A rear drag spinning reel is one of the most versatile and effective types of the fishing reel on the market. They are getting popular with anglers of all skill levels and can be used in a variety of fishing situations. Whether you’re targeting largemouth bass in your local pond or chasing after tarpon in the Florida Keys, a rear drag spinning reel will give you the power and control you need to land your fish.
So What is a Rear Drag Reel ?………
A rear drag reel is a type of fishing reel that allows easy access to the clutch settings when playing fish. This reel features a fighting drag for instant fine-tuning. The spool on this style of reel can be instantly removed by pressing the center button. It is a bit different from the traditional front drag reel.
In this article, we’re going to take a look at some of the best rear drag spinning reels on the market and help you choose the perfect one for your next fishing adventure.
3 Best Spinning Reels with Rear Drag ( 2022 Review)
- Fightin Drag
- Ambidextrous Hand Orientation
- One-Piece Bail Wire For Durability
- Propulsion Line Management System
- Instant Anti-Reverse
- Line Roller Ball Bearing
- Oversized Rubber Knob
- Durable Carbon Fiber Drag System
- Affordable & Reliable
- Self-Centering Line & Trigger
- Both Fresh and Saltwater Use
- Featuring Quick Fire II Technology
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1. Shimano Sahara – Our Top Pick
Specifications
- Material : Stainless Steel & Aluminum
- Weight : 9oz
- Gear Ratio : 5.2:1
- Ball Bearings : 3+1
- Maximum Drag : 4lb
The Shimano Sahara rear drag spinning reel is a premium reel that is designed for anglers who demand the very best in terms of performance and durability. This reel is packed with features that include a robust gear system, a smooth drag system, and durable construction that can handle the rigors of saltwater fishing.
The Shimano Sahara R rear drag spinning reel is designed for more drag efficiency. Its rear-adjustable drag knob is located at the back of the reel, so you don’t have to interfere with the line to make a quick adjustment. The Sahara R also features Shimano fight in’ drag II, which adds a rear strike lever that enables solid hooksets without losing your drag setting. Click the lever to the strike position to tighten up for hook setting, then flip it back to immediately return to the original drag setting to fight the fish in. As always, the Sahara R provides Shimano quality at an affordable price, with its graphite body and rotor, one-piece bail wire, durable cold-forged spool with smooth propulsion line management system, and 3+1 bearing system.
Key Features
- Rear-adjustable drag knob for easy drag adjustments
- Graphite body and rotor for durability
- Cold-forged spool for smooth propulsion
- 3+1 bearing system for smooth operation
- Affordable price
2. Sougayilang Bait Feeder – Overall Choice
Specifications
- Material : Stainless Steel & Aluminum
- Weight : 16oz
- Gear Ratio : 4.7:1
- Ball Bearings : 6+1
- Maximum Drag : 33lb
The Sougayilang Feeder Spinning Reel is our overall pick. It is a high-quality reel that is built to last. It has a smooth drag system that can handle big fish, and it is also very affordable.
This reel is a great choice for anglers of all levels of experience. It is a great reel for novice anglers who are just learning how to fish with a spinning reel. It is also a great reel for experienced anglers who are looking for a high-quality reel that can handle big fish.
The Sougayilang S331 spinning fishing reel is a top-of-the-line choice for anglers looking for a reel that can handle the biggest and toughest fish. With its enhanced main shaft, stainless steel ball bearings, and precision-machined brass pinion gear, this reel is built to last. Additionally, its carbon fiber drag system can handle up to 33 pounds of fish, making it perfect for anglers who want to land the big one.
Whether fishing for freshwater or saltwater fish, the Sougayilang S331 bait feeder reel is a great choice. Its left/right interchangeable aluminum handle and ergonomically designed soft rubber grip make it comfortable to use, while its drop-shaped guide ring ensures a smooth line out. Plus, with its fast, powerful, and durable design, this reel is sure to last for many fishing trips to come.
Key Features
- Advanced production technologies used for enhanced craftsmanship
- Employs high quality 6+1 shielded stainless steel ball bearings
- Left/right interchangeable aluminum CNC handle for easy use
- Ergonomically designed soft rubber handle for comfortable grip
- Precise cut gearing system for smooth performance
- Luxurious black and gold color scheme
3. Shimano IX – Budget Choice
Specifications
- Material : Synthetic
- Weight : 8.4oz
- Gear Ratio : 4.1:1
- Ball Bearings : 0
- Maximum Drag : 7lb
The Shimano IX rear drag spinning reel is a great budget choice for those looking for a quality reel without breaking the bank. This reel features a rear drag system for easy adjustments on the go and a die-cast aluminum body for durability. The IX also has a smooth, multi-disk drag system for consistent performance, and a wide variety of gear ratios to choose from.
