Baitcast – Top Fishing Reels

Abu Garcia BMAX3 Max Low-Profile Baitcast Fishing Reel

An ideal choice for novice anglers and seasoned pros alike, the Abu Garcia BMAX3 Low-Profile Baitcast fishing reel delivers maximum performance at an exceptional value. This stylish baitcast reel packs cutting-edge features into a lightweight, low-profile graphite frame that provides strength without adding excess weight to your rod. Equipped with a MagTrax brake system, the reel delivers accurate castability across a wide range of casting conditions and accommodates a variety of lures. Its Power Disk drag system delivers the smooth, reliable drag needed to tame a variety of hard-pulling fish species. And with its compact bent handle, star wheel, and recessed reel foot, this low-profile baitcast fishing reel offers an ergonomic feel that provides comfort during all-day fishing trips.

Some notable features of this reel include:

Sleek, lightweight, stylish design with 1-piece graphite frame and graphite side plates
4 stainless steel ball bearings and 1 roller bearing for reliable operation and effortless retrieve
Power Disk system ensures smooth drag performance through the entire drag range
MagTrax brake system delivers precise, customizable cast control and accommodates a variety of lures
Compact bent handle and recessed reel foot provide a comfortable grip

MagTrax Brake System for Precise, Versatile Cast Control

Built for exceptional cast control, this baitcast fishing reel capably handles a broad spectrum of techniques, lure sizes, and casting situations. The MagTrax brake system exerts consistent pressure throughout the cast to boost cast range and accuracy and allows you to move the brake closer to the spool with just the turn of a dial.

Power Disk Drag System Blends Strength and Smoothness

Equipped with a Power Disk drag system, the Black Max fishing reel gives anglers the robust stopping power needed to tame hard-pulling fish species. This proven system delivers smooth, reliable drag pressure across the entire drag range and remains supple even under heavy duress.

Stainless Steel Ball Bearings Deliver Smooth Operation

Engineered for smoothness, this baitcast fishing reel comes equipped with four stainless steel ball bearings and one roller bearing. The ball bearings are flawlessly aligned to provide fluid operation and an outstandingly smooth retrieve.

Ergonomic, Low-Profile Design for Comfortable Cranking

Featuring a low-profile design and a recessed reel foot, the Black Max baitcast fishing reel sits flush with the rod to facilitate an ergonomic and more controlled grip. The compact bent handle and star wheel offer a fluid, comfortable feel that helps minimize fatigue, making this reel ideal for all-day fishing excursions.

The Abu Garcia BMAX3 baitcasting reel comes in the following models:

Abu Garcia BMAX3

Reel handle position – Right
Weight – 7.3 oz
Retrieve Rate – 26″/66 cm
Gear Ratio 6.4:1
Braking system – Magnetic
Bearing count – 5
Mono Capacity – 12LB/145Yds
Braid Capacity – 30LB/140Yds

Abu Garcia BMAX3-L

Reel handle position – Left
Weight – 7.3 oz
Retrieve Rate – 26″/66 cm
Gear Ratio 6.4:1
Braking system – Magnetic
Bearing count – 5
Mono Capacity – 12LB/145Yds
Braid Capacity – 30LB/140Yds

KastKing Rover

The KastKing Rover is a conventional round baitcaster reel that offers all of the necessary tools for trophy hunters to go after the big ones and are available at under $75. Whether you are after giant catfish, carp, walleye or trolling offshore fishing for large saltwater species, or wreck fishing for bottom feeders, the KastKing Rover is the perfect weapon to conquer the beasts of the deep.

A KastKing Rover is the perfect round baitcasting reel for trolling, bottom fishing, and other techniques used in freshwater and saltwater offshore fishing. Rover’s large line capacities easily handles the lengths of braided or monofilament line needed for those applications and targeting species.

