Have you ever watched a skilled angler drop a lure deep into the ocean, feeling that sudden, powerful strike? That exciting moment often depends on one crucial piece of gear: the jigging reel. Choosing the perfect jigging reel can feel like navigating a dense underwater maze. You face a barrage of technical terms—gear ratios, drag systems, and spool capacities—and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or, worse, buy the wrong tool for the job.
The wrong reel means lost fish and frustrating days on the water. But mastering this choice unlocks incredible success when targeting those hard-fighting deep-sea dwellers. This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what makes a great jigging reel and show you how to match the reel to your fishing style and target species.
Keep reading to discover the essential features you need, understand the differences between spinning and baitcasting jigging reels, and finally select the powerhouse that will transform your next deep-water adventure.
Top Jigging Reel Fishing Recommendations
- Jigging Reels - The main body and cover are locked with SUS304 stainless steel thick screw and Teflon Paste, the thick screw is extra-stronger, and the Teflon Paste can prevent the looseness.
- Conventional Reels - Lever Drag，The brake system is powerful and durable,6.3:1gear ratio,The brake adjustment button is sound structure, which improves the adjustment precision smooth and the sense of passage.
- Trolling Reels Line Capacity - The small-line capacity reel is changed to the large-line capacity, the bigger capacity can be deep-water fishing.braided line capactity(test/yd):40/540 50/535 65/355 nylon line capactity(test/yd):15/380 20/270 25/220.
- Good Quality Reels Handle - The handle is change from screw to stainless steel rivet, CNC machined aluminum handle.it is strength and not easy loose.light weight smooth strong high powered.
- Big Game Fishing Reel - Offshore Saltwater Ocean boat fishing, ocean rock fishing, ocean beach fishing, lake, river, reservoir pond, stream etc.best fishing gift for any who likes fishing.
- Jigging Reels - The main body and cover are locked with SUS304 stainless steel thick screw and Teflon Paste, the thick screw is extra-stronger, and the Teflon Paste can prevent the looseness.
- Conventional Reels - Lever Drag，The brake system is powerful and durable,6.3:1gear ratio,The brake adjustment button is sound structure, which improves the adjustment precision smooth and the sense of passage.
- Trolling Reels Line Capacity - The small-line capacity reel is changed to the large-line capacity, the bigger capacity can be deep-water fishing.braided line capactity(test/yd):40/540 50/535 65/355 nylon line capactity(test/yd):15/380 20/270 25/220.
- Good Quality Reels Handle - The handle is change from screw to stainless steel rivet, CNC machined aluminum handle.it is strength and not easy loose.light weight smooth strong high powered.
- Big Game Fishing Reel - Offshore Saltwater Ocean boat fishing, ocean rock fishing, ocean beach fishing, lake, river, reservoir pond, stream etc.best fishing gift for any who likes fishing.
- Quality Construction: This jigging fishing reel features a quality polycarbonate frame for durability and strength, making it an excellent choice for any crappie fishing adventure
- Smooth Operation: This high-performance platform has a versatile 2-bearing system and durable multi-disk click drag that put the crappie angler in control of the fight
- Easy Jigging: The jigging reel features a 1.0:1 gear ratio and a reversible retrieve system for a personalized crappie fishing experience
- Effortless Fishing: Mr. Crappie is the name trusted for putting anglers on giant slabs, and the Crappie Thunder line-up is designed for out-casting, out-jigging, and out-trolling the competition
- Top-Rated Versatility: The reel is pre-spooled with premium 6-pound-test mono fishing line so you can start catching crappies faster
- Jigging Reels - The main body and cover are locked with SUS304 stainless steel thick screw and Teflon Paste, the thick screw is extra-stronger, and the Teflon Paste can prevent the looseness.
- Conventional Reels - Lever Drag，The brake system is powerful and durable,6.3:1gear ratio,The brake adjustment button is sound structure, which improves the adjustment precision smooth and the sense of passage.
- Trolling Reels Line Capacity - The small-line capacity reel is changed to the large-line capacity, the bigger capacity can be deep-water fishing.braided line capactity(test/yd):40/395 50/390 65/235 nylon line capactity(test/yd):15/280 20/220 25/165.
- Good Quality Reels Handle - The handle is change from screw to stainless steel rivet, CNC machined aluminum handle.it is strength and not easy loose.light weight smooth strong high powered.
- Big Game Fishing Reel - Offshore Saltwater Ocean boat fishing, ocean rock fishing, ocean beach fishing, lake, river, reservoir pond, stream etc.best fishing gift for any who likes fishing.
- Saltwater Reels - The main body and cover are locked with SUS304 stainless steel thick screw and Teflon Paste, the thick screw is extra-stronger, and the Teflon Paste can prevent the looseness.
