7 Best Spinning Reels Under 100 (Top Picks for 2024)

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There are thousands of spinning reels in the market, which is excellent and bad at the same time. The choices give you options, but making the right choice may be overwhelming since they are too many. You need to consider many things before you buy a spinning reel, but you don’t need to worry because I have researched for you.

In this guide, I will discuss the seven best at affordable price. While at it, I will cover what you need to consider while buying a spinning reel, the benefits of a spinning reel , and much more.

Top 7 Spinning Reels under 100 dollars [2022 Reviewed]

ImageProductFeaturesAction
Next level Performance
Pflueger President XT

Pflueger President XT

  • Gear Ratio : 6.2:1
  • Ball Bearings : 10
  • Max Drag (LB) : 10
  • Hand Orientation : Ambidextrous
9.8
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Best All Around Reels
Daiwa Bg Spinning

Daiwa Bg Spinning

  • Gear Ratio : 5.6:1
  • Ball Bearings : 6+1
  • Max Drag (LB) : 15.4
  • Fishing Line Type : Braided
  • Drag System : Waterproof 
9.9
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Best for Saltwater & Freshwater
RUNCL Titan II

RUNCL Titan II

  • Gear Ratio : 5.3:1
  • Ball Bearings : 9+1
  • Max Drag (LB) : 33
  • Fishing Line Type : mono
  • Hand Orientation : Both
9.8
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Supper Value
KastKing Sharky III

KastKing Sharky III

  • Gear Ratio : 5.2:1
  • Ball Bearings : 10+1
  • Max Drag (LBS) : 33 to 39.5
  • Hand Material : Aluminum
9.8
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Best Budget Reel
KastKing Summer and Centron

KastKing Summer and Centron

  • Gear Ratio : 5.2:1
  • Ball Bearings : 9+1
  • Max Drag (LB) : 12 
  • Frame : Graphite
9.9
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Best For Biginners
Okuma Ceymar Spinning

Okuma Ceymar Spinning

  • Gear Ratio : 5.0:1
  • Ball Bearings : 6+1
  • Max Drag (kg) : 3
  • Fishing Line Type : Mono 
9.8
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For Saltwater Beginners
PENN Pursuit III

PENN Pursuit III

  • Gear Ratio : 6.2:1
  • Ball Bearings : 4+1
  • Max Drag (LB) : 10
  • Fishing Line Type : mono
9.8
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1. Pflueger President XT : Best for Bass

Next Level Performance
Pflueger XT
9.9/10Our Score
  • Weight: 0.22 kg 
  • Brand name: Pflueger 
  • Material: Aluminum 
  • Size: 30 
  • Color : ‎Red, Multicolor

The Pflueger President spinning reel is, without a doubt, one of most popular reels at reasonable price. The reel is attractive, and it provides you with a smooth experience while using it. Its bail is positioned perfectly, and it sounds when activated. Its grip is also fantastic. 

The handle is made of carbon fiber, which makes it both comfortable and strong. The reel is lightweight, and it will not cost you a fortune to bring it home. It’s a reel you can feel proud of buying as a gift to a friend or relative. 

Features 

The Pflueger fishing reels are usually of high quality, and this one does not disappoint. It comes fully packed with the following features:

Aluminum Material 

A body made of high-quality material says a lot about the performance of the reel. The Pflueger president is made of aluminum, one of the strongest materials for fishing reel bodies. 

10-Bearing System 

Ball bearings in a fishing rod are very important. They ensure the smooth performance of the reel. The higher the number of bearings, the better. The Pflueger President XT has ten ball bearings, which means you can expect exceptional performance from it.

The bearings are made of stainless steel, meaning they will last for a long time and can withstand saltwater. You just need to rinse it with fresh water after using it in saltwater.

Lightweight 

The Pflueger President XT is made of aluminum pinion, which makes it quite strong, but lightweight. It is the kind of a fishing reel that you can keep using all day and not get tired. Its aluminum pinion gear is at least sixty percent lighter than the standard brass gear. 

Pros 

  • Easy to use 
  • Lightweight 
  • Attractive 
  • Fantastic grip 
  • Comfortable 

Cons 

  • The drag starts wearing out after a few months 

Verdict

Pflueger products are usually of high quality, and this one is as good if not better. The spinning reel is lightweight, and it’s comfortable to use. It comes in multicolor, so you can choose the color that excites you the most. With a good rating , you can be sure it is a high-quality spinning reel with your budget.


