• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Fishing Gear For Bass

  • Tips & Tricks
  • Rods
  • Reels
  • Lines
  • Lures
  • Accessories

Best Spinning Reel For Bass Fishing Reviewed 2021

By Michael Amaro September 16, 2021

If you purchase a product through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Nothing beats spending the day out on the water at your local fishing hole trying to land a big bass. Whether you’re fishing to release or for food, you’ll feel immensely satisfied when you’re finally able to reel in the perfect fish. But when it comes to bass fishing, having the right equipment is a critical and often difficult step towards being successful.

Table of Contents show
9 Best Open Face Spinning Reels for Bass Fishing – COMPARED LIST
1. RUNCL Spinning Reel TITAN I 2000 – Smart engineering in a slick package
2. Cadence CS5 Spinning Reel – Fast, Light, and Smooth
3. Diawa BG Spinning Reel – High price for good quality
4. Penn Battle II Spinning Reel – Saltwater Prize Fish Specialist
5. KastKing MegaTron Spinning Wheel – A great deal on a serious reel
6. Pflueger President Spinning Wheel – Graphite Body and Great Bearings
7. Piscifun Flame Spinning Reel – Best budget option
8. Okuma Avenger ABF – Unique reel system
9. Shimano Stradic HG – high price for a serious reel
Buyer’s Guide
FAQ
Are spinning reels good for bass fishing?
What is the best size spinning reel for bass fishing?
What is better for bass fishing spinning reel or baitcaster?
What bait is good for a bass fishing spinning reel?
What is the Best Fishing Line For Bass Spinning Reel?
Conclusion
There are lots of reels on the market and it can be hard to find a good spinning reel for bass fishing if you don’t know what to look for. With this guide, we’ll take you through all the key points you’ll need to know in order to find the best open face spinning reel for bass fishing. Let’s take a look at some of the top options, then we’ll break down all the information you’ll need to make a good decision.

Quick Overview: Top 9 Best Spinning Reels For Bass Fishing

ImageProduct 
Best Choice

1. RUNCL Spinning Reel TITAN I 2000
  • Lightweight but surprisingly strong
  • Smooth action
  • Excellent braking
Check Price

Check Price
Also great

2. Cadence CS5 Spinning Reel
  • Light reel
  • Great drag power
Check Price

Check Price
Best Value

3. Diawa BG Spinning Reel
  • Strong, sturdy parts and construction
  • Large gear ratio
Check Price

Check Price

4. Penn Battle II Spinning Reel
  • Strong, all metal construction
  • Great for saltwater
Check Price

Check Price

5. KastKing MegaTron Spinning Wheel
  • Strong and lightweight
  • Holds up well in salt and fresh water
Check Price

Check Price

6. Pflueger President Spinning Wheel
  • Strong graphite construction
  • Good drag
Check Price

Check Price

7. Piscifun Flame Spinning Reel
  • Smooth action
Check Price

Check Price

8. Okuma Avenger ABF
  • Baitfeed system
Check Price

Check Price

9. Shimano Stradic HG
  • Smooth, proprietary Shimano gear system
Check Price

Check Price

9 Best Open Face Spinning Reels for Bass Fishing – COMPARED LIST

1. RUNCL Spinning Reel TITAN I 2000 – Smart engineering in a slick package

The RUNCL TITAN I series has several options that all make for excellent bass fishing reels. We’re looking specifically at the 2000 model, but there are a few others that might be worth your consideration. This spinning reel is machined to perfection, using a surprisingly small amount of material to construct a strong reel.

The reel has the RUNCL 9+1 ball bearing system along with a complete shield for the interior parts which means this reel can be used in salt or fresh water without fear of any wear on the parts. The braking system uses multiple carbon-fiber discs to get a good amount of drag when you need it.

