Best Anti-Reverse Fishing Reels of 2025

Paul Tilton Avatar
Paul Tilton
Last Updated: Jan 7, 2025

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Anti-Reverse fishing reels are designed to prevent the handle from turning backward when a fish is hooked. This feature ensures that the angler can reel in the fish without losing tension on the line. These reels are ideal for catching larger fish and are commonly used in saltwater fishing. The anti-reverse system is usually engaged by a switch or lever on the reel, which can easily be turned on or off depending on the angler's preference. With this feature, anglers can enjoy a more efficient and successful fishing experience.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

RESTCLOUD GF3000 Spinning Reel Cover #TOP 1
RESTCLOUD GF3000 Spinning Reel
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Quantum Throttle Spinning Fishing Reel Cover #TOP 2
Quantum Throttle Spinning Fishing Reel
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Quantum Optix Spinning Fishing Reel Cover #TOP 3
Quantum Optix Spinning Fishing Reel
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Anti-Reverse Fishing Reels

#TOP 1

RESTCLOUD GF3000 Spinning Reel

Black/Gold
GF3000
RESTCLOUD GF3000 Spinning Reel Cover
Spinning Fishing Reel for Freshwater Saltwater Fishing, Anti-Reverse with Front-Adjustable Drag (GF3000)

The RESTCLOUD Spinning Reel is designed for durability and performance, making it perfect for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Its titanium-nitride plated bail wire and aluminum spool ensure that it can withstand the toughest conditions and the biggest catches. The Instant Anti-Reverse feature allows you to set the hook firmly, giving you confidence as you reel in your prized fish. With a lightweight ported spool, this reel is easy to handle, and the convertible left/right handle means you can customize it to your preference. Enjoy a smooth fishing experience with every cast!

What We Like
Durable construction
Smooth operation
Lightweight design
Customizable handle
Versatile fishing options
#TOP 2

Quantum Throttle Spinning Fishing Reel

TH25C.BX3
Silver
Quantum Throttle Spinning Fishing Reel Cover
Quantum Throttle Spinning Fishing Reel, 10 + 1 Ball Bearings with a Smooth and Powerful 6.2:1 Gear Ratio, Ultra-Smooth Carbon Fiber Drag System, Dura-Lok Anti-Reverse Clutch, and MaxCast II Spool

The Quantum Throttle Spinning Fishing Reel features a lightweight, durable carbon fiber body and side cover, forged, and machined double-anodized spool, 11 bearings, a Dura-Lok anti-reverse clutch, and a carbon fiber drag system with max 16-pound drag. It has a mono capacity of 150/8 and can hold up to 160 yards of 20-pound braided line, making it perfect for catching panfish, trout, walleye, and bass. The reel is customizable for any angler with a changeable right- or left-hand retrieve. It is covered by a 5-year warranty against defects in workmanship and materials.

What We Like
Durable carbon fiber body and side cover
Smooth performance with 11 bearings and anti-reverse clutch
Carbon fiber drag system with max 16-pound drag
Customizable for any angler with changeable retrieve
5-year warranty against defects in workmanship and materials

Quantum Optix Spinning Fishing Reel

OP40D
Multi
40 size/Clampack
Quantum Optix Spinning Fishing Reel Cover
Quantum Optix Spinning Fishing Reel, Size 40 Reel, Changeable Right- or Left-Hand Retrieve, Aluminum Spool, Stainless Steel Bail Wire, Continuous Anti-Reverse, 5.2:1 Gear Ratio, Silver, Clam Packaging

The Quantum Optix spinning fishing reel offers a balanced and smooth casting experience for catching medium species such as walleye and bass. Its continuous anti-reverse clutch technology creates a solid hookset and its changeable right- or left-hand retrieve and 4 bearings enhance any fishing trip. It is expertly crafted with a TRU Balance rotor, front-adjustable drag, 5.2:1 gear ratio, and 34 IPT line retrieval for speed and precision. It has a mono line capacity of 230/10 yds/lbs and the ability to hold up to 310-yards of 20-pound braided line.

