Updated 12/29/2023
The northern pike is a formidable freshwater predatory fish known for its striking appearance, impressive size, and aggressive demeanor. Pike are common bycatch when pursuing largemouth and smallmouth bass but can also be directly targeted with the right baits, equipment, and techniques. Key to success is having the best pike reels available to maximize chances of landing one of these incredible fish.
In this article, we take a look at the best pike reels on the market, considering factors like price, performance, quality, and value.
*Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.
Our Top 7 Picks
- Best Baitcasting Reel for the Money: Shimano Curado M Baitcasting Reel
- Best Baitcasting Reel Under $200: Abu Garcia Revo SX Baitcasting Reel
- Best Budget Baitcasting Reel: KastKing Kapstan Elite Baitcasting Reel
- Best Digital Brake Baitcasting Reel: Shimano Curado DC Baitcasting Reel
- Best Spinning Reel for the Money: Penn Battle III Spinning Reel
- Best Spinning Reel Under $100: KastKing Sharky III Spinning Reel
- Best Spinning Reel Under $150: Daiwa BG Spinning Reel
The 7 Top Pike Reels
Whether you’re a new angler or a grizzled expert, we have you covered. Check out our recommendations for best pike reels by category like best budget, best for different price points, and best premium reels amongst others! We also cover considerations for spinning reels vs baitcasting reels for different techniques to target pike.
1. Shimano Curado K Baitcasting Reel
- Gear Ratio: 6.2:1 – 8.5:1
- Max Drag: 12 – 13 lbs
- Ball Bearings: 6+1
- Weight: 7.4 – 7.6 oz
Pros:
- Butter smooth
- Great casting distance
- Marketed for freshwater and saltwater
Our choice for best pike baitcasting reel for the money is the Shimano Curado M. We picked it as our top choice because it’s a no-frills, high value proposition reel that’s built to last.
This reel is smooth as butter and feels like you can cast it a mile. It’s built for reliability and durability, rated for both freshwater and saltwater, and is an absolute delight to fish with.
The Curado M features Shimano’s latest MicroModule gearing they claim as super smooth and efficient. Spoilers, it is.
Shimano recently released the Curado M as their flagship replacement for the Curado K. Compared to the Curado 200K, the Curado 200M is 0.2 oz lighter, has 2 lb higher max drag rating, and has Shimano’s MagnumLite (MGL) Spool III that reduces start-up inertia for unparalleled casting performance. Also, they added the SilentTune technology that reduces spool noise during casts.
The Shimano Curado M paired with a medium power St Croix Premier Rod is our go-to setup on the Mississippi River to target bass and pike. We have great success with white spinnerbaits and lipless crankbaits.
I could go on and on about this reel. Suffice to say, if you want a smooth, durable, multi-function, long lasting baitcasting reel, the Shimano Curado M is a great choice.
I will note the drag rating on the Curado M is comparatively lower than many other reels on this list. In practice, this has been a non-factor for us. We tend to use 12 to 20 pound braid for targeting bass and pike. If we cranked the drag up to the max, a strong fish could easily snap this light line so we find it’s better to finesse larger fish in with a lower drag setting.
2. Abu Garcia Revo SX Baitcasting Reel
- Gear Ratio: 6.6:1 – 7.3:1
- Max Drag: 24 lbs
- Ball Bearings: 9+1
- Weight: 7.8 oz
Pros:
- Premium features at great value price
- Powerful drag
Our choice for the best pike baitcasting reel under $200 is the Abu Garcia Revo SX. This is Abu Garcia’s most popular baitcasting reel for good reason. It’s lightweight, smooth, and a workhorse fishing reel.
It includes a number of Abu Garcia’s technologies like the easily adjustable magnetic Infini brake system and ultra-smooth 9+1 ball bearings.
We like that this reel comes with higher drag options that are perfect for targeting larger pike or muskies with heavier line.
The reel comes in both 6.6:1 and 7.3:1 gear ratios. Grab the 6.6:1 for great all-purpose pike fishing. Grab the 7.3:1 for burning topwaters or when you need to get a bunch of casts in.
