Summer holidays are best spent bass fishing in the sunshine state, especially if you are an avid angler. Even if Florida is many miles down the road, you can always work on your bass angling skills in a lake nearby.
However, if you want to get a big bass hooked, your skills only aren’t going to cut it. The Bassmaster in you needs the fishing gear specifically tailor-made for these perches. And the best place to start with, is your spinning reel.
Bass spinning reels come in many shapes, sizes, and price tags. Picking the best among them is as tough as bass angling itself.
Losing yourself to the endless choices of fishing reels can take the fun out of your fishing spree even before it begins. Ergo, we did the homework for you.
We tested an array of good bass fishing reels and filtered out the best from them.
What is the Best Reel for Bass Fishing?
Spinning reels have dominated the bass fishing market since forever. Experienced anglers all agree that spinning reels are the best suited for this job.
Nevertheless, not any spinning reel can make your fishing spree successful. For bass fishing, the best reel is one with a powerful drag system and a mid-range gear ratio.
Another prerequisite for an ideal bass reel is that it should be lightweight yet strong enough to withstand the strain of game fishing. A heavy reel can tire you sooner than you intend to.
Premium build materials and features like waterproofing, corrosion resistance, and slippage resistance are also vital features that an ideal reel for bass fishing must possess.
Top 12 Best Spinning Reels for Bass Reviews
Getting worked up already? Don’t worry! We have already listed down the best spinning reels for bass, only for you.
So, let’s roll out the Bassmasters!
| Editor’s Choice | 01. Abu Garcia Revo SX Spinning Reel Product Specification: 01. Drag range: 10-17 lbs 02. Gear ratio: 6.2:1 03. 8 stainless steel bearings + 1 roller bearing 04. Material: Stainless steel shaft with aluminum spool and graphite rotor Rocket line management system 05. Weight: lb | 9.9 | Check Price |
| The Runner Up | 02. Shimano Stradic Ci4+ 4000 XG FB Spinning Fishing Reel Product Specification: 01. Drag range: 7-24 lbs 02. Gear ratio: 6.0:1 – 6.2:1 03. 6+1 bearings 04. Magnumlite rotor 05. Weight: 0.45 lbs | 9.5 | Check Price |
| The Most Durable | 03. Penn Battle II Spinning Fishing Reel Product Specification: 01. Maximum drag: 15 lbs 02. Gear ratio: 6.2:1 03. Material: Stainless steel 04. Equipped with the Penn Drag System 05. Sealed metal construction 06. Weight: 0.1 kg | 9.0 | Check Price |
| Top Bass Fishing Reel under $100 | 04. Cadence CS8 Spinning Reel Product Specification: 01. Maximum drag: 36 lbs 02. Gear ratio: 6.2:1 03. Weight: 8.5 oz 04. 9+1 ball bearings 05. Carbon composite rotor with a magnesium frame | 8.8 | Check Price |
| The Best Rod and Reel Combo for Bass | 05. Ugly Stik GX2 Fishing Rod and Spinning Reel Combo Product Specification: 01. Drag range: 8-20 lbs 02. Gear ratio: 5.2:1 03. Material: Aluminum and graphite 04. HT-100 carbon fiber drag system 05. Machined aluminum spool 06. Weight: 0.75 lbs | 8.8 | Check Price |
| The Most Ergonomic | 06. Pflueger Supreme XT Spinning Fishing Reel Product Specification: 01. Maximum drag: 8 lbs 02. Gear ratio: 5.2:1 03. Bearings: 9 04. Material: Magnesium 05. Sealed carbon fiber system 06. Carbon inlay drag design 07. Weight: 0.5 pounds | 8.9 | Check Price |
| Best for Beginners | 07. KastKing Royale Legend GT Baitcasting Reels Product Specification: 01. Maximum drag: 17.5 lbs 02. Gear ratio: 7.0:1 03. Bearings: 5+1 04. Material: Graphite frame 05. Smooth and silent line retrieval 06. Weight: 7.2 oz | 8.5 | Check Price |
