Best Fishing Reels of 2025

"I have three of these reels and they all work great for ultralight fishing. The price is so low for a quality reel. The 500 model is light, has a smooth action, and the drag is secure and smooth. Great product!"

"I’ve fished probably 20 hours with these reels and no issues. For the price, you can’t beat them. Typically get 2 or more seasons per reel, which is fully worth it. I usually only get a half of a season out of a rod before they snap."

"I was VERY impressed with the quality and smoothness of the reel for the price. I ended up buying 4 more and replacing all my kids' and wife's reels with these. If there was one drawback, it would be that 2 out of the 5 have major issues with backlash."

"I’m really impressed with this reel for the price. It replaced a rarely used plastic reel on my Ugly Stik Dockrunner. I mainly use it for bait with a small sabiki rig, so I’m curious how it will hold up in saltwater. I rinse and dry all my gear right after use, and if the materials are as good as they seem, I’m hopeful it won’t be an issue. But even if it does, the investment isn’t significant. Overall, I see great value in this reel, and I’m pleased with Kastking so far."

"I bought this 3000 size reel to replace my broken Shakespeare reel. It has a very smooth action, and I feel it casts just as well, if not better, than the Shakespeare. I also have a 5000 size one on my catfish rig. I highly recommend these for their quality and price!"

"This reel works perfectly on my ultralight setup. I love how smooth and well-engineered it is. I initially bought it for ice fishing lake trout, but I also use it on my spinner pole. For the price, it can’t be beat, and I’m planning to get a second one soon!"

"After using the reel for a year and a half, I can confidently say it's a fantastic reel, especially for the price. I love how it feels smooth and solid during operation, and I've caught various fish without any signs of rust or corrosion even after rinsing it off. I can wholeheartedly recommend this reel!"

"I've had this reel for a short time, but I was impressed by the customer service. I had an issue when it arrived, and Winnie from customer service was quick to resolve it. The reel feels a bit smaller than I expected but has a great balance when paired with my rod. The retrieve is smooth, and I've had no complaints with the drag so far!"

"As an avid surf fisher, I appreciate how well the KastKing Sharky reels hold up against saltwater. I've seen firsthand the excellent sealing systems that prevent corrosion, even after extensive use. The casting distance is impressive, and I find them to be incredibly smooth. If you're looking for quality gear without breaking the bank, you won't be disappointed."

"I bought this fishing reel in 2021 based on reviews, and I couldn't be happier. It has worked like new for two years after being retrieved from the lake. If you're considering this reel, I strongly recommend it—you won't be disappointed!"

"I got this reel for my grandson's first fishing trip, but I tried it out first. It casts remarkably well and retrieves smoothly. The build quality is impressive, and the quick left/right handle change is a big plus for beginners."

"As someone who struggled with spinning reels, I decided to try this affordable spincast reel. After several months of use, it has outperformed my previous expensive reel. It casts well for lighter lines, although I noticed some rust after using it in saltwater. Overall, it's perfect for freshwater fishing!"

"I was pleasantly surprised by this reel. It casts smoothly and has reeled in a good number of trout for me! Great value for the price!"

"I bought this for my son, expecting little due to the price. He caught large mouth bass effortlessly with it! Definitely worth the money!"

"I purchased a couple for my kids, and they seem well built. However, one of them only free spools and the drag doesn’t hold. Overall, still a good choice for kids!"

"I recently purchased this reel and I was blown away by the build quality. It’s definitely the best reel for the money, smoother than many others in the same price range. I caught a few smallmouth bass and it performed beautifully. If you're considering buying this reel, just go for it!"

"Having used this reel for a while now, I must say it has been fantastic. I pulled in a 7 lb smallmouth bass effortlessly, and it handles both lures and live bait with ease. The grip is incredibly smooth and the performance is top-notch. I’m staying loyal to KastKing!"

"After about four months of using this reel, I can say it looks awesome and performed well initially. However, I noticed it started hesitating after an hour of saltwater fishing. A quick rinse helped, but the finish began to peel. It’s strong and smooth when working properly, but I recommend looking for a more sealed option for saltwater."

"As a first-time owner of a newer Penn reel, I was impressed with the smoothness and lightweight design. I matched it with a Berkley rod and spooled it with 15lb braided line, allowing for plenty of capacity. This reel is perfect for my fishing needs in New Hampshire. The no-reverse feature is a game-changer, making my experience so much better. I’m definitely planning to get a 3000 Series for my summer fishing adventures!"

"I've always counted on Penn reels, and this one is no exception. It's been fantastic for inshore snapper fishing, and I couldn't be happier with its performance. The smoothness and reliability give me confidence during every trip!"

"I recently bought the Pursuit 4000 for surf fishing, and I must say, it's every bit as good as a $250-$300 reel. Its durability and drag system are remarkable, and for the price, I believe this reel offers unmatched value. I am incredibly satisfied with my purchase!"

"I found this reel to be affordable and it operates smoothly. For the price, it's hard to beat!"

"This reel has worked flawlessly for me. I caught several fish without any issues, although I did accidentally wrap the line around the drag knob once."

"I bought this for my 11-year-old son, and he had no trouble using it. He caught lots of fish, so I consider this a great buy!"

"I used this reel most of the season, and it remains as smooth and solid as the first day. I appreciate its performance while fishing from my kayak without worrying about damaging high-end gear. It performed better than the other models I tried, and my son could use it with ease."

"When I first got my KastKing reel, I was surprised by its performance right out of the box. It handled a variety of lures effortlessly, and I really liked how easy it was to adjust. Its low profile design is comfortable for long fishing sessions."

"After getting familiar with it, my KastKing reel has been a charm to use. I caught over 50 fish in just a few months. It’s well constructed, and I quickly learned to adjust it properly. I would definitely buy this brand again!"

"I use this reel for surf fishing around San Diego. It has performed exceptionally well, helping me catch many 6+ pound fish from shore. Despite exposure to salt and sand, it has lasted through multiple seasons with just a rinse and dry after each use. For the price of a dozen blood worms, it's a great value. Many negative reviews seem to come from those who may not understand the art of fishing. Fishing gear requires care and maintenance. So far, I haven't lost sleep over any issues, and I believe any concerns would be handled well by Sougayilang."

"I was genuinely impressed with this spinning reel's performance and affordability. Its lightweight design and durability make it suitable for both hobbyists and tournament anglers. The 11 ball-bearings provide excellent castability, and the drag system is smooth. I found it ideal for finesse techniques like drop-shot and shakey-head. I'm definitely adding this reel to my arsenal because it delivers great functionality at a price that won't break the bank."

"I purchased two 5000 size reels for saltwater pier fishing, and I'm pleasantly surprised by their sturdiness and attractive design. After a full season of frequent use, they have held up well, even when cranking up heavy fish. Most reels would struggle, but these have shown no signs of issues. Plus, the price was unbelievably low compared to others I've used before."