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When it comes to bass fishing, there’s no question that a spinning reel is the way to go. And when it comes to choosing the best spinning reel for bass, it can be tough to know where to start.
That’s why we’ve put together this list of the 7 best spinning reels for bass – so you can find the perfect reel for your next fishing trip. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced fisherman, we’ve got you covered.
Our process on how we came up with our top 7 choices started by doing extensive research on the topic. We read through countless online articles and forum posts about bass fishing, spinning reels, and the best product options out there.
We then narrowed down our search to focus on only the highest-rated and most popular spinning reels for bass fishing. From there, we then tested each of the reels ourselves to get a first-hand feel for their quality and performance.
The main things we looked out for were ease of use, durability, and of course, how well they actually performed when bass fishing. We also took price into consideration – we wanted to find the best spinning reel for bass that offered the most value for your money.
And so for us, we felt that the KastKing Summer was the best spinning reel for bass. It’s very smooth for the best bang of the buck, and it looks nice. We were able to catch 2 large mouth bass with this reel on our last fishing trip.
If you still want to learn about the other spinning reels for bass, keep on reading. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you choose the perfect reel for your needs.
7 Best Spinning Reels For Bass
1. KastKing Summer & Centron
This one is suitable for both beginners as well as some more experienced anglers. It offers excellent performance as well as value, so it’s a good product to try as your first spinning reel.
It’s narrow, graphite frame design is computer-balanced and combined with high-performance. This allows ease of use and makes the Summer/Centron a great gift.
It comes with the brand’s Superior Drag System for incredible stopping power at 17.5 lbs. Its hardened metal shaft and mesh drive gear allow smooth and precise performance. Another thing adding to its quality is the precision-machined pinion gear for more power.
The spinning reel comes with nine quality ball bearings and a single stop one-way anti-reverse bearing. This gives you the power needed to control the Summer&Centron, especially once you catch the targeted fish.
2. KastKing Sharky III
This one is made explicitly for landing trophy fish in both freshwater and saltwater. It’s a lightweight reel built with fiber and graphite body and rotor.
It’s a next-generation spinning reel with the supreme drag of up to 39.5 lbs that’s also quite smooth and reliable. The triple-disc carbon fiber drag along with oversized stainless-steel main shaft provides precision and power.
Another thing worth mentioning is its completely sealed body. The reel is protected by the brand’s unique KastKing Intrusion Shield System that keeps all the dirt and water out.
It comes with the Shark Fin Braid Ready aluminum spool, 10+1 high-quality and double-shielded stainless steel ball bearings, aluminum handle, instant lock anti-reverse and more line capacity.
3. SHIMANO Sedona FI
Shimano is a popular name in the industry, so you can be sure that it offers only the best products. Just by looking at this reel, you can notice its unique and attractive design that’s widely popular.
It’s an updated design that features cold-forged Hagane gears along with several other performance upgrades. As such, the spinning reel offers great value for the price, so it’s worth taking a look at.
The Hagane gearing is one of the best things about this reel. It provides long-lasting and durable performance, smoothness, and strength you need for both offshore and inshore fishing.
It comes with double-anodized and machine-cut spools for higher line capacity. Still, the body is compact and relatively lightweight.
For longer casting, the manufacturer incorporated Propulsion Line Management System. It increases casting distance while reducing backlashes and wind knots.
4. Penn Battle II
Penn is another big name on the market that we’re sure you’ve heard of before. Maybe you even had some of their equipment, which is another reason more to try Battle II.
This is a durable, high-range spinning reel that’s meant for big game fish in saltwater. It’s fully sealed and able to resist seawater and corrosion it can sometimes provide. Its full-metal body, side plate, and aluminum bail wire offer significant durability and smooth performance at all times.
It comes with HT-100 carbon fiber drag system for powerful drag and smoothness. Also, the spinning reel has fluid cranking with five sealed stainless steel ball bearings. On top of that, it features an instant anti-reverse bearing for additional ease of use.
The superline spool it comes with doesn’t require any backing and is braid-ready.
5. One Bass Fishing Reels
This One Bass reel is lightweight and durable thanks to the materials used for its body and components. It’s quiet and smooth in its performance, so it’s suitable for both beginners and experienced anglers.
It comes with twelve ball bearings and one instant anti-reverse bearing. It also has machined, aluminum spool that prevents your line from slipping during heavy-duty use. On top of that, this one has a carbon fiber drag system for consistent pressure and further casting abilities.
Another thing worth mentioning is its reduced weight. This one has an ergonomic EVA handle, so it’s not as heavy as most reels in its price range.
It also comes with a C4LF carbon fiber rotor and hard PT gears. The components give you durability and strength needed to tackle gamefish such as bass and other similar species.
6. Fishdrops Spinning Reels
One of the most eye-catching things about this one is its design. This is an all-black spinning reel that looks as fierce as it performs.