2. Daiwa BG Spinning : Best Inshore Fishing Reel

Best Overall
Daiwa BG
9.9/10Our Score
  • Brand name: Daiwa 
  • Material: Synthetic  
  • Size: 140yds/10lbs 
  • Handle material: Aluminum 
  • Weight: 0.73 pounds 

If you are looking for a high-quality budget spinning reel, the Daiwa BG is an excellent choice. The fishing reel is covered by an aluminum body. The body is then covered with a Black Anodized cover that makes it stain-resistant and stronger.

Daiwa BG is also lightweight, weighing at least 15 percent lighter than your typical spinning reel. Its design is fantastic, and you will love how far it can cast. Its handle is designed in such a way that it does not allow any movement between it and the main gear, giving you more control while rotating it. Daiwa BG contains six ball bearings, which means that its performance is quite smooth.

Key Features 

The Daiwa BG spinning reel is definitely one of the best fishing reels you will find for less than a hundred dollars. Here is what makes it exceptional:

Aluminum Body 

Its body is made of aluminum, which means it is quite strong, yet lightweight. The body is then covered with a Hard Boydz cover, which makes it even stronger and stainless. 

Lightweight 

The Daiwa BG spinning rod weighs just 0.73 pounds, and it can be used by both genders. With such a lightweight spinning reel, you can be sure that you will find it easy during practice.

Braided Line Ready 

Braided fishing lines have become quite popular in recent years. Unfortunately, not all spinning reels perform exceptionally with them. The Daiwa BG is a braided line ready. You can also use any type of fishing reel you want to, and it will still perform exceptionally.

Pros 

  • Relatively affordable 
  • Relatively durable 
  • Easy to use 
  • Excellent customer support 
  • Comfortable 

Cons 

  • Short warranty for one year
  • It has some plastic parts 

Verdict 

Daiwa BG is an excellent fishing reel and which is highly rated by users. The fishing rod is currently number four in the list of best fishing reels on Amazon with a better rating. The list includes both expensive and other types of fishing reels. It is a spinning reel that any angler will be proud to own. 

If you are looking for more saltwater spinning reel within your budget, you may check out our content on High Quality Saltwater Spinning Reel Under 100 dollars


3. RUNCL Titan II : Best for Saltwater & Freshwater

Saltwater Freshwater
RUNCL Titan II
9.8/10Our Score
  • Weight: 0.34 kg
  • Brand name: RUNCL
  • Material: Aluminum, Stainless Steel
  • Size: 2000

RUNCL is well-known for making some of the finest fishing gears, and this reel speaks volumes about their product quality. It is comfortable, easy to use, and it comes at a pretty good price. The spool is exceptional, and it does not make a noise like most spinning reels. The reverse brakes work amazingly well.  The handle is pretty comfortable. You would compare it with expensive spinning reels in the market.

Key Features 

This sturdy but light spinning reel comes with the following features:

Enhanced Wear Resistance 

The RUNCL Titan II is made of a metal body protected with phosphate components to offer more wear resistance. The body cover effectively protects the fishing reel from saltwater corrosion. 

Stainless Steel Bearings 

Stainless steel bearings are stronger, and they allow more precision while casting.

Braid-Ready Spool 

The RUNCL spool is made of a user-friendly metal braid. The spool ensures that the line does not slip and eliminates the need for using tape or monofilament to back it. 

Powerful Drag 

The RUNCL drag is designed such that it provides you with a maximum drag of up to 44 pounds. With such power, you can win the battle easily, even when struggling with a large fish.

Pros 

  • A durable fishing reel
  • Relatively affordable 
  • Powerful drag 
  • Lightweight

Cons 

  • The spinning reel does not have a trigger for single-handed users.

Verdict 

RUNCL is a powerful spinning reel that you can use to catch both large and small fish. It is easy to use, and it will serve you for a long time. The reel has received a lot of love from its users. It is a fishing reel that you will definitely enjoy using.