Overall, this reel has a lot to offer. The action works smoothly on every cast and you’ve got lots of versatility when it comes to your braking and tension settings. That means you’ll be able to lay down really precise casts and hit exactly where you want your bait to go, even when you’re fishing in tough conditions.
What’s not so great here is that the RUNCL won’t give you as much control as you might want when fishing with heavier lures. The parts are all strong, but the whole package just can’t handle heavier bait and it’s not ideally suited for that purpose.

Given the very reasonable price, we strongly recommend this reel, or any other in the TITAN I series.

Pros
  • Lightweight but surprisingly strong
  • Smooth action
  • Excellent braking
Cons
  • Does not hold up well with heavier baits
CHECK PRICE

2. Cadence CS5 Spinning Reel – Fast, Light, and Smooth

The CS5 from Cadence has a lot of power in a very light package. This reel is well manufactured with a lot of features that anglers will enjoy. It’s got a very smooth, comfortable feeling on the cast and it’ll be great to use for hours of fishing on your favorite salt or fresh water.

The CS5 has an 8+1 ball bearing system and plenty of power in its case. The drag system maxes out at 20 lbs which are quite serious, especially for a reel that comes in at only 8.5 oz. The gear ratio of 6.2:1 means you’ll be getting about 35″ on each turn, which should allow for very smooth retrieve when you’re out fishing bass.
One big red flag here is that the reel seems to have some trouble with corrosion when being used in salt water. The manufacturer claims this should not happen, so what we’re talking about would be a malfunction of some kind. Not all users have reported such issues, but the fact that it’s come up more than once is troubling.
However, there is a lot to like here. You’ve got very easy access to your tension and braking controls and the feeling on cast here is very smooth. This reel will give you all the precision you want for casting for bass.

If it weren’t for the saltwater issues, this reel would be a solid recommendation. As it is, I’d say it’s not worth the price unless you know you’ll only be using it around fresh water.

Pros
  • Light reel
  • Strong, smooth action
  • Great drag power
Cons
  • Saltwater corrosion
  • Handle is not super comfortable
CHECK PRICE

3. Diawa BG Spinning Reel – High price for good quality

The Diawa BG Spinning Reel can cost a bit more than the other reels on this list, so it’s important to know exactly what you’re getting before you make a purchase decision. What you’re getting, put simply, is a very high-quality reel. Diawa has been making tackle for decades and they’ve earned a great reputation among anglers for their products.
The BG reel comes with a full aluminum case and a lightweight gear design that makes it both strong and very light in the hand. The reel has a 6+1 bearing system that might feel a bit different than other bearings you’ve seen on other reels but works great. The parts on this reel are all quality and with proper maintenance, you’ll be able to enjoy this for years to come.
There are some areas where the BG reel misfires, though. The roller guides are easily nudged out of place and can be very difficult to repair. Also, switching the hand orientation of your reel isn’t very easy, so if that’s something you’ll be doing often you might consider another option.

For the price that it commands, you’ll expect the Diawa to be great right out of the box and to last for years. This reel meets that standard easily, so it’s a strong recommendation from us. Keep in mind, though, that you can find quality reels at a lower price point, so if money is a concern, you’ll want to look elsewhere.

Pros
  • Strong, sturdy parts and construction
  • Smooth action
  • Large gear ratio
Cons
  • Price
  • Difficult to adjust
CHECK PRICE

4. Penn Battle II Spinning Reel – Saltwater Prize Fish Specialist

Penn have really gone all out with the Battle II and made a reel that is perfect for fishing big game in saltwater conditions. The body of this reel is built very solidly, and it’s meant to give you lots of strength and confidence when you’re going after large game.

This spinning reel has an all-metal body, side plate, and an aluminum bail wire that are all built to last even under a lot of strain. The bearing system is completely sealed and the reel does not have issues with corrosion when it’s exposed to ocean water.

