Best Fishing Reels 2023

A reliable fishing reel is at the heart of any angler’s setup. The best fishing reels hold, dispense and retrieve line, all while serving as your primary tool for hauling in fish. While there are hundreds of reels on the market these days, we’ve carefully picked our way through the many options like you might a ball of tangled up line to identify the best reels, bar none. And along the way, we’ve considered different types of fishing, different species of fish, water conditions, weight, size and drag—all important factors that dictate which reel will best meet your needs.

The best fishing reels help you cast and retrieve with ease.

There are some universal truths that apply to any good reel, regardless of when, where and why you might use it. For example, a reel needs to be relatively lightweight and strong, as well as durable and smooth, from casting to retrieval. While a really good reel might cost a little more up front, it will pay off in the long run as it seamlessly melds into your fishing rig and becomes an extension of yourself. Pair a good reel with a capable fishing rod and a lure the fish can’t refuse, and you’re well on your way to making the most of your time on the water.

Below, take a look at some of the best fishing reels available on the market right now.

Amazon

If you have just one reel in the box, let it be this one from Daiwa—the Ballistic MQ LT is a versatile reel that will catch fish in almost any scenario. Great for fresh or saltwater, this lightweight reel was redesigned in 2022 with Mag Sealed material to keep unwanted salt and debris out of the components. It comes in five sizes and features a monocoque body and Zaion material, making it lightweight yet durable enough that you won’t have to baby it. This is a great all-around reel in that you can use it to haul in a giant bass or a smaller trout. If you need a one-quiver option, look no further.

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TackleDirect

Shimano really hit a home run when they built the new Stradic FM. A more recent addition to the CoreSolid lineup of spinning reels, it manages to adopt the best technologies from across the company’s reels, but the headline here is the InfinityXross technology and InfinityDrive, both of which create more crank power with a light rotation when reeling in a big fish. At the same time, the reel offers anglers an extended gear tooth horizontally that distributes the load more evenly, thus adding strength and durability for those big bass. Shimano also included its signature cold-forged Hagane gears and the MicroModule II that results in a smooth retrieval in addition to the cast. The Stradic FM will last you awhile thanks to Shimano's X-Protect water-repellent coating and water-channeling labyrinth construction, which ensures it catches bass, not rust.

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Amazon

Fly fishing reels are a different animal altogether, and the Lamson Speedster S Fly Reel is a king among kings. Fly fishermen know that Waterworks-Lamson reels are historically some of the best on the market, and the Speedster offers a narrower spool with a larger outer diameter, making it smooth and fast. The inboard mounded handle makes retrieval a breeze and the famed maintenance-free drag system means you’ll be able to spin this reel for years without issue. At less than a pound, it’s incredibly light and fast, and it lives up to its name.

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Amazon

When it comes to fishing saltwater, your reel has to be ready for a specific set of challenges because, realistically combining moving components with the harsh elements of the sea is a tough proposition. Fortunately, the Daiwa BG spinning reel can handle the job without breaking a sweat. The industrial-grade Hardbodyz body and side cover that makes up this reel ensures it can take the corrosive salt from the sea and continue spinning. While strong, it’s still relatively lightweight thanks to the the Air Rotor design, which eliminates 15% of the excess weight and balances the load evenly in hand. and this reel is unique because of the Braid-ready Dynamic Cut aluminum ABS spool that pairs with the waterproof carbon ADT drag, so it will reel smoothly even when it gets a little salt or grime on it.

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Orvis

For some anglers, nothing compares to the sound of a classic click-and-pawl reel as it rips across the water in search of fish. Orvis really nailed such a design with the C.F.O. III reel that was created in honor of the company’s 50th anniversary. Made in the USA, this reel was inspired by fly reel designer Stan Bogdan’s classic ventilated port design. Simple, yet a work of art, the reel is as timeless as a fly fishing reel gets these days. It’s versatile in either right or left-handed retrieval and includes a durable corrosion-resistant type II anodized coating, so it’ll last a lifetime if you treat it well. Simple, easy to care for and fun, the C.F.O. III reel is fishing as it was meant to be.

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Amazon

For the price, the President Spinning reel is a great deal that will catch fish without breaking the bank. At around $50, it’s a quality reel that’s surprisingly versatile and designed to perform in any type of fishing condition. The graphite body and rotor, with a corrosion-resistant finish, provide a smooth, lightweight retrieval, and the gear ratio has an aluminum spool at 5.2:1 and a 6-pound drag system to land a good-sized fish. The handle is aluminum with rubber knobs and offers an Anti-Reverse system, which means that it has a smooth 7-ball bearing setup. Your wallet can rest easy with this reel in the bag.

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Amazon

Ice fishing is a different game than your standard summer casting—you’re pulling fish out of a hole in the ice, and as a result, you need a stout reel that can take some serious torque. The CNC aluminum spool on the Piscifun ICX reel lets you manage the line in the ice with ease and jig the lure cleanly. This reel also stands apart with its 7+1 shielded stainless bearings—the bearings come with antifreeze lubricant to provide a smooth reel even in the dead of winter. The ICX also has a solid one-piece Reel Foot, which results in more strength and tension of the reel. This, combined with the EVA ergonomic handle, makes for easy retrieval—even with gloves on—to get those fish above the ice.

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As a writer who’s deeply passionate about fishing, my journey to discover the best fishing reels has been an immersive and exciting one. I've embarked on countless angling adventures, putting a diverse array of reels to the test, but my analysis didn't stop there. I also delved into the vast realm of online reviews, soaking up insights from fellow fishing enthusiasts who were willing to share their experiences after spending their own hard-earned money.

Yet, it's the invaluable conversations with experts in the field that have truly shaped my picks for this list. Their profound knowledge has guided me through the intricate web of reel technologies, designs and noteworthy features. Those reels fortunate enough to feel the tug of fish were evaluated with a critical eye and an experienced touch. For those that eluded my personal experience, the insights gleaned from authoritative figures served as a guide.