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Best Fishing Reel Review and Buying Guide

There are so many different fishing reels that hit the market every year, it’s impossible to keep track and be able to compare one reel to the next. No matter what type of fishing you are into, be it saltwater, freshwater, or fly fishing, there is a reel out there that will suit your needs and I’m here to help you find it.

I, myself, am an avid angler and enjoy all the types of fishing noted above. It is a tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation, and I am in the process of passing it down to my kids who seem to enjoy it as much as I do. Our one true passion is surf fishing for big bull Red Drum on a barrier island, but we will not pass up the opportunity to hit up a local pond or jump in the boat and try our luck elsewhere.

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Fishing Rod/Reel Combo Kit For Kids

The weather finally breaks and the kids are hyped up to go fishing but you don’t have everything you need?! Well this is the kit for you, affordable enough to get one for everyone, and doing that keeps them from fighting over who is going to use what. This is a great gift for Birthdays and Holidays as well as for Students and Boys & Girls.

Included is a kids lightweight fishing rod/reel combo, minnow net, carry case and tackle box loaded with enough tackle to get started. It’s a 40 piece kit!! The fishing pole extends to 65 inches and folds down to 14 inches, great for travel and packing. Take it anywhere with the compact carry case.

The lightweight fishing rod is specifically for children to be able to hold and handle easily with a comfortable grip.

The fishing lure/tackle included are

Red Soft Lures
Green Soft Lures
Hooks
Bobbers
Bobber Stopers
Dual Alert Bell
Jig Heads
Hard Lure
Sinkers
Beads
Rolling Barrel Fishing Swivels
Barrel Swivel with Safety Snap Connector Solid Rings – 1 x Tackle box

Click here to purchase yours today!!

KastKing Summer and Centron

The KastKing Summer/Centron Spinning Reel is loaded with quality features. It is a fishing reel that is an excellent addition to your fishing tackle collection. 9 + 1 quality ball bearings, powerful drag, and special components stand up to hard use. Spool up a Summer/Centron spinning reel with KastKing braided line for a high performance package.

KastKing Keeps Fishing Fun…

– Two color anodized aluminum spool
– Attractive brilliant finish
– Lightweight compact design for effortless casting
– High tensile strength graphite frame resists corrosion
– Superior drag system for intensive drag power
– Precision pinion gear system
– Unique design handle. Right / Left interchangeable

Please click here to order!

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Penn Fierce II

The Penn Fierce II offers dependability and unparalleled power at an affordable price. With its lightweight all-aluminum Full Metal Body and side plates, bulletproof stainless steel main shaft, thick aluminum bail wire, and braid-ready spool pre-marked for line capacity, this powerhouse Penn reel was solidly engineered for performance in all conditions. Expect smooth retrieves thanks to its Techno-Balanced™ graphite rotor and 4+1 system with shielded stainless steel ball bearings and Instant Anti-Reverse. And its reliable, field-proven oiled-felt drag system has plenty of muscle to tame even the hardest charging fish.

Full Metal Body and sideplates
Techno-Balanced graphite rotor
Heavy-duty aluminum bail wire
4+1 bearing system with Instant Anti-Reverse
Shielded stainless steel ball bearings
Superline spool with line capacity rings
Ultra-reliable oiled felt drag system

The Penn Fierce II Live-Liner (LL) offers dependability and flexibility at an affordable price. Flexibility comes from the Live-Liner feature, with an adjustable rear drag knob for fishing live baits or targeting finicky fish. Featuring a Full Metal Body, stainless steel main shaft, thick aluminum bail wire, and braid ready spool the Fierce II was engineered to provide unwavering performance in the roughest conditions.

4+1 shielded stainless steel ball bearings
Instant Anti-Reverse bearing
Heavy-duty aluminum bail wire
Superline Spool with Line Capacity Rings

The Penn Fierce II is available in the following models:

