The 7 Best Fishing Reels That Cast And Retrieve With Reliable Ease

If you have just one reel in the box, let it be this one from Daiwa—the Ballistic MQ LT is a versatile reel that will catch fish in almost any scenario. Great for fresh or saltwater, this lightweight reel was redesigned in 2022 with Mag Sealed material to keep unwanted salt and debris out of the components. It comes in five sizes and features a monocoque body and Zaion material, making it lightweight yet durable enough that you won’t have to baby it. This is a great all-around reel in that you can use it to haul in a giant bass or a smaller trout. If you need a one-quiver option, look no further.

Pros:

• Strong, durable construction
• Lightweight design
• Smooth casting action

Cons:

• Expensive

Shimano really hit a home run when they built the new Stradic FM. A more recent addition to the CoreSolid lineup of spinning reels, it manages to adopt the best technologies from across the company’s reels, but the headline here is the InfinityXross technology and InfinityDrive, both of which create more crank power with a light rotation when reeling in a big fish. At the same time, the reel offers anglers an extended gear tooth horizontally that distributes the load more evenly, thus adding strength and durability for those big bass. Shimano also included its signature cold-forged Hagane gears and the MicroModule II that results in a smooth retrieval in addition to the cast. The Stradic FM will last you awhile thanks to Shimano’s X-Protect water-repellent coating and water-channeling labyrinth construction, which ensures it catches bass, not rust. 

Pros:

• Durable construction
• InfinityXross technology

Cons:

• Expensive

Fly fishing reels are a different animal altogether, and the Lamson Speedster S Fly Reel is a king among kings. Fly fishermen know that Waterworks-Lamson reels are historically some of the best on the market, and the Speedster offers a narrower spool with a larger outer diameter, making it smooth and fast. The inboard mounded handle makes retrieval a breeze and the famed maintenance-free drag system means you’ll be able to spin this reel for years without issue. At less than a pound, it’s incredibly light and fast, and it lives up to its name. 

Pros:

• Looks good
• Lightweight at less than a pound
• Fast retrieval 

Cons:

• Pricey 

When it comes to fishing saltwater, your reel has to be ready for a specific set of challenges because, realistically combining moving components with the harsh elements of the sea is a tough proposition. Fortunately, the Daiwa BG spinning reel can handle the job without breaking a sweat. The industrial-grade Hardbodyz body and side cover that makes up this reel ensures it can take the corrosive salt from the sea and continue spinning. While strong, it’s still relatively lightweight thanks to the the Air Rotor design, which eliminates 15% of the excess weight and balances the load evenly in hand. and this reel is unique because of the Braid-ready Dynamic Cut aluminum ABS spool that pairs with the waterproof carbon ADT drag, so it will reel smoothly even when it gets a little salt or grime on it.

Pros:

• Waterproof carbon ADT drag
• Air Rotor design

Cons:

• Better for beginners  

For some anglers, nothing compares to the sound of a classic click-and-pawl reel as it rips across the water in search of fish. Orvis really nailed such a design with the C.F.O. III reel that was created in honor of the company’s 50th anniversary. Made in the USA, this reel was inspired by fly reel designer Stan Bogdan’s classic ventilated port design. Simple, yet a work of art, the reel is as timeless as a fly fishing reel gets these days. It’s versatile in either right or left-handed retrieval and includes a durable corrosion-resistant type II anodized coating, so it’ll last a lifetime if you treat it well. Simple, easy to care for and fun, the C.F.O. III reel is fishing as it was meant to be.

Pros:

• Classic click-and-pawl reel sound
• Beautiful, timeless design

Cons:

• Very pricey

For the price, the President Spinning reel is a great deal that will catch fish without breaking the bank. At around $50, it’s a quality reel that’s surprisingly versatile and designed to perform in any type of fishing condition. The graphite body and rotor, with a corrosion-resistant finish, provide a smooth, lightweight retrieval, and the gear ratio has an aluminum spool at 5.2:1 and a 6-pound drag system to land a good-sized fish. The handle is aluminum with rubber knobs and offers an Anti-Reverse system, which means that it has a smooth 7-ball bearing setup. Your wallet can rest easy with this reel in the bag.

Pros:

• Anti-Reverse system
• Affordable 

Cons:

•  Durability comes into question at this price point

Ice fishing is a different game than your standard summer casting—you’re pulling fish out of a hole in the ice, and as a result, you need a stout reel that can take some serious torque. The CNC aluminum spool on the Piscifun ICX reel lets you manage the line in the ice with ease and jig the lure cleanly. This reel also stands apart with its 7+1 shielded stainless bearings—the bearings come with antifreeze lubricant to provide a smooth reel even in the dead of winter. The ICX also has a solid one-piece Reel Foot, which results in more strength and tension of the reel. This, combined with the EVA ergonomic handle, makes for easy retrieval—even with gloves on—to get those fish above the ice. 

Pros:

• Cost
• CNC aluminum spool

Cons:

• Limited line capacity