4. KastKing Sharky III : Best Lightweight Fishing Reels

Best Light Weight
KastKing Sharky III
9.8/10Our Score
  • Brand name: KastKing 
  • Material: Aluminum 
  • Weight: 0.39 kg
  • Size: 3000
  • Warranty: One year 

KastKing is an established fishing gear brand, and their products never disappoint. The KastKing Sharky III is an upgrade of the first two generations of the Shaky series, and it comes at such an affordable price. The new generation is lighter, stronger, and smoother. It will provide you with excellent fishing experience, and you will not need to break the bank for it.  

Key Features 

The KastKing Sharky III is a sensitive and effective fishing reel that comes with the following features:

EVA Grips 

The high-density EVA grip that the fishing reel comes with ensures that you get a slip-free grip. You can use the fishing reel even when it is raining, and the wetness will not make you lose your grip. The handle is also quite comfortable, and you can hold it all day without getting tired.

Braid Ready Spool 

This next-gen fishing reel comes with a braid ready spool, which means you will not need to back your fishing line with tape to prevent it from slipping. The fishing line comes off the spool comfortably, and the risk of the line twist problem is quite low. Its anti-twist line roller also reduces the chance of line snarls and tangles.

Powerful 

It comes with triple disc carbon fiber drag that gives it the power of up to 39.5 pounds. With such power, you can use your fishing reel to land both small and larger fish. 

Pros 

  • Powerful 
  • Affordable 
  • Durable 
  • A smooth spinning reel 
  • Excellent line capacity 

Cons 

  • May not be the best choice for fish prone to fighting 

Verdict 

The KastKing Sharky III is a next-generation fishing reel that will cost you as less as 60 bucks. It is easy to use, powerful, sensitive and will serve you for quite some time. With a great choice, you can be sure you are getting yourself a high-quality fishing reel.


5. KastKing Summer and Centron : Best Cheap Reels

Budget Choice
KastKing Summer & Centron
9.9/10Our Score
  • Brand name: KastKing
  • Material: Aluminum, Graphite
  • Weight: 0.56 pounds
  • Handle Material: Aluminum 
  • Color: Black with blue 

The KastKing Summer is ultralight, and it gets the job done. However, it is worth noting that the fishing reel is designed for freshwater fishing. It comes with a 9+1 ball bearing, and its drag is powerful enough to battle larger fish. 

Key Features

As with other KastKing fishing gears, the KastKing Summer and Centron spinning reel come with some fantastic features. These features include:

Lightweight 

The summer and Centron spinning reel have a graphite frame design, which makes it both strong and comfortable. It allows more balancing, and its high performance is something any angler would want. It is a perfect gift for any fishing enthusiast.

Smooth Performance 

The Summer and Centron spinning reel from KastKing come with 9+1 ball bearings. As we all know, the more the bearings, the smoother the fishing reel is likely to be. KastKing Summer and Centron provide one of the smoothest performances. Its one-way anti-reverse bearing makes it even better. 

Attractive 

This KastKing fishing reel is quite attractive. If beauty is something you consider before buying a fishing reel, you will love this one. The two-color anodized spool is beautiful, and not forgetting the lovely aluminum and graphite body.

Pros 

  • A cheap KastKing spinning reel 
  • Provides a smooth fishing experience 
  • Strong enough for the price 
  • Comfortable 

Cons 

  • Only meant for freshwater fishing 
  • Not very durable 

Verdict 

If you have been looking for a cheap fishing reel, you should definitely consider this KastKing spinning reel. With as little as 20 bucks, you can buy it in most online stores. The spinning reel provides you with smooth fishing experience, and it is powerful enough to battle a fish weighing up to 17 pounds. It is rated among the best spinning reels under $50 on


6. Okuma Ceymar – Best For Beginners

Best For Beginner
okuma Ceymar
9.8/10Our Score
  • Weight: 0.5 pounds 
  • Brand name: OKUMA
  • Material: Synthetic 
  • Handle Material: Aluminum
  • Fishing Line Type: Monofilament 

If you have been looking for an excellent spinning reel for trout fishing, the Okuma Ceymar is a great choice. This spinning reel is lightweight, and it will provide you with smooth fishing experience. It might be small, but it is stronger than your typical spinning reels under the same price range. Its spool takes plenty of lines, and it casts over longer distances than you would expect.