| For Power and Finesse | 08. Cadence CS10 Spinning Reel Product Specification: 01. Maximum drag: 36 lbs 02. Gear ratio: 6.2:1 03. Bearings: 10+1 04. Material: Magnesium frame 05. Weight: 0.7 lbs | 8.8 | Check Price |
| Reel with Ultra Light Rotor | 09. Daiwa BG Saltwater Spinning Reel Product Specification: 01. Maximum drag: 22 lbs 02. Gear ratio: 6.2:1 03. Bearings: 6+1 04. Material: Synthetic 05. “Hard Bodyz” body and side cover to maximize strength 06. Weight: 0.7 lbs | 8.4 | Check Price |
| The King of Drag | 10. KastKing Sharky III Fishing Reel Product Specification: 01. Maximum drag: 33 lbs 02. Gear ratio: 5.2:1 03. Bearings: 10+1 04. Material: Graphite 05. KastKing Intrusion Shield System 06. Weight: 4 oz | 8.6 | Check Price |
| Freshwater Pro | 11. SHIMANO Sedona FI, Freshwater Spinning Fishing Reel Product Specification: 01. Maximum drag: 7 lbs 02. Gear ratio: 5.0:1 03. Bearings: 3+1 04. Material: Composite 05. Weight: 0.1 kg | 8.6 | Check Price |
| The Best Budget Buy | 12. Okuma Ceymar Spinning Reel Product Specification: 01. Maximum drag: 5 lbs 02. Gear ratio: 5.0:1 03. Bearings: 6+1 04. Material: Synthetic 05. Weight: 0.5 lb | 8.0 | Check Price |
01. Editor’s Choice: Abu Garcia Revo SX Spinning Reel
Product Specs:
- Drag Range: 10-17 lbs
- Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
- 8 Stainless Steel Bearings + 1 Roller Bearing
- Material: Stainless Steel Shaft with Aluminum Spool and Graphite Rotor
- Rocket Line Management System
- Weight: 1 lb
If you are dedicated to bass fishing, you must have a professional spinning reel at your disposal.
The reason why Abu Garcia Revo SX takes our top seat is because it is a no-nonsense proficient performer.
This is an ambidextrous spinning reel, so both right and left-handed anglers can use it with prowess. The unit is made of C6 Carbon with a stainless steel shaft and graphite rotor.
The machined Aluminum spool is designed for all kinds of lines including braided ones. Speaking of lines, the Revo SX comes with the Rocket Line Management System.
However, this is not the only feature of Revo SX that deserves attention. This reel is a well-balanced combination of superior max drag, a medium gear ratio, and excellent build quality. What more can a seasoned angler ask for?
The carbon matrix drag system gives a drag of 10-17 lbs. Hence, you can successfully bring home bass species as heavy as 40 to 60 lbs.
The gear ratio of 6.2:1 gives you a generous level of control. The shaft and the rotor are sturdily built with a lightweight demeanor.
When it comes to longevity, you can rest assured, the Revo SX is ready to pass the test of time.
Pros:
- Professional spinning reel for outstanding performance
- Superior drag range
- Premium construction
- Suitable for versatile techniques and fine presentations
- Durable
Cons:
- Pricey
Verdict on Abu Garcia Revo SX Spinning Reel:
The Abu Garcia SX spinning reel is a complete professional reel for bass angling. To be honest, you won’t need to think about reels twice once you add this piece to your fishing gear.
The only hitch about Abu Garcia Revo SX is the high price point. However, when you factor in the supreme performance and durable build, it seems worth it!
02. The Runner Up: Shimano Stradic Ci4+ 4000 XG FB Spinning Fishing Reel With Front Drag
Product Specs:
- Drag Range: 7-24 lbs
- Gear Ratio: 6.0:1 – 6.2:1
- 6+1 Bearings
- Magnumlite Rotor
- Weight: 0.45 lbs
The Stradic Ci4 is a sophisticated ultralight spinning reel.
If you are an experienced angler, you are bound to notice the ultra-flexible drag settings of this reel. The robust drag range of 7 to 24 pounds means that there is no mass limitation. Hence, it is highly suitable for a wide variety of bass.