Similar to our top choice, this is a great value option baitcasting reel that will last forever and is a delight to fish with.
3. KastKing Kapstan Elite Baitcasting Reel
- Gear Ratio: 5.4:1
- Max Drag: 35 lb
- Ball Bearings: 8+1
- Weight: 10.8 oz
Pros:
- Heavy duty for budget price
Our choice for the best budget pike baitcasting reel is the KastKing Kapstan Elite Casting Reel in the 300 size. This reel is heavy duty with a massive 35 lb drag and large spool capable of holding 230 yards of 60 lb braid. It is a great budget entry point into fit-for-purpose pike baitcasting reels.
This reel weighs more than comparable, higher priced reels on this list. The gear ratio options are limited to 5.4:1. That said, it is heavy duty and made to catch big species like pike, musky, stripers, redfish, snook, and speckled trout.
Remember, you don’t need expensive gear to catch fish! Don’t think twice about this as a solid budget entry point for pike baitcasters.
4. Shimano Curado DC Baitcasting Reel
- Gear Ratio: 6.2:1 – 8.5:1
- Max Drag: 11 lbs
- Ball Bearings: 6+1
- Weight: 7.8 – 7.9 oz
Pros:
- Digital Control Brake makes it nearly impossible to backlash
Our choice for best digital brake pike baitcasting reel is the Shimano Curado DC. Take our glowing recommendation for the Curado baitcasting reel line, slap a microcomputer controlled digital brake on it, and you have the Curado DC.
The Curado DC includes a digital braking system that utilizes a microcomputer to monitor spool speed at a speed of 1,000 times per second. The computer automatically applies the perfect amount of brake to prevent backlash at superhuman speeds. And what’s more amazing? No batteries required!
Backlash is most anglers’ biggest frustration with baitcasting reels. The Curado DC all-but removes the ability for the reel to backlash when set up properly. Casting into the wind? Light bait? Tried to cast too hard? No problem.
Everything else we’ve said on the Curado reel line still holds true. These reels include high quality components, have butter smooth reeling, and are super reliable.
The Curado DC is an awesome option for a high-end reel. Both beginners and experts alike will appreciate the high build quality and all-but removing the risk of backlash in the heat of the moment.
While we do love the digital brake, do note the max drag is only 11 lbs. If targeting the trophy pike, think about grabbing a heavier duty reel.
5. Penn Battle III Spinning Reel
- Reel Sizes: 1000 to 8000
- Gear Ratio: 4.2:1 to 7.0:1
- Max Drag: 9 to 40 lb
- Ball Bearings: 5+1
- Weight: 7.8 to 38.8 oz
Pros:
- Premium reel features for reasonable price
Our choice for best pike spinning reel for the money is the Penn Battle III spinning reel which we feel is that perfect mix of premium quality with a manageable price tag. This reel was the 2020 ICAST Online Best of Category Winner – Saltwater Reel for good reason!
The Battle III includes a 5+1 sealed stainless steel ball bearing system, Penn’s HT-100 carbon fiber drag washers, and a full metal aluminum body and side plate. It is high quality designed for durability and performance and Penn really outdid themselves with the attention to detail. Line capacity rings on the spool make for an easy visual reference to tell how much line you have to spare.
The material choices make for a lightweight reel with great corrosion resistance. Also, the spool is considered a ‘Superline Spool’ or a braid-ready spool. This means there is a little rubber ring on the spool that lets you directly tie braid to the spool without it slipping. A nice touch!
We like the Penn Battle III as the best bang for your buck because of its robust build and versatility. You could take this reel fishing for monster pike on the great lakes or inshore for slot reds. Why buy multiple reels when one can do nearly everything? Try the 3000 or 4000 size for big pike fishing.
We recently attended a charity inshore fishing tournament in Galveston where we noticed our guide, Jesse, had Penn Battle III reels on all of his rods. When asked about it, Jesse said he fishes 250 days or more a year in saltwater conditions and does next to nothing to maintain these reels. He’s had no problems with them and loves how reliable they are considering how hard he works them. We even caught a 28″ redfish which placed for biggest fish in the tournament and a 25″ speckled trout on that trip with this reel!
