Best Bass Baitcasting Reels for 2024
Searching for the ideal baitcaster, regardless of your fishing skill level, can be daunting. From marketing claims and online reviews to indecision among anglers themselves, locating one that will fit is no simple feat.
Before purchasing one of the latest baitcaster models in 2023, please consider our personal experiences with them first.
Since our careers began, we have tested hundreds of bass fishing baitcasters and acquired an excellent understanding of key features.
People have various needs when it comes to baitcasting; beginners often require additional features, while experienced anglers might prefer different price points than occasional anglers. This guide covers each potential buyer.
How to Select the Ideal Baitcasting Reels Before purchasing a baitcasting reel, we believe it's crucial that you consider these factors:
Smoothness of Retrieve: Investigating this aspect is one of the first things you should do when picking up a baitcaster in-store rather than online. Start by cranking its handle to feel how smooth and comfortable its retrieve is before considering its smoothness and feel.
At times, lesser reels may resemble or sound like a coffee grinder; these should be avoided at all costs. We prefer butter-smooth and silent operation throughout the entire retrieve, even under load and fighting fish - this represents tight tolerances and high-quality components, leading to maximum longevity and greater return on your investment.
Castability: While testing castability in store is nearly impossible, don't fret: that's why we did it for you. When testing baitcasters' castability we look for distance and accuracy; some models may skip jigs well but struggle throwing lightweight crankbaits; thus it is essential to consider your preferred application before making your purchase decision. Our review includes everything that has been taken into consideration here for your convenience.
Line Management: Baicasters with poor line management may as well be paperweights; unfortunately, there have been several models on the market that have let us down in this respect. A quality baitcaster must be capable of managing lines of both small and large diameters made of various materials.
Comfort: When selecting baitcasters, comfort can often be neglected. Some users prefer ultra low-profile reels, as that is the current trend, while others may prefer beefier classic-style frames, which provide them with greater grip during retrieve and fight sessions.
Frame Durability: Over the past five or six years, manufacturers have increasingly focused on frame durability. Due to manufacturers' emphasis on weightlessness, durability has often been ignored despite how important it can be when fishing hardcore bass fishing. Even though you might think your reel is lightweight enough for you, its fragility doesn't matter when accidentally stepping on it in the boat cracks it. Therefore a frame that can withstand hardcore bass fishing activities like hardcore bass fishing is absolutely critical.
Price: Price is the most obvious consideration, yet it still deserves mention. If you're new to fishing or baitcasters in general, spending hundreds on an expensive model might not make sense; rather, invest $80-100 on an entry-level reel until you become comfortable with its use. Alternatively, please save your money for several extra weeks until it comes time for that bigger ticket baitcaster purchase.
With these considerations in mind, here are the best baitcasters we've tested in 2023. Please keep checking back, as there may still be brands we need to test but have yet to get our hands on and didn't make our list. However, as part of our effort to rigorously test everything posted herein guides, when these items come through, we will immediately add them if they pass.
Bookmarking this piece on either your phone or computer would be wise, as we update it often with any additions or subtractions!
Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B:
2023's Best Overall Baitcasters
The Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B reel is unquestionably one of the finest fishing reels we've encountered. From rigid solid performance to smooth buttery retrieves and long casts without effort - not forgetting its robust handle and drag system! This reel truly delivers all-inclusive bass fishing packages!
This reel boasts the new magnesium core alloy body, providing rigidity, durability, and sensitivity in an extremely lightweight frame. This gives this reel its rock solid feel in your hands.
The Metanium reel has been enhanced for throwing smaller lures by including the MGLIII spool, which reduces inertia by 17% compared to its previous generation. Furthermore, its SVS Infinity Braking provides unrivaled casting performance and adjustability that fits any technique or lure choice perfectly.
Shimano upgraded their Metanium reel gearing with solid brass construction for maximum durability and smoothness that will outlive them both, as well as their innovative Silent Tune technology to reduce spool bearing vibration, giving this reel its distinct smooth casting feel and performance.
Please read our comprehensive Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B review for more details.
Daiwa Zillion SV TW G:
Overall Baitcaster of 2023
This particular reel was designed specifically with baitcaster enthusiasts in mind, and if that describes you, then you will surely appreciate its performance. As mentioned before, we have fished with many different reels throughout our careers, but this one stands out. Not only is it super lightweight at just 6.7 ounces, but its solid aluminium frame and side plates mean it can withstand nearly anything without incurring damage.