It comes with 12+1 high-rated ball bearings along with one-way clutch system otherwise known as an anti-reverse system. The High-Speed Gear Ratio is at 5:5:1, making it even smoother than the previous models by the brand.
This is a lightweight model that comes with CNC-machined aluminum spool and carved honeycomb holes for better performance and more attractive design.
It’s also equipped with a CNC-machine aluminum handle and an EVA knob. The best thing about it is that you can switch it on both sides depending on which is your dominant hand.
The new nylon material it’s made with makes the reel stronger. On top of that, it features high-precision bass gear and stainless steel main shaft.
7. Akataka Spinning Reel
If you prefer white over black, you might want to consider this Akataka reel. It offers a range of useful features and specifications while also looking modern and attractive.
It’s made with high-efficiency triple disc carbon fiber drag going up to 29 lb. It also has hardened stainless steel main shaft for some added smoothness of performance.
Its 10+1 ball bearings are corrosion resistant for higher durability. On top of that, it also comes with an instant anti-reverse roller bearing for effortless retrieve and smooth use at all times.
It has a compact body and rotor, with a machined aluminum handle, line-ready aluminum spool, quality drive gear, and machined brass pinion gear. This allows for high performance in most bodies of water and with several different fish species.
Brief History on Spinning Reels
Spinning reels aren’t a novelty on the market since we’ve been using them for quite a while now. A while ago, every professional angler had a boat deck with rods and baitcasters that were used for bass fishing. Those with less experience followed the example, which, as a result, pushed spinning reels deep in the closet.
Though people would still use them once in a while, spinning reels were no longer used for bass. It was until the professional anglers didn’t start using them again.
People realized that baitcasters are great for pulling hogs or achieving distance, but the spinning reels are more suitable for getting the fish to strike. It’s a better choice for quiet operation.
However, it’s only as great when it’s quality-made. It has to be up to the task, and with as many options on the market, the search is sometimes overwhelming.
Spinning reels come in different forms and shapes to satisfy different fishing needs. While plenty of those features are impressive, not all of them are actually useful for bass fishing.
You need a quality model that’s designed specifically for the job. The machine has to be able to hook the fish and provide enough backbone for you to land it.
It has to be a durable device as well since bass, and several similar species are quite tricky to land in certain situations.
Buying Guide: Bass Spinning Reels
Size
The size is a critical factor that impacts and affects many other things during your fishing experience. The first thing it affects is weight since larger reels for bass fishing are usually also more massive. Mass is critical for controlling the reel as well as the entire rod, so make sure not to go for anything too heavy.
Still, big models are somewhat more effective when it comes to those most critical features. Your power and speed will probably increase as well as spool capacity and drag output. For this reason, it’s important to get the right size for your needs and the situation you’re in.
Make sure your rod is well-balanced with the spinning reel attached to it. Everything has to be useable and powerful enough to tackle this gamefish appropriately. If the reel is too big, it will make your fishing quite tricky, and if it’s too small, you’ll find it useless for big fish.
Construction
Construction is another critical factor that directly decides longevity and durability. Most of the models we reviewed are made of aluminum and graphite, which is the best balance. The combination is durable and sturdy, but also lightweight enough not to take away from strength and control.
You want a metal body that can flex the rod better than the one made of graphite. However, you have to consider the size of the fish you’re targeting just as well. If it’s a smaller fish, you shouldn’t have any issues with this.
It’s crucial that the spinning reel of your choice is well-made. It has to endure some rough handling without breaking too quickly. To ensure this, your best bet is to get a quality model from a well-known brand.
Spool
Spool capacity is important when it comes to bass fishing because you’ll most likely cast long-distance into water. For this reason, you want plenty of line on your spool to give you the freedom to do just that. In some cases, your line can break, which is when the extra line can come in handy.
Capacity is measured in several ways since much depends on the diameter of the line you’re using. Bass doesn’t need such a thick line which lets you get plenty onto your spool.
For this reason, you can get away with a spinning reel that has middle range spool capacity. This should be more than enough for the particular type of fish since you don’t want to have an excessive amount sitting on your spool.
You might be somewhat unsure about this, but you’ll get a better hang of it with time.
Gear Ratio
Gear ration is essentially the revolution of rotor and line guide you get with one turn of the handle. Different sizes tend to have different gear ratios, so make sure to double-check this when you’re buying a spinning reel.
For bass, you need a ratio of 6:1 that’s seen as a good start, offering plenty of cranking power. If you want more than that, you can go for a lower gear ratio, and if you want less, you should look for a spinning reel with a higher gear ratio.
In most cases, the larger the reel, the lower the gear ratio is needed for capturing big fish. Much like with all other aspects of bass fishing, you want to stay in the middle ground as it’s the best spot to be in for this type of fish. Anything bigger might look more attractive but is useless for bass and will just be a waste of money.
Drag
Only a highly effective drag system will help you catch a good amount of this fish. The drag system has to perform and deliver in all situations, so it’s a critical thing to pay attention to.
