So, you are in need of a new baitcasting reel. But to make matters worse you are looking for one that is under $100.
This can be a tough ask, especially when you have the opposing side that would berate you for going cheap. ‘You Get What You Pay For’ You have probably heard that line a few times.
But, did you know that there are actually a lot of fantastic good quality baitcasting fishing reels on the market?
Well in our article we are going to go over the five best options so that you do not have to wade through a ton of mediocre products.
There are a lot of sub-par bait casting reels out there, we should know, we scoured the internet and brought you the best of the best, in our opinion.
So, without further ado, let us get started and take a look at the first of these amazing baitcasting reels under $10.
Abu Garcia Store – Silver Max Baitcasting Fishing Reel
If you are looking for a baitcast fishing reel that is a decent price and has an excellent track record. This reel has five stainless steel ball bearings and an additional roller bearing.
On top of that, the aluminum spool is machined and there is a built-in power disk drag system.
The Abu Garcia Silver Max baitcast reel is made with you in mind, with top-of-the-range technology for a super low price. You really can’t get a better deal than this!
We really liked this baitcast reel, it was sturdy, well-made and best of all it worked really well when we used it.
While some customer reviews indicated that there were issues with the button clutch and thumb bars, these components were not really weak.
In fact, all the components of this reel were durable and worked perfectly well.
Overall, this is a fantastic product and one that we recommend to anyone that is looking for a baitcast fishing reel that is a low price and of good quality. Because this reel is certainly made to last!
Pros
- Left or Right Handed Option – Before you purchase this product you will have the option to pick a left-handed or right-handed box for your baitcast fishing reel.
- New Model Option – Before you purchase your baitcast fishing reel you will be able to pick between the Max STX or Silver Max model.
- Power Drag System – This product has a power drag system so you will have an easier time catching the big one when you are out on your next fishing trip.
- Durable – This product is durable, made of the best stainless steel material, and coated in aluminum, this reel is sure to last you a lifetime.
Cons
- Thumb Bars – Some customers found that the thumb bars on this reel were weaker than other baitcast reels that they had in the past.
- Broken on Arrival – Some customers found that this reel was broken upon arrival, so make sure that your reel is in good working order when it arrives!
- Button Clutch – Some customers found that the button clutch of this reel was faulty after only a short time of use.
If you like this product but would prefer to purchase it on an alternate website make sure to check it out at Abu Garcia’s Store. Note that these prices may be over $100.
Abu Garcia Store – Ambassadeur Baitcasting Fishing Reel
If you are looking for a baitcast fishing reel that has a great brake system, has left and right-hand options, and the ability to select the size of your reel, then look no further than the Abu Garcia Ambassadeur Fishing Reel.
This fishing feel is well-made and has plenty of redeemable features that will just have you rearing to get your hands on it.
We really enjoyed using this fishing reel, it is truly a step in the right direction when it comes to cheap and affordable bait cast fishing reel options.
This reel has some great features like the bent handle which helps it to feel more ergonomic in your hands.
But our favorite feature was the option to choose whether you wanted a left-handed or right-handed reel.
Not all fishing reels have these options and we just loved that it was something that was considered with this model.
Pros
- Options – Before you purchase this product you will have several options for example the size of the fishing reel and whether you want a left-handed or right-handed reel.
- Bent Handle – This fishing reel has a bent handle and drag star, so anglers will have a more ergonomic feel when using this product.
- Brake System – This product has a four-pin centrifugal brake system which will allow anglers to apply constant pressure while they are casting.
- Good Quality – This product is made from good quality stainless steel and other components so you can rest assured that it will last a long time.
Cons
- Heavyweight Casting – Some customers found that this fishing reel was not good at heavyweight casting and had a great deal of resistance when this was trialed.
- Drag Capacity – Some customers found that the rag capacity of this reel was not as high as it should be and this negatively impacted their fishing experience.
- Postage Issues – Some customers had issues with their product when it arrived. Some received empty packages while others had their reel broken upon arrival.
If you like this product but would prefer to purchase it on an alternate website make sure to check it out at Abu Garcia’s Store. Note that these prices may be over $100.
Quantum Store – Accurist Baitcasting Fishing Reel
This fishing reel is one that you will not likely regret purchasing. It comes from a well-known brand with a great track record.
This particular product of theirs has a ton of fantastic features for under $100.
It has a ceramic carbon drag system that is designed to reduce the friction and temperature within the reel which ensures a low breakaway force and assured a smooth and consistent drag performance.
On top of that this reel has a zero-friction spool design which means that there will be no contact with the spool shaft while the angler is casting.
This means that casting will be an unbelievably smooth experience.