The body has been constructed with high-quality CI4 carbon. Therefore it can be extremely sturdy while maintaining a lightweight structure. The frame and ball bearings are premium corrosion-resistant.
When it comes to the Stradic series, Shimano has poured out everything that it can offer- Hagane gear, Core protection, G-free body, and whatnot! The key feature, however, is the Magnumlite rotor.
With Shimano Stradic Ci4+ 4000 XG FB Spinning Fishing Reel by your side, you can have a smooth angling experience, both in saltwater and freshwater. However, we felt that this gear is at its best in the hands of an experienced angler.
Pros:
- Premium drag adjustment options
- G-free body
- Magnumlite rotor
- Great for saltwater angling
- Corrosion-resistant parts
- High caliber ultralight spinning reel designed for the Bassmaster in you
Cons:
- More suited for the experienced angler rather than the newbie.
Verdict on Shimano Stradic Ci4+ 4000 Spinning Fishing Reel:
The Stradic Ci4 is incomparable when it comes to a premium fishing experience. The only bump on the road is that it is best suited to a proficient angler. Therefore, a newbie may not enjoy working with this reel to the fullest.
The price is also on the upside. However, the premium built and engineering make it a good value.
So, we name the Shimano Stradic Ci4+ the pick for the pros!
03. The Most Durable: Penn Battle II Spinning Fishing Reel
Product Specs:
- Maximum Drag: 15 lbs
- Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Equipped with the Penn Drag System
- Sealed Metal Construction
- Weight: 0.1 kg
With durable all-metal construction, the Penn Battle II is always battle-ready. Equipped with the Penn drag system with a washer on each side of the spool, this gear gives you a smooth start and allows you a great range.
This black and gold elegant spinning reel is popular among saltwater anglers for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it is low maintenance. In the second place, it can stand the strain of bass angling for years.
The unit is completely sealed against the entry of water and debris, making it corrosion-resistant.
Furthermore, it is made of stainless steel from head to toe. This may make the unit slightly bulky, however, the strength that this adds compensates for the added bulk. And if you come to think of it, 0.1 kg is not heavy!
The gear ratio is impressive and allows for robust fishing styles. Moreover, a drag of 15 lbs means that you can smoothly reel a big catch home.
The Penn Battle II may be tough on bass, but to you, this is a comfortable reel to work with. The spool has a rubber gasket that prevents line slippage.
It comes with an ambidextrous orientation, meaning, that both right and left-handed anglers can use it with comfort. Also, it is available in 8 different sizes.
Pros:
- Full metal construction
- Affordable
- Low maintenance
- Extremely durable
- A sealed system prevents the entry of water and debris
- Dual carbon fiber washer in the Penn Drag system
Cons:
- A bit heavy
Verdict on Penn Battle II Spinning Fishing Reel:
The Penn Battle II is a worthy contender for the higher-priced supreme bass reels in the market. It definitely outshines the spinning reels that come with a similar price tag. You can also count on it to last for a good number of years.
The Penn Battle II is, without a doubt, one of the best bass fishing reels out there and provides an amazing value for money.
04. Top Bass Fishing Reel under $100: Cadence CS8 Spinning Reel
Product Specs:
- Maximum Drag: 36 lbs
- Gear ratio: 6.2:1
- Weight: 8.5 oz
- 9+1 Ball Bearings
- Carbon Composite Rotor with a Magnesium Frame
Cadence CS8 comprises a range of spinning reels. We picked the style-4000 as the best bass reel among the lot.
The CS8 4000 is packed with state of the art flagship features of Cadence.
It is stylish with a magnesium frame. The built material is corrosion resistant and keeps the reel in pristine shape season after season.
The entire unit is wear-resistant. The rotor and side plates are carbon composite constructs. The 10 ball bearings are made of carbon fiber.
The 8.5 oz fishing reel has a gear ratio of 6.2:1, ideal for easy handling of both fast and slow-moving baits.