If you’re serious about going after big ocean catches, this is absolutely the reel for you. Its 5+1 ball bearing system works smoothly even when you’re pulling hard on the line, and the large spool lets you use even very thick line with ease. This whole package works great for ocean fishing.
What’s not so great is that this quality comes at a price, and the Battle II is among the more expensive reels on this list. In addition, the grease packed in with your bearings is not the best and can sometimes make the reel seize up, making it very difficult to operate.

If you’ve got specific big game you’re going after, this reel will work great for you. It’s a little too pricey for us to recommend for any other use, though. Again, if you want something more versatile and that won’t make such a dent in your wallet, there are plenty of better options out there.

Pros
  • Strong, all metal construction
  • Large heavy-duty spool
  • Great for saltwater
Cons
  • Bearing grease not the best
  • Price
CHECK PRICE

5. KastKing MegaTron Spinning Wheel – A great deal on a serious reel

KastKing is an excellent manufacturer who have made lots of great reels of all types, and their MegaTron spinning wheel is no exception. What’s special about this reel is its body made from an aluminum alloy that makes it both lightweight and extremely durable. That means this reel gives you both accuracy and strength for all your bass fishing needs.

The KastKing MegaTron has their usual 7+1 bearing system that makes for very smooth casting and retrieving. As I mentioned, this reel is quite light. So it was surprising to find that its drag system is so robust: carbon fiber discs offer up to 30 lbs of drag.
With all that strength in a package that’s very easy to cast with finesse, the MegaTron is great for any serious bass fisher. It’s also got very easy to use adjustment knobs, so you can dial this reel right into any setting that’ll feel good for you.
The main thing that you might watch out for with this reel is the retrieval spooling, which is not exactly as fluid as you might like. It shouldn’t cause any big problems, but if you’re rushing through a retrieval you might get some bad spooling.

Overall this reel has a lot to like and comes in a very lightweight and low-price package. It’s a strong recommend, especially if you’re new to the sport of bass fishing and want a good first reel for your tacklebox.

Pros
  • Price
  • Strong and lightweight
  • Holds up well in salt and fresh water
Cons
  • Spooling is not smooth
  • Can be difficult to access inside for servicing
CHECK PRICE

6. Pflueger President Spinning Wheel – Graphite Body and Great Bearings

The Pflueger President spinning wheel is made with a solid graphite body that offers strength without sacrificing your ability to be precise in your casting. This reel is built to avoid corrosion under any conditions with a well-sealed inner chamber.
Pflueger uses a bearing system with 10 steel bearings that makes it very easy to turn your crank no matter how much pressure is on the line. It is not strictly the case that more ball bearings correlates to a better reel, but in the case of the Pflueger it really is a high point for the reel.
What’s not so great about this reel is that it’s a bit lacking in the gear ratio and spool size departments. Gear ratio here is only 5.2:1, meaning it’s going to take a lot more cranking to retrieve the same amount of line you’d be able to reel in quickly with another setup.

That shouldn’t be too big a problem here, though, because the line capacity on this reel is a bit smaller than you’d expect from a product in this class.

Given these significant shortcomings, I’d say this Pflueger is not a strong recommendation. The parts and construction here are all solid, but for this price, there are plenty of higher-quality reels out there.

Pros
  • Strong graphite construction
  • Smooth casting
  • Good drag
Cons
  • Line capacity
  • Low gear ratio
CHECK PRICE

7. Piscifun Flame Spinning Reel – Best budget option

Piscifun reels are always interesting. This manufacturer is consistently the best-priced option on the market, but their products don’t always stand up to the rigors of fishing out on the water as much as you’d want. This Piscifun Flame is a decent option for what it is: an extreme budget reel for cost-conscious anglers.