Key Features 

This Okuma spinning reel may look too small at first glance, but it’s inch-perfect when you use it. It comes with the following fantastic features:

8-Bearing Drive 

Okuma Ceymar spinning reel is designed to provide you with ultimate smoothness. With a fluid 8-bearing drive, you can expect smooth performance. 

Aluminum Handle  

Aluminum is one of the most popular choices for reel handles, and it is for a good reason. It is strong and durable. It is also comfortable when holding. The Okuma Ceymar uses an aluminum handle, so you can expect a strong and comfortable fishing reel. 

Warranty 

Okuma Ceymar fishing reel comes with a one year manufacturer’s warranty. This warrant means that if the spinning tackle develops a mechanical problem within one year after purchase, you can return it. When you return it, they will either fix or replace it. 

Pros 

  • Lightweight 
  • Strong 
  • Takes a good size of fishing line 
  • Worth the money 
  • Durable 

Cons 

  • Too many plastic parts 

More about Okuma Ceymar : Expert Reviews on Okuma Ceymer Spinning Reel


Verdict 

Okuma Ceymar spinning reel is a budget reel that is worth every buck. It is easy to use and can be used by both genders. Its appearance is attractive, and the handle is pretty comfortable. The fishing reel will serve you well for several years, and it’s easy to cast. It has a good performance, so it goes without saying, it’s an excellent piece of work. 

Affordable Spinning Reels

7. PENN Pursuit III : Best  Saltwater Beginner

Best for Saltwater
PENN Pursuit III
9.8/10Our Score
  • Brand name: PENN Fishing 
  • Material: Graphite 
  • Weight: 0.75 
  • Size: 2500
  • Handle Material: Stainless steel 

The PENN Pursuit III is a durable fishing reel with a smooth gear system. Its HT-100 drag system is powerful, allowing you to win the battle with fish with ease. The series is available in six sizes, and you can choose from 2,500 to 8,000, depending on your fishing goals.  

Its anti-reverse gear works perfectly, and it allows you to eliminate any rotor back. The spinning reel comes with four stainless steel ball bearings, providing you with a smooth experience. 

Key Features

The PENN Pursuit III spinning reel is designed to make your fishing experience comfortable, and it comes with the following features.

Graphite Body 

The graphite body makes the spinning reel both lightweight and stain-resistant. 

4+1 Stainless Steel Bearing System 

The ball bearings in a spinning reel are designed to help it provides a smooth performance. The 4+1 bearing system ensures you get a smooth experience. 

HT100 Carbon Fiber Drag 

The drag is quite powerful, and it will help you win the battle with larger fish with ease. For a spinning reel costing you less than 50 dollars, its drag is excellent.

Pros 

  • Strong drag 
  • Excellent in both saltwater and freshwater
  • Smooth performance from the bearings 
  • Variety of sizes
  • Excellent with braided lines 
  • Worth the price 

Cons 

  • It is a bit noisy 

Verdict 

PENN Pursuit III is a great fishing reel that will provide you the worth of your money. It is excellent with braided lines, and its bearing system provides a smooth performance. This reel comes with a variety of sizes, so you can pick the perfect size for you, depending on your fishing goals. It is a fishing reel I highly recommend. 


Why Every Angler Need a Spinning Reel

There are various types of fishing reels, and spinning reels are among the most used. Both beginners and experienced anglers prefer them. The reason for their popularity is because they have many benefits and these benefits include:

Spinning Reels Cast Lighter Lures Over a Long Distance 

Baitcaster reels are great, but nothing beats a spinning reel when it comes to casting weightless baits and lighter lures. If you use a baitcasting reel, you will agree that they are not optimal when it comes to casting lighter lures. They are a bit better with heavier lures, weighing more than half an ounce.

With a spinning reel, you can cast lures weighing as less as 1/32 ounces. You can also cast heavier lures and still cast them accurately. For example, it is easier to cast a 1/8 ounce into a deep river with a spinning reel than with a baitcaster. 

So, even if we are living in a world dominated by baitcaster reels, there are times where you will need a spinning reel more than a baitcaster. This is especially true if you plan to catch smaller fish like trout and panfish.

