The Best Spinning Reel for Bass : 11 Cover-up


Best-Spinning-Reel-for-Bass

BY David Frisby, January 15, 2021 11:00 AM


Spinning reels are the most popular fishing equipment for catching bass. But with so many options available, it’s difficult to choose the best ones for bass fishing.

We’re here to help you find the best spinning reel for bass that matches your budget, needs, and taste. Also, we’ll make sure you don’t experience dealing with heavy reels, frozen bearings, wind knots, as well as the dreaded snapped lines.

And so, in this review and buyer’s guide, we selected 11 of the best bass fishing reels on the market. We will also go over buying consideration, and answer frequently asked questions about spinning reels for bass.

In a hurry? Here are…

Our Top Picks

Best Spinning Reel for Bass (for Money)

Best Spinning Reel for Bass Under $50

Best Spinning Reel for Bass Under $100

Best Spinning Reel for Bass Under $30

Comparison Table

Product

Name

Reel Size / 

Model

Weight (oz.) / 

Gear Ratio

Bearing Count

(BB+RB)

Rating / Check 

on Amazon

1. Penn Battle II & III

1000

8.1 / 5.2:1

5+1

2. KastKing Sharky III

4000

10.2 / 5.2:1

10+1

3. Sougayilang Bass

4000

7.04 / 5.5:1

11+1

4. KastKing Lancelot

2000

8.7 / 5.0:1

5+1

5. Daiwa BG Saltwater

5000

22.6 / 5.7:1

6+1

6. PLUSINNO  9+1BB

3000

8.9 / 5.2:1

9+1

7. PENN Pursuit III

2500

9.8 / 6:2:1

4+1

8. Yoshikawa Baitfeeder

3000

11.9 / 5.1:1

10+1

9. Piscifun Flame

2000

8.5 / 5.2:1

9+1

10. Abu Garcia Pro

PMAX3

7.3 / 5.2:1

7+1

11. RUNCL Titan II

4000

12.6 / 5.1:1

9+1

Video of Best Spinning Reel for Bass

11 Best Spinning Reels for Bass Fishing Review

1. Penn Battle II & III Spinning Fishing Reel (All Models & Sizes)

Key Features:

  • All-metal body
  • Sealed stainless steel ball bearings
  • Instant Anti-Reverse bearing
  • HT-100 carbon fiber drag washers
  • Line Capacity Rings
  • Superline Spool
  • Heavy-duty aluminum bail wire
Penn Battle II & III Spinning Fishing Reel

The Penn Battle II & III line has a made name for itself among anglers who are into saltwater bass fishing. If you’re out to land larger saltwater bass, then the Penn Battle II is for you. It is by far the best spinning reel for bass under $100.

Generally speaking, all the spinning reels of the Penn Battle II & III line require less maintenance and have better gear alignment. They have 5 stainless steel ball bearings that provide creamy and effortless cranking action. And the instant anti-reverse roller bearings help prevent back play.

Pros

  • Solid Construction
  • Smooth, compact, and lightweight
  • Rubber gasket minimizes line slippage
  • Sealed against water and debris
  • Able to cast long distances

Cons

  • The 5000 to 8000 reel sizes are heavy
  • Not fully sealed
  • Plastic reel switch

2. KastKing Sharky III Fishing Reel

Key Features:

  • KastKing Intrusion Shield System
  • Manganese brass pinion gears
  • Oversized stainless-steel main shaft
  • Triple-disc carbon fiber drag
  • Carbon-fiber reinforced graphite body and rotor
  • Shark Fin Braid Ready aluminum spool
  • Double shielded stainless steel ball bearings
KastKing Sharky III Fishing Reel

The body and rotor of the KastKing Sharky III are made of fiber-reinforced graphite, which makes the reel durable, lightweight, and highly portable. With the 10+1 bearing system, we experienced smooth yet silent casts and retrieves.

But what we really liked about the Sharky III is its fast and powerful drag system. It consists of precision-mesh manganese brass pinion gears, an oversized stainless-steel main shaft, and a triple-disc carbon fiber drag.

Pros

  • Smooth and reliable drag system
  • Water and dirt resistant
  • Lightweight and durable
  • Braid Ready aluminum spool
  • Excellent anti-reverse

Cons

  • Not recommended for big game fishes
  • Not ideal for beginners
  • Uneven line retrieval
  • Tight brake adjustment

3. Sougayilang Bass Fishing Reels

Key Features:

  • Aluminum die-cast folding handle
  • Interchangeable handle
  • Instant anti-reverse
  • Anodized precision forged aluminum spool
  • Stainless steel main shaft
  • Computer-balanced rotor
Sougayilang Fishing Reel Spinning 11+1bb LeftRight Interchangeable Spinner Gear

This Sougayilang bass fishing reel has the performance and design that’s closer to a luxury class yet surprisingly affordable. And so, we consider it as the best spinning reel for bass under $50.

