Updated 12/29/2023
Looking for the best spinning reels for bass on the market? Look no further. I’ve done the hours of reel research and testing on strength, durability, and material quality so you don’t have to.
Many bass anglers prefer spinning reels for lighter finesse baits because spinning reels cast light weight baits better than baitcasters. Also, spinning reels are unable to backlash like baitcasters tend to do with lighter baits!
The best spinning reels for bass should be durable, reliable, and smooth on both the cast and retrieve. In this article, we take a look at the top five bass spinning reels on the market, considering factors like price, performance, quality, and value.
Whether you are a beginner or an expert angler, these reels are sure to meet your needs and help land your next lunker bass!
*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 for the Money: Penn Battle III Spinning Reel
- Best Under $50: Shimano Sienna Spinning Reel
- Best Under $100: KastKing Sharky III Spinning Reel
- Best Under $150: Abu Garcia Revo SX Spinning Reel
- Best Under $200: Daiwa Tatula LT Spinning Reel
- Best for Beginners: Daiwa BG Spinning Reel
- Best Premium: Shimano Vanford Spinning Reel
The 7 Best Bass Spinning Reels
Whether you’re a new angler or a grizzled expert, we have you covered. Check out our recommendations for best bass spinning reels for different price points.
1. 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 the best spinning reel for bass 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.
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.
We like the 2500 and 3000 sizes for great all-around bass fishing reels.
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!
No need to overthink it. This is a premium reel priced for value.
2. Shimano Sienna Spinning Reel
- Reel Sizes: 500 to 4000
- Gear Ratio: 5:1 to 6.2:1
- Max Drag: 4.4 to 18.7 lb
- Ball Bearings: 3+1
- Weight: 6.3 to 11.3 oz
Pros:
- Super budget friendly
Our choice for the best bass fishing spinning reel under $50 is the Shimano Sienna Spinning Reel. While budget priced reels may not get you many bells and whistles, we’re pleasantly surprised with the Shimano Sienna as an effective fresh and saltwater ultralight spinning reel.
We like the Shimano Sienna 2500 size spinning reel as a great option for budget conscious bass angler.
The drag rating for the lighter versions of the Sienna are comparatively lower than most of the reels on the list. For example, the 1000 Sienna max drag rating is only 6.6 lbs compared the the more common 11 lb rating of much of the competition.
The Sienna isn’t going to win any awards for strongest or most smooth, but it does shine as a perfectly functional spinning setup for anglers wanting a solid budget option. You can catch plenty of fish without buying the most expensive equipment available.
3. KastKing Sharky III Spinning Reel
- Reel Sizes: 1000 to 5000
- Gear Ratio: 5.2:1
- Max Drag: 33 to 39.5 lb
- Ball Bearings: 10+1
- Weight: 7.4 to 10.6 oz
Pros:
- Budget friendly but still fit for purpose
Our choice for the best spinning reel for bass 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.
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 also has best-in-class drag of over 33 pounds.
This reel contains most of the features of a high end reel but is priced for value. This is a great option for a budget conscious bass angler.
4. Abu Garcia Revo SX Spinning Reel
- Reel Sizes: 10 to 40
- Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
- Max Drag: 11 lb
- Ball Bearings: 8+1
- Weight: 7.1 to 8 oz
Pros:
- High quality reel for moderate price
Our choice for the best spinning reel for bass under $150 is the Abu Garcia Revo SX Spinning Reel. This is a great quality, mid-tier reel that is perfect for bass anglers wanting to step up slightly in price point.
We prefer the 30 size for a great quality bass spinning reel. The 30 size can fit 180 yards of 10 lb braid. The reel has a super-smooth retrieve thanks to its AMGearing precision machining.
The reel has a one-piece aluminum frame that allows for great strength without adding too much weight. The 6.2:1 gear ratio is perfect for most bass fishing techniques.
