Best Spinning Reel under $100

When hitting the water it’s important that you have the right gear to catch fish. There is no need to drop a bucket load of money when it’s not needed and we are here to help you find the Best Spinning Reel under $100. I have included the top 12 reels that will have you spinning with joy (Sorry).

1. Penn Battle II Spinning Fishing Reel

PENN Fishing knows what you demand out of your reels and that is why they have designed the Battle II to be the ultimate in spinning reel technology. Nothing is more frustrating than losing a great catch because of a cheap or poorly designed reel. The Battle II is designed to be sturdy, yet balanced with powerful drag and ultimate smoothness. The Battle II reel is perfect for the casual fisherman who just likes the feel of a professional grade reel or the avid fisherman who likes to take in large saltwater game fish.

The high grade design can be seen from the looks all the way down to the individual parts. This reel features a full metal body which means no cheap plastic parts that can warp or crack over time. The conditions on the water can be tough which is why they’ve built their body to be tougher. The smoothness during casting and cranking is ensured by high quality stainless steel ball bearings, five in total, that make it so the reel spins fluidly without any hassle without sacrificing power. This is a reel designed by fishermen for fishermen. It is available in a variety of sizes and is able to take a multitude of different lines right out of the box.

2. Okuma Avenger ABF Graphite Bait Feeder Reel

OKUMA is a company that prides itself on doing its due diligence while creating products. This can be clearly seen in the research and design that went into their Avenger ABF reel. They spent a decade researching, designing, and tweaking their reel to ensure that you get a product that you will love the full stop. The results speak for themselves. The Avenger reel is an amazing product. Smooth, durable, and affordable, you will feel like you are fishing with a professional grade reel many times more expensive than the actual price.

The quality can be seen in every facet of this reel. Each piece is precision machined by a CNC machine meaning every piece is perfectly crafted for both performance and durability. The whole thing is a brilliant combination of aluminum and stainless steel meaning it won’t corrode over time and is made to hold up to the toughest, saltiest conditions imaginable. It features six stainless steel bearings that make cranking a smooth and fluid experience no matter what you have on the line. The drag system is multi-disk with Japanese-oiled felt washers. And best of all, this reel will cost you a fraction of some other, lesser quality reels on the market and it looks great to boot.

3. Daiwa Bg Spinning Reel

Daiwa has crafted a sleek, modern reel that is perfected for continuous saltwater use. The Daiwa Bg Spinning Reel is a great mashup of aesthetic design and technical design. The whole thing looks and performs amazingly. It comes in a multitude of different sizes to support a variety of different fishermen. You can have a small reel for your personal rod that you store on your johnboat or you can get a truly large reel for more professional or commercial saltwater fishing ventures. No matter what your catch, style, or goal is Daiwa has designed their BG Saltwater Spinner with you in mind.

The reel itself is designed with some great modern and innovative features. That includes a spool that is braided line ready, a high caliber waterproof drag system, as well as Carbon ATD. The machined aluminum Screw-in-Handle gives you a sturdy handle in which you can grasp confidently. It is ingeniously made so that during the toughest of fights, this handle won’t move, won’t slip, and won’t feel unstable in your hand.

4. PENN Fierce Live Liner Spinning Fishing Reel

The makers of the supremely popular Battle II Reel at PENN are back with yet another reel of superior quality. The Fierce II is a companion to the Battle II and offers a similar level of quality, design excellence, and functionality as the other popular reels by PENN. This reel has a durable full metal body that is designed to hold up to wear and tear as well as being corrosion resistant during use in high salt environments. It is available in a number of different configurations and sizes to fit your rod, no matter what kind of fishing you do and the spool is braided line ready.

The rotor is Techno Balanced which offers an enhanced level of leverage and torque meaning even the largest of catches will come with ease. You already have to fight the fish, don’t fight your reel at the same time. This level of power and torque does not come at the expense of smooth fluidity. With four sealed bearings and an anti-reverse bearing, this reel will crank smoothly every time. The bearings are oiled, sealed and made from quality stainless steel. You will be amazed how smoothly this reel will wind and crank out in the field. All of this comes with PENN’s trademark quality and jaw dropping affordability.