What we liked about the Sougayilang bass fishing reel is the computer-balanced rotor. This feature helps you win the battle against larger species. And with its 11+1 bearing setup, you’ll hardly notice any friction between the internal parts.

Pros

  • 7 times more stress affordability than other bass fishing reels
  • Integrally-formed metal wheelbase
  • Better corrosion prevention
  • Easy-to-adjust drag
  • Computer-balanced rotor work wells for larger gamefish

Cons

  • Noisy
  • Handle sticks out too much
  • Can snap apart under heavy use
  • Internal parts are not sealed

4. KastKing Lancelot Spinning Reel

Key Features:

  • Durable and lightweight graphite frame
  • Stainless steel main shaft
  • Brass pinion gear
  • Zinc alloy drive gear
  • High-capacity CNC aluminum spool
  • Reversible aluminum handle
KastKing-Lancelot-Spinning-Reel

The graphite frame of the KastKing Lancelot is lightweight and exceptionally durable. This spinning fishing reel can stand up to the test against large species in any freshwater conditions. And for this reason, we think it’s the best spinning reel for bass under $50 for freshwater fishing.

The Lancelot has a line keeper that is excellent at preventing the line storage from unspooling. It also makes it very convenient to attach the line to the reel after untying the bait. Furthermore, this bass fishing reel has flat paddle rubber grips that offer comfort in all fishing conditions.

Pros

  • Sturdy graphite frame
  • Very smooth cast and retrieval
  • Convenient line attachment feature
  • The handle provides comfortable gripping
  • Made with a line keeper
  • Suitable for all levels of anglers

Cons

  • The line can twist after fighting large fish
  • Not ideal for saltwater use
  • Ball bearings may seize up after a few uses

5. Daiwa BG Saltwater Spinning Reel

Key Features:

  • Black Anodized Machined Aluminum Housing
  • Dynamic Cut Aluminum ABS Spool
  • Braided Line Ready Spool
  • Machined Aluminum Screw In Handle
  • Air Rotor
  • Over-sized Digigear
  • Waterproof Drag System
  • Infinite Anti-Reverse System
Daiwa BG Saltwater Spinning Reel

Daiwa’s Black Gold (BG) line of spinning fishing reels features a crossover for freshwater and saltwater applications. The smooth and powerful drag of this bass fishing reel ensures you can win the battle against most species in any saltwater fishing condition.

What we liked most about the Daiwa BG is the DigiGear system. The oversized gears generate tight and powerful retrieves on large species. Furthermore, the Daiwa BG is priced just right for a bass fishing reel that’s powerful and durable.

Pros

  • Built to last
  • Huge line capacity
  • Smooth and powerful drag
  • DigiGear feature offers excellent performance

Cons

  • A bit heavy. Not ideal for all-day use
  • Bail roller can corrode easily under heavy use in saltwater
  • No line capacity rings

4.5/5 Stars

6. PLUSINNO Fishing Reel, 9+1BB Spinning Reel

Key Features:

  • Rigid graphite frame
  • Superior drag system
  • Hardened metal main shaft
  • Mesh drive gear
  • Precision-machined pinion gear
  • High-capacity aluminum spool
  • Braid line-ready spool
  • Reversible aluminum handle
PLUSINNO Fishing Reel, 9+1BB Spinning Reel

This PLUSINNO Fishing Reel impressed us with its excellent build quality and price. It runs smooth, so there’s no creaking or rattling sound on the drag. This spinning reel raises the expectation that it will last for many years.

What we love about this spinning reel is the push button on the end of the handle. It allows you to fold the handle instead of unscrewing it when you want to store it in your locker.

We noticed a bit of wobbling on the reel, but it goes away when you mount it on the rod. Efficient and silent, the PLUSINNO Fishing Reel is comfortable to use for long hours of bass fishing.

Pros

  • Has a handy line keeper
  • Anti-twist line roller
  • Smooth drag
  • Solid mechanism
  • Moderately priced reel yet superior in performance

Cons

  • Prone to seizing up
  • Not the most durable and lightest reel available
  • A bit thicker than other reels in this price range

7. PENN Pursuit III Spinning Fishing Reel

Key Features:

  • Machined and anodized aluminum spool
  • Lightweight and corrosion-resistant graphite body
  • 4+1 stainless steel bearing system
  • HT-100 carbon fiber drag washers
  • Superline Spool
  • Line Capacity Rings
PENN Pursuit III 2500 Spinning Fishing Reel

The Penn Pursuit III is a versatile spinning reel that balances low weight and responsiveness. It is an ultralight bass fishing reel packed with unique features. If you’re looking for the best spinning reel for bass under $50, then why not give the Penn Pursuit III a try.

