Recommended Baitcasting Reels - High End, Mid Range, and Budget
There is a lot of hoopla and hype in the marketing of fishing tackle, just like in most things. It can be hard to separate the substance from the sizzle. We have tried to do that to the best of our ability on this site by highlighting some things that have worked well for us. Below are recommendations for the best high end, midrange, and budget range baitcasting reels that we know of. These are our unbiased opinions as we am not compensated by any of these tackle companies. We don't care what brand you buy. We have personally used every item listed below, and most of the fish shown on this website (at least in our photos) were caught on tackle described on this site.
Note: For reels we generally recommended the fastest gear ratio models below. We feel it is always easier to reel more slowly than more quickly and with the faster ratio you have the speed when you need it.
Note: For reels we generally recommended the fastest gear ratio models below. We feel it is always easier to reel more slowly than more quickly and with the faster ratio you have the speed when you need it.
High End - Daiwa Pluton
This is the probably best inshore baitcast reel ever produced by Daiwa, which is saying a lot because they have produced many quality baitcast reels. It has a ton of cranking power for its size and despite that is still able to boast a fast 6.2:1 gear ratio on the 200SH model. They also have a lower gear ratio model. It has an extremely smooth retrieve with no wobble and an excellent drag system. It will easily handle most freshwater fish and inshore saltwater fish as well. I have used it for tough fish such as Snook, Jacks, Bluefin Trevally, and small Giant Trevally and it has handled them all beautifully. In addition to outstanding performance it looks very sharp too. I really have nothing bad to say about this reel other than it is only available in one size. I actually wrote to Daiwa on that issue and asked them to make it in other sizes but so far it hasn't happened. It's not cheap but you get what you pay for. The main competition for this reel is the Shimano Calcutta TE, which is also a fine reel but I just don't feel it measures up to the Pluton. I have a Calcutta Conquest 400 (an upgraded TE available in Japan) and I use it when I need more line that what the Pluton holds. The Calcutta TE is a good option if you need larger sizes than the 200 size the Pluton comes in.
Below is a list of some of the Pluton's features:
This is the probably best inshore baitcast reel ever produced by Daiwa, which is saying a lot because they have produced many quality baitcast reels. It has a ton of cranking power for its size and despite that is still able to boast a fast 6.2:1 gear ratio on the 200SH model. They also have a lower gear ratio model. It has an extremely smooth retrieve with no wobble and an excellent drag system. It will easily handle most freshwater fish and inshore saltwater fish as well. I have used it for tough fish such as Snook, Jacks, Bluefin Trevally, and small Giant Trevally and it has handled them all beautifully. In addition to outstanding performance it looks very sharp too. I really have nothing bad to say about this reel other than it is only available in one size. I actually wrote to Daiwa on that issue and asked them to make it in other sizes but so far it hasn't happened. It's not cheap but you get what you pay for. The main competition for this reel is the Shimano Calcutta TE, which is also a fine reel but I just don't feel it measures up to the Pluton. I have a Calcutta Conquest 400 (an upgraded TE available in Japan) and I use it when I need more line that what the Pluton holds. The Calcutta TE is a good option if you need larger sizes than the 200 size the Pluton comes in.
Below is a list of some of the Pluton's features:
- Available in high-speed (6.2:1) and standard-speed (5.1:1) gear ratios
- Eight corrosion-resistant CRBB ball bearings, plus roller bearing
- Lightweight, super-strong machined one-piece aluminum frame
- Infinite Anti-Reverse
- Powerful drag system with oversized washers provides smooth, consistent fish-stopping performance
- Swept Handle for less wobble, better feel and maximum winding leverage
- Three-point laser engraving
High End - Daiwa Steez
Cautionary Note: Once you use this reel you will have a very hard time going back to any other freshwater baitcasting reel. Its magnesium body causes it to weigh in at a ridiculously light 5.6 ounces, allowing you to cast all day without fatigue. Despite its lightweight frame, it boasts strong gears and a very fast 7.1:1 retrieve ratio. It has a buttery smooth retrieve with no wobble and no slip for rock solid hooksets. It is as much of a work of art as a fishing reel, but one that is meant to be used and loved. Again, it is not cheap, but as soon as you handle it you will know and appreciate why. Again my only complaint is that it is only available in limited sizes. Then again, if it wasn't I might bankrupt myself buying all the other sizes. Do not use this reel in saltwater as the magnesium is not very corrosion resistant. It is primarily used for Largemouth Bass but could be used for any number of other freshwater fish such as Smallmouth Bass, Pike, Peacock Bass, etc. The main competition is the Shimano Core. I have never fished with it but I handled it in the store and prefer the Steez. Here are some of the features:
