Best Crappie Fishing Reels of 2026
* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Crappie fishing reels are essential for anglers looking to catch this popular freshwater game fish. These reels are specifically designed to handle the light lines and small lures often used when targeting crappie. With features like smooth drag systems, lightweight construction, and high gear ratios, crappie fishing reels make it easier to feel bites and quickly reel in your catch. Some popular brands of crappie fishing reels include Abu Garcia, Shimano, and Lew's. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, investing in a quality crappie fishing reel can improve your chances of success on the water.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Crappie Fishing Reels
KastKing Centron Spinning Reel
Transform into a pro angler with KastKing Centron Spinning Reel. Its lightweight and narrow graphite frame design, combined with a computer balancing system, deliver high-performance in a compact size. With incredible stopping power up to 17.5LBs, the Superior Drag System offers smooth and reliable performance. The reel has nine quality ball bearings and one instant stop one-way anti-reverse bearing for ultra-smooth performance. The high strength two-color anodized aluminum spool has a power launch lip for longer casts and holds more line than competitor's models. The attractive, brilliant finish adds durability to the reel, making it a great gift for anyone who loves fishing.
Zebco 33 Micro Spincast Fishing Reel
The Zebco Micro Spincast Reel is perfect for both beginners and experienced anglers. It features a lightweight graphite frame, stainless steel covers, a MicroFine dial-adjustable drag, and boasts a patented no-tangle design. The built-in bite alert uses an audio indicator to alert anglers of activity below the water. Zebco's Quickset anti-reverse clutch stops your handle from moving backwards and creates a solid hookset in the mouth of a fish when reeling in your prized catch. It features a changeable right or left-hand retrieve and comes pre-spooled with 4-pound of Zebco Cajun line so you're ready to fish sooner. With a mono line capacity of 90/4 yds/lbs, this reel offers smooth performance and unrivaled durability. Ideal for targeting light species from panfish to trout and more.
Piscifun Flame Spinning Reel
The Piscifun Flame Reel is an excellent choice for anglers seeking a lightweight option, weighing just 6.1 ounces, making it easy to transport on your fishing trips. With a strong drag power of 19.8 pounds, it gives you the strength needed to catch larger fish. The reel's sleek design features a matte black body with a striking red aluminum spool, adding a modern touch to your fishing gear. Additionally, its smooth operation comes from 9 ball bearings and precision gears, ensuring effortless casting and reeling that enhances your fishing experience.
KastKing Centron Lite Baitcasting Reel
The KastKing Centron Lite Baitcasting Reel is an ultra-light and ultra-powerful reel designed for longer casts. It features 5 double-shielded stainless steel ball bearings, a 10-magnet braking system, and a maximum drag of 15.4 LB. The CNC Anodized Aluminum Spool has Standard Braided Line Capacity LB/Yds 12LB/180Yds, 15LB/145Yds, 20LB/120Yds, Standard Mono Line Capacity LB/Yds 8LB/90Yds, 10LB/80Yds, 12LB/55Yds. This reel is perfect for anglers looking for longer casting distance and a smooth, reliable performance.
KastKing Brutus Spincast Fishing Reel
The KastKing Brutus Spincast Fishing Reel is a high-performance reel with a stainless-steel dual pickup system, 4.0:1 gear ratio, and 5 stainless-steel double shielded ball bearings. It features an aluminum reversible double paddle handle with durable rubber grips and comes pre-spooled with 160 yards of 10 lb test KastKing Premium Monofilament fishing line. It's perfect for freshwater fishing with #10 test or less monofilament line.
Zebco 202 Spincast Fishing Reel
The Zebco 202 Spincast Fishing Reel is a great choice for both beginner and experienced anglers. It features a patented no-tangle design, simple push-button mechanics, and a 2.8:1 gear ratio for a smooth retrieve. The reel is constructed with all-metal gears and a durable, tough-yet-sleek design. It is pre-spooled with 10-pound Zebco fishing line and features a right-hand retrieve. The long-lasting stainless steel pick-up pin is corrosion resistant, making it perfect for many fishing adventures.
Piscifun Torrent Baitcasting Fishing Reel
The Piscifun Torrent Baitcasting Fishing Reel is a powerful and durable reel that simplifies operation with its magnetic braking system. It has a fast retrieve and two gear ratios to choose from, 5.3:1 and 7.1:1, making it suitable for a variety of techniques. It also features a unique side-plate oil port for easy maintenance.
Piscifun Viper X Spinning Reel
The Piscifun Viper X Reel is a high-performance spinning fishing reel suitable for both saltwater and freshwater fishing. Equipped with double shielded 10+1 stainless steel bearings, this reel provides silky smooth performance that's both reliable and consistent. The reinforced stainless steel main shaft and Zinc alloy drive gear allow for up to 33lbs of max drag, making it perfect for reeling in bigger fish. The Viper X Reel is also lighter and stronger than other reels of similar quality, thanks to its high-quality graphite material and new mould technology. With a lightning-fast gear ratio and versatile retrieval options, this reel suits any fishing style or situation. Additionally, the reel's waterproof design and premium quality construction make it a great value for any angler.
KastKing Megatron Spinning Reel
The KastKing Megatron Spinning Reel is a powerful and durable reel that is perfect for freshwater and saltwater fishing. It features a rigid aluminum skeletal frame, pro-level quality gears, a smooth carbon fiber drag system with over 30 lbs of run-stopping power, and 7+1 MaxiDur double-shielded stainless-steel ball bearings. Customers are impressed with the build quality and smooth performance of the reel, making it a great budget option for anglers of all levels.
Zebco 33 Platinum Spincast Reel
Experience the ultimate fishing adventure with Zebco 33 Platinum Spincast Reel. The patented no-tangle design makes it easy to use, while the QuickSet anti-reverse feature ensures that your handle won't move backward, giving you a solid hookset in the mouth of the fish you catch. The dial-adjustable drag feature lets you customize the tension, so you can easily reel in your prize catch. With an all-metal body and gears, this durable reel has a sleek design and is equipped with four stainless steel ball bearings and a GlideLine ball bearing to reduce friction and give you the most efficient line retrieval. The Zebco 33 Platinum is perfect for hauling in everything from panfish and walleye to bass, catfish, and more. It comes pre-spooled with 10-pound Zebco fishing line, and you can choose between a right- or left-hand retrieve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What action rod is best for crappie?
For crappie fishing, a spinning rod with medium power and a fast action is recommended. This combination provides the right balance of sensitivity to detect bites and responsiveness to set the hook effectively.
2. What color hook is best for crappie?
The color of the hook can have an impact on crappie catch rate. Some anglers have found success with red bait hooks, while others prefer blue or green hooks with fathead minnows. The key is to experiment and see which color attracts crappie better in your fishing area.
3. Should I use a leader for crappie fishing?
Using a leader can be beneficial if you believe crappie might be spooked by a high-visibility line. Options like clear monofilament, fluorocarbon, or braid with a fluorocarbon leader can help minimize visibility and increase your chances of success.
4. What depth do crappie stay at?
During the winter, crappie can be found in deeper water ranging from 20 to 40 feet. However, they will move into shallower water during a string of warm days. In cold water, a very slow retrieve is recommended as crappie are less likely to chase fast-moving lures like they do in warmer months.
During our crappie fishing reel research, we found 24 crappie fishing reel products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 174,286 customer reviews through our big data system to write the crappie fishing reels list. We found that most customers choose crappie fishing reels with an average price of $29.92.
The crappie fishing reels are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of crappie fishing reels, including KastKing, Zebco, Piscifun. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 877 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.
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.