Well priced for its superior performance, the Penn Pursuit III doesn’t need a reverse mechanism to help you catch large bass. Also, the line is kept in place at all times thanks to its superior rubber gasket.

The Penn Pursuit III spinning fishing reel has all the features you could ever desire for such an affordable price.

Pros

  • Easy to disassemble
  • Marked line capacity rings
  • Streamlined for saltwater use
  • Carbon fiber drag washers help you win the battle with large species

Cons

  • No Anti-reverse switch
  • A bit noisy
  • Bail often slams shut during casting

8. Yoshikawa Baitfeeder Spinning Reel

Key Features:

  • TITAN Graphite Housing
  • Stainless Steel Shaft
  • Anodized CNC Aluminum Spool,
  • Bait-Running (runner or live liner) feature
  • High Power Corrosion-Free ball bearings
  • Selective Silent Anti-Reverse System
  • Foldable and interchangeable Aluminum handle
  • Watertight drag seal
Yoshikawa Baitfeeder Spinning Reel

While the Yoshikawa Baitfeeder Spinning Reel works well in any fishing condition, it is excellent at ensuring you’ll catch that bass. It has 11 bearings that deliver smooth casting action and retrieve any line with efficiency and speed.

The one thing unique about the Yoshikawa brand is that their reels have both the front and rear drag system. If the front drag can’t handle the power of a large fish, then you'll just have to activate the rear drag. This drag system helps protect the lines, lures, and rods from damage during a fight.

Intended for carp fishing, bait feeders are now being used for shore-fishing, jigging, freshwater casting, and surf-fishing. With the Yoshikawa Baitfeeder, you can also catch kingfish, tarpon, mackerel, big salmon, and bass.

Pros

  • Unique foldable and interchangeable handle
  • Comfortable big, soft-touch plastic knob
  • Has both front and rear drag system
  • Watertight drag seal
  • Corrosion-resistant, oversized bail wire

Cons

  • It may fail after a month of use
  • Bail often has trouble engaging after you cast
  • Gears can get unusually tight as you reel

9. Piscifun Flame Spinning Reels

Key Features:

  • Corrosion-resistant graphite body
  • Braid Ready Spool
  • Lightweight reel gears
  • X-shape spool
  • Reinforced metal main shaft
  • 9+1 quality bearings
Piscifun Flame Spinning Reels Light Weight Ultra Smooth Powerful Spinning Fishing Reels

The Piscifun Flame is an excellent spinning reel that you can buy at a great price tag, making it one of the best spinning reels for bass under $50. It is a bit heavy, but hey, that’s what you’ll get with a fishing reel that delivers a powerful drag.

The Flame is an entry spinning reel that is equipped with many premium features found on more expensive models. The hollow graphite frame provides decent housing for its 9+1 bearings, reel gears, braid-ready spool, machined brass pinion gear, and reinforced metal shaft.

With all these parts combined, you can expect a drag enough to catch small to medium fish with ease. Piscifun doesn’t offer a warranty on their Flame spinning reels, but it doesn’t matter since they are priced way under $50.

Pros

  • Reliable triple drag washers help you battle big fish with ease
  • Budget-friendly
  • Excellent gear ratio for trophy fishing

Cons

  • Anti-reverse doesn’t lock instantly
  • Bail continues to rotate during casting
  • Occasional back plays due to its weak anti-reverse system
  • Line lay on the spool is not always even

10. Abu Garcia Pro Max Low Profile Baitcasting Fishing Reel

Key Features:

  • Graphite side plates and frame
  • Machined double anodized aluminum spool
  • Duragear brass gear
  • Compact bent handle and star
  • Slow oscillation
  • Recessed reel foot
  • Power Disk drag system
  • Comfortable EVA handles
  • MagTrax brake system
Abu Garcia Pro Max Low Profile Baitcasting Fishing Reel

The Abu Garcia Pro Max3 or PMAX3 offers professional-grade performance with its precise engineering and smooth drag. It has a brake system that can improve your cast’s accuracy and range by allowing you to apply consistent brake pressure.

Its machined double-anodized aluminum spool, one-piece graphite frame, and Duragear brass gear help deliver exceptional performance even after years of use. Moreover, you can cast any hookset with ease. And also, you don’t have to worry about the back play.

The PMAX3 is a compact and lightweight fishing rig designed to handle the harshness of extreme bass fishing. It is arguably the best spinning reel for bass under $100.

Pros

  • Strong and lightweight
  • Works even in the harshest conditions
  • Precision engineered components
  • Accurate and easy to use
  • Responsive brake system

Cons

  • Sometimes, there’s too much play in the handle
  • A bit noisy during casting and retrieving