Best Spinning Reels For Bass Fishing: Complete Review & Comparison Guide 2023
Overview: In this article we have selected and reviewed the best spinning reels for bass fishing available on amazon. Furthermore we have also elaborated some critical criterias which will help you finding the right spinning reel for your next bass encounter.
Bass is one of the toughest fighting freshwater fish you’ll ever hook. Whether you go for a smaller bass or the larger version, these fishes are aggressive as hell and strong enough to tear through the reel or even break a pole.
Now, as Bass Fishing becomes a popular sport in North-America, anglers are looking for better equipment to get these tough monsters hooked and one of the best equipment you can go with for Bass fishing is spinning reels.
Yeah, it took me a good amount of time to get hands around a good spinning reel for bass, so I won’t be shocked to hear that many of you may be facing the same confusion. While spinning reels have definite pluses for bass fishing, it’s the durability and design of the reel that you need to inspect and be sure about.
Here, I have to bring 7 best spinning reels for bass, which I have personally tried and tested in various fishing games. So without wasting any time let’s jump onto our list of best spinning reels for bass.
Our Pick For The Best Spinning Reels For Bass Fishing.
Product | salient features | OUR RATING |
|---|---|---|
 Stradic CI4 by SHIMANO | Our #1 Rated 5 out of 5 In The Spinning Reel For Bass Category | |
 Revo SX by Abu Garcia | Our #2 Rated 5 out of 5 In The Spinning Reel For Bass Category | |
 ROYAL Legend by KastKing | Our #3 Rated 4.8 out of 5 In The Spinning Reel For Bass Category | |
 BG 3000 by Daiwa | Our #4 Rated 4.8 out of 5 In The Spinning Reel For Bass Category | |
 Battle II by Penn | Our #5 Rated 4.5 out of 5 In The Spinning Reel For Bass Category | |
 Supreme SUPXTSP35x by Pflueger | Our #6 Rated 4.3 out of 5 In The Spinning Reel For Bass Category | |
 Spirex FG by SHIMANO | Our #7 Rated 4 out of 5 In The Spinning Reel For Bass Category |
Important Spinning Reel Factors to Consider For Bass Fishing:
Ok, just before we began our list of best spinning reels for bass, let’s just have a brief overview of the important factors you need to understand and check.
- Drag System
Yes, you sure need a strong and robust drag system when going for the tough Bass fishing, however, you will also need it to be smooth. While a strong and robust drag will help you to put some muscles to set the hook, the smooth engagements are needed to ensure that the line doesn’t break during putting up the hook set or when an aggressive bass takes a dive under the boat.
Believe me, breaking the line isn’t uncommon and you shouldn’t feel guilty about losing your trophy bass. Just that a smooth drag system will help you to get the finesse applications and to get the perfect balance between power and hook penetration, to minimize the line breaking.
- Spool Size
You will find several spool sizes in spinning reels, however, when you are picking one for bass fishing the ideal sizes are the middle two. These spool sizes are lightweight, great for finesse techniques application and great at handling test lines up to 8 – 10lbs.
- Sensitivity
Of course, being able to detect lightest of the bites isn’t an easy trade to learn and it only comes with experience. Still, a good spinning reel for bass with high sensitivity will transfer a little feel of the bite from the line and lure to your hands. Personally, I like going with carbon or aluminum frames, as they offer better sensitivity for bites.
- Price
You sure as hell don’t need to break your bank while going for the most extravagant spinning reels for bass. Ideally, I would recommend going with reels in $100 - $200 range.
Going below this won’t give you many great options, while going above this range may be a bit too expensive for most anglers; especially beginners. And let me admit that there are few great under 100 dollar reels available in the market, it’s just that I like a bit of refinement of the higher class reel.
7 Top Spinning 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:
1. Shimano Stradic Ci4+ 4000 XG FB
Shimano needs little introduction and convincing for its superior quality and advance features gears in the fishing industry.
The Shimano Stardic is the original model and one of the best-selling spinning lines from Shimano and they have taken it a step further with the CI4, which stands for Carbon infusion – a custom carbon reinforced version from Shimano.
Best Features:
1, High Strength and Weight Bearing.
Ask me the best feature for the CI4 and I would not hesitate a bit to say that it’s the stunning carbon that gives it’s the power and strength while keeping the weight to a minimum.
It’s a great reel to catch large bass, without worrying about breaking the pole. Also, since there is no piece of metal on the reel, it’s completely corrosion and rust-resistant.
2, X-Ship Gear.
Ok, the CI4 isn’t the only innovation Shimano made in this reel. Another great invention namely; X-Ship gear that offers great support at both ends, while ensuring complete alignment of gears even under high strain; thus offering much improvement in performance and minimized wear and tear.
Other Features:
Pros
Cons
Conclusion.
The Shimano Stardic CI4 is a great spinning reel that comes with trademark features and innovation that we all expect from Shimano.
While, it’s a little on the expensive side, if large bass fishing is your game, it’s definitely worth its money.
We rate this model a 5 out of 5.
2. Abu Garcia Revo SX Spinning Reel
Abu Garcia is a well-known name in the fishing rod and reel manufacturing industry.
The company is known for its commitment to quality and strength.