No need to overthink it. This is a premium reel priced for value.
6. KastKing Sharky III Spinning Reel
- Reel Sizes: 1000 to 5000
- Gear Ratio: 5.2:1
- Max Drag: 33 to 39.5 pounds
- Ball Bearings: 10+1
- Weight: 7.4 to 10.6 oz
Pros:
- Budget friendly but still fit for purpose
Our choice for the best pike spinning reel under $100 is the KastKing Sharky III spinning reel. You don’t need to break the bank for quality equipment. This reel hits above its weight class and gets the job done.
The reel is surprisingly smooth for its price point with a 10+1 bearing system.
We like the 3000 size KastKing Sharky III as a good all-around spinning reel for pike and much more!
The Sharky III has some great features like the K.I.S.S. (KastKing Intrusion Shield System) sealing system to improve water resistance for the spool, body, and rotor. The aluminum spool has a rubber backing to allow direct spooling of braided fishing line.
This reel contains most of the features of a high end reel but is priced for value.
7. Daiwa BG Spinning Reel
- Reel Sizes: 1500 to 8000
- Gear Ratio: 5.3:1 to 5.7:1
- Max Drag: 4.4 to 33
- Ball Bearings: 6+1
- Weight: 8.5 to 30 oz
Pros:
- Great all around reel
Our pick for the best pike spinning reel under $150 is the Daiwa BG Spinning Reel. It’s a solidly constructed, quality reel that is perfect for targeting huge pike lurking in the thick weeds.
The reel includes Daiwa’s Automatic Tournament Drag (ATD) that reduces initial drag start-up inertia to create a smoother drag from initial startup. It also has digitally engineered gears to optimize speed, power, durability, and smoothness. Daiwa claims their tests reveal their reel gear life up to three times longer than competitors reels! We’re always looking for equipment that will last forever and this reel can take a beating.
Also, it doesn’t hurt that this reel just plain looks great with its sleek black anodized machined aluminum housing!
Conclusion
In conclusion, having the right reel is essential for a successful day fishing. There are many great options available, but the Shimano Curado M stands out as our favorite baitcasting option and the Penn Battle III is our favorite spinning reel option. These reels offer a balance of performance, durability, and value that make them solid choices for pike anglers.
Check out our related articles for great rods to pair with these reels:
- Best Pike Rods
- Best Musky Rods
- Best Baitcasting Rods for Bass
- Best Bass Spinning Rods
- Best Smallmouth Bass Rods
- Best Flipping & Pitching Rods
- Best Jig Rods for Bass
- Best Frog Fishing Rods
Check out our related articles for other great reels:
Buying Guide – How to Choose The Best Pike Reel For You
Key factors for choosing the best pike reel include preferred fishing technique, reel type, reel size, brake type, build/material quality, and smoothness. Also, there is a ton of crossover between the best pike rods and the best bass rods because both these fish species strike many of the same baits and require similar rod and reel features.
Pike Fishing Techniques
Since pike inhabit similar cover to bass, like submerged weeds and timber, our favorite way to target pike is try to catch pike and bass at the same time with the same baits. Rods and reels oriented for bass fishing work perfect for this, like a high-quality baitcasting reel on a medium power rod. Our most common lures are white spinnerbaits, lipless crankbaits, topwater frogs, and paddletail soft plastics on a jig head. Bass and pike are both more than happy to smash these baits.
If targeting exclusively trophy sized pike, we recommend bumping the size up across the board. Stronger line, heavier reels, medium-heavy power rod.
Another way we like to target pike is with a spinning setup drop-shotting big minnows on a channel edge. This works great with medium setups as well.
Baitcasting Reel vs Spinning Reel
Most techniques for targeting pike can be done with either spinning or casting setups. Spinning reels are better for beginners because they can’t backlash like baitcasting setups. Spinning reels are generally preferred for bottom rig fishing live bait or super light setups. Baitcasting setups allow for more accurate casting and improved casting comfort but can be more difficult to use.
My family prefers baitcasting reels for pike fishing because they are easy to repeatedly cast accurately. We generally target bass and pike at the same time because they both strike the same lures. Our preferred method is cast fishing with white spinnerbaits, soft plastics, lipless crankbaits, and frogs around weedy areas.