The Flame is a spinning reel made mostly of hollow graphite with a 9+1 ball bearing system and a braid ready spool. It’s got an anti-corrosion zinc drive gear and a braid-ready spool like those you’d find on other more expensive models.
What’s great here is that this reel can do a lot with this small package. It’s max drag of 19 lbs with easy adjustment knobs mean you can take time to dial in the exact casting setup you want. The spooling is smooth and the comfortable handle cranks up a good amount of line with each turn.
The bad here is that this reel just doesn’t have the substance to last a very long time on the water. Some reels are lightweight because they’ve found clever ways to make their parts lighter without sacrificing strength. That’s not the case here – this reel has some good bones but will not last very long even with good maintenance.

Overall I’d say this is not a recommended reel unless the price is a serious concern for you. You’re not going to find a better reel at this price point, but for just a little bit more you can get some much better quality options.

Pros
  • Price
  • Smooth action
  • Good drag
Cons
  • Weak body
  • Bearings prone to seize up when wet.
CHECK PRICE

8. Okuma Avenger ABF – Unique reel system

The Avenger ABF has some unique features. Okuma uses a special baitfeeding system that allows an angler to disengage their spool and let the bait run freely. This can be a great feature for catching bass if you know how to use it.
In addition to the bait feeding system, this Okuma reel is packed with other unique features. One big one is their drag system, which uses Japanese felt pads instead of the metal or carbon fiber discs more common on spinning reels. The pads work great and can provide up to 22 lbs of drag, depending on the size avenger you look at.
While this is all good, there are a couple of serious design flaws that make it tough to use this reel for the long term. The handle has a combination of metal and plastic parts and after a few rough outings, you’ll find the metal really starting to destroy the plastic. Also, it looks like the seal around the gear system might not be perfect because this reel has problems after being used on saltwater.

Overall, this reel has some interesting features that might make it perfect for a serious angler. If you know how to use it, the Avenger is highly recommended.

Pros
  • Baitfeed system
  • Felt brake system
  • Lightweight and strong
Cons
  • Issues with saltwater corrosion
  • Handle will break down quickly.
CHECK PRICE

9. Shimano Stradic HG – high price for a serious reel

Shimano is one of the best-respected names in the field and produces reels used by serious tournament anglers all over the world. The Stradic HG brings all the expertise you’d expect from this brand to an excellent spinning wheel.
What’s great about this reel is it has all the excellent features you’d expect from a Shimano reel. The body and gear are both Hagane with an X-Ship reel setup that makes things smooth and eliminates almost all line management issues. The reel is light but still packs up to 24 lbs of drag and cranks in upwards of 30 inches with each paddle turn.
These parts are all well made and won’t suffer any wear and tear issues. The only issue when it comes to this reel is the price. If you feel like laying out the money for a top reel is worth it to you, then consider this reel. Plenty of other options on this list will be half the price and still high quality, though.

Put simply, if you are serious about bass fishing then Shimano is the way to go. You don’t need to spend this much for a good reel, but if you’re willing to do so then there’s no better way to spend your budget.

Pros
  • Strong and lightweight
  • Smooth, proprietary Shimano gear system
  • Excellent retrieve
Cons
  • Price
CHECK PRICE

best spinning reel for bass fishing

Buyer’s Guide

When you’re considering what kind of reel to purchase for your bass fishing, you’ll want to consider a few key features of any product you’ll consider purchasing.

For bass fishing, you want to be able to precisely cast your bait while retaining the strength to really fight with a fish. For the precision piece, you’ll need to find a reel that is lightweight and allows you to customize your drag and spool tension.

For the strength side of things, you’ll simply want to find a reel that’s well constructed enough to put up with the strain you’ll put on it. This means not only having a strong body but a strong gear system as well.

Saltwater vs fresh

Before buying a reel, you should always consider whether you’ll be using it in saltwater, freshwater, or both. Most reels today completely shield their inner parts and are thus suitable for either application, but as you can see from this list it’s not always the case that a reel meets that expectation. Make sure the reel you pick is going to hold up well in the water you fish.

Gear ratio

The gear ratio is simply a measure of how your cranks of the handle correspond to retraction of the line. When it comes to bass fishing, you’ll want to have a lot of precision in how you retract your bait. That means often times a lower gear ratio will work better.