MODEL # Fierce II – 1000

MONO CAPACITY YD/LB

275/2 135/4 105/6

BRAID CAPACITY YD/LB

160/6 130/8 110/10

BEARING COUNT

5

MAX DRAG LB

7lb | 3.1kg

GEAR RATIO

5.2:1

MODEL # Penn Fierce II – 2000

MONO CAPACITY YD/LB

240/4 180/6 125/8

BRAID CAPACITY YD/LB

210/8 180/10 165/15

BEARING COUNT

5

MAX DRAG LB

7lb | 3.1kg

GEAR RATIO

6.2:1

MODEL # Fierce II – 2500

MONO CAPACITY YD/LB

255/6 175/8 140/10

BRAID CAPACITY YD/LB

240/10 220/15 160/20

BEARING COUNT

5

MAX DRAG LB

7lb | 3.1kg

GEAR RATIO

6.2:1

MODEL # Fierce II – 3000

MONO CAPACITY YD/LB

200/8 165/10 120/12

BRAID CAPACITY YD/LB

250/15 180/20 130/30

BEARING COUNT

5

MAX DRAG LB

10lb | 4.5kg

GEAR RATIO

6.2:1

MODEL # Fierce II – 4000

MONO CAPACITY YD/LB

270/8 220/10 165/12

BRAID CAPACITY YD/LB

360/15 260/20 185/30

BEARING COUNT

5

MAX DRAG LB

13lb | 5.8kg

GEAR RATIO

6.2:1

MODEL # Fierce II – 5000

MONO CAPACITY YD/LB

225/12 200/15 135/20

BRAID CAPACITY YD/LB

420/20 300/30 240/40

BEARING COUNT

5

MAX DRAG LB

20lb | 9.0kg

GEAR RATIO

5.6:1

MODEL # Fierce II – 6000

MONO CAPACITY YD/LB

335/15 230/20 210/25

BRAID CAPACITY YD/LB

490/30 390/40 335/50

BEARING COUNT

5

MAX DRAG LB

20lb | 9.0kg

GEAR RATIO

5.6:1

MODEL # Fierce II – 8000

MONO CAPACITY YD/LB

340/20 310/25 230/30

BRAID CAPACITY YD/LB

475/50 390/65 345/80

BEARING COUNT

5

MAX DRAG LB

25lb | 11.3kg

GEAR RATIO

5.3:1

KastKing Royale Legend Baitcasting Fishing Reel

The new KastKing Royale Legend Baitcast reel did not become Amazon.com’s Best Seller just because of it’s name. This reel delivers smooth consistent performance without breaking the budget. A Royale Legend baitcast reel will keep you fishing all day long. Its over-sized flat-sided EVA foam soft grip reel handle reduces fatigue and delivers a soft, comfortable nonslip grip, even in the wettest conditions.

Light weight, low profile baitcaster design fits comfortably in your hand. Its quick access removable side plate gives easy access. This baitcasting reels specs include 11 + 1 shielded stainless ball-bearings, 17.5 lbs./ 7.9 kg. of drag from its smooth, reliable star drag system, 7.0:1 gear ratio, brass gears, and a CNC machined multi-ported aluminum whiffle styled spool that rides on a stainless steel shaft offers maximum strength with less weight. Its sleek black color and bold new look along with it dynamic design gives you the look, feel, strength, and reliability expected from a high price premium baitcasting reel at a fraction of the cost. The new KastKing Royale Legend Baitcasting reel is saltwater approved. The Royale legend makes a great combo when matched to a KastKing baitcasting rod. A cut above its predecessor, the KastKing Royale Legend offers more power, more speed and a bolder look.

PERFORMANCE – Low profile design bait caster with a super silent high speed 7.0:1 line retrieve.

UNMATCHED – Precision cut brass gear structure and carbon fiber drag system delivering 17.5 LBs of drag offer the ultimate in a high performance low maintenance baitcasting reel package.

PROVEN – 11 + 1 shielded MaxiDur corrosion resistant ball bearings for super smooth casting, retrieve, and long life.

TOURNAMENT READY – The new Royal legend bait caster has state of the art dual brakes with a quick, easy to fine-tune reliable centrifugal and magnetic brake system for superior casting control.

DYNAMIC – Two color anodized aluminum forged multi-ported whiffle-style spool offers maximum strength while reducing weight.

Available in both Right-hand and Left-hand models.

This is the perfect baitcast reel for almost any fishing technique – pitching, flipping, casting, and more.

Bass fishing

Perfect for bass fishing and other types of freshwater fishing. It is braided fishing line friendly. Super durability for more fishing fun.

Trout fishing

Super smooth operation allows you to cast the lightest lures. Sling to your heart’s content and it’s fish on.

Kayak fishing

A perfect fishing buddy for your kayak fishing trip. Good manners and well behaved. It never complains.

Fish Every Season

Whether you’re fishing the pre-spawn, fishing for sunnies on a sunny day, or dropping a line down the hole for ice fishing, KastKing Royale Legend baitcasters handles them all!

