Best Baitcasting Reels For Bass: Complete Review & Comparison Guide 2023
Overview: In this article we have selected and reviewed the best baitcasting reels for bass fishing available on amazon. Furthermore we have also elaborated some critical criterias which will help you finding the perfect baitcating reel for your next bass encounter.
Looking to test your hands at bass fishing?
While the idea is definitely great, but you would need to prepare yourself for one of a kind fishing experience.
That’s because the bass is a tricky fish and definitely not the easiest to catch. It’s adaptable, aggressive and witty for starters. You would need to know the best techniques, get equipped with the best gears and have patience and passion to be able to win over these witty river monsters.
Now, out of the many pieces of equipment that you may need to catch bass, reels are definitely worthy of higher consideration.
These fishing reels usually come under two main categories including spinning reels and baitcasting reels.
Amongst the two, Baitcasting reels are ideally suited for bass fishing, given their phenomenal strength, exceptional power, and high durability.
And in this article, we have reviewed some of the best baitcasting reels for bass available in the market, along with their pros and cons.
But before we began, let’s have a quick look at why these reels are perfectly suited for bass fishing. Moreover, on what features you should pay more attention when buying one,
So, let’s get started!
And if you don't want to get into all these 'Bass Nerd Details' ( which I always love to talk about) 😉
Just Right Below is our list of Best Baitcasting Reels for Bass Fishing
You can confidently pick any from the list and be assured that you have made the right decision.
Our Pick For The Best Bait-Casting Reels For Bass Fishing.
Product | salient features | OUR RATING |
|---|---|---|
Top Editor's Pick#1  Tatula CT by Daiwa | Our #1 Rated 5 out of 5 In The Baitcasting Reel For Bass Category | |
Top Editor's Pick#2  Revo4 SX-hl by Abu Garcia | Our #2 Rated 5 out of 5 In The Baitcasting Reel For Bass Category | |
Top Editor's Pick#3  ROYAL Legend by KastKing | Our #3 Rated 5 out of 5 In The Baitcasting Reel For Bass Category | |
 Revo Toro Beast Baitcast by Abu Garcia | Our #4 Rated 4.8 out of 5 In The Baitcasting Reel For Bass Category | |
 Chronarch MGL 150 HG by SHIMANO | Our #5 Rated 4.5 out of 5 In The Baitcasting Reel For Bass Category | |
 Concept A3 by 13 Fishing | Our #6 Rated 4.5 out of 5 In The Baitcasting Reel For Bass Category | |
 Pro Magnesium LFS Speed Spool by Lew's | Our #7 Rated 4.5 out of 5 In The Baitcasting Reel For Bass Category |
Advantages of Bait-Casting Reels in Bass Fishing
While bait-casting reels may be a little more difficult to handle with precision as compared to a spinning reel, once you pass through the initial phase and get used to the reel, you would definitely back up my preference of bait-casting reel over spinning reels. Here are some of the advantages of bait-casting reels:
- Heavier Line
Due to the perpendicular position of spool’s axis of rotation, it’s possible to use heavier lines. This is absolutely critical when you are fishing large and aggressive fish like large-mouth bass.
- Low Line Twist
Spinning reels have a bad reputation for twisted reels, which essentially eliminate any option for good casting. Since the line is positioned perpendicular to the spool axis, in bait-casting reel, it essentially minimizing the chances of line twisting, greatly increasing your casting efficiency.
- Longer Casts
Baitcasting reels coupled with the right rod makes the perfect combination to outcast spinning reels. The combo enables you to make a longer cast and used hard baits and jigs.
- Increased Power
As we discussed above, the bass is aggressive fish and likes to pull over with greater force. This means that you need a reel that gives you adequate power and torque to counter the fish pull and in terms of power, spinning reels are no match for the power and strength offered by baitcasting reels.
- More Control
Bait-casting reels coupled with the right rod makes the ideal combo that gives anglers more control of the speed and distance of casting. It may take sometime before you become used to the bait-casting reel casting, however, once you become proficient, it will give you higher efficiency to make casts with precision and control.
Types of Bait-Casting Reels
Now that you know the advantages of baitcasting reels over spinning reels, let’s jump on the different types of baitcasting reels available in the market.
Again, fortunately, there are just two major types of baitcasting reels that make it easy to choose one that suits your needs. These include round profile reels and low-profile reels. Each type of reel comes with different designs suited for specific fishing styles. The right type of baitcasting reel will eventually also depend upon the line capacity. Let’s go through each type of baitcasting reel briefly.
- Round Profile Baitcasting Reel
What defines the round-profile baitcasting reel design is the grip, which is behind in this case. The benefit of this design is that you get more torque as compared to the low-profile reel.
Since you get greater torque with the round-profile baitcasting reels, this makes them perfect to go after larger bass species like largemouth bass. Also, if you are considering using large lures and bait, this is the right design choice for you.
Moving on, the other benefit of a round-profile baitcasting reel is its capacity to hold more line as compared to the low-profile reels. This makes them an ideal choice for anglers looking to fish in greater depths, like when you want to cast to the bottom of the lake looking for the bass covering in depth of water.