5. KastKing Crixus Baitcasting Reels

The KastKing Crixus reel is named after a gladiator of old and after using this reel you will know why. It is tough, smart, wily, and ready to do battle on your behalf, just like its namesake. KastKing has packed in so many innovative design features into this reel that put it head and shoulders above the competition. The emperor of fishing is sure to give this design a thumbs up.

Besides being an all around a solid reel with precision machined metal parts, a full seven stainless steel bearings, and automatic anti reversal bearings all in a lightweight small package that won’t throw off the balance of your rod, it also hosts a whole list of interesting features you are sure to love.

The Crixus features an innovative magnetic braking system. With the help of eight powerful magnets, the spool will provide excellent line braking that prevents frustrating overruns and out of control lines which means less time fiddling with the spool and more time doing what you love. It also features a lightweight drag system that delivers up to 18lbs of drag.

This system uses four carbon discs that are infinitely adjustable meaning that you can tailor your rod to whatever fish you are targeting with little to no hassle. Use a heavier line or a lighter one, swap it out for sinkers or floaters, or swap in a braided line. The adjustable drag system means no matter how you set up your reel and rod, you will always be able to have it the way you want it.

6. Pflueger President Spinning Reel

The Pflueger President Spinning Reel is a durable and functional reel that is made with the casual fisherman in mind as well as the avid angler. This reel is made from the highest grade materials and is made to hold up to steady use, no matter what your fish of choice is. The reel is made from a combination of aircraft grade aluminum and corrosion resistant graphite. The drag system is stainless steel and offers superior drag performance.

It has an industry topping ten bearing system. Other reels have as few as four bearings in their systems but this one offers ten total giving you hard anti-reversal power and smooth fluid cranking and winding, every time. You will immediately notice the difference in the smoothness of the ten bearing system during use. The Pflueger President Spinning Reel is braid ready and can take a variety of different lines.

7. KastKing Rover Round Baitcasting Reel

The first thing you are going to notice when you see the KastKing Rover Spinning Reel is how it looks. This design is not only unique in terms of aesthetics but also in its functional design. The whole thing is going to immediately stand out to you and on the water, it is going to make a statement. The rover features a slew of upgraded parts and pieces which makes this a complete reel that is durable, strong, functional, and good looking. It has anodized aluminum side plates, a CNC machined spool, precision cut brass gears and offers up to 30lbs of fluid drag.

On top of all that, it also features a seven bearing system that is made up of MaxiDur stainless steel bearings that are double shielded. There is nothing worse than having a reel that is all gummed up and gunked up. Fluid and powerful cranks and winds are great but they need to be fluid and they need to be consistent. The double shielded bearings ensure that one of the most important features of your reel is going to be protected from grime and corrosion when you are out on the water. Considering this reel is the perfect reel for both freshwater and saltwater fishing situations, it is built to stand up to whatever environment you choose to bring it.

8. Okuma Trio High Speed Spinning Reel

Upgrade your fishing set up today with a sharp new reel by a proven manufacturer of high caliber equipment from the people at OKUMA. The OKUMA Trio High Speed Spinning Reel is a reel that is built to perform smoothly and stand the test of time. The body is made from a unique combination of graphite and aluminum that give this reel a lightweight feel, corrosion resistant body as well as durable construction. It is not going to rot, rust, or break like cheap reels tend to do.

This reel also features a Precision Dual Force Drag System which gives it superior drag strength and torque without sacrificing smoothness in your cranks. That is because the Precision Dual Force Drag System is backed up by a ten bearing system that keeps each turn easy and smooth. It has nine high quality stainless steel bearings for cranking and a single anti-reversal bearing that makes sure that your reel is always working at peak performance. OKUMA is known for its due diligence in design and engineering. They regularly spend many years perfecting a design before releasing it to market so you know you are getting a well built and well thought out product every time.

9. KastKing Megatron Spinning Reel

KastKing is back at it again with yet another quality reel that is going to fit into your budget as well as it fits onto your rod. You will not be disappointed with this reel. KastKing has made it to tournament quality for a casual angler’s budget. Whether you are just out to catch a single fish on a lazy Saturday or if you are searching a large marlin for a local tournament the Megatron Spinning Reel has got you covered.