This reel is built for both fresh and saltwater use. The maximum drag is 36 lbs, just what you need to catch freshwater game fish such as BASS and walleye.
Pros:
- Good looking
- Durable frame
- Impressive gear ratio
- 9+1 ball bearings for smoother fishing
- Comes from the reliable house of Cadence
Cons:
- Slightly heavier than CS8-3000
Verdict on Cadence CS8 – 4000 Spinning Reel:
Packed with all the flagship qualities of Cadence, CS8 is a high-quality spinning reel for bass. On top of it, the price point is very agreeable.
If you are looking for a versatile spinning reel for game fishing, and don’t want to spend a fortune, the Cadence CS8 is your ideal go-to!
05. The Best Rod and Reel Combo for Bass: Ugly Stik GX2 Fishing Rod and Spinning Reel Combo
Product Specs:
- Drag Range: 8-20 lbs
- Gear Ratio: 5.2:1
- Material: Aluminum and Graphite
- HT-100 Carbon Fiber Drag System
- Machined Aluminum Spool plus One Ball Bearing
- Weight: 0.75 lbs
Our favorite reel-rod-combo promises users an exceptional value for their precious money.
The GX2 Ugly Stik is affordable and feature-packed. We don’t get to see these two go hand in hand that often, right?
This one-piece pole comes in multiple length options. The longest is 7 feet in length and is made of graphite and fiberglass.
The build material gives the GX2 maximum strength while not adding extra weight to it. This means that you get a strong fishing gear and less stressful experience at the same time.
This rod and reel combo is made sturdy and durable with a double anodized Aluminum spool. In addition to this, compression bail springs act as a shock absorber protecting it from wear.
With this unit, you get premium casting range and leverage. 3 ball bearings with an instant anti-reverse bearing make retrievals hassle-free.
Pros:
- Quality graphite and fiberglass construction
- Various rod lengths
- Affordable
- Superior performance
- Great durability
- Smooth retrievals
- Compression bail springs protect from strain
Cons:
- Lacks the aesthetic appeal
Verdict on Ugly Stik GX2 Fishing Rod and Spinning Reel Combo:
The GX2 is equally suitable for both the experienced and the amateur angler. It is a great training wheel for the newbies in the game.
The price point is just like the icing on the cake! This is definitely worth your time and money.
06. The Most Ergonomic: Pflueger Supreme XT Spinning Fishing Reel
Product Specs:
- Maximum Drag: 8 lbs
- Gear Ratio: 5.2:1
- Bearings: 9
- Material: Magnesium
- Sealed Carbon Fiber System
- Carbon Inlay Drag Design
- Weight: 0.5 pounds
The Pflueger Supreme XT may be a mid-range fishing gear, but it is one of the best spinning reels for bass fishing.
Why do we say that? Here is the thing.
The Supreme XT offers four different models for you to take your pick. The body, frame, and side plate are all made of Magnesium. This makes it strong while keeping the weight to a minimum.
The sealed carbon fiber resists entry of saltwater, thus, avoiding corrosion.
This unit comes with a carbon inlay drag design and a solid aluminum bail wire. The maximum drag is 8 lbs, not the highest, but good enough to bring some pretty bass home. A gear ratio of 5.2:1 makes it suitable for most fishing styles and techniques.
What we like most about this reel is the comfort that it provides.
With a weight of only half a pound, this ultralight spinning reel ensures that you suffer from little to no fatigue. The lightweight carbon handle equipped with EVA knobs further enhances your comfort.
Pros:
- Ultralight yet strong
- Sealed, corrosion-resistant system
- Comfortable carbon handle with EVA knobs
- Good drag
- Offers 4 models to choose from
- Reasonably priced
Cons:
- Some users have experienced the bail prematurely closing
Verdict on Pflueger Supreme XT Spinning Fishing Reel:
This mid-range spinning reel has a satisfactory drag system with a gear ratio compatible with versatile styles. It has a slim and lightweight demeanor. The built quality is top-notch and you can expect the Pflueger Supreme XT to last long.
Overall, this ergonomic spinning reel is a wise choice for game fishing.