- Trolling Reels Line Capacity - The small line capacity reel is changed to the large line capacity, the bigger capacity can be deep-water fishing.braided line capactity(test/yd):50/700 65/400 80/355.
- Jigging Reels Brake System- The brake system is powerful and durable,5.7:1 gear ratio.Double brakes in a good design and processing precision make it more smooth.
- Conventional Reels handle - The reel arm is change from screw to stainless steel rivet, CNC machined aluminum handle with eva cover.it is strength and not easy loose and light weight.
- PROBEROS FISHING TACKLE Provide you a pleasant fishing trip and offer a complete after-sales service.
- Enhanced graphite body designed for saltwater. Increased strength, durability and corrosion resistance. Reliable choice for consistent outstanding performance in sea fishing.
- Sealed triple carbon fiber drag disc providing max drag up to 66lb. Powerful enough for you to fight the beast in the deep. Precise drag adjustment down to every click
- 9+1 sealed stainless steel ball bearings give you the smoothest casting and retriving feeling withstanding the test of seawater
- CNC aluminum Spool and 50% thicker bail wire allow your fishing line to lay more evenly on the spool thus furthur improve your retriving experience.The spool has a special spool ring shape. This creates a rectifying effect on the line and realizes both suppression of line trouble and long casting performance.
- Lightweight high density knob strong body construction, metal handle, durable and solid, you can use it for a long time.
- Durability and Robustness: Constructed with high-grade materials, our offshore fishing reel offers unparalleled strength and durability. It can withstand the harshest conditions, ensuring your safety and the longevity of your equipment.
- Drag System and Braking Power: Our reel features a carbon fiber drag system that provides superior stopping power, smoothness, and wear resistance. Whether you're fighting a big fish or reeling in your line, the drag system will perform flawlessly.
- Ease of Use and Ergonomics: Designed with anglers in mind, our fishing reel offers an ergonomic handle and easy-to-use features. The large power knob offers a comfortable and secure grip, while the adjustable lever drag system allows you to fine-tune your fishing experience.
- Performance and Torque: Our offshore fishing reel boasts a Japanese-imported NMB bearing and a larger, stronger gear shaft for increased torque. This combination delivers superior performance in all conditions, ensuring your line is cast accurately and distance is maximized.
- Perfect Gifts Idea：Perfect as gift in Halloweens/ Thanksgiving/ Christmas/ Birthday/ New Year's for your family
- High Capacity - Offering anglers the ideal combination of performance and affordable price, the Camekoon Bahamut 400 baitcasting reel is everything you want in a big low profile reel. Featuring a large frame and a high line capacity, the Bahamut 400 casting reel is perfectly suited for the demanding requirements of big baits and big fish and have been designed with one purpose in mind, to catch large game fish like salmon, snakehead, catfish, muskie and much more.
- Bigger and Lighter - The Bahamut 400 casting reel has a larger frame than other reels on the market, and the frame and side covers are made of lightweight carbon fiber, maintains strength while reducing weight by 35%, and the sleek finish fits easily into the palm of your hand. A wider frame design with a braid-ready, high capacity aluminum spool will also offer bigger line capacity.
- Butter Smooth - Each Bahamut 400 baitcaster reel is equipped with 10 stainless-steel ball bearings plus an instant anti-reverse bearing that provide a superbly smooth feel even in rough conditions. "T" type oversize ceramic line guide reduces friction, reduces backlash, and increases your casting distance. Plus, with an 6.3:1 gear ratio that delivers smooth power and torque when fighting large fish.
- Always on Standby - Camekoon Bahamut 400 bait casting reel is loaded with excellent components. High strength aluminum bronze gear and gear rod with 75% higher tensile strength than ordinary leaded brass material, paired with stainless steel main shaft for durability and smoothness. To ensure landing every big fish, the star drag system with clicker sound for easy drag adjustment gives you full control of the multi-disc carbon fiber drag, which will deliver up to 35 lbs smooth drag power.
- Accurate Control - Bahamut 400 fishing reels use a reliable 12-level adjustable magnetic braking system has 10 individual magnets that can eliminate frustrating overruns and gives you total control of your cast. The brake system is easy to adjust from the outside of the reel and the spool tensioning nut has a non-slip design to allow you control it precisely.
The Ultimate Jigging Reel Buying Guide: Catch More Fish!
Jigging is an exciting way to fish. It involves dropping a lure (a jig) deep and then working it up and down. To do this well, you need the right reel. This guide helps you choose the best jigging reel for your adventures.