Spinning Reels Handle Wind Better 

If you reside in a place where the wind is common, you will need a spinning reel even more. With a baitcaster, the probability of a backlash increases dramatically when casting in a windy area. You don’t need to worry about backlashes with a spinning reel even when casting in windy areas. 

Skipping Lures is Easier with a Spinning Rod 

It is much easier to skip lures with a spinning reel than with a baitcaster. I’m positive that you have seen in movies the actors skipping lures with a spinning reel. It is still possible to do it with a baitcaster, but it will require you to take a lot of time to practice how to do it.

If you are a beginner and plans to start skipping lures ASAP, you should choose a spinning reel. You will not need to take days off to practice how to do it like you will with a baitcaster. 

Spinning Reels Sinks the Lure Straighter 

Many people often overlook this massive benefit of spinning reels, but it is crucial that the lure sinks straighter. When you sink your lure with a baitcaster, it usually faces resistance, making it pendulum towards you as it goes down.

That’s the reason why some anglers using a baitcaster to cast in deep waters strip off their spools with hands. Doing so helps the lure sink with the least resistance, something one can easily get using a spinning reel. Less resistance is especially important if you plan to fish in places with tall vegetation and steep bluffs.

Spinning Reels Are Swappable 

If you are the type of person who prefers engaging both your hands, you will appreciate spinning reels even more. With a baitcaster, you have to buy a reel for your dominant hand. If you are left-handed, you will need to buy a left-handed baitcaster reel. If you are right-handed, you will need to buy a reel for your hand. 

But with a spinning reel, it does not matter if you are right or left-handed. You can easily swap the reel and use the hand that feels more comfortable. If you buy a left-handed baitcaster and you are right-handed, you will face a tough time.

A Spinning Reel’s Drag Can Be Adjusted during the Battle with Fish 

One of the significant advantages of spinning reels is it gives you an upper hand during the struggle with fish. The drag on a spinning reel is easily accessible and can be liberally graduated, giving you the upper hand during the battle.

However, this does not mean that drag on a baitcaster is not adjustable. It is, but since it is located just next to the handle, adjusting it while battling the fish can be complicated.

Spinning reels may have a few drawbacks, such as less power and poor with heavier lures, but their advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Having a spinning reel is a goal that every angler should strive to achieve.

What to look for in a budget spinning reel

When you know what to look for, your work becomes much easier, and you get an excellent  reel that will not disappoint you. If you have no clue what to look for while choosing the quality reels under $100, worry less because you are in the right place. Here’s what to look for:

Compatibility

It is vital to consider the type of fishing rod and line you plan to use with your spinning reel. Generally, the fishing reel manufacturers recommend the right fishing lines for their reels. However, if you already own a line, consider looking for a fishing reel compatible with the line and fishing rod 

Materials 

The material used to make a fishing reel says a lot about it. For example, if a reel is made of metal, it means it will last for a long time. It also means that it can be used to catch larger fish such as catfish without any performance problems. 

If you plan to catch smaller fish like trout and baitfish, a plastic spinning reel will get the job done. The good thing about plastic spinning reels is they are affordable, and they can last for quite some time, although not like metal spinning reels. Be sure to look at the bigger picture while buying a spinning reel. 

Ball Bearings on the Spinning Reel 

The ball bearings on a spinning reel usually determine the smoothness of the operation. The more the ball bearings, the smoother the operation is likely to be. Make sure that a spinning reel has at least five ball bearings before you consider buying it. 

Fishing Location 

There are different types of spinning reels, ranging from small to extra-large. To choose the perfect one for you, you need to consider your fishing location. For instance, if you plan to fish in a freshwater stream or river, a small or medium spinning reel will do you justice. If you plan to fish in the open sea, you might want to purchase a large or extra-large spinning reel.

Target Fish

What type of fish do you plan to catch? This is a question you must always ask yourself before purchasing a fishing reel. You don’t want to buy an extra-large spinning reel, and your target is to catch panfish and trout. Do little research about the fish in your neighborhood and get yourself a reel that can help you catch them with ease. For example, if you plan to catch trout, a small spinning reel will be good enough.