This reel features the SV Booster System, a two-stage electromagnetic induction braking system designed to maximize casting distance and precision braking performance. Simply put, this reel will allow for incredible casting distance while offering precision braking performance when casting lightweight lures under docks without needing adjustments for either.
As I fight fish, I have noticed that you can hear the UTD drag clicking throughout a fight. This audible aid allows you to track how much line is being disbursed into battle and stay ahead of it.
Recall the well-known T-Wing System (TWS), featured in this reel. This technology effectively reduces line resistance for improved casting and line management.
Read our comprehensive Daiwa Zillion SV TW G review here.
Shimano Bantam MGL A XG:
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Baitcasters Are 2023's Longest Lasting Baitcasters
Bantam reel quickly became one of my go-to baitcasting reels and can be read about here in my previous review of Bantam MGL. While it remains on its previous platform, recent technological innovations have also been implemented into it for improved stability, robustness, form factor, and strength.
This would make Shimano reels much more desirable to enthusiast anglers.
Personally, I love their Bantam line of reels because of how "tankish" they feel in hand and offer confirmation of strength and durability when setting the hook - giving a little extra oomph when setting my hook gives me assurance they will stand the test of time!
As someone with numerous Shimano reels in my collection, I am well aware that many will outlive even me!
Read our previous Shimano Bantam MGL review for full details,
which include price and specifications (6.2:1 to 8.1:1, 7.6 ounces and 12 pounds/110 yards, and nine bearings).
Abu Garcia Revo Rocket LP
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Set to Become Fastest Baitcaster of 2023
With its incredible 10.1:1 gear ratio and 11-bearing system, you will be amazed by just how many lines this baitcaster can retrieve with just one crank of its handle - offering smooth retrievals across a variety of techniques.
From our testing, this high gear ratio proved advantageous when fishing bottom contact techniques like Texas rigs, Carolina rigs and punching. Furthermore, its speed proved vital when fishing around heavy cover; cutting through any obstructions to move the bass closer and away from any potential snag-inducing obstacles is key when they bite!
This reel was designed for close-combat situations, so its 95mm handle and oversized knobs make it ideal for winching fish away from thick cover. Due to its fast speed, you should avoid winding treble-hooked lures on it; but if you prefer pitching and flipping nasty things around then this reel may just be what's necessary.
Abu Garcia Revo Max STX:
Is The Top Budget Baitcaster Of 2023
I was completely taken aback during our testing process; this reel truly amazed me. Thank goodness I didn't look at its price tag before beginning, as this reel felt better than some $200 reels I have tested previously! Maybe I am crazy but this reel feels absolutely fantastic in your hands, its retrieve is smooth and quiet and its balance works beautifully with any rod I put it on.
I find it oddly satisfying to love this reel so much, given its price point; I could easily stock my front deck full of these reels and be confident fishing any imaginable situation with confidence. Perhaps my old school sensibilities speak here, but reels with more "shoulders" feel very comfortable to me; 7.4-ounce weight feels very manageable too; its large, co-molded soft touch knobs and one-piece graphite frame makes this an outstanding reel to own!
Please read through our in-depth Abu Garcia Max STX Casting Reel review.
If you are getting into tournament fishing and searching for more rod and reel combos, I would like to recommend this reel as my top recommendation. It has really impressed me during testing; its silent operation won me over completely - give it a go yourself and see for yourself - you will agree!
Shimano Curado MGL 150 HG
Is Named the BEST Workhorse Reel of 2023
Shimano Curado MGL reel is one of their lightest ever, boasting feather-light MagnumLight (MGL) spool technology in larger dimensions to increase efficiency, casting distance, and accuracy.
Engineered with a rigid aluminum Hagane body and durable 13 pounds Cross-Carbon drag system, this reel feels both lightweight and very durable.
These technologies include X-Ship, MicroModule Gearing, Silent Tune, Ci4+, SVS and Super Free Spool.
This baitcaster is lightweight, palmable and ergonomic; it is an absolute workhorse! I have used it with everything from jerkbaits to jigs; spinnerbaits to crankbaits - everything that one would hope for in a durable reel: powerful drag, line capacity, smooth performance, rigidity and an affordable price point.