Cautionary Note: Once you use this reel you will have a very hard time going back to any other freshwater baitcasting reel. Its magnesium body causes it to weigh in at a ridiculously light 5.6 ounces, allowing you to cast all day without fatigue. Despite its lightweight frame, it boasts strong gears and a very fast 7.1:1 retrieve ratio. It has a buttery smooth retrieve with no wobble and no slip for rock solid hooksets. It is as much of a work of art as a fishing reel, but one that is meant to be used and loved. Again, it is not cheap, but as soon as you handle it you will know and appreciate why. Again my only complaint is that it is only available in limited sizes. Then again, if it wasn't I might bankrupt myself buying all the other sizes. Do not use this reel in saltwater as the magnesium is not very corrosion resistant. It is primarily used for Largemouth Bass but could be used for any number of other freshwater fish such as Smallmouth Bass, Pike, Peacock Bass, etc. The main competition is the Shimano Core. I have never fished with it but I handled it in the store and prefer the Steez. Here are some of the features:
- Ultra-fast 7.1:1 gear ratio
- Starting at just 5.6 ounces, they’re the lightest high-speed reels of their kind
- Eleven precision ball bearings, plus roller bearing
- Magnesium frame and handle-side sideplate
- Swept handle for less wobble, better feel and maximum winding leverage
- Tough, A7075 tempered aluminum drive gear and phosphor bronze pinion
- Free-floating A7075 aluminum alloy spool starts faster, spins longer
- Fast spool changes
- Magforce®-V automatic magnetic spool brake
- Eight-disc wet drag with precision click adjustment
- Precision-click free-spool adjustment
- Infinite Anti-Reverse
Mid Range - Daiwa TD Zillion
In my humble opinion Daiwa makes the best baitcasting reels and therefore most of the reels on this page are made by them. The TD Zillion is a rock-solid, high-quality option at a mid-range price. A little heavier than the Steez but still acceptably light at 8.8 ounces, it allows you to cast all day and easily fits in the palm of your hand. The drag system maxes at 8.8lbs, which is plenty for most types of freshwater fishing. Also, if you were fishing heavy line in heavy cover the beauty of baitcasting reels is you can add more drag with your thumb. There are many other baitcasters made by other manufacturers, and I certainly haven't fished them all, but in handling them I really feel like the Zillion is the cream of the crop for this class of reel. See below for a list of some of the features:
Click here for reel specifications: Zillion Specs
This is a great reel for Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Pike, Peacock Bass, and other freshwater fish.
Mid Range - Shimano Curado E
The Curado is a fine mid range low profile baitcasting reel with a high speed retrieve ratio and a good amount of line capacity. For those two reasons it is an excellent choice for Amazon trips for Peacock Bass. It is also very good for inshore saltwater fish such as Calico Bass and Sand Bass. One of my friends caught a 37lb yellowtail with one of these using a bass rod, although it took a very long time and the reel had to be serviced afterwards. Below are some of the features:
The Curado is a fine mid range low profile baitcasting reel with a high speed retrieve ratio and a good amount of line capacity. For those two reasons it is an excellent choice for Amazon trips for Peacock Bass. It is also very good for inshore saltwater fish such as Calico Bass and Sand Bass. One of my friends caught a 37lb yellowtail with one of these using a bass rod, although it took a very long time and the reel had to be serviced afterwards. Below are some of the features:
- Aluminum Frame
- Lightweight Graphite Sideplates
- Recessed Reel Foot
- High Efficiency Gearing (HEG)
- Super Free Bearing Supported Pinion Gear System (SF)
- A7075 Aluminum Magnumlite Spool
- Dartainium Drag
- 5 Bearings
- 4 Shielded Stainless Steel BB
- Roller Clutch Bearing
- Variable Brake System (VBS) with Reduced Mass Hub
- Super Stopper
- Assist Stopper
- Septon PV Power Grips
- 1/8 Turn Easy Access Attached Sideplate
- Metal Cast Control Knob
- Anodized Spool and Handle
- Disengaging Levelwind System
- Quickfire II Clutch Bar
Budget - Bass Pro Extreme
If you are on a budget, these reels are a solid choice. They come in a good variety of sizes for different types of fishing. They aren't fancy, but they should do the trick. I actually landed a 19.5 lb Peacock Bass on one of these. Good for Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Pike, and other freshwater fish. These can also be used for inshore saltwater fish like Snook. Below are some of the features:
If you are on a budget, these reels are a solid choice. They come in a good variety of sizes for different types of fishing. They aren't fancy, but they should do the trick. I actually landed a 19.5 lb Peacock Bass on one of these. Good for Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Pike, and other freshwater fish. These can also be used for inshore saltwater fish like Snook. Below are some of the features:
- 6 separate performance versions plus 3 left-hand models
- Tough 1-piece aluminum frame
- Free-floating machined-aluminum spool
- 7-bearing system plus Powerlock™ instant anti-reverse
- Micro-adjustable Free Zone magnetic braking
- 6-disc Teflon® glass/stainless drag stack
- Recurve-style handle
