I’ve tested countless fishing reel brands over the years, from budget-friendly to premium ones. In my experience, here are the most popular brands that match different budgets, styles, and fishing needs.
Last updated: January 2nd, 2025
1. Lew’s
Lew’s is an American-based manufacturer that’s earned my trust through years of reliable performance. They sell baitcasting reels, spinning reels, and fishing rods. I regularly use several Lew’s products while on my fishing adventures and have no complaints!
What makes Lew’s stand out above other companies is not only their high-quality reels in every price range but also their American Hero Program which supports our veterans and first responders.
With a sincere respect for our American veterans, Lew’s® pledges a portion of profits for the purpose of supporting and helping organized programs that benefit the mind, spirit, soul and body of our veterans in their return to enjoying recreational opportunities outdoors, such as fishing.
The top-of-the line Lew’s casting reel is the Team Lew’s Pro-TI Speed Spool SLP Series.
The top-of-the line Lew’s spinning reel is the Team Lew’s Custom Pro Speed Spin Series.
2. Abu Garcia
When I decided to get serious about bass fishing, my first purchase was an Abu Garcia rod and baitcasting reel combo. This Swedish brand has been crafting fishing reels since 1941, and their expertise shows.
They’ve grown from a single reel manufacturer into a complete fishing gear powerhouse, offering everything from reels and rods to fishing tools and apparel.
The top-of-the line Abu Garcia low profile baitcaster is the Revo MG Xtreme Low Profile.
The top-of-the line Abu Garcia spinning reel is the Revo MG Xtreme Spinning Reel.
3. Shimano
When it comes to innovation in fishing reels, I feel Shimano stands in a league of its own. This Japanese company lives up to its promise of “creating the most innovative products and processes you can hold in your hand today.”
While they’re known for cycling and rowing gear too, their fishing lineup is impressive – from basic spinning reels to specialized low-profile, surf, conventional, saltwater spinning, electric, and round reels.
The top-of-the line Shimano spinning reel is the Stella SW Spinning Reel.
The top-of-the line Shimano low-profile reel is the Metanium DC Baitcast Reel.
4. Daiwa
Daiwa started back in 1955 with its first spinning reel and has since grown into one of the largest tackle companies worldwide.
Their lineup includes just about every type of reel – baitcasting, round casting, spinning, saltwater spinning, spincast, saltwater conventional, line counter, power assist, and fly & mooching reels.
The top-of-the line Daiwa saltwater spinning reel is the BG MQ Spinning Reel
The top-of-the line Daiwa mooching reel is the M-One UTD Mooching Reel for salmon.
5. 13 Fishing
13 Fishing is one of the newer companies on the scene, founded in 2012 in Clearwater, Florida. They manufacture rods, reels, baits, and other fishing gear.
Their reel selection covers freshwater, saltwater, and hard water (ice) fishing needs.
The top-of-the line 13 Fishing baitcaster reel is the Concept Boss Baitcast Reel.
The top-of-the line spinning reel Prototype X.
6. KastKing
Another of the newer companies, KastKing was founded in 2013 under parent company EPoseidon. Their mission statement says:
We strive to achieve affordable innovation through novel concepts and ingenious designs.
We seek unprecedented cost-effective e-commerce practices to directly market to consumers, cutting fishing tackle costs by 30% or more on average.
It stands out for budget-friendly reels that do not compromise on quality.
KastKing’s product line includes reels, rods, fishing lines, and other fishing gear.
The top-of-the line KastKing casting reel is the Bassinator Elite Baitcasting Reel.
The top-of-the line KastKing spinning reel is the Valiant Eagle Series Spinning Reel.
The top-of-the line KastKing spincast reel is the Brutus Spincast Fishing Reel.
7. PENN Fishing
PENN began in 1932 when German immigrant Otto Henze dreamed of having his own company and building record-setting fishing reels. By 2004, PENN reels had set more than 1,400 IGFA world records.
I’d say Mr. Henze’s dream was definitely accomplished! From what I’ve seen, they’ve earned their reputation as a high-end saltwater fishing reel company, specializing in both rods and reels built for saltwater performance.
The top-of-the line PENN Fishing spinning reel is the Torque II Spinning Reel.
The top-of-the line PENN Fishing conventional reel is the International VISW Wide Conventional Reel.
8. Pflueger
Pflueger has come a long way since their start as a hook manufacturer in 1881.
In my opinion, they’ve earned their legendary status through quality fishing gear – from beginners’ spincast reels to more advanced options like spinning, low-profile baitcasting, and fly fishing reels.
The top-of-the line Pflueger spinning reel is the Patriarch Spinning Reel.
