Bass Fishing Made Easy:10 Best Spinning Reel for Bass Fishing in 2021

I know exactly how hard it is to pick the best spinning reel for bass when hundreds of choices are available. I was a newbie at that time and had no idea at all.

But fortunately, I had someone who was an experienced angler and helped me choose the right spinning reel for bass fishing. 

If you are also in the same struggle, looking for the best spinning reel for bass fishing, do not worry because I’m here to help.

I bought ten spinning reels, which happen to be the favorite of bass fishing anglers. These reels are living up to the users’ expectations. I have thoroughly reviewed each of these spinning reels, go through them, and get the ideal one for you.

At a Glance: 10 Best Spinning Reels for Bass

RANK PICTURE NAME RATING SHOPS
#1
Shimano Stradic Ci4+
Shimano Stradic Ci4+ 4000 XG FB Spinning Fishing Reel
  • Weight: Light-weight
  • Drag Power7-24 lbs
9.8
#2
Abu Garcia Revo SX
Abu Garcia Revo SX Spinning Fishing Reel
  • MaterialStainless Steel, Aluminum, Graphite
  • Hand Orientation: Ambidextrous
9.6
#3
Pflueger Supreme XT
Pflueger Supreme XT Spinning Reel
  • Material: Magnesium
  • Hand Orientation: Right
9.5
#4
Daiwa Bg Spinning Reel
Daiwa BG 4000 Spinning Reel
  • Material: Synthetic
  • Hand Orientation: Right
9.3
#5
Penn Battle II & III
Penn Battle II 4000 Spinning Reel
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Hand Orientation: Ambidextrous
9.2
#6
KastKing Valiant Eagle Gold Spinning Reel
KastKing Valiant Eagle Gold Spinning Reel
  • Material: Graphite
  • Fishing Line Type: Braided
9.0
#7
Cadence CS8 Spinning Reel
Cadence CS8 4000 Spinning Reel
  • Material: Carbon-Magnesium-Carbon
  • Hand Orientation: Left Hand
8.8
#8
Piscifun Carbon X Spinning Reels
Piscifun Carbon X Spinning Reels 4000
  • Material: Stainless Steel, Aluminum, Carbon
  • Drag power: 33lbs
8.7
#9
KastKing Summer and Centron Spinning Reels
KastKing Summer and Centron Spinning Reels 3000
  • Material: Aluminum, Graphite
  • Hand Orientation: Ambidextrous
8.6
#10
Piscifun Flame Spinning Reels
Piscifun Flame Spinning Reels 6000
  • Material: Aluminum, Graphite
  • Hand Orientation: Ambidextrous
8.5

Best Bass Spinning Reel Reviewed

1.Shimano Stradic Ci4+ 4000 XG FB Spinning Fishing Reel

Key Features

  • Gear Ratio: 6.0:1
  • Max Drag: 7lbs.
  • Bearings: 6 ball + 1 roller bearing.
  • Weight: 5.6 oz.
  • Monoline capacity: 2/270, 4/140, 6/110.
  • Powerpro line capacity: 10/95, 15/85, 20/65.

On the top spot, we have a spinning reel from mighty Shimano. It is a leading brand in the fishing industry and has been around for a very long time. One most popular spinning reel series of this brand is the Original Stradic. They got a huge response for the reel series, performed extremely well.

But somewhere, Shimano felt there is still room for improvement, and guess what, they have come up with this Shimano Stradic Ci4 XG spinning reel.

Did you know what Ci means? It stands for Carbon Infusion! You don’t need to get into this complexity. Just know that it means reinforced carbon.

The carbon used in the construction of this very reel can retain incredible strength. And the weight retention is also 25% less than other reels of the market right now.

This reel doesn’t contain any metal components, which makes this reel corrosion-resistant as well.

Moreover, this reel comes with an X-ship gear and what this does is make sure that the gear is aligned even under heavy strain. It also enhances the performance of the reel. The X-ship gear improves the durability of the gear and prevents friction between the shaft and spool, which reduces wear and tear.

It comes with Hagane gear and body, which is Shimano’s flagship. And you can have longer casts effortlessly when you have the Shimano Stradic Ci4 HG in hand.

Lastly, it also has a Dyna-balance rotor and fluid drive II system and the Propulsion line management system. These provide the angler with incredible smoothness throughout the fishing trip.

