Best Steelhead Fishing Reels of 2026
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Steelhead fishing reels are a must-have for any angler looking to catch the elusive steelhead trout. These reels are designed to withstand the power and agility of these fish, allowing anglers to reel them in with ease. They come in a variety of sizes and styles, from traditional spinning reels to more advanced baitcasting reels. Some of the top brands in the industry include Shimano, Penn, and Daiwa. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, a steelhead fishing reel is an essential tool for any angler looking to tackle these challenging fish.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
#TOP 1
9.9
#TOP 2
9.8
#TOP 3
9.6
Top 10 Steelhead Fishing Reels
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.
Okuma Avenger Spinning Reel
The Okuma Avenger New Generation Spinning Reel is a high-performance fishing reel that features a multi-disc, Japanese oiled felt drag system, 6BB + 1RB for ultimate smoothness and performance, and a quick-set anti-reverse roller bearing. With a gear ratio of 5.0:1 and a retrieve rate of 25.80", this reel is perfect for serious anglers looking for a reliable and efficient spinning reel.
Okuma Coldwater 350 Low Profile Linecounter Reel
The Okuma Coldwater 350 Low Profile Linecounter Reel is a durable and lightweight fishing reel that is perfect for trolling. The reel features a corrosion-resistant frame and sideplates, which help to ensure that it lasts for a long time. It also has a multi-disc, carbonite drag system that provides smooth and reliable drag performance. The aluminum handle arm with ergo grip handle knobs makes it comfortable to use for long periods of time, and the oversized machine cut brass XL drive and pinion gears provide plenty of power. The machined aluminum, two-tone anodized spool is also a great feature, as it helps to reduce line twist and provides consistent performance.
Daiwa BG2000 BG Saltwater Spinning Reel
Ugly Stik Ugly Tuff Spinning Spinning Reel
Abu Garcia Max Pro Spinning Reel
The Abu Garcia Max Pro Spinning Reel features a Rocket Line Management system that extends casting distance, a lightweight construction with durable graphite body, and a felt front drag for smooth operation. It has a gear ratio of 5.2:1 and can recover 20.5"52cm of line for every turn of the crank. With 7 total bearings, it provides smooth operation for any fishing experience, and has a line capacity of 190/2 100/4 80/6 for mono, and 160/4 for braid.
Okuma Coldwater 350 Low Profile Linecounter Reel CW354D
Redington Behemoth Fly Fishing Reel
Okuma Classic Pro XP Reel
ECHO ION Reel 7/9
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What size reel is best for steelhead?
The best reels for steelhead will have smooth drags, hold plenty of line, and be in the size 30 range. They will also allow the line to come off the reel smoothly for extra-long drifts.
2. Can you use a baitcaster for steelhead?
I like to use baitcasting from the bank because you are throwing more weight and they cast more accurately. I like to use spinning when throwing a light bobber setup or for sidedrifting out of a boat. A lot of times it can be trickier throwing lighter setups with a caster. The more time in the water the better..
3. What size reel is best for trout fishing?
However, it's generally best to go for reels with smaller sizes for trout fishing. Choosing 2500 spinning reels would be ideal for trout fishing in freshwater. It's better when used with 5 to 12 lbs braided lines. The smallest and lightest reels will always be a good choice.
During our steelhead fishing reel research, we found 24 steelhead fishing reel products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 35,319 customer reviews through our big data system to write the steelhead fishing reels list. We found that most customers choose steelhead fishing reels with an average price of $136.37.
The steelhead fishing reels are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of steelhead fishing reels, including Zebco, OKUMA, Daiwa, Ugly Stik, Abu Garcia. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
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.