Best Low Profile Fishing Reels of 2026

Paul Tilton Avatar
Paul Tilton
Last Updated: Jan 18, 2026

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Low profile fishing reels are a popular choice among anglers due to their compact size and ease of use. These reels are designed to sit low on the fishing rod, providing a comfortable grip and reducing fatigue during long fishing sessions. They are also lightweight and offer smooth casting and retrieval, making them ideal for catching small to medium-sized fish. Many low profile fishing reels feature advanced technology such as magnetic brakes and adjustable drag systems, which allow anglers to fine-tune their fishing experience for optimal performance. Whether you are a seasoned angler or a beginner, a low profile fishing reel is a great investment for your next fishing trip.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

OKUMA CV-163D Convector Reel Cover #TOP 1
OKUMA CV-163D Convector Reel
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Pflueger Monarch Low Profile Fishing Reel Cover #TOP 2
Pflueger Monarch Low Profile Fishing Reel
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Shakespeare Agility Low Profile Fishing Reel Cover #TOP 3
Shakespeare Agility Low Profile Fishing Reel
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Low Profile Fishing Reels

#TOP 1

OKUMA CV-163D Convector Reel

CV-163D
Black
One Size
OKUMA CV-163D Convector Reel Cover
OKUMA CV-163D Convector Lowprofile Reel 2HPB + 1RB, Multi, one Size

The OKUMA Convector Reel is designed to enhance your fishing experience with its high-quality construction and innovative design. Made from advanced materials, this reel ensures durability whether you are fishing in freshwater or saltwater. Its compact size makes it easy to handle, allowing you to maneuver effortlessly while casting your line. Additionally, the dynamic design not only looks great but also provides optimal performance, giving you confidence in every catch. With the OKUMA Convector Reel, you can enjoy a more efficient and enjoyable fishing trip.

What We Like
Durable materials
Versatile for all waters
Compact and easy to handle
Enhanced performance
#TOP 2

Pflueger Monarch Low Profile Fishing Reel

1593807
Multi
Standard
Pflueger Monarch Low Profile Fishing Reel Cover
Pflueger Monarch Low Profile Fishing Reel, Right Handle Position, Graphite Body and Rotor, Corrosion-Resistant, Aluminum Spool, Star Drag System

The Pflueger Monarch Baitcast Reel offers a great balance of quality and affordability, making it an excellent choice for anglers who want reliable gear without overspending. Its lightweight graphite body and machined aluminum spool resist corrosion, so you can enjoy fishing in various conditions without worrying about wear. The reel’s 6.1:1 gear ratio allows you to retrieve your line quickly and smoothly, improving your casting control. Plus, the multi-disc star drag system with a maximum drag of 15 pounds helps you tire out fish efficiently. This reel’s smooth operation, thanks to its 5-ball bearing system and instant anti-reverse feature, ensures a pleasant fishing experience every time.

What We Like
Lightweight corrosion-resistant body
Efficient 6.1:1 gear ratio
Strong 15lb drag system
Smooth 5-ball bearing operation
Instant anti-reverse feature
#TOP 3

Shakespeare Agility Low Profile Fishing Reel

Shakespeare
AGTLP
Multi
Right-Handed
Shakespeare Agility Low Profile Fishing Reel Cover
Shakespeare Agility Low Profile Fishing Reel, Right Handle Position, Multi-Disk Drag System, 90mm Handle with Large Knobs for Increased Torque

The Shakespeare Agility Reel combines style and performance with its lightweight aluminum spool, making it easier for you to cast and reel in without feeling weighed down. Its 6.1:1 gear ratio means you retrieve your line quickly, helping you react faster when you have a bite. The reel features a smooth operation thanks to its three stainless steel bearings, and you can fine-tune your casting with an adjustable magnetic brake system to avoid tangles. Plus, the multi-disc drag system lets you easily adjust the resistance, so you can handle different fish sizes without hassle.