Left-Handed Reel

Weight: 7.5oz/213g
Max Drag: 17.64LB/8KG
Gear Ratio: 7.0:1
Line Capacity:
- Braid Capacity: 0.26mm/180m, 0.28/150, 0.30/110
- Mono Capacity: 10LB/200YD, 12/165, 14/120

Right-Handed Reel

Weight: 7.5oz/213g
Max Drag: 17.64LB/8KG
Gear Ratio: 7.0:1
Line Capacity:
- Braid Capacity: 0.26mm/180m, 0.28/150, 0.30/110
- Mono Capacity: 10LB/200YD, 12/165, 14/120

Abu Garcia BMAX3 Max Low-Profile Baitcast Fishing Reel

An ideal choice for novice anglers and seasoned pros alike, the Abu Garcia BMAX3 Low-Profile Baitcast fishing reel delivers maximum performance at an exceptional value. This stylish baitcast reel packs cutting-edge features into a lightweight, low-profile graphite frame that provides strength without adding excess weight to your rod. Equipped with a MagTrax brake system, the reel delivers accurate castability across a wide range of casting conditions and accommodates a variety of lures. Its Power Disk drag system delivers the smooth, reliable drag needed to tame a variety of hard-pulling fish species. And with its compact bent handle, star wheel, and recessed reel foot, this low-profile baitcast fishing reel offers an ergonomic feel that provides comfort during all-day fishing trips.

Some notable features of this reel include:

Sleek, lightweight, stylish design with 1-piece graphite frame and graphite side plates
4 stainless steel ball bearings and 1 roller bearing for reliable operation and effortless retrieve
Power Disk system ensures smooth drag performance through the entire drag range
MagTrax brake system delivers precise, customizable cast control and accommodates a variety of lures
Compact bent handle and recessed reel foot provide a comfortable grip

MagTrax Brake System for Precise, Versatile Cast Control

Built for exceptional cast control, this baitcast fishing reel capably handles a broad spectrum of techniques, lure sizes, and casting situations. The MagTrax brake system exerts consistent pressure throughout the cast to boost cast range and accuracy and allows you to move the brake closer to the spool with just the turn of a dial.

Power Disk Drag System Blends Strength and Smoothness

Equipped with a Power Disk drag system, the Black Max fishing reel gives anglers the robust stopping power needed to tame hard-pulling fish species. This proven system delivers smooth, reliable drag pressure across the entire drag range and remains supple even under heavy duress.

Stainless Steel Ball Bearings Deliver Smooth Operation

Engineered for smoothness, this baitcast fishing reel comes equipped with four stainless steel ball bearings and one roller bearing. The ball bearings are flawlessly aligned to provide fluid operation and an outstandingly smooth retrieve.

Ergonomic, Low-Profile Design for Comfortable Cranking

Featuring a low-profile design and a recessed reel foot, the Black Max baitcast fishing reel sits flush with the rod to facilitate an ergonomic and more controlled grip. The compact bent handle and star wheel offer a fluid, comfortable feel that helps minimize fatigue, making this reel ideal for all-day fishing excursions.

The Abu Garcia BMAX3 baitcasting reel comes in the following models:

Abu Garcia BMAX3

Reel handle position – Right
Weight – 7.3 oz
Retrieve Rate – 26″/66 cm
Gear Ratio 6.4:1
Braking system – Magnetic
Bearing count – 5
Mono Capacity – 12LB/145Yds
Braid Capacity – 30LB/140Yds

Abu Garcia BMAX3-L

Reel handle position – Left
Weight – 7.3 oz
Retrieve Rate – 26″/66 cm
Gear Ratio 6.4:1
Braking system – Magnetic
Bearing count – 5
Mono Capacity – 12LB/145Yds
Braid Capacity – 30LB/140Yds

KastKing Sharky II

The KastKing Sharky II is one of the better all around spinning reels for both the freshwater and saltwater angler. This is an upgraded model which is lighter and stronger than it’s original version boasting more carbon fiber drag washers, more ball bearings with less weight and increased line capacity. And this reel will not break the budget with the reasonable price of about $55 for the largest model.