What We Like
Balanced and smooth casting experience
Continuous anti-reverse clutch technology for solid hookset
Expertly crafted with TRU Balance rotor and front-adjustable drag

Shakespeare Contender Spinning Reel

Shakespeare
CONT270B
Black
Shakespeare Contender Spinning Reel Cover
Shakespeare Contender Spinning Fishing Reel, Size 70, Instant Anti-Reverse, Oil Felt Front Drag System, Durable Aluminum Spool

The Shakespeare Contender Spinning Reel is a versatile fishing reel that offers a great combination of performance and durability. With 3 ball bearings and a one-way clutch instant anti-reverse bearing, this reel provides smooth and reliable operation. The ported spool not only makes the reel lightweight but also enhances its casting distance. The Magna bail wire is oversized, ensuring increased durability, especially in sizes 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40. The left/right convertible handle allows for easy switching between hands, making it suitable for both left-handed and right-handed anglers. The on/off anti-reverse feature adds convenience and prevents any backward movement when reeling. Overall, the Shakespeare Contender Reel is a reliable and user-friendly fishing reel that provides excellent performance and durability for anglers of all levels.

What We Like
Smooth and reliable operation
Lightweight and enhanced casting distance
Durable Magna bail wire
#TOP 5

Shakespeare Contender Fishing Reel

Shakespeare
CONT220B
Black
Black
Shakespeare Contender Fishing Reel Cover
Shakespeare Contender Spinning Fishing Reel, Size 20, Instant Anti-Reverse, Oil Felt Front Drag System, Durable Aluminum Spool

The Shakespeare Contender Reel is designed for anglers seeking durability and performance without overspending. Its 5.2:1 gear ratio strikes a perfect balance between power and speed, making it easier for you to tackle tough fish. With four stainless steel ball bearings and instant anti-reverse, you can enjoy smooth operation during your fishing trips. The oil felt front drag system ensures you maintain a steady and adjustable drag, allowing you to adapt easily to the size and strength of your catch. This reel is a reliable companion for any fishing adventure.

What We Like
Durable construction
Smooth operation
Easy drag adjustment
Good value for money
#TOP 6

Pflueger President Size 30 Reel

PRES30B
Metal
30 - Clam
Pflueger President Size 30 Reel Cover
Pflueger President Spinning Fishing Reel, Size 30, 10 Stainless Steel Ball Bearing System, Sealed Oil Felt Front Drag, Lightweight Graphite Construction

The Pflueger President Reel offers exceptional fishing performance without straining your budget. Its lightweight graphite construction ensures easy handling, making it a great choice for both right and left-handed anglers. With a smooth 25.3 inches of line recovery per crank, you gain better control over your fishing line, reducing tangles and wind knots. The sealed oil felt front drag system provides up to 10 pounds of drag, helping you tire out fish more effectively. Additionally, the 10 stainless steel ball bearings enhance the reel's smooth operation, ensuring a pleasant fishing experience.

What We Like
Lightweight and durable design
Smooth operation with ball bearings
Effective drag system
Reduced line tangles
#TOP 7

Sougayilang SE Baitcasting Fishing Reel

SEBL
Blue- Left Handed
Sougayilang SE Baitcasting Fishing Reel Cover
Sougayilang Baitcasting Fishing Reel with 9 + 1 Anti-Reverse Ball Bearings, 8.1:1 High-Speed Gear Ratio Casting Reel-Blue-Left

The Sougayilang Baitcasting Reel, also known as the Sougayilang SE, is a lightweight and powerful fishing reel designed for long-lasting performance. With a maximum drag of 17.6 LB, it allows for longer casts, ideal for pitching jigs or burning baits at high speed. Equipped with 9 stainless-steel ball bearings and an instant anti-reverse bearing, this reel offers seamless casts and retrieves. The CNC machined aluminum U-Shaped spool provides longer casts and higher fishing line capacity, enhancing your fishing experience. Additionally, the reel's magnetic braking system with 7 magnets ensures controlled casts without frustrating overruns.