The manufacturer wanted this reel to be lightweight and powerful, which is exactly what it is. It is very lightweight, weighs around 5.6 oz. and is extremely durable. The durability and reliability of this reel make it a great choice for bass fishing.

Pros

  • Very quiet and smooth
  • Unbelievable casting
  • lightweight and durable

Cons

  • Do not have an anti-reverse switch

2.Abu Garcia Revo SX Spinning Fishing Reel

Key Features

  • Weight: 9.2 ounces.
  • Max drag: 17 lbs.
  • Bearing: 8 balls + 1 roller bearing.
  • Gear ratio: 6.2:1
  • Monoline capacity: 230/10.
  • Braid line capacity: 250/14.

Abu Garcia isn’t like just any brand. This is one of the best brands out there for fishing gear. This brand never fails to amaze the market with innovating, top-quality fishing items. They know what an angler needs, and boom, they develop the quality that no angler wants to turn down.

Here we are looking for something like that. This reel has won hearts and surely the reliability of not missing even the hardest catch. I am talking about the Abu Garcia Revo SX spinning fishing reel.

There is a baitcaster model of Revo SX, which has been a big success due to its design and performance. And they brought it on the spinning space as well.

The spinning reel we are talking about now comes with a molded carbon body. It is also equipped with a one-piece aluminum gearbox and braid-ready spool. It is an extremely lightweight reel, weighs around 9.2 ounces. The body is zero flex, and the line management this offers is just top-notch.

The way this reel is designed, anglers can use different fishing techniques with it. It features a rocket spool lip, and everlast bail enables the angler to try different techniques, prevents backlashing, and helps achieve good casting distance.

It has a carbon matrix hybrid drag system that delivers extremely smooth and reliable drag, enough to tackle hard-fighting fishes easily. If we talk about durability, with proper care, it will last for a lifetime, so that I would say it would be a great choice if you want to invest a good amount of money. 

Pros

  • Great casting, handling, and smooth cranking
  • Superior balance and super smooth retrieval
  • Accurate and top-notch casting distance

Cons

  • Sometimes the anti-reverse system doesn’t work

3.Pflueger Supreme XT Spinning Reel

Key Features

  • Weight: 6 oz. 
  • Max drag: 8 lbs.
  • Gear ratio: 5.2:1.
  • Bearings: 9 balls + 1 roller bearing.
  • Monoline capacity: 4/110.
  • Braided line capacity: 6/140.

Here we have the Pflueger Supreme XT spinning reel, another top-notch spinning reel of the market. Unlike the previously reviewed two, this one is constructed with magnesium material. The frame, side plate, and body are made of pure magnesium.

If you are looking for an extremely lightweight spinning reel that can tackle hard-fighting fishes, go with this Pflueger supreme model. It weighs around 6 oz. It is extremely lightweight, and that doesn’t reflect its strength.

This fishing reel’s reliability, durability, and power are enough to satisfy any professional angler. Features carbon inlay drag design and also features carbon fiber system which is sealed. That says you can use this reel on saltwater fishing as well.

It delivers extremely smooth drag even under pressure and it is reliable as well. Features 10 stainless steel bearings that make the entire reel perform extremely smoothly.

There are some other things which need to light on it. The bail wire is made of aluminum, a carbon material handle, and has an EVA foam knob. It also has a braid-ready spool, features Smart retrieve technology, and slow oscillation gearing.

Pros

  • Silky smooth and Superlight
  • Instant response
  • Very easy to control retrieve speeds

Cons

  • The trouble with line twist

4.Daiwa Bg 4000 Spinning Fishing Reel

Key Features

  • Weight: 16 oz.
  • Bearings: 6 balls + 1 roller bearing.
  • Gear ratio: 5.6:1.
  • Max Drag: 17.6 lb.
  • Braid line capacity: 20/370, 30/280, 40/200.
  • Monoline capacity: 10/300, 12/260, 14/210.

This reel comes with machines aluminum-made hard body. It is corrosion and scratch-resistant, which means it can be used in both salt and freshwater fishing. It comes with an air rotor which weighs 15% less compared to other rotors in the market. And the credit goes to the unique shape of this reel.

Not only is that rotor, but this entire reel is also pretty lightweight—it Features ABS spool, which causes very little friction during casting, resulting in better casting. The spool is braid-ready.

The handle of this very reel is pretty comfortable. Tough the handle, you will feel the comfort. When rotating, it gets extremely convenient, a big thanks to the machined aluminum screw-in handle design.