Price $199 | Gear Ratio (6.2:1 to 8.1:1) Range (6.5 ounces/ 12 pounds / 110 yards). 7 Bearings.
Ark Gravity G7:
Is 2023's Top Innovation
Ark is making waves in the baitcaster market with the launch of their Gravity line of baitcaster reels, having spent over three years designing it. Their success can be measured with features like their patented internal adjustable magnetic control which provides maximum casting distance. Let's examine these reels' finer points so as to see why this reel stands out amongst competitors as an entry into this competitive industry.
Ark has developed the Gravity Control System as a new cast control solution. This patent-protected system features an adjustable mechanism on the spool that moves its magnetic surface closer or further apart to change resistance on your reel, plus external magnetic controls and tension knob for even finer tuning capabilities.
Price: $239 | Gear Ratio Range: 5.4:1 to 8.1:1 | Weight Capacity 12 LBS/100Yds | 11 Bearings
Lew's recently enhanced its Pro-Ti SLP Baitcaster, and its new version is truly an upgrade over its previous model. Notable upgrades from previous iterations include smaller, more palpable footprint thanks to Super Low Profile Design and Titanium deposit finish on its Aluminum frame sculpturing, offering users a lightweight reel with power and sensitivity all packed into an attractive package.
With its 11-bearing and ACB quiet cast systems, this reel casts lures smoothly and effortlessly. Additionally, its 95mm swept handles give plenty of power on hookset and offer great fishing comfort.
Lew's bait caster reel platform may come at an expensive price point, but anglers looking for that top-of-the-line enthusiast look and feel finally have that option with Lew.
Daiwa Tatula SV TWS With this classic baitcaster from Daiwa's longstanding Tatula lineup, you won't go wrong when fishing light fluorocarbon or heavy braided fishing lines - either one will work equally well on this reel!
With our Super Duralumin SV Spool and corrosion-resistant ball bearings, you can confidently tackle any fish in any situation.
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Priced at $209.99, it is not overpriced; having tested so many reels over time, I would have predicted it was somewhere around $300 if blindfolded and placed this reel into my hands. So get out your heavy braid and matted lake scum, gunk up this reel, and go fishing; you won't easily break this bad boy.
Other Baitcasters We Use
13 Fishing Concept C2
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Although this reel has been around for some time, many anglers still rely on it as one of our reliable reels. At only 5.8 ounces, it remains lightweight but strong enough for light- and heavy-duty applications - unlike many 5-ounce reels, which tend to become fragile when under load; that hasn't been the case here!
Lightweight but with serious shoulders. Boasting a 22-pound drag system, 6-way braking system, and reinforced clutch cam, this reel is suitable for almost every fishing application imaginable - perfect for tournament and pond fishing!
Please click through our full review of the 13 Fishing Concept C2.
ProFishiency KRAZY
This starting reel will appeal to anglers who enjoy unique and loud techniques in their fishing gear. The guts of this reel make it an excellent introductory model for folks just getting into baitcasting; featuring 10 bearings and externally adjustable magnetic brakes for an easy casting system, it minimizes backlashes as much as possible and keeps backlashes to an absolute minimum.
As it had some flex under load, this reel wouldn't be ideal for flipping and pitching applications such as flipping frogs or frogging but would make an excellent cast and steady retrieve reel - especially with lighter baits such as jerkbaits, shallow crankbaits or plastics.
Favorite Soleus XCS Fishing System
"Out of the Box" in its title indicates my lack of experience testing this reel for extended periods. However, initial tests seem positive: when taking it out of its packaging and spinning its handle, it didn't want to stop turning; while fishing, its quiet operation and long casting distance made a great first impression.
Favorite Fishing Reels have made an impressionful first impression with me so far, and their 6-ounce baitcaster features a 10-ball bearing system and lightweight aluminum frame, so there shouldn't be much room for improvement here. Although it casts well, my experience shows it to be easy line management as backlashes don't pose much of a concern, and even heavier lures, such as walking topwater lures, have cast reliably to their backing every time!
All things considered, Favorite Fishing reels made a good first impression for me - I can only hope Favorite Fishing continues with its reel offerings!