What We Like
Lightweight & Powerful
Long Casting Distance
Smooth Retrieval

Zebco 808 Spincast Fishing Reel

808J.SC3
Black
Zebco 808 Spincast Fishing Reel Cover
Zebco 808 Spincast Fishing Reel, Powerful All Metal Gears, Quickset Anti-Reverse and Bite Alert, Pre-spooled with 20-Pound Zebco Fishing Line, Clam Pack, Black

The Zebco 808 Spincast Fishing Reel is a powerful and sturdy fishing reel that ensures you reel in big catches. It comes with a QuickSet Anti-Reverse system and a built-in Bite Alert for added convenience. The dial-adjustable Magnum drag ensures you have a smooth and comfortable fishing experience. It has all-metal gears, a ceramic Pick-up Pin, and a patented no-tangle design that makes it easy to use. It also comes pre-spooled with 20 lb Zebco line, making it ready to use straight out of the box. The 808 is trustworthy and durable, making it an ideal choice for fishing enthusiasts.

What We Like
Powerful and durable
Pre-spooled with 20 lb Zebco line
QuickSet Anti-Reverse system and a built-in Bite Alert for added convenience
#TOP 9

Shakespeare® Contender® Spinning Reel

Shakespeare
CONT260B
Black
Shakespeare® Contender® Spinning Reel Cover
Shakespeare Contender Spinning Fishing Reel, Size 60, Instant Anti-Reverse, Oil Felt Front Drag System, Durable Aluminum Spool

The Shakespeare® Contender® Spinning Reel is a lightweight and durable fishing reel that features 3 ball bearings, instant anti-reverse bearing, ported spool, oversized magna bail wire (on select sizes), and left/right convertible handle. The on/off anti-reverse provides convenience and ease of use while fishing.

What We Like
Lightweight and durable design
Multiple ball bearings for smooth operation
Select sizes feature oversized magna bail wire for increased durability

Zebco Quantum 606 Spincast Reel

606MBK
Black
60 Reel
Zebco Quantum 606 Spincast Reel Cover
Zebco 606 Spincast Fishing Reel, Size 60 Reel, Right-Hand Retrieve, Pre-Spooled with 20-Pound Zebco Fishing Line, QuickSet Anti-Reverse and Dial-Adjustable Drag, Black, Clam Packaging

The Zebco Quantum 606 Spincast Reel is designed for both beginners and experienced anglers. The patented no-tangle design and built-in bite alert make it easy to use, and the Quickset anti-reverse and 3.0:1 gear ratio ensure effortless fishing. The all-metal gears, ball bearing system, 19 IPT, and stainless steel pick-up pin offer superior design, while the mono line capacity of 110/20 yds/lbs makes it versatile for targeting medium and heavy species.

What We Like
Easy-to-use for both beginners and experienced anglers
Quickset anti-reverse and 3.0:1 gear ratio ensure effortless fishing
All-metal gears, ball bearing system, 19 IPT, and stainless steel pick-up pin offer superior design
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do all spinning reels have anti reverse?

Most spinning reels only require the flip of the feature switch that allow spinning reels to turn backwards, and by flipping the switch one way or another, the reel should lock and no longer turn backwards, allowing only the automatic drag feature when switch is in the lock position.

2. What is infinite anti reverse on a fishing reel?

The Infinite Anti-Reverse System limits rearward backplay handle movement to almost zero for solid hooksets with less shock to the reel. No handle slap-back on hooksets and nor release of slack line. < back to previous page.

Editor's Notes

During our anti-reverse fishing reel research, we found 24 anti-reverse fishing reel products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 24,827 customer reviews through our big data system to write the anti-reverse fishing reels list. We found that most customers choose anti-reverse fishing reels with an average price of $29.74.

The anti-reverse fishing reels are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of anti-reverse fishing reels, including RESTCLOUD, Zebco, Quantum, Shakespeare, Pflueger. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 1,234 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Paul Tilton Avatar

Paul Tilton is a fitness enthusiast. He doesn't like to work in front of a computer screen so he quit his job and runs a gym in Washington. He spent a lot of time on the road and has been a contributing writer for a well-known travel guide website. He is now happy to share his travel experience and professional knowledge of travel gear and fitness here.