If you know a gear ratio you like, look for that. If not, aim for something at least 5.2:1, as that’s a good baseline for the minimum retraction you want on each crank.

Bearing systems

Companies will throw out lots of flowery descriptions of their bearing systems, but really you only need this piece to do a few simple things. You want several standard bearings to make your gear run smoothly, and then one quick release bearing to help prevent reverse pulling.

Adjustments

It’s standard practice for reels to give the user the ability to adjust spool tension and brake power on the fly. Make sure you understand how your reel allows you to make these adjustments. Most spinning reels can be adjusted by turning a few knobs, but a few require you to open up the shielding and that can be tricky if you need to do it while out on the water.

FAQ

Are spinning reels good for bass fishing?

Yes, spinning reels work well for bass fishing. They are great for different techniques, including split shot, drop shot, shaky head, weightless plastics, spinners, and small crankbaits.

What is the best size spinning reel for bass fishing?

It depends on the size of bass you want to fish. A 2500 reel is a good versatile option, but you can go as low as 1000 and as high as 3500 when it comes to bass.

What is better for bass fishing spinning reel or baitcaster?

It depends on your level of experience and the fishing conditions. If you are new to bass fishing, a spinning reel is much easier to operate for you. If you are ready for a steeper learning curve, a baitcaster can achieve greater distance and can handle heavier weights.

What bait is good for a bass fishing spinning reel?

You can use spinning reels for nearly any type of bait, including crankbaits, swim baits, tubes, jigs, spinnerbaits, senkos, spinnerbaits and top water.

What is the Best Fishing Line For Bass Spinning Reel?

Generally, spinning reels are made for lighter fishing lines. Heavier lines don’t work well on spinning reels because if the line is too thick, it can jump off the reel spool during casting.

Conclusion

Bass fishing is an excellent sport and can be hours and hours of fun if you’ve got the right equipment. Using this guide, you’ll be able to find a top-notch reel that fits your style of fishing and your wallet. Make sure you research any reel before buying and check that it’s compatible with any other gear you’re looking to use. Stick to this advice and you’ll be netting big bass in no time.

Previous Post: « Top 10 Best Polarized Sunglasses For Bass Fishing (2021 Buyer’s Guide)
Next Post: How to Catch a Fish in a Lake »
Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Paul

    September 24, 2019 at 3:10 am

    I really like how you explained things like gear ratios, bearing systems, and adjustments, many people buy rods without looking at those important features. I have been looking at the Shimano Stradic for a while now but have not been able to convince myself to drop the money on it. This review may have solidified my decision, though.

    Reply
  2. Roderick

    September 25, 2019 at 3:52 am

    I have used the RUNCL Titan I before but need something better suited for heavier fishing as I noticed it doesn’t handle very well with heavy baits. I have a penchant for aluminum materials so maybe I’ll opt for the KastKing Megatron.

    Reply
  3. Ken

    September 27, 2019 at 5:22 am

    This article was really informative. I need a new reel since my last one failed on me while bass fishing. I am normally a fan of light and fast reels, but I may try something heavier and slower this time. Thanks for showing all the great options!

    Reply
  4. Chris

    September 28, 2019 at 11:36 am

    I never really understood the appeal behind super heavy-duty reels, but I recently got the Penn Battle II and have since changed my mind. I have recently tried my hand at deep water fishing and the heavy tough reel is great for things like flounder and halibut. The all-metal body is super tough and feels practically indestructible. Despite how heavy it is the reel action is incredibly smooth and almost effortless. I wouldn’t hesitate to say that it is easily one of the best spinning reels for bass fishing I have used in years. It’s a bit more expensive than some other reels I have had but it’s totally worth the price tag.