It is a very smooth spinning reel, comes with seven bearings, and this one comes with anti-reverse. The drag system that comes with this reel is waterproof and offers good drag power as well.

This reel is lightweight but extremely powerful. At least enough to catch few big bass fishes from both saltwater and freshwater.

Pros

  • It feels smooth, steady, and provides confidence to handle bigger species
  • Fast retrieve, solid construction
  • Very easy to control retrieve speeds

Cons

  • Handle orientation is fixed

5.Penn Battle II 4000 Spinning Reel

Key Features

  • Weight: 12.8 oz.
  • Gear ratio: 6.2:1.
  • Bearing: 5 Stainless steel sealed bearings.
  • Max drag: 15 lb.
  • Monoline capacity: 8/270, 10/220, 12/165.
  • Braid line capacity: 15/360, 20/260, 30/185.

Another good choice for everyone who is looking for a good bass spinning reel. Please take a look at the Penn Battle II 4000 spinning reel. It is durable, reliable, and pretty powerful. You can easily conquer saltwater big game fishes with this reel and the right skill.

The body, side plate, and rotor are made of full metal. The bail wire is made of heavy-duty aluminum, which is also pretty durable. If we talk about drag, this very reel features HT 100 carbon fiber drag system that delivers powerful drag. And that doesn’t cause this reel to sacrifice the smoothness.

It is a very smooth spinning reel, features 5 stainless steel bearings that are sealed as well. And there is an instant anti-reverse bearing as well. Moreover, it features braid ready superline spool that doesn’t require any backing.

Pros

  • The drag is very smooth
  • Drag works great
  • Durable

Cons

  • The 1000 and 2000 models do not have a “free spool” (back-reel) switch

6.KastKing Valiant Eagle Gold Spinning Reel

Key Features

  • Weight: 10.1 oz.
  • Gear ratio: 6.2:1.
  • Max drag: 22 lb.
  • Bearing: 7 ball + 1 roller bearing.
  • Monoline capacity: 6/420, 8/285.
  • Braid line capacity: 20/300, 30/240.

Looking for an affordable bass spinning fishing reel? Don’t worry at all, and I got you.

Have a look at this KastKing Valiant eagle gold spinning reel. This is not a reel like the Shimano Stradiac CI4 or Abu Garcia Revo SX. It is a spinning reel that will deliver you decent performance, but the reason this spinning reel is on this list is its price.

It comes at an extremely low price, and do not think that I picked it up just because it comes at a low price, no, not at all. Why I picked, this is the value it delivers for the money. With this spinning reel, you will get an incredible performance that barely any other spinning reel offers at such a low price point. 

Though the performance is decent, it deserved more price, which it isn’t asking, so it is a win. Let’s have a look at what this reel features.

It comes with a carbon drag system that is sealed and delivers 22 lb drag power. For smoothness of the reel, it comes with a total of 8 bearings which are made of stainless steel and are also sealed.

Kastking has used 2 technology in this very reel one is EPS, and another is the SSR. What these technologies do is ensure that the pinion gear and the main gear get stabilized. And as a result, that increases the strength and the durability of the gear.

Talking about durability, this reel is constructed with a graphite material, making this reel pretty durable. And if we talk about the spool, it comes with a patent-pending spool that gives the angler great control over the line. It also helps the angler achieve great casting distance.

Plus, it is a braid-ready spool, doesn’t need any backing. Undoubtedly, this is one of the best affordable bass fishing reels.

Pros

  • Versatile and can be used for both saltwater and freshwater
  • Smooth, drag worked well, casted like it should

Cons

  • Need careful handling

7.Cadence CS8 4000 Spinning Reel

Key Features

  • Weight: 8.5 oz.
  • Gear ratio: 6.2:1.
  • Max drag: 36 lb.
  • Bearing: 9 balls + 1 reverse bearing.
  • Monoline capacity: 10/220.
  • Braid line capacity: 20/260.

And here we are looking at the seventh spinning reel for bass of this list. The body of this reel is constructed with Carbon Magnesium. Still, the main body is constructed with only magnesium, making the body almost 34% lightweight than other spinning reels of the market.

But the weight doesn’t reflect on the durability. Magnesium material is 1.5 times stronger than aluminum material. This reel features a machined aluminum spool that eliminates line slippage. And it also features a carbon fiber drag system that delivers consistent and powerful pressure.