This specific spinning reel from Abu Garcia comes with an IM-C6 body with a graphite rotor, making it tough and lightweight.
Best Features:
1, Magnetic Brake System.
The Abu Garcia Revo SX comes with a powerful magnetic brake system, which utterly eliminates the backlash, offering an absolute quiet operation, which is highly valuable for fishing bass which can run and hide for the slightest of disturbances.
2, Powerful Drag System.
Another great feature of Abu Garcia Revo SX reel is its powerful and well-balanced drag system that offers plenty of strength, as well as, finesse.
So, whether you are battling out a large bass or dropping weightless worm or muscling the last-ditch, you can be sure of the strength and utility of the drag system to minimize line breakages.
Other Features:
Pros
Cons
Conclusion.
If freshwater bass fishing is your game, you won’t get a better reel than Abu Garcia Revo SX. It’s intelligently manufactured and designed to perform with incredible efficiency.
We rate this model 5 out of 5.
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.
While it isn’t the cheapest in my list, 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.
Therefore we rate this Bow Sight 4.8 out of 5.
4. Daiwa Bg Spinning Reel
The Daiwa BG 3000 is yet another great spinning reel for bass that comes with anodized aluminum body.
Equipped with superior EAS spool, carbon ATD drag system and cross-cut carbon fiber washers, Daiwa BG 3000 offers high durability and exceptional strength.
Best Features:
1, Superior Features at affordable prices
Given the affordability of the reel, it’s certainly one of the best picks for its advanced features like EAS Spool, ATD Drag system, and carbon fiber washers. It’s able to hook over 15 pounder bass, which is no less than stunning given its lightweigh
2, High Performance and Durability
Thanks to its 7 stainless steel ball bearings, Daiwa BG 3000 offers high performance and smooth operations. And, while it certainly isn’t shielded onto the levels of some of the higher-end models, it still offers impressive durability and strength.
Other Features:
Pros
Cons
Conclusion.
The Daiwa BG 3000 is one of the best spinning reels for bass in its category and price segment. Yes, it isn’t completely sealed, however, it is designed to be a low maintenance reel, with high-performance value.
Hence, we rate this model a 4.8 out of 5.
5. Penn Battle II Spinning Fishing Reel
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.
Yes, there are some downsides to the reel, however, given the exceptionally low price of the rod, it’s certainly an incredible spinning reel that performs great in freshwater and saltwater conditions and for its price, you can’t ask for anything better.
Thus, we rate this model 4.5 out of 5.
6. Pflueger Supreme XT Spinning Fishing Reel
The Pflueger Supreme SUPXTSP35x is a lightweight spinning reel that comes with magnesium body and rotor. The aluminum spool in Pflueger Supreme SUPXTSP35x is double anodized to give maximum corrosion resistance.
Best Features:
1, High reeling power
With the gear ratio of 6.2:1, the Pflueger Supreme SUPXTSP35x is able to retrieve 33.8 inches of line per crank, which is impressive. You can easily pull in up to 12 pounder bass, with no hassle, which even though isn’t the biggest drag, but good enough for its lightweight (8lbs).
2, Carbon Inlay drag design
The Pflueger Supreme SUPXTSP35x comes with carbon inlay drag design and a sealed carbon fiber system, which makes it corrosion resistant and effective for saltwater and freshwater fishing.
Other Features:
Pros
Cons
Conclusion.
The Pflueger Supreme SUPXTSP35x isn’t the top choice as a spinning reel for bass and may require some training and getting used to with the reel, however, it offers the high worth of its value with fast and smooth performance.
We rate this model a 4.3 out of 5.
7. Shimano Spirex FG Spinning Reel (6.2:1)
This is the second entrée from Shimano, and definitely worth its value. The Shimano Spirex FG is a lower-end model from Shimano that comes in under $100.
However, as expected, the reel comes with some incredible features to compete with even some high-end reels from other brands.
Best Features:
1, Great weight and strength combination
The Shimano Spirex FG is manufactured using a graphite frame, while also comprise of side plate and rotor, giving it an impressive combination of lightweight and power. The braided aluminum spool offers a great utility to work with various line sizes, including the massive 30-pound braid.
2, Quickfire II casting system.
Just like all other reels from Shimano, the Shimano Spirex FG comes with some innovative features and the Quikfire II casting system is definitely worth mentioning.
It enables line management a breeze, while also improving the casting accuracy. Don’t worry about the retrievals as well, as it’s quick and smooth; thanks to the Fluid Drive and Varispeed oscillation.
Other Features:
Pros
Cons
Conclusion.
Overall, the Shimano Spirex FG is an incredible spinning reel for bass and a strong contender of the best among the lot in under $100 category. And that’s one thing that all anglers expect from Shimano.
So, we rate this model a 4.5 out of 5.
Concluding
Remember, Bass, are known as a tough fish with the ability to put on the extreme fight before you can pull them out. The best spinning reels to compete with bass will come with graphite, aluminum or carbon composite material to be strong enough to last the fight and smooth enough to enable you to retrieve the line.
Now go out and fish!
Now, choose the best reel that suits your budget and needs and experience the incredible bass fishing sport out in the wild!
Thanks for staying till here, for further reviews and any questions regarding hunting gear please comment below,
Cheers.
