag pressure of about 10 pounds is enough to handle large bass or trout. But very large fish might need a reel that can withstand 20 pounds of pressure. You’ll find most reels boasting of ratings of 40-50 pounds, but in reality, that amount of drag is more than your arms can keep up with. 20 pounds is really plenty.
Check for adjustable drag settings so you can customize the capabilities of your reel. With this kind of flexibility, you can get versatile types of fish without stressing your equipment. Quality reels will have smooth drags whereby the line operates quietly and lets the line draw out without any jerky movements. This is what you should look for.
Line Capacity: To Handle Your Fish Species Of Choice!
Ideally, larger sized reel will hold longer lines than the smaller ones. However, there are still some other variations that affect the spool’s capacity. The main one is the line’s diameter. For instance, the reel might either hold 200 yards of a 3-pound test line or, at the same time, hold 100 yards of a 6-pound test line.
You’ll find these capacities written on the spool or reel. Therefore, start by checking which spool capacity and line diameter works best for the fish species you want to target before making your purchase. In this case, smaller fish like perch, crappie, and bluegill will do well with lighter weight lines and lower line capacities. The larger fish like striped bass, muskies, and marlines will need longer lines which are heavier to handle their long runs.
Durability: For Longer Use!
Your fishing equipment will likely have to endure a decent amount of stress. With fish pulling, and saltwater infiltrating your gear systems, your tools are bound to wear and tear. To make sure that your device lasts longer, check that the reel is made from high quality, tough materials.
Most modern reels will be composed of a material such as stainless steel or aluminum. This is perfect for any serious anglers. The material is resistant to rust and will easily survive both fresh and saltwater. Check also that the screws are stainless steel and ball bearings are ceramic. It might cost you some extra money, but it is definitely worth it.
Some other material you’ll find is plastic, graphite, and copolymer. In this case, plastic is only good for beginner anglers fishing for small freshwater fish. Copolymer and graphite, on the other hand, have a fair amount of resistance, but overall, metal is the best quality.
Well folks, that just about covers it. You now have some information to help settle on a casting reel that is most appropriate for you. But remember, at the end of the day, you get what you pay for. Therefore, don’t shy from investing in higher quality, more durable reels.
With this, you are sure to get a good combination of functionality and comfort to enhance your endurance. All that’s left now is to put your fishing cap on and cast away!