07. Best for Beginners: KastKing Royale Legend GT Baitcasting Reels
Product Specs:
- Maximum Drag: 17.5 lbs
- Gear Ratio: 7.0:1
- Bearings: 5+1
- Material: Graphite Frame
- Smooth and Silent Line Retrieval
- Weight: 7.2 oz
If you are a beginner bass angler, there is no better baitcasting reel than the Kastking Royale Legend GT. It is smooth, silent, and does not let you struggle even a bit.
It has a 7.0:1 gear ratio. This works in tandem with the 5+1 brass ball bearings to produce a smooth performance. The carbon fiber drag has a maximum capacity of 17.5 lbs.
The bearings are also resistant to corrosion, keeping the unit good as new for seasons.
The ceramic line guides are compatible with both monofilament and braided lines. The spool is made of quality anodized materials.
The reel frame is made of graphite. This has two advantages. Graphite is pretty tough and can handle rough fishing games. Also, this is lighter than other materials such as stainless steel. So, this keeps the overall weight of the reel down.
The low profile design makes it easy to operate. In addition, the handles have EVA foam padding to help you maintain a solid grip.
Pros:
- Easy to use with no learning curve involved
- Excellent training wheel to brush up your skills
- Smooth performance
- Silent line retrieval
- Premium lightweight construction
- Budget buy
Cons:
- Some find the handles too large
Verdict on KastKing Royale Legend GT Baitcasting Reels:
This is a well-balanced fishing reel suitable for versatile catches including bass. Beginners find it superbly comfortable. And it is affordable as well.
So, if you are looking for your first reel for bass fishing, don’t break a bank over expensive gears. The KastKing Royale Legend GT reel waits for you with all its glory.
08. For Power and Finesse: Cadence CS10 Spinning Reel
Product Specs:
- Maximum Drag: 36 lbs
- Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
- Bearings: 10+1
- Material: Magnesium Frame
- Weight: 0.7 lbs
With 10 ball bearings and 1 instant anti-reverse bearing, the Cadence CS10 stands out among our list of the best reels for bass fishing.
It is made up of a Magnesium frame and carbon composite rotor and side plate, a carbon fiber drag, and a machined Aluminum spool.
The tremendous drag power of 36 lbs means that it is here for business. Although we were more impressed by the finesse we could pull out with this reel. The Cadence CS10 is simply great for fine presentations.
Overall this is a lightweight spinning reel, ideal for the fans of ultralight fishing gears. The Aluminum handle not only keeps the weight in check, but it looks and feels cool as well.
The CS10 comes with a cozy knob on the handle that keeps the fatigue from setting in.
Pros:
- Premium built
- Intelligent design
- Powerful drag settings
- Lightweight
- Looks cool
- Great for finesse in presentation
Cons:
- Not the best from Cadence
Verdict on Cadence CS10 Spinning Reel:
This is a powerful spinning reel to reel some huge fish home. Even though the CS10 is made for everyone, we felt that it is more suitable for experienced hands who like to try out different styles and presentations.
09. Reel with Ultra Light Rotor: Daiwa BG Saltwater Spinning Reel
Product Specs:
- Maximum Drag: 22 lbs
- Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
- Bearings: 6+1
- Material: Synthetic
- “Hard Bodyz” Body and Side Cover to Maximize Strength
- Weight: 0.7 lbs
Daiwa BG is a series of reels with varying drag settings. We opted for Daiwa BG 5000 with a maximum drag of 22 lbs. You can pick other models in the series according to your preference.
This spinning reel comes with a 6+1 bearing drive with a powerful anti-reverse system. The air rotor is light as a feather. 15% lighter than its contemporaries to be precise.
The body is made of waterproof synthetic materials. The “Hard Bodyz” technology adds strength and durability to the unit.
With the Daiwa BG bass fishing reel, you can expect to suffer zero line slippage and excellent line retrieval.