5. Daiwa Tatula LT Spinning Reel
- Reel Sizes: 1000 to 4000
- Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
- Max Drag: 11 to 26.4 lb
- Ball Bearings: 6+1
- Weight: 5.8 to 7.4 oz
Pros:
- Incredibly lightweight
- Super smooth
Our choice for the best bass spinning reel under $200 is the Daiwa Tatula LT spinning reel. This is a high-end spinning reel in every way. It’s lightweight, super smooth, and an absolute delight to fish with.
The Daiwa Tatula LT spinning reel is one of the lightest and strongest spinning reels on the market thanks to it’s Zaion high density carbon strain material body.
Bass anglers should look at the 2000 or 3000 size as an excellent choice for a premium spinning reel they could fish with all day long.
The Tatula LT features Daiwa’s Air Bail, Air Rotor, Automatic Tournament Drag, Digigear, and Zaion Body technologies that all make for a super lightweight yet powerful setup. The 7 bearings makes for smooth reeling and there is essentially zero play in the handle. This reel is a delight to fish with.
6. 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 reel for budget price
Our pick for the best spinning reel for bass for beginners is the Daiwa BG Spinning Reel. It’s a solidly constructed, quality reel that is perfect for targeting big bass on your favorite lake or river. This reel is durable and smooth while maintaining a great budget price.
We picked this reel as our choice for beginners because of it’s reliability and versatility for both fresh and saltwater. We recommend the 3000 size Daiwa BG for beginners because it’s one reel that can do everything reliably and effectively. Bass? No problem. Redfish and speckled trout? Sure. Panfish? Definitely.
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 gear life is 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!
7. Shimano Vanford Spinning Reel
- Reel Sizes: 1000 to 5000
- Gear Ratio: 5.1:1 to 6.4:1
- Max Drag: 7 to 24 lb
- Ball Bearings: 7+1
- Weight: 5.3 to 7.8 oz
Pros:
- High quality in every aspect
Our choice for the best premium spinning reel for bass is the Shimano Vanford. This reel is high quality in every aspect. The 2500 size is a super lightweight 6.3 oz with a beefy 20 lb drag.
The reel has the quickest feeling response due to the incorporated MagnumLite Rotor that Shimano claims has 48% less rotational inertia than traditional rotors. The reel also includes Shimano’s X-Protect and water-channeling construction to maximize water resistance and durability.
These features combined with the high quality carbon fiber body make this a great reel choice for both freshwater bass fishing and saltwater fishing. Don’t think twice about grabbing this high-quality reel for bass, speckled trout, redfish, and anything in-between.
Reel Comparison Table
Check out our handy comparison table showing key specifications for our top reel choices.
| Reel Name | Reel Sizes | Gear Ratio | Max Drag | Ball Bearings | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penn Battle III Spinning Reel | 1000 to 8000 | 4.2:1 to 7.0:1 | 9 to 40 lb | 5+1 | 7.8 to 38.8 oz |
| Shimano Sienna Spinning Reel | 500 to 4000 | 5:1 to 6.2:1 | 4.4 to 18.7 lb | 3+1 | 6.3 to 11.3 oz |
| KastKing Sharky III Spinning Reel | 1000 to 5000 | 5.2:1 | 33 to 39.5 lb | 10+1 | 7.4 to 10.6 oz |
| Abu Garcia Revo SX Spinning Reel | 10 to 40 | 6.2:1 | 11 lb | 8+1 | 7.1 to 8 oz |
| Daiwa Tatula LT Spinning Reel | 1000 to 4000 | 6.2:1 | 11 to 26.4 lb | 6+1 | 5.8 to 7.4 oz |
| Daiwa BG Spinning Reel | 1500 to 8000 | 5.3:1 to 5.7:1 | 4.4 to 33 lb | 6+1 | 8.5 to 30 oz |
| Shimano Vanford Spinning Reel | 1000 to 5000 | 5.1:1 to 6.4:1 | 7 to 24 lb | 7+1 | 5.3 to 7.8 oz |
Conclusion
In conclusion, having the best spinning reel for bass is essential for a successful day fishing. There are many great options available, but the Penn Battle III Spinning Reel stands out as our best overall choice. This reel offers a balance of performance, durability, and value that makes it a great choice for any bass angler.