The top-of-the line Pflueger spincast reel is the President Spincast Reel.
The top-of-the line Pflueger low profile baitcasting reel is the President XT Low Profile Baitcast Reel.
9. Okuma
Okuma Fishing Tackle Co. started in 1986, focusing on quality reels at affordable prices.
They have a massive selection that covers everything from basic spinning reels to specialized options like surf spinning, bait feeder, star drag, lever drag, and even carp reels.
I feel they’re one of the few brands that try to have something for every type of fishing.
The top-of-the line Okuma lever drag reel is the Makaira Silver 2-Speed Drag Reel.
The top-of-the line Okuma fly reel is the RAW-II Float Reel.
10. Zebco
If you went fishing as a young child chances are you were handed a Zebco fishing reel. In 1947 Zebco created the first spincast reel and hasn’t looked back since. The headquarters are located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. They not only offer their famous spincast reels but also spinning reels, trigger spin reels, and conventional reels.
Like me, many of us probably started fishing with a Zebco reel as kids. Zebco created the first spincast reel back in 1947 and have been making them in Tulsa, Oklahoma ever since.
While they’re famous for their beginner-friendly spincast reels, they also make spinning reels, trigger spin reels, and conventional reels.
The top-of-the line Zebco spincast reel is the Bullet Spincast Reel.
The best Zebco spinning reel is the Roam Spinning Reel.
11. Piscifun
Piscifun started in 2013 with a focus on affordable, fun fishing gear. They make everything from reels and rods to fishing tools, storage bags, and lines.
Their reel selection includes casting reels, spinning reels, fly reels, and ice fishing reels
The top-of-the line Piscifun casting reel is the Piscifun Salis X Trolling Reel Round Level Wind Reel.
The top of the line Piscifun spinning reel is the Piscifun Carbon X Spinning Reel.
12. Quantum
Like Zebco, Quantum is also based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Quantum focuses on fishing reels and matching rods.
They keep their lineup simple with three main types: baitcasting reels, conventional reels, and spinning reels.
The top of the line Quantum baitcasting reel is the Smoke HD Baitcast Reel.
The top of the line Quantum conventional reel is the Nova Conventional Reel.
The best spinning reel Quantum offers is the Cabo Spinning Reel.
Methodology
Quality stands at the top of my criteria when choosing reel brands, but that doesn’t always mean the highest price. Several brands on this list prove you can get durability without breaking the bank.
When I invest in a reel, I want it to last for years of fishing adventures.
Beyond just quality and durability though, the best brands bring something unique to the table – they don’t just copy their competitors, they innovate and solve real problems for anglers.
Where to Buy
Most major sporting goods stores carry these top reel brands, and I also found them on sites such as BassPro.com and Amazon.
Here’s a tip that’s saved me from making some costly mistakes: even if you plan to buy online, visit a local tackle shop first.
Getting your hands on the reel lets you feel its weight, test the smoothness of the retrieve, and check if it fits your grip – things you just can’t judge from a website.
The Best Style of Fishing Reel for You
The best reel style depends on your type of fishing – different brands excel at different styles. Let me break this down:
For ice fishing, you’ll need specialized ice fishing reels, which not every brand makes. If you’re planning on inshore fishing, look for brands known for corrosion-resistant reels that can handle brackish and saltwater conditions.
Bass fishing? Focus on brands with quality baitcasting reels. For panfish or trout, you might want an ultralight spinning reel instead of a fly fishing reel – while both work for freshwater, they serve different purposes.
Most top brands started by mastering one type of reel before expanding their lineup. That’s why some excel at saltwater reels while others are known for their freshwater options.
The Top Fishing Reel is…
The top fishing reel is the highest quality reel you can afford that is going to meet your needs as an angler. Not only does this matter if you are freshwater fishing vs saltwater fishing, but this is also going to depend on what species of fish you are chasing.
On your next fishing trip, if you want to catch catfish then you will need a different reel than if you were going crappie fishing. Line capacity and a good drag system are going to be more important to you when chasing big fish like catfish. While chasing smaller game fish like crappie does require a sensitive drag system it will not be the same as you will need while catching large fish.
The gear ratio is more important when bass fishing than trout fishing. Certain bass lures perform best when reeled at certain speeds and a specific gear ratio makes this much easier to keep at that optimum speed or depth.
The most important thing to knowing what the top fishing reel for you is knowing what you are wanting out of the reel. Are you going to need it to be an all-metal body with stainless steel ball bearings, or can you get away with a plastic body? Do you need the instant anti-reverse with a smooth drag or do you prefer something else? Are you concerned with the gearing in the reel or not?
There is no all-encompassing perfect reel. There is, however, the perfect reel for the perfect situation.