The Shimano IX Rear Drag Spinning Reel is a very affordable and reliable spinning reel that is rated for both fresh and saltwater use. It features Quick Fire II technology that allows for super easy and fast one-handed casting, making it perfect for beginners to open-faced reels. The spool, rotor, side-plates, and frame are all constructed of lightweight graphite, which reduces overall weight while maintaining strength and durability. The self-center line and trigger provide an easy grasp for the angler’s index finger, while the reversible design allows for right and left-hand action.
Key Features
- Quick Fire II technology for easy, one-handed casting
- Lightweight graphite construction
- Reversible design for right- or left-handed use
- Max drag of 7 lbs
- Gear ratio of 4.1:1
- Line retrieve of 19″
Why Rear Drag Reels?
Benefits of Rear Drag Reels The main benefit of a rear drag reel is that it allows you to adjust the drag on the reel without having to reach over the top of the reel. This can be extremely helpful when you are trying to reel in a fish, as you can easily adjust the drag without having to take your eyes off of the fish. Additionally, rear drag reels typically have an easy cast feature, which allows you to cast the reel without touching the line. This can be extremely helpful when you are trying to avoid tangles or snags.
What to look for in a Rear Drag Reel
If you’re in the market for a new rear drag spinning reel, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure you buy the best reel for your needs. Here is a buyer’s guide to rear drag spinning reels to help you make an informed decision.
Reel Size
First, you’ll need to decide what size reel you need. Rear drag spinning reels are available in a variety of sizes, from small ultralight reels ideal for panfish and trout to large saltwater-ready reels meant for big game fish. Choose the size reel based on the type of fish you plan on targeting.
Drag System
Next, consider the drag system. The drag is what allows you to control how much line is let out when a fish is biting, and it’s an important factor in helping you land your catch. Rear drag spinning reels typically have a star drag system, which is adjustable and easy to use.
Construction
Take a look at the reel’s construction. Rear drag spinning reels are built to withstand a lot of use, but some models are better than others. Look for a reel with a solid metal body and anodized aluminum spool for the best durability.
Price
Finally, consider the price. Rear drag spinning reels can range in price from very affordable to quite expensive. It is important to find a reel that is within your budget but also offers good quality.
Gear Ratio
A higher gear ratio reel will retrieve the line faster, while a lower gear ratio reel will provide more torque for fighting fish. Choose the gear ratio that best suits your fishing style.
Bearings
The number of bearings in a reel corresponds to the smoothness of the reel’s operation. More bearings usually mean a smoother reel, but they also add to the cost. Choose the number of bearings that fits your budget and fishing needs.
With these factors in mind, you’re sure to find the perfect rear drag spinning reel for your fishing needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Do Rear Drag Spinning Reels Work?
Rear drag spinning reels work by having the drag knob located at the back of the reel. This allows for more precise drag adjustment and also keeps the line from being tangled when fighting a fish.
2. What are the advantages of using a rear drag spinning reel?
Rear drag spinning reels offer a number of advantages over other types of reels. They are easier to adjust on the fly, provide more precise drag control, and keep the line from tangling.
3. What are the disadvantages of using a rear drag spinning reel?
The main disadvantage of using a rear drag spinning reel is that it can be more difficult to use for beginners. It can also be easy to accidentally knock the drag knob when fighting a fish, which can cause the line to break.
4. What are the best lines for rear drag spinning reels?
There are a variety of lines that can be used with rear drag spinning reels, but braided lines are generally considered to be the best. Braided lines are strong and provide less stretch, which is important when fighting fish.
5. How do I care for my rear drag spinning reel?
It is important to regularly clean and lubricates your rear drag spinning reel to keep it in good condition. This will help to prolong the life of the reel and keep it performing at its best.
6. Are Rear Drag Any Good?
It depends on personal preferences. Some anglers prefer rear drag spinning reels because they find them easier to use, while others find that front drag spinning reels provide more control. Ultimately, it is up to the individual angler to decide which type of reel is best for them.
FInal Verdict
Rear drag spinning reels are an excellent choice for those who want a versatile and easy-to-use reel. They are perfect for a variety of fishing situations and can be used with a variety of lures and baits. Rear drag spinning reels are a great choice for both novice and experienced anglers.