Made from lightweight precision machined aluminum this reel is built to last. Featuring professional gears, professional power, and professional mechanics, this reel can do it all. With an intuitive eight bearing system for smoothness and 30lbs of stopping power from the triple disc drag system, this is a versatile and powerful reel that will take your fishing game to the next level. It also looks professional. The fish will know you mean business from the power and the fishermen will know you mean business from its look.

10. Okuma Coronado CDX Lightweight Baitfeeder Saltwater Reel

The Coronado CDX Baitfeeder Reel is synonymous with useful innovation. There are a lot of mid-priced reels on the market that claims to offer new and unique innovations that will make the angler’s life better but the Coronado CDX Baitfeeder Reel actually stands up to this claim with proven innovation. With things like the Precision Dual Force Drag System, Cyclonic Flow Rotor, and a slow oscillating design OKUMA really brings the design features to bear with this model. This is all packaged in a corrosion resistant body made from graphite.

The Precision Dual Force Drag System offers unrivaled power to a lightweight reel. Depending on your setup it can deliver anywhere from 27lbs of pure drag all the way up to 36lbs giving you tournament levels of drag whenever you need it.

The Cyclonic Flow Rotor is an awesome new feature that spins in such a way that it keeps water away from the spool and the sensitive inner parts of the reel keeping those areas free from gunk, salt, and corrosion over time. Nothing is worse than a reel that is gunked up and won’t turn the way you want it to.

The slow oscillating system upgrades the usual motion of a spinning reel so that it spins slower and allows for an easier and smoother laying of line and is specifically designed to work well with braided line. These innovations truly make this reel stand out from the competition.

11. KastKing Sharky III Fishing Reel

KastKing is back with a reel specifically made to haul in that large trophy fish that you’ve been dreaming about. You don’t get the one for your wall with a lesser made reel. You need the proven power and excellence of the Sharky III Reel. In order to land that monster fish, you are going to need a reel that can stand up to the fight that it is sure to give you. That is where the Sharky III differs from other reels in its class. It is made for those big fish fights.

With a stainless steel main shaft that is 10% thicker than the Sharky II and a zinc alloy drive gear, this thing is meant to spin and spin often. But you won’t land those trophy fish without power.

This reel has the best in class drag with up to 39.5lbs. That is almost 40lbs of smooth reliable drag made to haul in whatever your rod can handle. This is backed up with an eleven bearing system that guarantees a smooth and quiet crank every time. Most other reels have maybe ten bearings max and usually even less.

The Sharky III has eleven high grade bearings to enhance your fishing experience. Get a reel that is built for the big fight. Whether you are a casual angler hoping to bag one for the man cave wall or a professional looking to land some poundage for a tournament this reel can do it all.

12. Piscifun Perseus Low Profile Baitcasting Reel

The Piscifun Perseus Low Profile Baitcasting Reel With Dual Brakes is a reel built for anglers who enjoy comfort during their fishing sessions. With a dual brake system and six shielded bearings, this reel will perform like butter under any situation. It comes with a unique oil hole so you can keep the whole thing lubricated and functioning the way you demand at any time. Make adjustments on the fly, get a smooth winding, spinning, and cranking with every cast. Never worry about durability. These are some of the great features you are going to get with this reel and all for an affordable price that any fisherman can afford without worrying.

Best Spinning Reel Under $100 Buying Guide

The fishing reel is an important part of a balanced overall fishing setup. A bad reel can sink a great rod setup and become a frustrating hindrance to an overall great fishing experience. That is why it is important to do your due diligence and find a reel that works for you. Luckily, advances in technology have made it so the new reels hitting the market today are affordable, well made and come with a lot of features that just weren’t available in your dad’s old rods. Here are the basic features of the modern reels that are out there today and my personal favorite spinning reel under $100.

Types of Reels

There are many different kinds of reels on the market for a variety of different setups. While you could argue endlessly about the kinds of reels and the subgenres of different equipment for anglers there three main kinds of reels for general freshwater and saltwater angling. Those are baitcasting reels, spin casting reels, and the one we will be discussing today spinning reels. Each of these types of reels has its pros and cons depending on what situation you will be fishing in.