- Low Profile Baitcasting Reel
Low-profile baitcasting reels are more suited for beginners or unprofessional anglers who are looking for an easy to use the reel. The low-profile design is essentially more ergonomic than round-profile design, which makes them easy to handle and light on the wrist.
Low-profile baitcasting reels also offer more stability as compared to the round-profile design, thus a better choice for anglers looking for maximum comfort. This design is more suited if you are looking to catch smaller bass species like small-mouth bass.
In essence, if you are looking for more catches and not the big trophy catches, the low-profile design is definitely better suited for your style. It’s easy to handle, while the ergonomic design lets you fish for longer hours.
7 Top Baticasting Reels For Bass Reviewed
Here are some personal recommendations for the best spinning reels for bass. Check out the details and you will surely find one that best suits your need:
Top Editor's Pick#1
1. Daiwa Tatula CT Baitcast Fishing Reel
Making it to the top of our best baitcasting reels category is the Daiwa Tatula CR Baitcasting fishing reel. One look at the reel and you will surely see why it made its way to top baitcasting reels for bass. It comes with an innovative design (one of the best innovative designs that took a long time coming) and a super-efficient “T-Wing” casting system.
Best Features:
1, T-Wing concept.
The T-Wing casting system is a purposefully designed line that is meant to minimize the friction and hinderance of the cast.
It works a little differently as opposed to the traditional cast system, which may take a while to get used to, however, once you get over the initial confusion, you will surely love the system.
2, Strong Gear System.
The Daiwa Tatula CR Baitcasting fishing reel comes with a strong gear system, giving more cranking power to anglers. This is further boosted by the oversized handle and grip, essentially facilitating anglers to focus on the right spot.
Other Features:
Pros
Cons
Conclusion.
What I love most about the Daiwa Tatula CR Baitcasting fishing reel is that it’s one of the most creative designs that we have seen in a long time.
The company has certainly put up the hard work and engineering being the design to come up with an efficient and effective baitcasting reel.
We rate this model a 5 out of 5.
Top Editor's Pick# 2
2. Abu Garcia Revo4 SX-HS Low Profile Fishing Reel
The Revo SX Low Profile Fishing Reel is yet another great reel from Abu Garcia, which takes its spot as one of the best all-around reels available in the market.
It’s also among the best-selling product from Abu Garcia. The reel comes at fairly lightweight, easier handling and dual gear rat
Best Features:
1, Dual Gear Ratio.
The Abu Garcia Revo SX Low Profile Fishing Reel offers two different gear ratios, which essentially makes it a perfect fit for all anglers.
The 6.6:1 ratio is ideal for diversified fishing techniques, essentially a workhorse for anglers. Alternatively, the 7.3:1 is best suited if you are looking to make topwater baits or looking for greater casting range.
2, Infini Brake System.
The Infini brake system is yet another great feature offered Abu Garcia Revo SX Low Profile Fishing Reel giving anglers more control, reliability and optimum performance.
This coupled with powerful drag makes the Revo SX one of the more finest baitcasting reels for bass
Other Features:
Pros
Cons
Conclusion.
If you are looking for an affordable and all-rounder baitcasting reel, the Revo SX is a worthy choice.
It comes with powerful drag, dual braking system, and other premium features all packed in a lightweight reel that offers high strength and exceptional durability.
We rate this model 5 out of 5.
Top Editor's Pick#3
3. KastKing Royale Legend/Whitemax
The first thing that you will notice about KastKing Royale Legend is its amazingly lightweight and extra-thin rod. But make no mistake, its heck strong and durable, and can be used effectively for saltwater and freshwater fishing.
Another great feat of KastKing Royale Legend is that it can easily be handled by a left or right-handed person. The ergonomic dual grips with EVA padding adds to the comfort of handling, so you can pull out the most stubborn bass.
Best Features:
1, High-speed Baitcasting Reel.
The KastKing Royale Legend comes with a high-speed baitcasting reel that can retrieve 31.5 inches of line per crank without any difficulty. It also offers one of the biggest drag, helping you to pull 5-pounder or more bass easily.
2, Anti-Reverse System
The KastKing Royale Legend comes with a quite sophisticated anti-reverse system with 11 corrosion-resistant ball bearings, to offer smooth and discreet operations, so you can catch even the shyest bass.
Other Features:
Pros
Cons
Conclusion.
The KastKing Royale Legend delivers a great job at offering high-performance features and superior quality at incredibly affordable pricing.
If you are looking for great bass experience of on a budget, KastKing Royale must be obvious choice, it’s the lightest reel with the second-biggest drag, offering you full worth of your money.
The durability might be a question provided high-maintenance requirement of the reel. But still a good budget friendly option for starters.
Therefore we rate this reels 4.8 out of 5.
4. Abu Garcia Revo Toro Beast Low-Profile Baitcast Fishing Reel
If you are looking for the best baitcasting reel then, the Abu Garcia Revo Toro is certainly the top contender.
The reel retains the premium features offered by Abu Garcia, which make the company as the top priority for anglers.
