If you are looking for the perfect fishing reel on the internet, then you will know that there are a lot of brands to choose from.
With a ton of gear options at all kinds of price points, it can be tough to make a purchasing decision. In this article, we will go over the best fishing reel brands that make reels that you can buy today. We will consider price, quality, reliability, and other important aspects.
Penn makes the best fishing reel. The company has over 220 different versions of its flag-ship reel, the Senator. Due to so many tried and true varieties, one variant of this reel or another has been the go-to equipment in the saltwater fishing community since it came out. Penn reals are known to be some of the most dependable ocean fishing reels on the market.
We are going to be covering spinning, casting and spincaster reels in this article. We will save fly reels and centerpin reels for another article.
Best Fishing Reel Brands
1.Penn
While working for the reel manufacturer Ocean City Manufacturing Company, Machinist Otto Henze thought up the idea for his future company.
Then, a decade later, he made the leap and rented a loft a few blocks away and started his own reel company. His innovating designs impressed the Miller Auto Supply Company, so they offered his burgeoning company a production contract.
What Penn is Known For
Penn started out as a manufacturer of saltwater fishing gear, and they are still known for that today. Their current flag-ship reel is called the Senator. It has been the primary reel in the saltwater fishing community since it came out way back in 1936. Now over 220 different version of this reel are currently in production. They are known to be some of the most dependable reels used for ocean fishing.
- Durable with a long range
- Great for big saltwater game fish
- Full metal body, side plate, and rotor
- Heavy duty aluminum bail wire
- Excellent durability
- Anti-reverse ball bearing
- Ultra-smooth performance
- Provides fluid cranking
- 5 sealed stainless steel ball bearing
- Spool requires no backing, braid ready
- Line capacity ring markings
2.Shimano
Shimano was originally founded in 1927 in Japan as a bicycle parts manufacturer. They reached commercial success due to their ingenious innovations and precise engineering.
Shimano pioneered the in-hub gear train. 1970 is when the American division of the company was introduced to the fishing reel niche, with immediate success.
Shimano totally revolutionized the reel industry back when it was still an emerging niche. A few years after entering the tackle market, the company debuted its DUX Auto spinning reels.
This innovative reel was equipped with a cog system that could automatically shift into a higher gear when a hook was set.
What Shimano Is Known For
- Updated design
- Cold forged Hagane gears
- Significant performance upgrade
- Affordable value
- HAGANE Provides long-lasting, strong, and durable performance
- Double-anodized machine-cut spools
- Increased line capacity
- Compact body
- Propulsion Line Management System
- Long casting distances
- Backlash and knot prevention
- Max Drag: 7 lbs.
- Gear Ratio: 5.0:1
- Weight: 7.6 oz
- Line Retrieve: 26″
3.Daiwa
Daiwa started out in 1955, focusing on a single line of spinning reels. The company grew over time and by 1966, it opened a sales and distribution center in Culver City, California.
This facility was needed to handle their sudden and impressive share of the fishing tackle market. Now, they are known the world over for a strong commitment to fine craftsmanship.
What Daiwa is Known For
Daiwa is completely entrenched in the freshwater rod and reel scene. They do, however, have some really great saltwater options.
The company’s saltwater reels are somewhat expensive, but they are also outstanding examples of Daiwa’s industry-leading innovation. Most of their freshwater reels are of the spinner and baitcasting variety, with just a few fly and trolling reels.
- Black Anodized Machined Aluminum Housing
- ‘Hard Bodyz’ Body & Side Cover
- Over-sized Digigear System
- Solid Screw-In Handle
- Air Rotor
- Dynamic Cut Aluminum Spool
- Braided Line Ready Spool
- Waterproof Drag System
- Carbon ATD
- Line Per Handle Turn: 53.3″
- Manual Return Bail
- 6BB+1RB
- Gear Ratio: 5.6:1
- Drag Max:33
4. Abu Garcia
Abu Garcia started out making making taximeters and watches in the 1920s. During World War 2, however, the demand for such products plummeted. So, the company began to design fishing reels.
What Abu Garcia is Known For
Antique Abu Garcia reels are known to sell for several thousand dollars. You can see evidence of such on eBay. Just search for one and check the box that says ‘sold listing.’ This manufacturer is best known for its low-profile freshwater baitcasters and ultra-smooth spinning reels.
- Lightweight design
- Single-piece graphite frame and side plates
- 4 stainless steel ball bearings
- Strong and sensitive clear tip design
- MagTrax brake system
- Boosted cast range and accuracy
- Compact bent handle
- Recessed reel
- Ergonomic grip
5. Pflueger
When Pflueger first started it was known as Enterprise Manufacturing Company, E.A. This is one old company, as it was founded in 1880 as a fishing tackle manufacturer.
A few years later, Pflueger revolutionized the fishing tackle market with the introduction of glow in the dark lures. The company saw tremendous success as a lure and hook maker, and started making reels in 1916.
What Pflueger is Known For
Pflueger mainly offers rod and reel combos. This company makes some of the lowest-cost products on the market, but they maintain a high quality.
That’s why some of Pfueger’s combos have been some of the best selling for years. Pflueger’s freshwater lineup includes fly reels, trolling reels, baitcasters, spinners, and more. This company also makes saltwater reels, but they have only just starting doing so.