Check out our articles for great rods to pair with these reels:
- Best Bass Spinning Rods
- Best Bass Fishing Rods
- Best Smallmouth Bass Rods
- Best Jig Rods for Bass
- Best Walleye Rods
Check out our related reel articles:
- Best Baitcasting Reels for Bass
- Best Saltwater Baitcasting Reels
- Best Saltwater Spinning Reels
- Best Panfish Reels
- Best Pike Reels
- Best Conventional Reels
Check out our related rod and reel combo articles:
Buying Guide – How to Choose The Best Spinning Reel for Bass Fishing For You
Key factors for choosing the best spinning reel for bass fishing include reel size, line capacity, drag strength, and material quality.
Reel Size
Most spinning reels come in sizes like 1000 or 2000 all the way to 10,000 or higher depending on the model. Lower numbers are smaller reels, higher numbers are larger reels. 2500, 3000, and 3500 are the most common all-around sizes that are best for bass fishing. Sizes 4000 and higher are reserved for heavier duty applications like surf fishing or offshore fishing where large spool sizes and heavier drag ratings are important.
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.
Bass anglers need between 150 and 200 yards of line on their reel. 12 to 15 pound strength line is a popular choice for bass anglers. Line capacity is usually not a huge concern for bass anglers because casting distances are generally less than 30 yards.
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.
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 tight enough 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.
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 7:1. Many medium size reels are around 6.2:1 gear ratio which is a great for most applications.
Material Quality
Material quality is an important consideration for picking a 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.
Bass Fishing Spinning Reel Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of reel is best for bass fishing?
Most anglers prefer baitcasting reels for bass fishing with medium to heavy baits because baitcasting reels are easier to accurately cast and are more comfortable to repeatedly cast. For light-weight techniques, like finesse worm fishing, many bass anglers prefer spinning reels because they won’t backlash like baitcasting reels do. Spinning reels are also great for beginners or anglers that are uncomfortable with baitcasting reels because spinning reels are easier to use.
What size spinning reel is best for bass fishing?
The all-around best size spinning reel for bass fishing is a 2500 (or 25 depending on manufacturer). Size 2500 reels are the ultimate size reel for versatility. They are easy to comfortably handle while having enough spool capacity and high enough drag to handle anything a bass can throw at it.
What rod to pair with bass spinning reel?
The best rod to pair with a bass spinning reel is a 7′ medium-light to medium power spinning rod. This type of rod is highly versatile for different bass fishing techniques while having enough backbone to reel in big bass and enough sensitivity to detect subtle strikes.
How do you care for bass spinning reels?
Caring for a bass spinning reel is important to ensure it performs its best and lasts 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 bass spinning reel?
12 to 15 pound test braided line is a great option for bass spinning reels. This strength line is robust enough to handle tough fighting bass while having a small enough diameter to let popular bass baits work properly in the water. For techniques that require the line to cut submerged vegetation, like flipping, pitching, and frog fishing, anglers should use heavier duty line up to 65 pound test braid.
How many yards of line do you need for a bass spinning reel?
Bass spinning reels should preferably have between 150 and 200 yards of line. This allows for long casts and enough line to let a big bass take a run with your bait. Swapping from mono to braid can help with fitting more line on the spool because braid has a smaller diameter than mono.
Is mono or braid better for bass fishing?
Braided fishing line is preferable for bass fishing. Braided line has significantly smaller diameter for the same strength line when compared to mono. This can be key while fishing because wind and waves will constantly be pulling at your line. The smaller diameter means less effect from the elements. Mono also has a tendency to have line twist while braid does not.
How to switch reel from right to left handed?
Most spinning reels are swappable from from right to left handed and vice versa. Unscrew the handle by rotating it backwards while holding the bail to stop it from rotating. Remove the dust cover on the backside of the handle connection. Insert the handle on the opposite side and tighten. Be careful not to drop any small parts!
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 bass 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