Other factors you should consider includes:

  • Your skill level. As a beginner, you have a lot to learn. You should always consider going for reels that are easier to cast. In most cases, the larger the reel, the more complicated it is to cast. This means that you should probably consider starting with a small reel and graduate to large with time. 
  • You should also always consider the weight of the fishing reel. You don’t want to purchase a fishing reel that will always leave you tired. Choose a fishing reel using lightweight material.

Components of a Spinning Reel

A spinning reel is made of several parts primarily to store the fishing line and ensure the cast is as smooth as possible. A great fishing reel ensures all these parts coordinate appropriately to ensure your fishing experience is excellent. If you are unfamiliar with these parts, here are the major components and what they do. 

Spinning reel Parts

Handle 

The reel’s handle is usually used to retrieve the lure after a cast. While purchasing a reel, ensure that the handle is smooth and comfortable. Both right and left-handed persons can operate spinning reels handles.

Body/ Frame 

The body of a spinning reel is what holds everything together. In most cases, the body is made up of a gearbox, foot, and support arm. The body may have more components, depending on the spinning reel design. It is made up of different materials, including graphite, plastic, and aluminum. Metal frames tend to last longer, but they have a problem with rust, plus they may be heavy. 

Spool 

The spool is one of the most critical parts of the fishing reel. The spool holds the fishing line, and it also plays a crucial role while you are retrieving the fish you may have caught. If the spool is too rigid, it can lead to breakage of the line. The size of a spool also plays a role in determining the type of line you should use. If the spool is small, don’t use a heavy and long line on it as it will affect your reel’s performance. 

Drag Adjust Knob

The drag adjusts knob allows the angler to increase or decrease the friction on the fishing line. The drag or friction on the line is especially important when battling with a fish. The adjusting knob on a spinning reel is easy to find and use. It is mostly located close to the handle.  

Reel Foot 

The reel foot simply means the bridging point between the reel and the fishing rod. The reel foot is usually an extension of the body, and it is made of the same material as the body.  It is vital that the foot perfectly fit in the reel body. That way, all the components will stay firm and withstand any tension caused by a fighting fish. 

Reel Seat 

The reel seat is the part of the fishing rod where the foot sits. The seats are usually made of metal fittings, and their designs vary from one manufacturer to another.

Gears 

The gears on a fishing reel ensure that you get a smooth experience. They usually sit on the body and are made of brass, aluminum, stainless steel, or zinc. Gears also play a crucial role in determining the gear ratio of a spinning reel. Gear ratio is the number of times the spool will turn with one turn of the handle. The higher the gear ratio, the faster the reel will be.

Bail 

The bail is specifically designed to help the line move on and off the spool with ease. It is this component that reduces the risk of a backlash while using a spinning reel. When the bail is set down, the fishing reel cannot run off the spool. 

Roller 

The line roller is another part of the spinning reel that helps provide a smooth experience. Its purpose is to help the fishing line move off the spool without sticking. The line roller also helps eliminate line twist, which is relatively common with spinning reels.

Anti-Reverse 

The purpose of the anti-reverse is to ensure the drag does not turn backward. This is especially important if the fish you are aiming to catch is known for fighting. If the line is forced backward by the fighting fish, it can lead to tangles, snags, and breaks. Spinning reels usually have a switch to set the anti-reverse. 

Features You Should Look Out For While Purchasing a Spinning Reel  

  • As a beginner, you should consider choosing lightweight and smaller spinning reels. With time, you can graduate to medium and large. 
  • However, it is worth noting that casting lightweight lures is not always easy. You should take your time and practice before you go out fishing. Here are the essential features you should look for when buying a spinning reel under hundred dollars. 
  • On the other hand, if you plan to fish in the open sea, you should consider buying a graphite fishing rod. Graphite is more resistant to saltwater corrosion than aluminum. However, an aluminum reel will mostly have a coating that makes it stain resistant. A graphite reel still has the upper hand in saltwater, though. 

Material 

The material of the reel determines its performance as well as durability. One of the most common fishing reel materials is aluminum. Aluminum is strong and can last for a long time. It is usually a perfect choice if you plan to fish in freshwater. 

Weight 

Fishing is fun, but fatigue can easily affect your experience if you use a heavy handle. You should always consider choosing a lightweight or ultralight fishing reel. It should not be too light that it breaks with the least application of force, though. Buy something that can at least withstand a battle with a larger fish.