Best Features:
1, Engineered for hard pulling fish
Just like all other products from Abu Garcia, the Abu Garcia Revo Toro is manufactured with top-notch engineering.
The design and engineering that went behind the Abu Garcia Revo Toro make it perfectly suited against hard pulling fishes like Bass.
2, Carbon Matrix Drag System
To offer unmatched power and yet keep it smooth, the Abu Garcia Revo Toro comes with a powerful carbon matric drag system.
The drag system is intelligently designed to maximize your fishing experience, giving you the strength and comfort at the same time.
Other Features:
Pros
Cons
Conclusion.
Lets accept it, When it comes to fishing reels Abu Garcia is top end brand with top notch quality. But all this comes with a price tag. The only reason this reel is not in our top is it price. Other wise i dont think you get it any better then this (period).
Hence, we rate this model a 4.8 out of 5.
5. Shimano Chronarch MGL 150HG
Battle BTLII3000 is one of the cheapest spinning reels in my list and certainly outperforms any other reel in its category.
The Penn Battle II model comes with superior paint quality, offering higher protection against corrosion and rusting. Provided the right maintenance, it will certainly last quite long.
Best Features:
1, High Gear Ratio
With the gear ratio of 6.2:1, the Battle BTLII3000 offers an impressive 35 inches line retrieval per crank, so you are able to hook the shyest bass easily.
2, Lightweight
The Battle BTLII3000 only weighs about 12.3 ounces and is quite effective in pulling up to 15 pounder bass, which is simply incredible and an attestation to its effective drag system.
Other Features:
Pros
Cons
Conclusion.
If you are looking for a premium baitcasting reel and have some extra cash to spend, the Shimano Chronarch MGL 150 is a worthy choice. It’s an essentially premium reel that’s packed with powerful features and premium built-quality.
Thus, we rate this model 4.5 out of 5.
6. 13 Fishing Concept A3
The 13 fishing might not have been the company that’s known for its high-quality products, however, over the years the company has made great strides to manufacture some phenomenally high-quality products.
The is one such product that has entirely transformed the outlook of the company from a mere sideline company to a manufacturer that means business.
As can be taken by the name, the 13 Fishing Concept A3 reel is one of its kind concept reel that packs powerful features along with a sexy aesthetic appeal.
Best Features:
1, A3 super kick lever
The superkick lever is conceptually designed to handle severe pressure using a trademark support arm. This means, with the 13 Fishing Concept A3 you got all the strength and power to go after those trophy catches you would like to, without having to worry about braking.
2, H.A.M gears
To further reinforce the strength and durability of the reel, the 13 Fishing Concept A3 comes with powerful H.A.M gears that are cur with Japanese Hamai precision and made from hardened brass, for unparalleled strength and durability.
Other Features:
Pros
Cons
Conclusion.
13 Fishing Concept A3 reel may be a surprise entry for many anglers, which is quite understandable as the company was mostly known to manufacture petty quality products in the past.
However, it’s nothing short of a miraculous product from 13 fishing and surely worth a try.
We rate this model a 4.5 out of 5.
7. Team Lew’s Pro Magnesium Speed Spool LFS
The Lew is yet another common name among the professional anglers as the manufacturer of premium fishing reels.
This Lew’s Pro Mag is a featherweight reel that packs the powerful Lew’s technology. What pushes this reel in the list is the fact that despite premium features it comes with a mid-price tag. If you haven’t used it yet, you would certainly love the level of sensitivity offered by the reel, along with ease of handling and comfort.
Best Features:
1, Machined Aluminum Spool
The Lew’s Pro Mag is built over the concept of manufacturing a premium baitcasting reel that’s fast, strong and yet featherweight.
That’s one reason why the entire reel is manufactured from single-piece magnesium along with C45 carbon side plates.
The machined aluminum spool is integrated to minimize the weight while sustaining a right roundness tolerance.
2, Double shielded ball bearings.
To give premium fishing experience and improved casting, the Lew’s Pro Mag reel comes with a double-shielded ball bearing, top of the like adjustable braking system and an audible tension clicker which makes one heck of a baitcasting reel to start fishing.
Other Features:
Pros
Cons
Conclusion.
While the Lew’s Pro Mag isn’t the most affordable of baitcasting reels out there, it does surely offer full worth of your money with premium features and incredibly strong built.
The one-piece magnesium manufacturing along with carbon side plates and machined aluminum spool all adds up to the efficiency and effectiveness of the reel.
So, we rate this model a 4.5 out of 5.
Concluding
So, now that we have our list of best baitcasting reels for Bass, you can choose the one that suits your fishing style and budget. In general, you don’t need to go with the most expensive baitcasting reel to improve your catches, rather, you need to pick the reel that suits your style and makes it enjoyable.
However, before we end, it’s important to remember that you would need the patience to become an expert bass angler. As we mentioned earlier, the bass is a witty and aggressive fish and only with experience, you will understand the secrets of bass fishing.
Just concentrate on improving your angling skills by understanding the bass behavior. Don’t worry about the number of catches as you can always improve that with the experience.
Thanks for staying till here, for further reviews and any questions regarding fishing gear please comment below,
Cheers.