The drag works by applying counter pressure to the line, so it makes sure you don’t lose the fish once it’s hooked. This lets you apply a smooth pressure throughout your battle with the catch, securing that it stays on your hook. Some 12 pounds of drag pressure is a good starting point for most anglers and fishers.
Make sure you have enough maximum drag that can really make a difference in how you catch this fish. Since a minimum is 12 pounds of drag, think about what your maximum would be. It might sound somewhat overwhelming, but it makes all the difference in your fishing experience.
Bearing and Gear
Another important thing is to consider the ball bearings inside the gearing system. This is a critical part of your reel that ensures smooth operation. It’s one of the key features that a company should list clearly, so make sure to know that info before you opt for a particular model.
A rule of thumb is, the more bearings you see, the smoother the gear is. However, this isn’t always the case since build quality has a lot to do with this as well. For this reason, make sure to inform yourself about how smooth the action of the reel feels when it performs.
This part of your reel is usually placed under a lot of stress, so you want to make sure that it can withstand years of such rough handling.
Sensitivity
Sensitivity is often overlooked though it’s quite important when it comes to bass fishing. Once you have bass hooked, you want all the help you can get to make sure your catch makes it to the land. A sensitive line is what’s supposed to allow that. It enables you to detect even the lightest bite as soon as it happens.
For this, you want to have a quality line as well as a good rod. However, a well-made reel is still the most critical component that’s made of graphite or aluminum. As such, it increases your chances of feeling the vibration and tackling your prey.
It’s a critical part of your reel that has a great impact on your overall fishing experience. For this reason, give it the time and attention it requires before deciding on what you’ll get.
FAQ: Spinning Reels for Bass
Why Use Spinning Reels For Bass?
Technically, you can catch this fish with another type of equipment, but not as quickly. If you want the experience to be fun and smooth, you should definitely go for a bass spinning reel. It’s what gives you the best chance of catching gamefish such as this.
Spinning reels allow you to try several techniques, including split shot, drop shot, and shaky head. These are fun and add a lot to your entire experience. Such reel also allows you to use plenty of different lures.
It’s called a bass spinning reel for a reason since it’s built mainly for the job of delivering simplicity and versatility for catching this unique species.
If you found such a reel to be tricky to use, you probably just got the wrong model that doesn’t match your needs and situation. Make sure to try several before you make up your mind on how you feel about it.
What Size Spinning Reels Should I Use?
Bass fishing doesn’t require the thickest line, so there’s a limit of how big the bass will be. For this reason, there’s no point in getting the biggest reel on the market unless you might use it for other types of fishing as well.
Some models are bigger than the others, so it’s crucial you take a look at all your options. In most cases, you can get away with an average range size since that’s the easiest to control when it comes to bass fishing.
Other sizes might work as well, but don’t expect them to be as smooth and useful as those that are in the average range. Those that are bigger won’t be used to their full capacity if all you’re after is bass.
Which Bass Rod Works Best With Spinning Reels?
People often think that rods don’t have such an important role as reels do, but they do. You want a rod that’s compatible with your reel in every sense of the word. It should match the quality as well as the size of the reel you opted for.
This helps ensure smoother performance and more comfortable use as a whole. It enables you to land more bass without worrying whether or not your rod can withstand the pressure. Make sure to go for a quality and durable piece that looks and feels well-made for the job.
When Should I Use Spinning Reels For Bass?
You should use it whenever you want to practice and try new techniques that could be useful in catching your target.
A spinning reel can be used for much different fish, which expands your options. These are usually quite versatile and can work equally as well for other gamefish similar to bass.
In most cases, you won’t have to change your reel if you’re targeting other fish. However, if you’re changing the type of fishing, your reel may or may not be of help. It really depends on what you’re catching and how, so you might want to try your spinning reel because it might work with other species and types of fishing.
Final Thoughts on the The Best Spinning Reel For Bass
You’ve probably heard of all how bass fishing is tricky and demanding. However, it doesn’t have to be so long as you have the right equipment for the job. One of the most critical parts is definitely your spinning reel.
We’re sure that, at this point, you’ve chosen one of the models we reviewed to bring to your next adventure. These are the top of what the market has to offer nowadays, so pretty much all of them are good options depending on what precisely you need in terms of size and drag.
If you’re indecisive, then consider the KastKing Summer & Centron. It’s among the most quality-made reels for bass fishing, you’ll find and has a range of features that can help land bass. It’s computer balanced and has incredible stopping power, which is often quite useful with this type of fishing.
Make sure to consider all your options before deciding on a single reel. It’s up to you to decide on the size, drag, sensitivity, spool capacity, and other factors that impact your performance. For this reason, take your time with this and maybe go back to our Buyer’s Guide for some information that might help you make the final decision.
Josh Hassell
There's nothing better than going out to the lake early in the morning, and catching some fish! Like many other anglers, I find fishing to be very therapeutic. I've been fishing since I was about 10 years old, and fell in love ever since. I hope to share my expertise and knowledge with the community, and help everyone become better anglers.
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