Best Fishing Reels for Any Situation- Reviews & Buying Guide

Our anglers are constantly researching fishing reels before purchasing the best to put to the test. This updated review includes 5 of the best reels currently available, each of which has been thoroughly tested to provide you with the information you need to make the best purchase decision possible. Our experts put these reels to the test in as many different environments as possible, from rivers to lakes to bays. We took careful notes along the way on how each performed in terms of operation, features, and line control, all of which contribute to accurate casts and dependable trophy fish landing. Our hands-on evaluations can help you find the right reel for your needs, whether you want the best reel money can buy or one that won’t break the bank.

Best Overall Fishing Reel- Okuma Ceymar C-30

The Okuma Ceymar C-30 is the fishing reel we chose as the best of the bunch because it has the best combination of operation, features, and construction of all the reels we tested. Because of its smooth operation, we were able to cast with ease and reel in a large fish without having to fight the reel or the fish. It’s one of the lightest reels we tested, weighing only eight ounces and barely noticeable on many rods, resulting in a more balanced setup.

We also like how small and light it is, making it ideal for taking into the backcountry to find remote, less-frequently fished lakes and streams. It has a nice, solid aluminum bail with a large line roller that kept our line in check. And it has a lot of it, including our favorite handle, when it comes to comfort. The soft EVA foam handle grip provided all-day comfort and a secure grip.

In terms of flaws, there aren’t many on this reel. The very comfortable foam handle grip, we imagine, will not withstand the test of time. However, it has held up well over hundreds of casts and several weeks of use so far, with no signs of deterioration. It’s also worth noting that this reel is quite small in comparison to other reels we’ve used. We don’t think this is a problem because its small size makes it extremely portable, but it’s worth mentioning. The Okuma Ceymar C-30 will not disappoint you if you’re looking for the best all-around fishing reel in terms of performance and price.

Best for Dedicated Anglers – Abu Garcia Revo SX

The Abu Garcia Revo SX is the reel to get if fishing isn’t just a hobby for you, but a way of life. It’s without a doubt the best-built reel we tested, and its performance is equally impressive. It casts exceptionally well, has excellent line control, and is loaded with features. The angled lip design on the spool, which helps improve casting distance, and the slow oscillation, which gave us near-perfect line lay and fewer tangles, are two of our favorites. It also provided smooth drag regardless of the setting. And, because it’s light, it’s a great travel setup when paired with a telescopic rod, which we appreciate after a few miles of hiking to fish.

Are there any disadvantages? Yes. For starters, this is by far the priciest reel we tested. And, while it will most likely last for a long time, the initial investment is difficult to justify. Switching the handle to the opposite side is slightly more difficult than on other models we tested, but this isn’t a major flaw. Because of its high price, we only recommend this reel to true angling “lifers.” The Abu Garcia Revo SX is difficult to beat if you want a fishing reel that will perform at the highest level. For what it’s worth, this reel caught more fish than any other.

Best for Saltwater – Daiwa BG2500

When it comes to catching saltwater fish, having a reel designed for the job is essential. That’s where the Daiwa BG2500 comes in handy. During weeks of fishing off piers and jetties into the briny deep by our test team, its aluminum housing and waterproof drag system performed admirably. When it came to dragging, it had plenty of punch, which came in handy when fighting larger fish. One of our favorites was the drag dial, which provided feedback with well-spaced clicks. The handle is well-made, with a wide grip that provided us with excellent control and comfort. Its anti-reverse system was also a great feature. When you flip the switch, it immediately locks. It was also a fantastic casting reel, allowing us to make long and precise casts, which was especially useful when trying to get a lure into tight spaces.

The bail is the only real flaw we have with this reel. While it performed admirably during our tests, the thin wire design didn’t match the high quality of the rest of the reel. Overall, the Daiwa BG2500 should be your first choice if you want a versatile reel that excels in saltwater conditions.

Good for Lake Fishing – Pflueger President 35x

The Pflueger President 35x is a good choice for lake fishing. On a recent fishing trip that included a mix of both, it worked equally well casting from the shore as it did jigging from a boat, which we appreciated. It also has a lot of drag range, so we could handle a bigger fish with ease. And, as you’d expect from a brand known for quality, the construction was excellent.

However, there were a few drawbacks. For one thing, while the amount of drag was adequate, we found it difficult to dial in the precise amount. We’d either have too much or too little drag, and it’d take some fiddling with the dial to get it just right. It also appeared to have more line twists than some of the other reels we tested, and we believe the bail roller could be a little larger to aid line retrieval. Overall, the Pflueger President is a good choice if you want a fishing reel that performs well on the water.

Inexpensive and Lightweight for Occasional Use – Piscifun Flame 2000 Series

If getting off the beaten path is your idea of a fun day of fishing, the Piscifun Flame 2000 Series is a fishing reel worth considering. It’s not only one of the lightest, smallest, and cheapest reels on the market; it also has some nice features that are usually reserved for more expensive models. It was a breeze to tie braided line to the braid-ready spool, and if you’ve ever used braided line, you know how difficult it can be. It also has a highly precise drag system that allows us to easily dial in the right amount of drag.

However, this reel fell short of our expectations in other areas. Because the line lay isn’t very even, we had to deal with some line twisting. The screw cap on the handle was also a source of aggravation. It would come loose again in a matter of hours, no matter how tight we tightened it. Having said that, this is a good reel, especially for travel. The Piscifun Flame 2000 Series isn’t a daily driver, but it’s a worthwhile option to consider for occasional use.

Also Read- Best Fishing Rods Review- A Complete Buyers Guide