Best Fishing Reels of 2026

"My experience with this reel has been fantastic. The drag is silky smooth, the retrieval is effortless, and the construction feels solid, especially at this price point. I've used it on bigger fish without any issues, and it truly rivals much more expensive reels. Lightweight and comfortable for all-day use—this is now my favorite setup. If you want both performance and value, I highly recommend this reel."

"After some hesitation, I decided to try this reel as an alternative to my usual Penn models. Right out of the box, it felt like a winner—well-built, with smooth spinning action and a very stable drag. The pushbutton break and easy forward/reverse switch are nice touches. For the price, the quality is outstanding. It's a bit heavier than my Penn, and the bail closure was a bit stiff at first, but overall, it's a great, reliable, and affordable reel that I'm proud to add to my collection."

"I've been using these reels for freshwater fishing on Lake Washington several times a week for over a year. They deliver remarkably smooth casting and have held up impressively, even with little maintenance. For the money, you can't beat the value—these compete with high-end reels but at a much cheaper price. I recommend them for beginners and experienced anglers alike. Still going strong after a year of regular use."

"I've been using this reel and love how easy it is to cast and reel in, especially for a beginner. The compact size fits perfectly in my hand and I appreciate the reliable performance with no tangling issues. Once I figured out how to change the line, it became even easier to use. Great value for the price!"

"I got this for my girlfriend's son and he absolutely loves it for freshwater fishing. Smooth drag and sturdy build make it a joy to use, and it's the ideal starter reel for kids or casual anglers. The classic 33 model is definitely a reliable choice and I see why it's been around for so long."

"I bought this as a replacement for my son's fishing rod. The action is really smooth and it's worked great for catching bluegill, bass, and even catfish. The first reel I received had a minor issue, but Amazon quickly replaced it and the new one has been fantastic. Perfect for young anglers!"

"I've been using these reels 4 to 5 times per week on Lake Washington for over a year, and I'm impressed by their smooth casting and durability. I own three of them on different setups, and for the price, they compete with much more expensive brands. I recommend them to any freshwater angler, whether beginner or advanced."

"I'm not an expert—just started fishing six months ago—but this reel is incredible value for money. I thought it would be a cheap replacement, but now it's my main reel, outperforming my old Shimano. It casts great, feels solid, and has revived an old rod for me. Highly recommend for quality at a low price."

"The first thing I noticed was the stylish black and red design, which looks fantastic. The reel is very smooth to wind and the drag works great, especially for this price range. The only slight issue is the bail sometimes hits my knuckles, but overall, it's a bargain that compares to reels costing three times as much."

"I've put the PENN Pursuit IV through tough saltwater conditions, and it continues to perform flawlessly. The smoothness and durability are unmatched, and I feel confident whether I'm casting light lures or battling big fish. For both beginners and experienced anglers, the value and reliability are outstanding."

"I own several Pursuit reels, and they've become my go-to for both catfish and inshore fishing. They deliver great casting, solid drag, and genuine Penn quality at a price that's hard to beat. I only wish they offered a smaller 1000 size for my ultra-light setups!"

"This reel delivers amazing performance for the price. It's lightweight yet strong and pairs perfectly with my LRF rod. I was pleasantly surprised by how much quality you get without breaking the bank."

"As someone who was new to fishing and started with this baitcaster, I found it to be perfect for beginners and everyday use, especially for those with smaller hands. After trying different reel types, I realized the baitcaster’s ergonomics and lightweight design eliminated wrist fatigue for me. The fine-tuning options made backlash a non-issue, and once I switched to fluorocarbon line, it cast like a dream. Great value and reliable performance—ideal for both novice and experienced anglers."

"After decades of using baitcasting reels, I decided to try KastKing and was seriously impressed. The Centron Lite felt solid yet very light right out of the box, and the casting distance is outstanding. The magnetic brake system is super user-friendly, making backlash almost nonexistent. It’s become a staple in my tackle setup for both beginners and experienced anglers who want performance without breaking the bank. For the price, it performs like a much more expensive reel."

"With over 45 years of fishing experience, I can say this reel is an amazing value with smooth casting and reliable clutch. The side dial adjustment works well, making it easy to use different lure weights. While the reel is on the smaller side and the spool could be bigger, the cost and performance far outweigh these minor points. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for quality at a great price."

"After fishing for decades, I can confidently say this is one of the best spincasters for the price. The reel casts smoothly and far, feels solid in hand, and I'm convinced it will last a long time. It's a bit heavier, but that's because it's built to last. I'm extremely satisfied and would even pay more for this quality."

"I have some nerve damage and can't always use spinning or baitcasting reels, so I tried the Brutus. It casts weightless rigs with ease and the retrieve feels buttery smooth. The drag held up when I fought a big fish, and although there was a little line twist and the handle is a tad loose, these are minor issues. After some maintenance, the reel works like a dream now. I always keep my Brutus ready to go fishing—it's become my favorite reel."

"I picked up this reel for my wife because it's so user-friendly, but after trying it myself, I found it to be great for easy, accurate casting. It's well-built, not flimsy like some others, and both of us had a great experience on our fishing trip. Highly recommend for anyone wanting reliability without spending a fortune."

"I've relied on Zebco gear for years, and the 202 Spincast Reel delivers exceptional value and simplicity. It's both smooth to operate and perfect for anglers at any experience level. I’m totally satisfied and would recommend Zebco to anyone wanting quality without a steep price tag."

"As someone who has equipped hundreds of kids for fishing events, I trust the Zebco 202 for its cost efficiency and durability. These reels are tough, easy to maintain, and kid-friendly. Even after years of heavy use, they remain reliable entry-level options for young anglers."

"This reel is a fantastic entry-level choice, especially for kids. It’s lightweight, smooth, and budget-friendly. While the included line isn't top-tier, it’s great for learning and casual use. For the price, you really can’t go wrong."

"As a beginner, I found this reel to be super easy to learn on. I'm not experienced with baitcasters, but setup was simple and I had no trouble casting over 100 times without a single bird's nest. It's smooth, affordable, and handles light baits surprisingly well. I would definitely buy it again."

"I was drawn to the unique color options, especially the beautiful pastel blue. The reel feels comfortable in hand and is great for learning baitcasting without breaking the bank. The drag system clicks when adjusted, which is a nice touch at this price. I did notice some roughness in the gears at first and the magnetic brakes take some getting used to, but overall, I'd still recommend it and might update my review after further use."

"I've used this reel on the river for weeks and it's been smooth and reliable the whole time. Initially, I had backlash issues with braided line, but after switching to mono, it casts perfectly with no backlash at all. For a first baitcasting reel, I think it's a fantastic choice, especially if you're looking to learn."