The reel has 9 stainless steel ball bearings that are corrosion-resistant. These bearings are shielded as well. Plus, there is a one instant stop anti-reverse bearing as well. You can already guess how smooth this reel is.

Moreover, it delivers great stopping power of 36 lb, thanks to the drag system. Finally, I would say this is reel is both durable and powerful. Whether it is a big bass fish or any other fish that fights hard, with the right skill and this reel, you will be able to pull that off easily.

Pros

  • Very light and strong
  • Smooth Reel can be handled easily
  • The drag on this reel is great.

Cons

  • Makes intermittent noises
  • Need careful handling

8. Piscifun Carbon X Spinning Reels 4000

Key Features

  • Weight: 9.6 oz.
  • Gear ratio: 6.2:1.
  • Max drag: 33 lb.
  • Bearing: 10 balls + 1 reverse bearing.
  • Monoline capacity: 12/215.
  • Braid line capacity: 30/270.

If you are looking for a reel with the best value for money, Piscifun Carbon X Spinning Reels is the solution.

The Piscifun Carbon X Spinning Reels are meticulously crafted and engineered to perfection, packed with multiple premium features, including a unidirectional carbon fiber body, side plate, and rotor for a machined feel at an unbelievable price.

The Carbon X is one of the lightest spinning reels on the market, weighing in at a mere 9.6 oz, keeping you casting longer and more comfortably without fatigue.

Whether you are looking for a spinning reel to target the bass of a lifetime or a baitcaster reel that will help you rig up the perfect spread, the Piscifun Carbon X spinning reel was designed with the avid angler in mind.

The carbon faceplate and aluminum handle make it lightweight and super durable while still offering enough weight to handle any big fish you may encounter. It offers two gear ratios for this product – 6.2:1 and 5.1:1. Both of which are lightning fast, allowing you to outmaneuver any fish that crosses your path.

You will be amazed at the incredible smoothness of the Carbon X. The 10+1 shielded stainless steel ball bearings are critical for increased smooth operation, retrieve performance, and corrosion resistance.

The Carbon X delivers incredible construction with an ultra-lightweight graphite frame. This reel has a hollow nest-shaped spool, reinforced anti-corrosive stainless steel main shaft, and a smooth, positive click drag knob.

Piscifun’s Carbon X will be sure to go through many generations of family fishing trips for years to come.

Pros

  • Carbon x works flawlessly
  • Bail was smooth, retrieved the line evenly
  • The carbon drag worked perfectly

Cons

  • The gear sometimes slips and makes a grinding noise

9. KastKing Summer and Centron Spinning Reels 3000

Key Features

  • Weight: 7.6-13.1 oz.
  • Gear ratio: 5.2:1
  • Max drag: 13 lb.
  • Bearing: 9 balls + 1 reverse bearing.
  • Monoline capacity: 8/330.
  • Braid line capacity: 30/180.

An affordable entry-level reel that makes an excellent backup for the fisherman who already owns a top-quality reel for their rod.

Each reel is constructed using nine quality ball bearings and the greatest innovation in anti-reverse technology, the push button instant-stop one-way anti-reverse bearing.

It is built with a high-strength aluminum frame, combined with an advanced level construction on the spool and body parts, resulting in a lightweight reel with a superior level of corrosion resistance. The stainless-steel main gear provides longevity and durability.

The single instant stop is made from stainless steel for precision performance. Lightweight graphite handles and side plates make the reel comfortable to use and easy to carry.

These reels also feature a superior drag system with a heavy-duty metal main shaft, pre-spooled with 200 yards of 30# nylon line and perfect mesh drive gear that will tug on even the biggest fish.

Pros

  • As smooth as the high-dollar brands.
  • Super quiet when reeling

Cons

  • Not that great for professionals

10.Piscifun Flame Spinning Reels 6000

Key Features

  • Weight: 8.5 oz.
  • Gear ratio: 5.1:1
  • Max drag: 19.8 lb.
  • Bearing: 9 balls + 1 reverse bearing.

Flame series is a new generation of Spinning Reels designed for both saltwater and freshwater. The hollow graphite body makes the reels extremely light to 8.5oz, allowing anglers to enjoy the ultimate fishing experience.

Besides, the innovative single lever drag system of Piscifun Flame spinning reels is easy to adjust and smooth to operate, making the reels come with first-class qualities for an affordable price.