Line Capacity
Line capacity refers to how much fishing line fits on the reel. The total spool capacity is specified by mono vs braid and line strength as pound test. An example line capacity would be “200 yards of 20-pound test braid”.
Braid is smaller diameter than mono at the same line strength which means you can fit more braid on a reel. Also, higher pound test line is larger diameter and will take up more space on the reel spool.
Line capacity is usually less of a determining factor for baitcasting reels. Most reels in the 100 to 150 size can hold 150-200 yrds of 30 lb braid which is more than enough for most pike fishing applications.
Ball Bearings
Ball bearings in fishing reels are small, spherical bearings that reduce friction and increase smoothness of a reel’s operation. They are located within the internal mechanism of the reel and allow the reel’s moving parts to rotate smoothly against each other.
Most quality reels have at least four ball bearings. More ball bearings is usually better because the higher the number of ball bearings, the more friction is reduced and less wear and tear on the internal reel components. That said, ball bearing quality and material choice is also important. I would rather have four high-quality ball bearings than ten low quality bearings.
Most ball bearings are stainless steel but can also be ceramic. Many reels list something like “5+1 bearings” – this reel would be five ball bearings plus one roller bearing.
Ball bearings tie into smoothness of retrieve. Better quality reels will have butter-smooth, silent retrieves. Lower quality reels will have higher resistance and/or make noise when reeling. If shopping in-store, make sure to give the reel a few turns to feel how smooth the retrieve is.
Drag System
Drag systems on fishing reels provide resistance to the spool as line is retrieved. A loose drag makes it easier for the spool to spin freely and a tight drag makes it difficult to rotate the spool.
Drag systems work using a series of washers or disks pressed together by a drag knob or level (usually on the top of spinning reels). As the drag is tightened, the drag washers are pressed together which increases resistance on the spool. Drag should be set to match the strength and size of the target fish species.
Setting the drag properly is an art. You want the drag tight enough to reel in the fish, but not too tight to where a strong pull could snap your line or cause your fishing knot to fail. When the drag is properly set, a strong pull from a fish should be able to pull some line from your reel.
Big northern pike are strong fighters which makes drag an important consideration. That said, us and others usually catch pike on lighter strength line like 15 or 20 lb. With light line like this we recommend maintaining a looser drag to finesse the fish in because drag that is too tight can increase the chance to snap the line if the fish makes an aggressive run for it.
Gear Ratio
The gear ratio on a fishing reel refers to the relationship between the number of turns on the spool for every turn of the handle. For example, a gear ratio of 5:1 means the spool rotates five times for every turn of the handle.
Gear ratio is an important consideration when selecting a fishing reel because it affects the speed at which you can retrieve your line. A higher gear ratio is better for situations where you need to reel long distances or require fast bait presentations. A lower gear ratio is preferred for situations where a lower retrieval rate is desired, like when using finesse techniques.
Most reels have a gear ratio between 4:1 to 9.2:1. Many medium size reels are around 6.2:1 gear ratio which is great for most applications. For pike fishing, faster gear ratios like 7.1:1 are great for burning topwaters or quickly retrieving spinner baits. Slower presentation, like crankbaits, are better with lower gear ratios like 5.4:1.
Material Quality
Material quality is an important consideration for picking a pike reel. Fishing reels are typically made of a combination of metal, rubber, and plastic parts. The body of the reel is usually made of aluminum or another type of metal to provide strength and durability. Plastic is used for many of the peripheral parts like the handle or drag knob because it is lightweight and corrosion-resistant.
Rubber seals may be used to protect against water, dirt, and sand ingress. High-end reels may have ceramic bearings or higher quality metal components.
Look for reels made of high-quality materials with solid, durable construction.
Reel Brakes
Baitcasting reels have reel brakes. When you make a cast with a baitcasting reel, the momentum of the bait pulls line off of the spool. The spool rotates fastest at the beginning of the cast when forces are the highest. The reel brake slows down rotation of the spool to keep the fishing line tight on the spool and stop a backlash mess.