    Reply
  5. Scott

    September 30, 2019 at 11:11 am

    I got the Piscifun spinning reel recently and am really happy with my decision. I mostly needed something cheaper as a replacement reel but I have found myself using the Piscifun more than my main. I really like how you can adjust the casting setup with the knob. It’s really easy to modify your casting distance for the kind of fishing you are doing. The review says that it may not last very long, but I have not noticed any problems yet. Granted, I have only been using it for a few months, but so far so good!

    Reply
  6. Gary

    October 4, 2019 at 5:33 am

    So glad I found this article. I have some friends who are really into fishing but any advice they give me is cloaked in jargon and technical language. I like how this article explained all the features of spinning reels without any difficult language. Still not sure which one I am going to get, but at least I have a better grasp of what to look for.

    Reply
  7. Cody

    October 5, 2019 at 6:18 am

    Does anyone have a recommendation on a good spinning reel for topwater fishing? I figured I would want something light and easy to reel.

    Reply
    • Michael Amaro

      October 11, 2019 at 9:59 am

      Hey Cody, you are correct, lighter spinning reels are best for topwater fishing as they are more sensitive and have better casting control. Something like the Piscifun or the Cadence CS5 are affordable light-weight reels that are great for topwater casting.

      Reply
  8. Jerry

    October 18, 2019 at 5:39 am

    I am looking for the best bass spinning reel under $100. Any recommendations people?

    Reply
    • Michael Amaro

      October 24, 2019 at 6:31 am

      Hi Jerry, the RUNCL Titan I is one of the best bass spinning reels under $100, along with the KastKing Megatron. Both have excellent price/quality ratios and are good for lots of different kinds of fishing. Hope that helps, let us know if you have any more questions!”

      Reply
  9. Evan

    October 30, 2019 at 7:14 am

    Excellent, this article is just what I needed. I have long been a fan of Cadence reels but I think it may be time to try something new. After reading, I think my top choice right now is the Diawa BG spinning reel. I need something tough and strong. I tend to keep the settings the same on my rods so it doesn’t matter too much if its a bit difficult to adjust.

    Reply
  10. Larry

    November 12, 2019 at 7:13 am

    I personally really like the Okuma Avenger reel. I do a lot of bass fishing so the bait feeding system is great for leading and drawing bass out of the weeds. The action is really smooth and I haven’t really noticed any issues with the plastic parts. One thing I have noticed is that it’s initially a bit tricky to get a new line of the spool, but you quickly figure it out after a few times.

    Reply
  11. Robert

    December 3, 2019 at 5:57 am

    Great article, there is a lot of quality info here. I need a new reel and have been stuck on figuring out what to get. Some of the best spinning reels for bass fishing I have tried have been relatively cheap, so the price does not matter too much to me. Mostly I want something that is versatile as I do a lot of different fishing. After reading, I think I am going to check out the Penn Battle II. I want something a bit tougher that can stand up to frequent fishing outings.

    Reply
  12. Jonathan

    December 16, 2019 at 7:17 am

    I can’t recommend the KastKing Megatron enough, it is easily the best spinning reel for bass fishing I have ever used. It is extremely tough but still really light and I like how easy the adjustment knobs are to use. Even better, it has a great price/quality ratio so I cannot recommend it enough. Great product choices!

    Reply
  13. Ray

    December 28, 2019 at 8:37 am

    Great product choices. I recently got the Shimano Stradic and it is one of the best spinning reels for bass fishing I have had the pleasure of using. The best part is the reel setup that basically makes line tangling impossible. The gear ratio is on point too, one turn of the reel handle and the line pulls in by 30”. It is a bit pricey but if you are serious about bass fishing you cannot go wrong with that one. I have also used the Cadence CS5 and really appreciate how light it is. I mostly do freshwater fishing so I haven’t had any problems with corrosion from saltwater.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar
Footer

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE

Some posts may contain affiliate links. FishingGearForBass.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2019 - 2021 Fishing Gear For Bass

DMCA.com Protection Status