Baitcasting and spinning reels are the two most common kinds of reels used by casual fishers and hardcore anglers alike. The debate between the two is a topic for itself. Spincasting reels are basic, usually cheap, reels that you generally find on a child’s rod, beginner rod or budget rod and overall the quality and use does not hold up to the better made baitcaster and open face spinning reels.

There are also commercial reels used on larger sport fishing boats as well as things like fly fishing reels but these types are for different professional niches and there are probably more still. For our purposes, we are going to be discussing the spinning reel in the context of the three main reels used by the average angler.

Spinning Reel Basics

The modern spinning reel is made up of four main components, the spool, the drag system, the bail, and the anti-reverse switch. The quality and features of these components are what determines how good a spinning reel can be.

Spool

The spool is where you put your line. The spinning reel has an open spool that spins during cranking which is what gives it its name. The spool on a spinning reel is fairly standard without much deviation in design philosophy. Getting a spool that can take a braided line easily is something to look out for on a spinning reel.

Drag

The drag system is what keeps tension in your line. It is an integral part of a good line and is what helps you fight and reel in the fish after it is on the line. Reels with high drag have more potential to land bigger fish and fight feisty fish for longer. A good drag system can differentiate a reel that’ll break your lines more often and one that lands the best fish.

Bail

The bail is the switch that allows you to let out line from your reel and must be switched back and forth to lock and unlock the reel. It is the metal loop that is seen over the spool. A good bail line is important to have a smooth fishing experience which is why you want to look for a bail line made out of high quality materials that won’t corrode.

Anti-Reverse

Lastly, the anti-reverse switch is a toggle in which you can flip in order to reel in reverse allowing you more control over the fish on the line. A smooth anti-reverse switch can be a great tool in ending a fish fight before it really gets going by helping you reel it in faster.

All of these components have different technologies, innovations, and materials that they are made out of today. Finding reels with stainless steel materials that won’t rust or corrode, a high grade drag system, and versatile spool are all things you want to look for when getting an excellent mid-ranged reel. That being said, this is my favorite spinning reel available for less than $100.

Verdict

That brings us to the end of the main article for picking the Best Spinning Reel under $100 we have some great picks on offer as you can really get some great bang for your buck in this price range.

I am always asked what I feel is the best even more so if I offer a lot more options like this article; well I normally decline to pick a number one. However, on this occasion, I have decided to break that habit as I believe there is a brilliant choice from all the above. I have included a complete review of the said kayak as I just love it.

My favorite…

And my favorite is the Okuma Coronado CDX Baitfeeder Reel Review

Okuma Coronado CDX Lightweight Baitfeeder Saltwater Reel

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OKUMA is a company known for their innovation in design and high caliber materials used in its construction. This can be plainly seen with their Coronado reel. If you are looking for a solid reel that operates smoothly, is designed to keep itself running in tip-top shape, and can bring in the fish that you are looking for, this is definitely the reel for you.

We are in a golden age of fishing. The interest in the sport is extremely high and the market is flooded with readily available reels of high quality. That is why for this reel I am focusing on the innovations.

OKUMA has introduced a couple of truly revolutionary designs into this reel. The first being their Cyclonic Flow Rotor. This system is an ingenious design that keeps water off of the spool and delicate inner workings of the reel itself. They have tweaked the spool so when it spins, it does so in such a way to wick damaging water away from the reel keeping it dry and that pesky salt out. This will increase the lifespan of your reel by a measurable amount.

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The other ingenious feature they added to their Coronado reel is the Precision Dual Force Drag System (DFD). This upgraded drag gives this reel outsized power and torque which allows you to haul in bigger fish without worrying about snapping your line. The DFD gives this reel a potential drag power ranging from 28lbs on the smaller model all the way up to 37lbs on the bigger model. That is some serious power for a lightweight reel which allows you to do it all when out on the water. Perfect for casual fishing or if you do manage to hook that fish for the wall, it can handle that too.

OKUMA is a company I trust, they are constantly innovating and designing better and better reels and other fishing equipment and I am comfortable in recommending this as one of the most versatile, innovative and durable reels on the market. It comes in comfortably under $100 at most retailers and will give you a new reel experience that will surprise you.