What We Like
Lightweight aluminum spool
Fast 6.1:1 gear ratio
3 stainless steel bearings
Adjustable magnetic brake
Multi-disc drag system
#TOP 4

Pflueger President XT Left Handle Baitcast Reel

PRESXTLPL-HSB
Multi-color
PRESXTLPL-HSB
Pflueger President XT Left Handle Baitcast Reel Cover
Pflueger President XT Baitcast Low Profile Reel, Freshwater Fishing Reel, Left Handle Position, Graphite Construction, Multi Disc Star Drag System

The Pflueger President XT Reel is designed to give you smooth and reliable performance on the water. Its balanced build ensures easy handling, making your fishing experience more enjoyable. The reel is lightweight yet durable thanks to its graphite frame and aluminum spool, perfect for left-handed anglers with comfortable cork knobs on the handles. With a fast 7.9:1 gear ratio and precision brass gears, you can quickly retrieve your line, helping you stay in control during the fight. Plus, the multi-disc star drag system with a 15-pound max drag lets you tire out fish effectively, while the ball bearings and anti-reverse feature keep your reel running smoothly.

What We Like
Smooth operation
Lightweight graphite frame
Fast gear ratio
Strong star drag system
Reliable ball bearing system
#TOP 5

Cadence Essence Low Profile Fishing Reel

1998
black and grey
Cadence Essence Low Profile Fishing Reel Cover
Cadence Essence Low Profile Fishing Reel,Lightweight Baitcasting Reel with 8 Corrosion Resistant Bearings, 20 lbs Carbon Fiber Drag with High Speed 7.3:1 Gear Ratio Baitcaster Reels

The Cadence Essence Reel is a lightweight and powerful baitcasting reel designed for avid fishermen. Its carbon frame and GV material side plate make it lightweight and easy to cast far and long. The reel features a smooth and powerful drag system with 20 lbs max drag, allowing you to reel in the biggest catches effortlessly. With its ergonomic design and comfortable palm compact design, the Essence Reel ensures maximum comfort while fishing. It also offers a fast retrieve with its 6.6 or 7.3 gear ratio, enabling efficient fishing and keeping constant pressure on the fish. The Cadence Essence Reel is a high-performance and durable fishing reel that offers great value for its price range.

What We Like
Lightweight
Ultra Smooth & Powerful
Comfortable Palm Compact Design
#TOP 6

Abu Garcia Max X Low Profile Baitcast Fishing Reel

MAX4X-L
Multi
Left-Handed - Box
Abu Garcia Max X Low Profile Baitcast Fishing Reel Cover
Abu Garcia Max X Low Profile Baitcast Reel, Size LP (1539734), 4 Stainless Steel Ball Bearings + 1 Roller Bearing, Synthetic Star Drag, Max of 15lb | 6.8kg, Left-Handed - Box, Multi

The Abu Garcia Max X Low Profile Baitcast Fishing Reel features 4 stainless steel ball bearings and 1 roller bearing, a machined aluminum spool, a Power Disk drag system, a Duragear brass gear, and a MagTrax brake system. These features provide you with a smooth and powerful fishing experience, allowing you to easily catch your desired fish. The reel is perfect for both beginners and experienced anglers, and the low profile design ensures comfortable use.

What We Like
Excellent value for price
Smooth casting experience
Lightweight and user-friendly
Durable and reliable performance
Great for beginners
#TOP 7

Abu Garcia Revo X Fishing Reel

REVO5 X-HS LP
White
Abu Garcia Revo X Fishing Reel Cover
Abu Garcia Revo 5 X Low Profile Fishing Reel, Right Handle Position, C6 Carbon Frame & Asymmetrical Body Design, Durable, Lightweight Fishing Reels

Abu Garcia Revo X Reel is a top-performing fishing reel with a lightweight C6 Carbon frame. Its 7.3:1 gear ratio allows you to retrieve 30" 76cm of line with each crank, making it efficient for quick line retrieval. Equipped with 8 stainless steel bearings, including 7 HPCR bearings and 1 roller bearing, the reel offers smooth operation and instant anti-reverse, preventing tension loss when setting the hook. The Carbon Matrix drag system provides a reliable 20lb 9.1kg max drag, while the MagTrax brake system ensures consistent brake pressure for a seamless fishing experience.