Some notable features of this reel include:

10 + 1 shielded stainless steel bearings
Instant stop anti-reverse
Triple disc carbon fiber drag system
Up to 41.5 LBs of smooth carbon fiber drag on the 6000 model
Upgraded 30% stronger precision mesh brass gears
Stainless steel shaft
Lighter yet stronger large capacity machined aluminum spool

MODELS

There are 6 models to choose from, however, these are the 4 main models necessary to get the job done:

Sharky II 1500

Weight 7.05oz/200g
Max Drag 11LB/5KG
Gear Ratio 5.2:1
Braid Capacity 0.205mm/150m, 0.235/100, 0.26/70
Mono Capacity 6LB/165Yds, 8/110, 10/75

Sharky II 4000

Weight 11.18oz/317g
Max Drag 28.5LB/13KG
Gear Ratio 5.2:1
Braid Capacity 0.31mm/170m, 0.33/150, 0.37/115
Mono Capacity 14LB/185Yds, 16/165, 20/125

Sharky II 5000

Weight 11.64oz/330g
Max Drag 28.5LB/13KG
Gear Ratio 5.2:1
Braid Capacity 0.33mm/190m, 0.35/170, 0.37/150
Mono Capacity 16LB/210Yds, 18/185, 20/165

Sharky II 6000

Weight 16.52oz/468.5g
Max Drag 41.5LB/19KG
Gear Ratio 4.9:1
Braid Capacity 0.405mm/195m, 0.435/165, 0.47/145
Mono Capacity 22LB/215Yds, 25/180, 30/160

KastKing Mela II

Around this area during this time of year, everyone is itching to get outdoors or just out of the house. We’ve been teased with some warmer temps as of late and had days that you can’t help but want to wet a line and do some freshwater fishing. The reel I’m showcasing today is one that you ought to take a look at when getting ready to hit the local freshwater scene.

NEW for 2017! The KastKing Mela II Spinning Reel is light, smooth, powerful, and comes with a FREE spare spool! Mela spinning reels are a great addition to your fishing tackle and could be used whether you’re freshwater or saltwater fishing. Compare a Mela spinning reel by KastKing with a free spare graphite spool to a similar size fishing reel from other brands that cost more. KastKing proudly manufactures quality fishing reels, fishing rods, fishing line, and fishing tackle management products. KastKing Keeps Fishing Fun!

Key Features:
• 10 + 1 ball bearings and instant stop roller bearing and stainless steel main shaft

• precision ultra-mesh brass gears with powerful gear ratios

• triple disc carbon fiber drag washers

• Corrosion resistant components

• Right / Left interchangeable CNC aluminum handle

KastKing Mela II 2000

Weight – 7.09oz/201g
Max Drag – 20lb/9kg
Gear Ratio – 5.2:1
Line Cap – .185mm/250m, .235mm/150m, .285mm/100m
Mono Cap – 5lb/270yds, 8lb/160yds, 12lb/110yds

KastKing Mela II 3000

Weight – 8.32oz/236g
Max Drag – 24lb/11kg
Gear Ratio – 5.2:1
Line Cap – .235mm/180m, .285mm/130m, .335mm/100m
Mono Cap – 8lb/200yds, 12lb/130yds, 16lb/110yds

KastKing Mela II 4000

Weight – 8.68oz/246g
Max Drag – 26lb/12kg
Gear Ratio – 5.2:1
Line Cap – .285mm/120m, .335mm/100m, .375mm/80m
Mono Cap – 12lb/130yds, 16lb/120yds, 20lb/90yds

KastKing Rover

The KastKing Rover is a conventional round baitcaster reel that offers all of the necessary tools for trophy hunters to go after the big ones and are available at under $75. Whether you are after giant catfish, carp, walleye or trolling offshore fishing for large saltwater species, or wreck fishing for bottom feeders, the KastKing Rover is the perfect weapon to conquer the beasts of the deep.

A KastKing Rover is the perfect round baitcasting reel for trolling, bottom fishing, and other techniques used in freshwater and saltwater offshore fishing. Rover’s large line capacities easily handles the lengths of braided or monofilament line needed for those applications and targeting species.

Reinforced hard anodized aluminum side plates and spool
Precision machined brass gears
All alloy flawless level wind
Industry-first stainless steel worm gear
Stainless steel shaft and other components for superior corrosion protection .
Carbon fiber drag system. KastKing Rover (formerly RXA) now offers up to 20 LB / 9 KG of smooth drag.
Fatigue reducing oversized nonslip EVA grips
Line out clicker alarm
Premium shielded stainless steel deep race ball bearings (4 + 1 BBs)

This is the perfect conventional reel for trolling, bottom fishing, and other techniques used in freshwater and saltwater. Anglers who want an affordable, dependable levelwind round baitcasting reel to add to their trolling reel fishing tackle will appreciate the low price and high quality of a KastKing Rover.