Pros:
- Well balanced reel facilitates smooth performance
- A waterproof body is ideal for saltwater fishing
- Ultralight rotor
- Slippage proof
- Available in multiple models to suit all anglers
Cons:
- A bit heavy
Verdict on Daiwa BG Saltwater Spinning Reel:
The Daiwa BG series is a range of versatile spinning reels to match every angler’s preference. It is intelligently built with intuitive features such as waterproofing and slip resistance.
This reel works equally well with new and experienced bass anglers. So this one is definitely a wise catch.
10. The King of Drag: KastKing Sharky III Fishing Reel
Product Specs:
- Maximum Drag: 33 lbs
- Gear Ratio: 5.2:1
- Bearings: 10+1
- Material: Graphite
- KastKing Intrusion Shield System
- Weight: 4 oz
The KastKing Sharky III is another great budget buy on our list today. Even with the affordable price tag, this reel is surprisingly feature-packed.
With a weight of only 4 oz, this one has a high drag. The rotor and the body are corrosion-resistant graphite constructions.
A fiber reinforcement on the body and the rotor makes it extremely strong while keeping it light. The brass gears are made of manganese.
The Sharky III comes with the K.I.S.S functionality which stands for KastKing Intrusion Shield System. It shields the reel from intrusion by saltwater.
We also love the smooth retrieval that you get with this spinning reel. It gives you an experience similar to higher-end reels.
The triple-disc carbon fiber drag is specifically designed to provide the power that the retrieval of tough fish demands.
Pros:
- Light and strong
- Great for both fresh and saltwater
- Wear-resistant K.I.S.S shield
- Incredible drag
- Surprisingly affordable
Cons:
- Not the most durable
Verdict on KastKing Sharky III Fishing Reel:
The Sharky III loses marks when it comes to longevity. You cannot expect this to be around forever. But we don’t really mind as long as it comes at such an affordable price range.
Performance-wise, this reel gets our thumbs up. Capable of withstanding high torque stress, the KastKing Sharky III is ready to rule your bass fishing spree.
11. Freshwater Pro: SHIMANO Sedona FI, Freshwater Spinning Fishing Reel
Product Specs:
- Maximum Drag: 7 lbs
- Gear Ratio: 5.0:1
- Bearings: 3+1
- Material: Composite
- Weight: 0.1 kg
The Sedona FI is one of the popular Shimano bass reels.
This open-faced freshwater reel has an impressive ergonomic design. It has stood the test of time with frequent high-end upgrades.
The body is G-free construction with the center of gravity more towards the rod. This helps you attain a comfortable balance.
This G-free body and the angle lip system work in tandem to reduce the friction of your cast, giving you a more accurate and longer casting distance.
The Magnumlite rotor is quite strong. The gear ratio of 5.0:1 allows satisfactory retrieval.
The Shimano Sedona FI is built for durability as well. The Hagane gears design makes it a reliable reel to work with.
Pros:
- Cold forged Hagen gear design
- The G-free body allows greater balance and coordination
- Ensures precise casting
- Higher gear ratio for quicker line retrieval
- You can rely on its durability
Cons:
- There is no anti-reverse switch
Verdict on Shimano Sedona FI Spinning Reel:
Shimano Sedona is a work of intelligent design. Like all Shimano reels, quality is guaranteed. We highly recommend this for the freshwater bass hunters out there.
12. The Best Budget Buy: Okuma Ceymar Spinning Reel
Product Specs:
- Maximum Drag: 5 lbs
- Gear Ratio: 5.0:1
- Bearings: 6+1
- Material: Synthetic
- Weight: 0.5 lb
Okuma reels are usually expensive. The Ceymar isn’t.
It comes at half the price of its cousins. This doesn’t mean that the manufacturers have compromised with the quality.
Okuma Ceymar is equipped with a powerful multi-disc drag system. You can explore different drag options and brush up on your expertise in the process.
It features a Precision Elliptical gearing and a machined aluminum spool. The rotor has Okuma RES II Computer Balancing for over the top performance.
This lightweight spinning reel is saltwater ready. However, the unit is not entirely corrosion-resistant.