Reinforced hard anodized aluminum side plates and spool
Precision machined brass gears
All alloy flawless level wind
Industry-first stainless steel worm gear
Stainless steel shaft and other components for superior corrosion protection .
Carbon fiber drag system. KastKing Rover (formerly RXA) now offers up to 20 LB / 9 KG of smooth drag.
Fatigue reducing oversized nonslip EVA grips
Line out clicker alarm
Premium shielded stainless steel deep race ball bearings (4 + 1 BBs)

This is the perfect conventional reel for trolling, bottom fishing, and other techniques used in freshwater and saltwater. Anglers who want an affordable, dependable levelwind round baitcasting reel to add to their trolling reel fishing tackle will appreciate the low price and high quality of a KastKing Rover.

The KastKing Rover reels are built with functionality, quality, and are built to last. KastKing Rover Series deliver fantastic design, power, and performance at an affordable price of about $70.

KastKing Rover 70R

Ball Bearings – 4+1
Weight (g) – 539
Weight (oz) – 19.0
Gear Ratio – 4.2:1
Line Cap – mm/m – .4/400, .5/250
Line Cap – lb/yds – 16/430, 25/260
Drag (k) – 7.0
Drag (lb) – 15.5

KastKing Rover 80R

Ball Bearings – 4+1
Weight (g) – 618
Weight (lb) – 21.8
Gear Ratio – 3.2:1
Line Cap – mm/m – .4/600, .5/400
Line Cap – lb/yds – 16/650, 25/440
Drag (k) – 9.0
Drag (lb) – 20.0

KastKing Rover 90R

Ball Bearings – 4+1
Weight (g) – 626
Weight (lb) – 22.1
Gear Ratio – 3.2:1
Line Cap – mm/m – .4/700, .5/500
Line Cap – lb/yds – 16/750, 25/540
Drag (k) – 9.0
Drag (lb) – 20.0

KastKing Spartacus

The KastKing Spartacus is quickly becoming the go-to reel for many freshwater anglers who like a good quality casting reel without breaking the budget. The cost of these reels can run from $40 to $90, depending on the model. Check out some of the features the Spartacus model has:

Micro-cast dual centrifugal and magnetic brakes and tournament ready carbon fiber drag with 17.5 LBs of fish stopping power.
Superior shielded 11 + 1 corrosion resistant ball bearings, CNC machined aluminum spool for smooth casting, powerful precision matched brass gears, instant stop anti-reverse for devastating hook sets, and braid line ready ceramic line guide insert.
Versatile 6.3:1 gear ratio
One way clutch system
Left and Right Hand models with CNC Aluminum Handle and EVA Knobs

Not many reels in the $50 range can say they have a carbon fiber drag and 11+1 corrosion resistant ball bearings.

Some specifics about the reel.

Weight(oz/g) 7.2oz/205g
Gear Ratio 6.3:1
Line capacity (lb/yd,mm/M):
- 0.285mm/115m,0.33/90, 0.37/75, 0.4/60
- 10LB/125YD,12/100,15/85,18/65

With a 4.2 out of 5 star rating and price tag of about $50, there isn’t much more you can say about this reel, except to give the KastKing Spartacus a try and see for yourself.

Penn Fathom

My first saltwater casting reel was a Penn reel, it was the Penn Squidder 140L. The Squidder has been and continues to be my favorite! This reel is a no bells and whistles true workhorse that when serviced annually has lasted me for years! I’m still using Squidders that my father used to use. However, Penn discontinued making this reel a few years back which upset many a angler that used them. Many can be found on eBay, but there is no other reel like it. That is when Penn started to make a reel that was comparable yet modern by today’s standards.

Penn Fathom star drag is lightweight, quick on the retrieve, and extremely castable due to its revolutionary Live Spindle design. The revolutionary Live Spindle design makes the Fathom SD one of the longest casting reels on the market. A Full Metal Body and sideplate keep precise gear alignment under heavy loads, and the powerful HT-100™ drag system will stay smooth from start to finish.

Penn Fathom 12