It is modern and excellent in both appearance and performance. Packed with plenty of great features, including a metal-reinforced main shaft, high-quality drive gear, precisely machined brass pinion gear, and triple drag washers, these reels will perform superbly at sea.

Each reel features 6+1 stainless steel bearings, one roller bearing, a water-shielded drag system, and an anti-corrosion design. Spinning reels are available in 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, and 5000 sizes.

5000 series are the newest and more powerful version of the Flame spin fishing reels. 4000 series is also a new series with upgraded quality on bearings. 2000 series and 3000 series are still a very good choice if you are not after those big fish as the main focus.

Pros

  • Smaller, lighter, and more compact reel
  • No noise or vibrations while casting or reeling
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Sometimes the anti-reverse does not work

Essentials to know before buying spinning reel for bass

Brand and build quality

The first and foremost thing to consider before buying a spinning reel is its manufacturer and build quality. The main components of a spinning reel are the spool, handle, and frame. Different materials are used to make spinning reels, including aluminum, carbon, graphite, magnesium, and stainless steel.

Spinning-reel-parts

The material of these components can influence your experience with the reel. Aluminum reels usually have softer handles that are easier to grip but may be more prone to breakage. Carbon reels are known for their strength and durability but tend not to be as lightweight as aluminum reels. Stainless steel reels are very durable but also heavy compared to other materials. Magnesium reels are light and durable but usually more expensive than other types of reels.

Each material has its own unique qualities that make it better for different purposes.

Weight

The weight of a spinning reel is important because you want to hold the handle steady without influencing your balance. Some manufacturers have added extra ball bearings to their reels which helps this. Still, more importantly, they need to evenly distribute the weight between both sides of the reel. The heavier and larger the handle, the less likely this will be an issue, but some can be so heavy that they are unwieldy when using with one hand.

Reel and spool size

The reel and spool size are the size of the spool or reel used to hold the fishing line. The size is designated by a number followed by M, W, or F for metric, American or British. Fishing reels are typically made from heavy metal and so have good rust resistance. The larger the number, the larger the diameter of the fishing line that can be held on each turn of the handle (reel).

Gear ratio

The gear ratio of the spinning reel is the number of rotations per minute of the reel’s upper wheel concerning its lower wheel. Spinning reels typically have a gear ratio between 5:1 and 6.2:1. A spinning reel has a numerical ratio of 6.2:1. For every rotation made by the handle, the spool travels 6.2 times. Therefore, the faster your lure moves through the water, the more likely it is to break free from the fisherman’s grip and become airborne.

Line capacity

A spinning reel’s line capacity refers to how much fishing line it can hold. A beginner should look for a spinning reel that can hold at least 25-50 yards of fishing line. More advanced anglers will want reels that can handle 75-100 yards or more. Some spin casting reels can even hold up to 200+ yards of fishing line, but this is more common amongst professional or saltwater fishermen. Even if you don’t plan on using your reel for saltwater fishing, you may want a model that’s built to withstand saltwater corrosion.

Dragging capacity

If you have a spinning reel, you know how difficult it can to drag it back onto the rod. With a standard bar and hook, it’s even more difficult.

Good drag assists in keeping the line taut and helps counteract the torque created by the spinning of the line. A dragging capacity rating tells you how many pounds of weight your spool can withstand before it gets too heavy for your reel to handle effectively. Weights larger than what is listed on most reels usually have Bearing countersunk into them so that you can safely attach them to almost any reel without damaging them.

Anti-reverse system

The anti-reverse system of spinning reels prevents the reel from being turned backward. A unique clutch mechanism inside the main spool keeps it from being pushed in either direction. This is helpful when casting or fighting strong fish, as it will not allow the line to be unwound from the spool in either direction.

Hand orientation

The hand orientation of the spinning reel refers to whether the handle is facing you or away from you. Reel handles are typically oriented either left-handed or right-handed, except that some fishing rod manufacturers turn a single handle over to produce both left-handed and right-handed reels.

Final Words

These are the ten best spinning reels for bass fish you will find in the market right now. The market is saturated, filled with hundreds of spinning reels, getting confused and picking the wrong is extremely easy. So I would like to warn you, do not pick any model until you are 100% sure about that. 

The best way to know about the reel is to check the user feedback section. If you see that most users are happy with the model, you can proceed. 

However, I hope you find the right spinning reel and have great fishing trips in the future. And if there is anything else I can help you with, do not hesitate to hit me through the comment section. 

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