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Best Spinning Reels Reviewed
Who goes fishing with hopes of catching the smallest fish they can find? That’s right…no one! Anglers are always looking for that trophy fish when we hit the water.
With that being the case, it is a wise investment for anglers to purchase a quality spinning reel to be well prepared for when that prize-winning fish comes along. The truth is, you are much more likely to lose a real trophy if you rely on low-end gear.
Spinning reels with smooth drag systems and solid build quality will always out-perform herky-jerky drag systems and cheap components.
Big fish will test the drag system on your spinning reel whether you fish fresh or saltwater. But we all know the corrosive effects saltwater has. For that reason, it’s important to purchase a spinning reel that is designed for your application.
It doesn’t matter what the piece of gear is, whether you’re talking about hunting waders, vests for turkey hunting or in this case, sinning reels, we want a tool that preforms it’s job well, be durable to last the test of time, and hopefully not break the bank while we’re at it!
The best spinning reel for your needs will depend on how you want to use it. That’s why we here at rusticpursuits.com have produced an in-depth review of our top spinning reel picks for both fresh and saltwater below.
Check Out Our Favorite Spinning Reel
Top Spinning Reels Comparison Chart
Best Spinning Reels
1. PENN Slammer III Spinning
PENN Slammer III Spinning
- Full Metal Body, side plate, and rotor
- CNC Gear technology
- IP67 Sealed body and spool design
- Sealed Slammer drag system with Dura-Drag
- 6-plus-1 stainless steel bearing system
2. EatMyTackle Ocean Saltwater Spinning Reel
EatMyTackle Ocean Saltwater Spinning Reel
- Brand new for 2020, your new favorite inshore saltwater spinning reel.
- Featuring a sealed drag system, aluminum alloy body/rotor, and stainless steel gears, this reel is tough enough for saltwater environments.
- Max drag of 33 lbs. Silky smooth drag system, fully adjustable and repeatable.
- Gear ratio of 5.2:1 and right or left hand retrieval.
- Weighs a light 11.3 oz. for long days on the water.
3. Pflueger Supreme XT Spinning Reel
Pflueger Supreme XT Spinning Reel
- 10 bearing System - Corrosion resistant stainless steel ball Bearings
- Magnesium body and rotor - feather light design
- Braid ready spool - allows Braid to be tied directly to spool
- Sealed carbon drag - sealed system, always lubricated, always smooth
- Carbon handle - 21 percent lighter than aluminum
4. Shimano Spheros 5000 Spinning Reel
Shimano Spheros 5000 Spinning Reel
- Retrieve: Reversible, Gear ratio: 4.6:1
- Line capacity lb/yds: 10/240, 12/195, 6/140
- Weight: 16.0 ounce
- line retrieve per crank: 38.2 inch
- Bearings: 4 S ARB, dragforce: 22 lbs
5. Daiwa Saltist 8000 Spinning Reel
Daiwa Saltist 8000 Spinning Reel
- Magsealed line roller and main shaft
- "HardBodyz" body and side cover
- Light weight Air Rotor design
- Air Bail–tubular stainless for lightweight strength
- Line Capacity (Lb. Test / Yards)-MONO: 25/440, 30/370, J-BRAID: 65/590, 80/440
Spinning Reel Features To Consider
- Rod Balance – A well balanced spin fishing setup will feel great in your hand. But more importantly, it will cast much easier and prevent arm fatigue throughout your day on the water.
- Line Retrieve – The ability to pick up line fast can be a game changer. Big fish can move fast, and if they make a break straight at you, you’ll need to retrieve line fast. Line retrieve is measured by how much line you can pick up with one revolution of the handle.
- Smooth Drag – A smooth and strong drag is super important when big fish are on the line, and a good range of adjustment is a big plus. Large spinning reels designed for big fish will often have stronger drag systems than their smaller counterparts.
- Sealed Reel – Saltwater fishing will test your spinning reel, but surf casting can add a whole new layer of potential destruction-by-sand. Spinning reels with sealed designs will lock out the destructive effects of sand and salt, and greatly extend the lifespan and performance of your reel.