Number of Ball Bearings 

The ball bearings help the spool rotate smoothly while retrieving the lure. Ideally, the higher the number of bearings, the smoother the rotation will be. The smoother the rotation, the better the fishing experience

However, you should not only consider the number of bearings and forget the quality also matter. A fishing reel may have eight ball bearings, but another one with six performs better than it. That will happen because the one with six has better quality bearings. 

Gear Ratio 

Gear ratio simply refers to the number of times the spool will turn with a single turn of the handle. Ideally, the higher the gear ratio, the better the performance of the spinning reel. For example, a spinning reel with a 7:1 gear ratio is considered to be better than another with 4:1. Always consider buying a spinning reel with at least a 4:1 gear ratio.  

The Spool Design 

There used to be two-spool designs, internal and skirted spools. However, internal spool design has greatly fallen out of favor due to being prone to line tangles and snarls. Skirted spools, on the other hand, they have reduced the risk of line twists dramatically. It is the reason why most people prefer them. 

The size of the spool also matters. It usually determines the amount of line the reel can hold. If you plan to cast over long distances, you should consider buying a reel with a larger spool. 

Other features you should be on the lookout for include :

  • The Anti-reverse switch: Nowadays, most spinning reels have an anti-reverse switch. The switch reels back the line back into the spool, and it makes your work so much easier. It may not be one of the essential features, but you will have a better experience when your reel has it.
  • You should always consider the drag system of the spinning reel. If the spinning tackle has a powerful drag, it increases your chances of catching bigger fish.
  • Finally, consider the handle grip. The grip should be slip-free even when fishing under wet conditions. 

Every Situation is Different 

  • While it is important to consider features while buying a spinning reel, it is vital to keep in mind your personal goals. For example, you should have a clear picture of the type of fish you want to catch. If you want to catch trout, there are spinning reels designed for the same.  
  • You should also consider your fishing location. For example, there are some spinning reels only meant for freshwater bodies. If you use them in saltwater, they spoil easily.
  • Finally, the wind level in your fishing location also determines the type of spinning reel you should choose.

Frequently Asked Questions about Budget Spinning Reels

There is a lot to cover about spinning reels, so there is a possibility you still haven’t found the answer to the questions bothering you. In this section, I will answer the most asked questions about spinning reels.

1. What are Spinning Reels Good For?

Most anglers prefer spinning reels, and it is because of good reasons. Here is what spinning reels are great for :

  • Casting lightweight lures and baits 
  • Beginners who are just learning how to cast 
  • Catching both smaller and larger fish 
  • Casting in windy areas 
  • Skipping lures 

2. How Are Spinning Reels Sized?

Different brands size their spinning reels differently, and this can be confusing, especially to the beginners. For example, some manufacturers range their sizes from 1,000 to 15,000. Other brands size their spinning reels with two-digit numbers, for example, from 10 to 25.

In most cases, size ten and size 1000 are almost the same. The main concept behind these ranges is the larger the number, the larger the spinning reel.

3. What is the Best Fishing Line for Spinning Reels?

There are various types of fishing lines, and you must use the right one on your spinning reel for optimal performance. However, you don’t need to worry so much about it. The spinning reel manufacturers suggest the best fishing lines for their spinning reels. Just check with the brand you want to buy from, and you will get your answer.  

4. Can I Use a Fluorocarbon Fishing Line on My Spinning Reel?

You may use, but most spinning reels do not perform optimally with wide fishing lines. I do not recommend using a fluorocarbon line on a spinning reel because of its diameter, especially the smaller ones.  

5. Is Baitcasting Better than Spinning?

It all comes down to personal preferences and skill level. Generally, spinning takes less time to master than baitcasting, and it is more affordable. However, most experienced anglers prefer baitcasting due to its accuracy when casting heavier lures. As a beginner, I suggest starting with spinning.

Final Thoughts 

I’m positive that you have learned a lot from this beginner’s guide for best spinning reels under $100. It is worth noting that having a spinning reel is not enough. You will still need to get yourself a perfect spinning rod to pair with it and a fishing line. 

Once you get everything you need, take some time to practice how to cast before you go out. Luckily, learning how to cast a spinning reel is not complicated. You should be able to master it within a few hours of practice. Good luck!

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