Overall, we really enjoyed using this reel. In fact, we would be happy to go so far as to say that this one is one of our favorites for the under $100 reels on the market.
It just has so many great features and works like a dream. There is really nothing to complain about this amazing baitcasting fishing reel.
Pros
- Gear Ratio Style – When you purchase one of these baitcasting reels you will get to pick what gear ratio you want. So, you can have a fishing reel that suits you and your needs perfectly with this product.
- Good Quality Bearings – Thai fishing reel has a large number of good quality bearings.
- Warranty – This product has a five-year warranty. So if there is something that does not suit you or your fishing reel breaks within five years of owning it you will be able to get it fixed or replaced.
- Drag System – This product has a ceramic carbon drag system that reduces the friction and temperature inside the reel. This ensures low breakaway force and smooth yet consistent drag performance while using the reel.
Cons
- Gears – This baitcasting fishing reel does not have gear options and for some customers, this would be a handy feature to have on one of these products.
- Sizes – Some customers found that there could be more size options as the ones available were not suitable for everyone and their needs.
If you like this product but would prefer to purchase it on an alternate website make sure to check it out at Quantum Fishing’s Store. Note that these prices may be over $100.
Daiwa Store – Millionaire Classic UTD Baitcasting Fishing Reel
This fishing reel is one of the best out there. Its UTD or drag system is top class and extremely versatile.
The Daiwa fishing rod is well-designed for casting swimbaits and is also a great fit for the surf.
If you are looking for a classy reel that is high-end, has a budget-friendly price point, and is super easy to use, then look no further than the Daiwa Millionaire Classic UTD Baitcast Fishing Reel.
Overall, we highly recommend this fishing reel, it is well-made and has all the features you could hope for in a cheaper baitcast reel.
While the drag capacity was a little too low for our living and there are only right-handed reels on the Amazon page, this reel is still definitely one that needs to be considered.
Especially if you are into swimbaits. So, if you are looking for a versatile and good quality fishing reel then you absolutely have to consider this amazing product.
Pros
- Cast Length – Most customers found that the cast length of this reel was fantastic and they really enjoyed that this was such a good feature of the product.
- Durable – This product is made from good quality materials and even has high-strength alloy gears. So you can rest assured that it will last a lifetime.
- Swimbaits – Most customers found that this reel was ideal for swimbaits. So, if this is something that is important to you this is the ideal baitcasting reel for the job.
- Versatile – This baitcasting fishing reel is super versatile and can be used to catch a variety of fish or attach to various fishing rods.
Cons
- Drag Capacity – Some customers thought that the drag capacity of this baitcasting fishing reel was lower than it should have been and this affected their experience while they were using this product.
- Only Right-Handed Reel – This fishing reel only comes in a right-handed configuration. So, if you are left-handed this may not be the ideal reel for you.
- Clicker – Some customers found that this reel’s clicker was not the best quality and broke easily after just a few uses.
If you like this product but would prefer to purchase it on an alternate website make sure to check it out at Tackle Direct’s Store. Note that these prices may be over $100.
Shimano Store – SLX Baitcasting Fishing Reel
This fishing reel is truly value for money. It comes from a well-known company that specializes in making amazing fishing gear.
So you will be assured of a good quality baitcasting reel right out the gate. It is a relatively compact reel that is perfectly ergonomically designed.
On top of that, it is lightweight which means that it is ideal to use on lighter fishing rods or heavy fishing rods alike.
The ball bearings are perfectly placed and this makes the whole reel super smooth to use.
Overall, we really loved this reel. It is compact, smooth, and ergonomically designed. It is really a steal for the price it is sold for.
One thing that we will say about it is that this reel is not necessarily ideal for beginners, this is because it has an advanced braking system which may be difficult to get your head around if you are not already familiar with it.
WE highly recommend this reel to anyone that is on a budget and looking for a light and compact baitcasting fishing reel.
Pros
- Compact – This reel has been designed to be more compact than other baitcasting reels, this however does not detract from the strength of this reel.
- Smooth Reel – Even though there are only three ball bearing in this reel, each one is in the perfect spot and this makes the reel super smooth when you are using it.
- Powerful – This reel is small, compact, ergonomic, and powerful. So you will feel completely in control when you use this product.
- Lightweight – This reel is lightweight which makes it ideal for many different rods but more ideal for lighter fishing rods.
Cons
- Right-Handed Options – The style options you have for this reel are all right-handed which may not be convenient for any of our lefty readers.
- Not Ideal for Beginners – This product has an advanced braking system and this may not be the best thing for those of you that are new to fishing.
- Drag – Some customers found that the drag for this fishing reel was slightly lower than they would have liked.
If you like this product but would prefer to purchase it on an alternate website make sure to check it out at Tackle Direct’s Store. Note that these prices may be over $100.
