Best Left-Handed Fishing Reels of 2026

"I’m really happy with this reel—super easy to use and casts smoothly every time. The price was right, and once I figured out how to change the line, it became even easier. No tangling issues now; just wish there was more instruction for line changes, but overall, I love it!"

"I bought this reel for my girlfriend’s 10-year-old son, and he’s absolutely thrilled with it. Perfect size and build for freshwater fishing, and the drag system is exceptionally smooth. I trust this reel to last, and I think it’s a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a starter reel or an affordable, fun option for casual fishing."

"I got this to replace my son’s old 4' rod and it’s worked flawlessly with a nice smooth action. We’ve already pulled in bluegill, bass, and even a catfish! The first reel I got had a minor issue and popped apart, but Amazon sent a replacement right away and the new one has been great. Just a heads-up: it can tangle inside the cover sometimes, but overall, I’d recommend it for kids."

"I've been fishing for over 30 years and the Zebco 33 Platinum is always in my tackle box. It's my go-to for panfish, and I honestly think it's the best pole for kids and beginners. It's cheap, reliable, very smooth, and always casts far and straight. Even as a pro, I keep one as a backup."

"I bought both the Zebco Platinum and the Roam reels, and honestly, the Platinum is in a whole different league. The casting is silky smooth, and it feels like a real upgrade. I won't buy anything except the Platinum from now on—it's that good."

"I had high hopes for the Zebco Platinum, but it was disappointing compared to my old Zebco reels. The reel had a casting flaw that cost me expensive lures and nearly ruined a special fishing trip. On the plus side, Zebco did offer to replace my reel after I reached out, which was better than nothing, but I can't really recommend this model."

"This is by far one of my favorite baitcasters. Super smooth performance and dependable drag make every fishing trip enjoyable. Even though it’s not the best with very light lures, I highly recommend it for the price. KastKing nailed it once again!"

"As a first-time baitcaster user, I found this reel incredibly user-friendly and forgiving. I was worried about the learning curve, but after following the setup instructions, I had zero issues with backlashes all day. It casts light baits easily and accurately. I’d definitely buy it again."

"I’m very impressed with the performance and value of this reel. It casts beautifully, and for the low cost, it’s hard to beat. After several purchases from KastKing, I feel like I’ve found a brand that’s comparable to big names without breaking the bank. Keep up the great work!"

"I picked up the 5000 model on sale, and I have to say, it’s a well-built reel with a premium feel right out of the box. No complaints so far—looks great and works smoothly."

"I’ve taken this reel surf fishing several times, and it’s still as smooth and reliable as the first day. Even after getting splashed, it keeps performing, which makes it a fantastic value for the price."

"I use my reel every other day, and while it started out fine, after two months the gears began jamming and it slowed me down. For frequent fishing, I might need something a bit more reliable in the long run."

"I've used this reel mostly for panfishing, especially crappie, and it has no issue with trout and bass either. The operation is incredibly smooth, and I absolutely love the drag system—it has a satisfying 'ping' when it's pulled. I enjoyed using it so much, I bought two more!"

"I picked up the 500 size model for just $16, and honestly, it outperforms its price bracket by a mile. The drag and reeling action are both smooth, and it casts well. I've purposely used it more than my more expensive reels and have zero complaints so far. For the money, it's a no-brainer."

"I ordered both the 3000 and 4000 series to test their quality, and I was surprised by how solid these inexpensive reels feel. The drag adjustment is surprisingly precise for this price range. I did have to add a bit of oil to smooth out the shaft, but overall, they're impressive for the cost."