Brakes are important because if the spool rotates faster than the speed your bait is pulling out line, your reel will become a huge backlash mess.
There are three main types of brakes on fishing reels: centrifugal brakes, magnetic brakes, and digitally controlled brakes.
Centrifugal Brakes
Centrifugal brakes work by using a series of small weights that are pushed outward by centrifugal forces when the spool begins to spin. This increases resistance on the spool. To adjust centrifugal brakes, the side plate must be removed.
Magnetic Brakes
Magnetic brakes work by using a series of magnets to create resistance on the spool. They are considered more precise and higher quality than centrifugal brakes. Magnetic brakes are adjusted by a small dial on the side of the reel and can be fine tuned to adjust the resistance that is applied to the spool.
Digitally Controlled Brakes
Digitally controlled braking system utilize a microcomputer to monitor spool speed. The computer automatically applies the perfect amount of brake at superhuman speeds to prevent backlash. Digitally controlled brakes all but remove the ability for the reel to backlash.
Best Pike Reel Frequently Asked Questions
What type of reel is best pike fishing?
Baitcasting reels are best for pike fishing. Pike are primarily targeted by actively casting artificial lures which gives baitcasting setups a leg up because of their comfort and accuracy. Spinning reels can be better for beginners because they can’t backlash like baitcasting setups. If using live bait like chubs or large minnows, spinning setups are a better option.
What size reel is best for pike fishing?
Baitcasting reels between 150 to 200 sizes and spinning reels between 3000 and 4000 sizes are best for pike fishing. These size reels have enough spool capacity to handle appropriate sized line for targeting big northern pike and will have a beefy enough drag to properly fight these fish.
What rod to pair with a pike reel?
The best all-around rod setup for pike fishing is a 7′ spinning or baitcasting rod with medium power and a fast action. This setup is perfect because these rods have enough length for long casts while maintaining enough backbone and sensitivity to effectively catch big pike. Check out our article on the best pike rods available for further reading.
How do you care for pike reels?
Caring for pike reels is important to ensure they perform their best and last a long time. Here are a few tips to take care of your reel:
- Rinse the reel with freshwater after each use to remove any salt, sand, or dirt
- Periodically lubricate the moving parts
- Store the reel properly in a dry protected place when not in use
What strength fishing line for pike reels?
Twenty pound braid is the best all-around line for pike fishing. This strength line is a good balance of strength to minimize chances to break off when fighting these rowdy fish and small diameter to reduce effect of wind and waves on bait presentation. If targeting exclusively trophy sized pike, think about sizing up to 30 pound braid and adding a fluorocarbon leader to help protect from a pike’s sharp teeth.
Is mono or braid better for pike reels?
Braided fishing line is preferable for pike reels. Braided line has significantly smaller diameter for the same strength line when compared to mono. This can be key for all kinds of fishing, because wind and current will constantly be pulling at your line. The smaller diameter means less effect from the elements. Additionally, you can fit more braided line than mono on the reel spool.
What is the nickname for pike?
Northern pike have many different names depending on where you live. The most common names in the Midwest are northerns, shakers, and snot-rockets. In Canada, northern pike are commonly called jackfish.
How to prevent backlash on pike baitcasting reel?
There are four keys to minimizing backlash on pike baitcasting reels:
- Set the spool tension knob properly. The spool should be loose enough that the weight of the bait will freely pull line in air. When the bait hits the water, the tension knob should be set so the bait stops pulling line.
- Don’t overdo it with casting power. Trying to whip the bait as hard and as far as possible will increase the likelihood of a backlash.
- Be careful casting light baits into the wind. Strong headwind or crosswind increases likelihood of backlashes
- Use your thumb to moderate the reel speed during the cast
Written By: Andrew Juran
Andrew is a seasoned angler with over 25 years of experience fishing across the United States. He has caught hundreds of pike using various techniques and mentored many in the art of fishing. An advocate for sustainable fishing, Andrew is an active member of the Coastal Conservation Association, an organization committed to marine conservation.
For frequent fishing tips, behind-the-scenes looks, and real-time catches, connect with Andrew on Instagram