Key Features to Look For
A good jigging reel must handle tough conditions and deep water. Focus on these features when shopping:
1. Gear Ratio
The gear ratio tells you how fast the spool turns with one crank of the handle. For jigging, a moderate to low gear ratio (around 4.5:1 to 5.5:1) is usually best. This gives you the power needed to lift heavy jigs and big fish from the depths. High-speed reels tire you out faster.
2. Drag System
The drag system lets line out smoothly when a big fish pulls hard. Look for smooth, powerful drag systems, often using carbon fiber washers. You need maximum drag numbers that are high enough for deep-sea fishing. A sticky or jerky drag will cause you to lose fish.
3. Line Capacity
Jigging often happens in very deep water. Make sure the reel can hold plenty of strong braided line. Check the reel’s capacity rating for the line weight you plan to use (e.g., 300 yards of 50lb braid).
4. Handle Comfort and Power
You will be cranking a lot! The handle knob should feel good in your hand, even when wet. Power handles (large, sturdy knobs) help you fight strong fish without your hand cramping.
Important Materials That Matter
The materials used determine how long your reel lasts and how well it resists saltwater corrosion.
- Frame and Sideplates: High-quality reels use machined aluminum frames. Aluminum is strong and light. Avoid cheap plastic parts; they break easily under stress.
- Bearings: Bearings allow moving parts to spin smoothly. Look for stainless steel or shielded/sealed bearings. Sealing the bearings protects them from salt and sand, which cause rust.
- Spool: The spool holds the line. Anodized aluminum spools resist corrosion well and stay light.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality isn’t just about price; it’s about design and maintenance.
What Makes a Reel Better:
Sealed Components: When the reel is sealed against water intrusion, it lasts longer. This is crucial for saltwater jigging.
Smooth Retrieval: When you turn the handle, the reel should feel solid, not sloppy or loose. High-quality internal gearing ensures a smooth retrieve, even under heavy load.
What Lowers Reel Quality:
Poor Tolerance: If the metal parts don’t fit together perfectly, the reel wobbles or feels rough. This often happens with cheaper manufacturing processes.
Lack of Corrosion Resistance: If the manufacturer skips proper anodizing or uses low-grade metal, saltwater will quickly destroy the reel.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to fish changes the reel you need.
Vertical Jigging (Deep Water):
This requires a strong reel, often a conventional (baitcasting style) reel. You need power and high drag to pull fish up hundreds of feet. Conventional reels offer better line control for this method.
Speed Jigging (Fast Retrieval):
If you use fast, erratic jigging techniques, you might prefer a reel with a slightly higher gear ratio (around 6.0:1) to cover more water quickly. These reels are often lighter.
Light Inshore Jigging:
For smaller species closer to shore, a spinning reel is often preferred. Spinning reels are simpler to use for beginners and cast lighter jigs better. They still need good drag, but maximum power is less critical.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Jigging Reels
Q: Should I buy a spinning or a conventional jigging reel?
A: Conventional reels generally offer more cranking power and better line control needed for deep, vertical jigging. Spinning reels are easier for beginners and work well for lighter jigging.
Q: What is the ideal gear ratio for most jigging?
A: A gear ratio between 4.5:1 and 5.5:1 provides the best balance of power for lifting heavy jigs and fish, which is important for deep-water work.
Q: How important is the drag system on a jigging reel?
A: The drag system is extremely important. It must be smooth and powerful to stop large fish from stripping all your line when they take your jig deep down.
Q: Do I need sealed bearings?
A: Yes, especially if you fish in saltwater. Sealed or shielded bearings prevent salt, sand, and water from getting inside and causing rust and failure.
Q: What type of line should I spool onto my new jigging reel?
A: Almost all jigging requires braided line. Braid has no stretch, which helps you feel the jig action and set the hook quickly in deep water.
Q: How much line capacity do I need?
A: This depends on depth. If you fish deep reefs or wrecks (over 200 feet), aim for at least 300 yards of your target line weight (e.g., 50lb braid).
Q: Are aluminum frames always better than graphite?
A: Machined aluminum frames provide superior strength and rigidity compared to graphite frames. For heavy jigging, aluminum is usually the stronger choice.
Q: How often should I service a jigging reel used in saltwater?
A: You should rinse the reel thoroughly with fresh water after every single use. A professional service, including lubrication, is usually recommended once or twice a year, depending on use.
Q: Can I use a jigging reel for bottom fishing with live bait?
A: Yes, many conventional jigging reels are excellent for bottom fishing because they have the necessary power and line capacity.
Q: What is the main difference between a slow-pitch jigging reel and a power jigging reel?
A: Slow-pitch reels often have a higher gear ratio and a lighter build to accommodate very fast, fluttering jig actions. Power jigging reels focus more on sheer strength and lower gear ratios for deep, heavy lifts.