- 10 bearing system
- Corrosion resistant stainless steel ball bearings
- Graphite body and rotor
- Lightweight graphite reel construction
- Braid ready spool
6.Lew’s
Lew Childre Jr and his wife, Bebe, started Lew’s fishing to sell shrimp to the local anglers. Over time, what started out as a small venture grew a little bait and tackle shop.
At the time, Childre was frustrated with the rods that were available. So, he started to grow his own bamboo for making his own rods.
What Lew’s is Known For
Lew’s is still very well-known for its ground-breaking reels that put them on the map when they first started making them. Their teardrop reels are extremely popular still.
The company makes baitcasters more than anything else, but they also sell a line of spinning reels that are widely used by fishermen in the US.
- Lightweight one-piece aluminum frame
- 11-bearing system
- Stainless steel double shielded ball bearings
- Zero Reverse one-way clutch bearings
- Lightweight carbon C45 side plates
- Patented Speed Dial
- Near-instant line recognition
- Double anodized 32 millimeter Duralumin U-spool
- Adjustable 4-pin, 27 Centrifugal Breaking (ACB) system
7. Okuma
Okuma is new to the reel game, considering that they just started making them in the mid 80s. They have been making them quickly, though.
The company has nearly 40 series of reels ranging all major types from spinners to baitcasters, from saltwater to freshwater and even fly fishing. The designs of Okuma reels range from minimalist to almost over complicated.
What Okuma is Known For
Okuma is well-known for producing high-quality budget reels. The company has made a science out of the production process and this has evolved to the point to where they can crank out low-cost, dependable, reels that are packed with features.
This, of course, makes them particularly popular with beginners . Seasoned Fisherman prefer their mid-priced reels, but you won’t find them on too many charter boats or at too many tournaments.
- 9 + 1 high-quality Japanese bearing system
- Maximum retrieval smoothness
- Premium carbon fiber drag system
- Consistent and powerful drag
- Max drag of 36lbs
- Lightweight, rigid, carbon composite body
- Aluminum, braid ready spool
- Corrosion resistant stainless-steel main shaft
- Die-cast aluminum handle
8.13 brand
13 Fishing is another newcomer. In fact, they are very new. The company only started production in 2012.
13 started out with a focus on the American market, but the company has recently expanded into global markets. Even though it is a new company, 13 is known to make some of the most reliable, most innovative reels you can get.
What 13 is Known For
13 Fishing is famous for making some of the best baitcasters on the market. They only make a handful of spinning reels, which are also of fantastic quality and design.
- Concept Zero Bearing Technology
- Ball bearings are replaced with a proprietary space-age polymer material
- High Performance Reel
- Casts significantly farther than reel with traditional ball bearings
- Corrosion proof
- Constructed using Ocean Armor 2 Saltwater
- 6-way Centrifugal Braking System
- Adjustable 6 pins braking system
- All-Aluminum Frame and gear sideplates
- Incredibly lightweight and durable
9.KastKing
This company started in Finger Lakes located in upstate New York. There were some college students who had a vision for a company that would have a direct connection to fisherman to keep their prices low.
So, they chose to cut out the middlemen and to realize this dream. Now they have a factory-direct business that was successful almost instantly. KastKing’s product development is driven by customer input and suggestions.
What KastKing is Known For
KastKing is massively popular in the industry because of their consistent commitment to low prices and high value.
Most of the reels made buy this company can be bought for less than $50. Some of them are half that! When it comes to the type of reels they make, its pretty much 50/50 between spinners and baitcasters, but their baitcasters are more popular.
- Low profile and versatile
- 5.3:1 Low Gear Ratio
- Super lightweight
- Peak performance carbon graphite frame
- Precision cut brass gear structure
- High-strength aerospace grade aluminum gears
- Carbon fiber drag system
- Low maintenance design
- High-quality, anti-corrosive ball bearings
- Ultra smooth, fast casting reel
- 11 ball bearings
- Instant-stop one way bearing clutch
- lightning fast hook sets
- Multi-level, dual braking system
- Longest casting system
- Over run prevention
- 4 pin internal friction brake
- Powerful 7-magnet brake
- Fine casting control over
10.Quantum
Quantum was founded in 1984 with a focus on precision-engineered fishing products. Right now the company is not making any trolling or fly reels, but they do have an excellent line of spinning reels and baitcasters that range from value reels to flag-ship models.
What Quantum Is Known For
Quantum became instantly popular with bass tournament anglers who preferred low-profile baitcasters.
In fact, its rare to get a hold of get fishing magazine without seeing at least one endorsement for a Quantum reel. Quantum has loads of industry experience and they are always improving and updating their reels and other products.
- Durable aluminum body
- Forged aluminum spool
- Strong single-piece handle
- Made for Saltwater use
- 6 anti-corrosion bearings
- Works great in freshwater just as well
- Super-smooth performance in all applications
- Water-tight seal, Safe from the elements
- Fully sealed and maintenance free
- Protected from corrosion, sand and wear
- SCR aluminum body and rotor
- 6.0:1 gear ratio
- Smooth and consistent retrieve
- Switchable right- or left-hand retrieve
- Ceramic carbon drag system
- 25-pounds max drag
- 5-year warranty