The KastKing Rover reels are built with functionality, quality, and are built to last. KastKing Rover Series deliver fantastic design, power, and performance at an affordable price of about $70.

KastKing Rover 70R

Ball Bearings – 4+1
Weight (g) – 539
Weight (oz) – 19.0
Gear Ratio – 4.2:1
Line Cap – mm/m – .4/400, .5/250
Line Cap – lb/yds – 16/430, 25/260
Drag (k) – 7.0
Drag (lb) – 15.5

KastKing Rover 80R

Ball Bearings – 4+1
Weight (g) – 618
Weight (lb) – 21.8
Gear Ratio – 3.2:1
Line Cap – mm/m – .4/600, .5/400
Line Cap – lb/yds – 16/650, 25/440
Drag (k) – 9.0
Drag (lb) – 20.0

KastKing Rover 90R

Ball Bearings – 4+1
Weight (g) – 626
Weight (lb) – 22.1
Gear Ratio – 3.2:1
Line Cap – mm/m – .4/700, .5/500
Line Cap – lb/yds – 16/750, 25/540
Drag (k) – 9.0
Drag (lb) – 20.0

Daiwa Opus

The Daiwa Opus Saltwater Spinning Reel is perfect for boat, jetty, pier, or use in the surf. A heavy action reel for freshwater, but can also handle the harsh elements and rigors of saltwater, Opus can do just about everything.

The features of this reel include:

Infinite Anti-Reverse (Double Stopper)
Smooth, multi-disc drag
Twist Buster line twist reduction
Ball bearing, plus roller bearing
ABS Composite Spool

Model Number	Action FW / SW	Bearings	Gear Ratio	Line Per Handle Turn	Wt. (oz.)	Line Capacity (Lb. Test / Yards)	Drag Max
OP4500	XH / H	1BB, 1RB	4.6:1	39.1″	20.1	MONO: 12/360, 14/290, 17/220	33
OP5000	– / H	1BB, 1RB	4.6:1	39.1″	19.9	MONO: 14/340, 17/250, 20/190	33
OP5500	– / XH	1BB, 1RB	3.4:1	32.4″	24.7	MONO: 20/290, 25/230, 30/190	33
OP6000	– / XH	1BB, 1RB	3.4:1	32.4″	24.5	MONO: 25/260, 30/220, 40/160	33

FW = Freshwater, SW = Saltwater

BB = Stainless Steel Ball Bearing, RB Roller Bearing

Pros

Ambidextrous reel – works for right and left hand
Easy drag set
Smooth retrieval
Very reasonably priced

Cons

There have been cases of the bail arm being tight when first being used
The reels are pretty heavy for casting lures and holding the rod all day long, but if you plan on making a cast and putting the pole in a sandspike, then that is not a problem whatsoever.

Daiwa Opus Saltwater Spinning Reel, Opus Saltwater 5000

KastKing Spartacus

The KastKing Spartacus is quickly becoming the go-to reel for many freshwater anglers who like a good quality casting reel without breaking the budget. The cost of these reels can run from $40 to $90, depending on the model. Check out some of the features the Spartacus model has:

Micro-cast dual centrifugal and magnetic brakes and tournament ready carbon fiber drag with 17.5 LBs of fish stopping power.
Superior shielded 11 + 1 corrosion resistant ball bearings, CNC machined aluminum spool for smooth casting, powerful precision matched brass gears, instant stop anti-reverse for devastating hook sets, and braid line ready ceramic line guide insert.
Versatile 6.3:1 gear ratio
One way clutch system
Left and Right Hand models with CNC Aluminum Handle and EVA Knobs

Not many reels in the $50 range can say they have a carbon fiber drag and 11+1 corrosion resistant ball bearings.

Some specifics about the reel.

Weight(oz/g) 7.2oz/205g
Gear Ratio 6.3:1
Line capacity (lb/yd,mm/M):
- 0.285mm/115m,0.33/90, 0.37/75, 0.4/60
- 10LB/125YD,12/100,15/85,18/65

With a 4.2 out of 5 star rating and price tag of about $50, there isn’t much more you can say about this reel, except to give the KastKing Spartacus a try and see for yourself.