The Best Spinning Reel for Bass : 11 Cover-up

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
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
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
Cons
4.5/5 Stars
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
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
Cons
4.5/5 Stars
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
Cons
4.5/5 Stars
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
Cons
4.5/5 Stars
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
Cons
4.5/5 Stars
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
Cons
4.5/5 Stars
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
Cons
4.5/5 Stars
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
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
Cons
4.5/5 Stars
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
Cons
4.5/5 Stars
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.