What We Like
Lightweight C6 Carbon Frame
Efficient 7.3:1 Gear Ratio
Smooth Operation with Anti-Reverse
#TOP 8

Sougayilang Cool Low Profile Baitcaster Reel 300

LXC300G-R-US
LXC300
Sougayilang Cool Low Profile Baitcaster Reel 300 Cover
Sougayilang Cool Low Profile Baitcaster Reel - 300 Size, 7.2:1 Gear Ratio, 16lbs Max Drag, Ultra Smooth for Catfish, Musky, Bass,Green-Right Handed

The Sougayilang Baitcaster Reel offers a durable and stylish design with its dual-color aluminum spool, giving you a strong and reliable reel that feels great in your hand. Its smooth performance comes from 6+1 corrosion-resistant ball bearings and a one-way clutch system, ensuring effortless casting and retrieval. You’ll appreciate the powerful drag system that provides up to 16 pounds of stopping force, helping you control big fish with ease. Plus, the smart drag clicker gives you clear audio signals when a fish pulls your line, so you won’t miss any bites and can enjoy a more exciting fishing experience.

What We Like
Durable aluminum spool
Smooth 6+1 ball bearings
Strong 16lbs drag system
Drag alarm clicker
#TOP 9

Piscifun Torrent II Baitcaster Fishing Reel

Piscifun-BRL003-PN
8.1:1 Gear Ratio
Piscifun Torrent II Baitcaster Fishing Reel Cover
Piscifun Torrent II Baitcasting Fishing Reel, 20LB Carbon Fiber Drag Baitcasters, 8.1:1 Gear Ratio & Magnet Braking System Low Profile Casting Reel, Right Handed

The Piscifun Torrent II Reel is a sleek and stylish baitcasting reel that offers excellent durability and performance. With its innovative design, including a matte gray body and comfortable EVA knobs, this reel is perfect for your next fishing trip. The CNC aircraft-grade hardened, anodized aluminum main gear and brass pinion gear provide exceptional durability, corrosion resistance, and impact resistance, allowing you to battle trophy fish with confidence. The Torrent II comes in different gear ratios and sizes, making it suitable for various fishing techniques. It features an easily adjustable external magnetic brake and advanced carbon fiber drag system, providing a powerful and smooth drag. With its lightweight and low profile design, the Torrent II offers a comfortable and efficient fishing experience.

What We Like
Great performance for the price
Easy to adjust and fine-tune
Durable and high-quality construction
#TOP 10

Abu Garcia Silver Max Low Profile Multi Reel

MAX4STX-L
Multi
Left-Handed (Box)
Abu Garcia Silver Max Low Profile Multi Reel Cover
Abu Garcia Max STX Low Profile Baitcast Reel, Size LP (1539732), 5 Stainless Steel Ball Bearings + 1 Roller Bearing, Synthetic Star Drag, Max of 15lb | 6.8kg, Multi

The Abu Garcia Silver Max Low Profile Multi Reel is a left-handed fishing reel with 5 stainless steel ball bearings and 1 roller bearing, a machined aluminum spool, a Power Disk drag system, and a MagTrax brake system. This reel also features a compact bent handle and star, recessed reel foot, one-piece graphite frame, graphite sideplates, and large co-molded soft touch knobs.

What We Like
5 stainless steel ball bearings and 1 roller bearing for smooth operation
Power Disk drag system and MagTrax brake system for easy control
Compact bent handle and star, recessed reel foot for comfortable use
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is low profile fishing reel?

Low-profile reels have a palm side and a handle side. Opposite of spinning reels, right-handed baitcasters have the handle on the right side, and left-handed baitcasters have the handle on the left side. The palm side of the reel is designed to fit the contour of the hand.

2. What are slower reels good for?

In cold water when bass are especially wary, a slow gear ratio is perfect for these slower, non-threatening presentations. A slow reel also aids in keeping these baits in the strike zone longer, which can prove invaluable when fishing moving baits in deep water.

3. What are 6.2 1 reels good for?

6.2:1 to 6.5:1 – We personally use this speed range anytime we are tossing spinnerbaits, throwing jerkbaits, shallow running and lipless crankbaits, early season swim jigs, vibrating jigs and swimbaits / umbrella rigs.

4. Why is a Baitcaster better?

The reason why baitcasters tend to be preferred by many bass anglers is because of the greater casting accuracy they provide. Bass are often found close to heavy cover, and the lure must be placed close to that cover with pinpoint accuracy in order to catch them.

Editor's Notes

During our low profile fishing reel research, we found 24 low profile fishing reel products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 37,070 customer reviews through our big data system to write the low profile fishing reels list. We found that most customers choose low profile fishing reels with an average price of $64.21.

The low profile fishing reels are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of low profile fishing reels, including OKUMA, Pflueger, Shakespeare, Cadence, Abu Garcia. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

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.