Buyers Guide
In this section, we are going to look at features that you will need to consider before you purchase your new baitcasting reel. So, without further ado, let us get started!
Material
Material can be a complicated topic as there are many opinions out there on what is best. At the end of the day, there are two main options which will be aluminum and graphite.
If you are a new angler and are not familiar with how everything works then you may want to use graphite as it is lighter and cheaper.
The main issue with graphite is the act that it is prone to damage while aluminum is sturdier and can handle more rough use.
Low Profile Vs Rounded
You may come across the words rounded or low profile when you are looking at baitcasting reels. But what are they?
Well, a low profile baitcasting reel is mostly used by people that want to catch fish like bass. It is usually easier to palm and will give you more control when you cast.
It is the more popular option of these two fishing reels.
A rounded baitcasting reel has the capacity to hold more fishing line and is more commonly used by people who like to use heavier lines.
They are ideal for larger baits, but this also means that they are not as easy to control as the low profile fishing reel.
So, when you are purchasing your fishing reel, make sure that you understand what you need it for so that you end up with a reel that suits you and your exact needs.
Braking System
When you are baitcasting, backlash is one of the biggest issues you can face. This is one of the reasons that beginners tend to avoid using this type of reel.
But, did you know that technology has advanced to the point that there have been developments in baitcasting reels?
To the point that there are a few of these reels that have drastically reduced backlashes.
The braking system of a fishing reel is there for the sole purpose of slowing down the spool when you are casting.
The main thing to remember about braking systems is that there are different types. The first one is the magnetic system and this is one that uses a magnet to slow down the spool.
They usually allow the angler to make adjustments as they use it. Centrifugal braking systems are also super common and these tend to use friction.
When you use this type of braking system there are usually pins that are pushed downward and this slows down the backlash.
Of these two systems, the magnetic brake is the best for beginners as it is easier to use and does not rely on the fisherman to operate it.
Ball Bearings
In short, when you are considering the ball bearings of your fishing reel you are better off with less well-placed ones than a lot of poorly placed ones.
However, if you get a fashion reel with several well-placed ball bearings and a fishing reel with a few well-placed ball bearings it is better to go for the options with more ball bearings.
Gear Ratio
When you are considering what gear ratio you want you will need to think about fishing techniques and lures.
For example, if you are using spinner bakes then a 7.1:1 would be ideal. If you are using crankbaits then you may want a ratio of 5.4:1 which will be slower.
Perhaps you are looking for a middle-of-the-road option, if that is the case then you may want a ratio of 6.4:1 which will allow you to use that fishing reel in multiple situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, we are going to answer a few of your most frequently asked questions concerning the best baitcasting reels and reels that are best for people on a budget.
So, without further ado, let us get started!
What Are Baitcasting Fishing Reels Good For?
This type of reel is typically used when the angler needs to cast lures, surf cast, or is into big game fishing.
One of the most popular uses of the baitcasting reel takes place in North America where many anglers try their luck for the freshwater bass.
Why Is A Baitcaster Better Than A Spinning Reel?
If you are skilled in the use of baitcasting reels you will have the advantage in distance and accuracy. But getting to this point will take a ton of practice.
However, spinning reels are better because they are extremely diverse and can be used in a variety of settings, more so than the baitcasting fishing reel.
Can You Put A Baitcasting Fishing Reel In Any Fishing Rod?
It is not recommended to put a baitcasting fishing reel on a spinning rod. This is because they are not designed for that use.
Spinning rods are specially designed to work in tandem with spinning reels while baitcasting reels are designed for bait casting rods.
As such, we do not recommend using a baitcasting reel with a spinning rod. Rather use it as intended and you will have a much better experience and see better results.
Are Baitcasting Reels Hard to Use?
This type of fishing reel tends to be quite hard to get the hang of initially. Because of this beginners are usually told to steer clear until they have learned the basics.
The main reason that baitcasting reels are hard to use is because there is a lot of fine-tuning when you use the braking system.
On top of that, you will need to learn how to use your thumb to slow down the spool when you are casting.
What Line Should You Use For A Baitcasting Reel?
The line that is recommended for a baitcasting reel and rod is braided line. But, you will also need to pick the right type of braid as there are a lot of different types that you can use.
The best thing you can do is understand what type of fish you will be catching and use a line that is designed to hold them without snapping.
Final Thoughts
We hope that you enjoyed learning all about these baitcasting reels under $100. There are of course plenty of other options out there.
So, if you have not managed to find anything here that is to your liking there is probably something else out there that will suit you and your needs.
We can only hope that our guide has been helpful to you and your journey to find the best baitcasting reel under $100.
Have a fantastic day and we hope to see you next time!