Pros:
- Great training gear for amateur anglers looking for leveling up their game
- Saltwater ready
- Affordable
- Feature-packed
- Backed by a warranty
Cons:
- Not sealed
Verdict on Okuma Ceymar Spinning Reel:
If you are an amateur angler looking to up your bass fishing skills, the OKUMA Ceymar is a decent option for you. It does not need you to break a bank either.
Buying Guide: What to Look for in the Best Spinning Reels for Bass
When you are out to purchase the best spinning reel for bass among the endless choices in the market today, a solid guideline can act as a lifesaver.
When you look for the best spinning reel for bass, look for the following features.
Quality Construction:
The performance and longevity of your spinning reel largely depend on the construction.
Most manufacturers in the bass fishing industry use either of the two- metal and graphite. Each material has its own set of perks.
Metal is stronger than graphite. On the other hand, graphite resists corrosion better than metal.
Therefore, if you mostly aim for saltwater fishing, a reel with a graphite construction, such as the KastKing Royale Legend is suitable.
You can also use a metal reel with a solid seal that shields it against the corrosive action of salts. Units like the Penn Battle II come with features like this.
If you desire performance with longevity, make sure that your spinning reel is built with premium materials.
Weight of the Reel:
The weight of your spinning reel is one of its vital features.
If you use heavy reels, fatigue will set in quickly. Your shoulders and arms will cramp up. So, looking for a light fishing reel should be the goal. No wonder ultralight spinning reels are taking over the fishing industry.
The best manufacturers of bass fishing gears always aim to keep their products lightweight without sacrificing their strength.
Almost all the reels we have talked about here fulfill this criterion.
The Gear Ratio:
The perfect gear ratio for bass fishing is 6.2:1. However, this is not a strict rule. A range of about 5.2:1 to 7.0:1 is just fine.
Several models that made it to our top chart, including the Editor’s Choice Abu Garcia Revo SX Spinning Reel have a gear ratio of 6.2:1.
The Drag System:
When you are at a tug of war with a game fish like bass, you need a decent drag system.
A powerful drag makes your catch tired. At the same time, it prevents the line from breaking off.
We absolutely love the flexible drag settings of the Shimano Stradic Ci4+ and the HT-100 carbon fiber drag system of the Ugly Stik GX2 Fishing Rod and Spinning Reel Combo.
Bass Fishing FAQs: Things You Always Wanted to Know
01. What Does the “Gear Ratio” Mean?
You have seen us ramble a lot about the gear ratio by now. If you are not sure what this means, here is what you need to know.
The Gear Ratio is the number of times the line rotates around the spool with a single turn of the handle. The greater the gear ratio, the faster your line retrieval will be.
Most spinning reels come with a gear ratio ranging from 5.2:1 to 6.2:1. The latest reels come with a gear ratio of as much as 7.0:1.
For bass fishing, a mid-range gear ratio, say 6.2:1 is considered ideal.
02. The Gears Feel Rough under Pressure. Is There Anything I Can Do about This?
The gears feel rough either when they are broken or when there is a lack of lubrication. You can have a good look at the gears.
If nothing seems broken, but they seem really dry, the gears may need some lubrication, that’s all.
03. How Can I Avoid Line Twists?
Line twists occur every time the line is improperly wound to the spool.
You can unwind and rewind it again. You can avoid this by winding it along a straight line and with proper tension.
04. What Size Rod Should I Use for Bass Fishing?
There isn’t any hard and fast rule but seasoned anglers recommended a size between 7 to 8 feet long. Many tournament circuits have a restriction to keep the length lower than 8 feet.
05. Can I Put Any Reel on Any Rod?
No.
Reel and rod combos must be matched. A spinning reel has to be paired up with a spinning rod. A baitcasting reel must be matched with a baitcasting rod and so on.
Epilogue
Bass fishing is challenging. So is picking the right gear. The first challenge is fun but the second one is mundane and stressful. Choosing the wrong gear could cost you much more than money!
We tried to eliminate the stressful part so that you can enjoy the fishing season to the fullest.
Let us know which one you teamed up with!
Signing off!
