Regardless of whether you happen to be an experienced angler or you’re just getting started in the world of fishing, one of the most popular types of baitcasting reels on the market right now are the models that fall within the “lightweight” category.
Perfect for all levels and experience, a lightweight baitcasting reel is often considered to be a superior option to heavier models, simply because they are typically easier to use, do not cause any aches or strains, and are also a lot easier to transport to and from the boat.
Small, ultralight baitcasting reels are also a great option for catching smaller species of fish, however, with so many options on the market, it can often be hard to separate the best, smallest lightweight baitcasting reels from the rest. This is where we come in.
In this article, we are going to be talking you through a list of our expertly picked small, ultralight baitcasting reels that are currently available to buy on the market.
Towards the end, you will also find a helpful buying guide and F.A.Q area which will help you to make the best choice for you.
So, without further ado, let’s begin!
KastKing Spartacus II Baitcasting Ultralight, Super Smooth Reel
Kicking our list off? We have selected the coveted and acclaimed Kastking Spartacus II Baitcasting Ultralight Super Smooth Reel which is widely believed to be one of the very best ultralight, small-sized baitcasting fishing reels currently on the market right now.
If you’re already familiar with KastKing, then we’re sure that you’ll already be familiar with their iconic baitcasting reel constructions.
Unlike some of its older counterparts, the KastKing Spartacus II Baitcasting Ultralight, Super Smooth Reel breaks the mold with an all-new innovative design that we’re sure you’ll love.
Donned as being a “true warrior” by KastKing, don’t be put off by the smaller design of this baitcasting reel – because it certainly packs quite a punch!
Made with innovative features and dynamic features, this baitcasting reel features a low-profile frame that only reaches 39mm.
This means that this baitcasting reel weighs in at an impressively low weight of just 6 ounces. So, in other words, you can kiss aches and pains goodbye.
Besides that, the KastKing Ultralight Baitcasting Reel also comes complete with a myriad of advanced technology that will help to elevate your overall user experience and enjoyability levels.
This baitcasting reel from KastKing has been made with 5 magnetic brakes, which means that it’s not going to require dual brakes.
In addition, this baitcaster reel also features KastKing’s Double Tapered Control Chute Technology that will be able to ensure that friction is kept to a minimum for longer throws and a higher increase of a catch.
If all that wasn’t impressive enough, this baitcasting reel from KastKing also comes ready to go with a 4-disc carbon fiber drag construction with the ability to allow for up to 17lbs (yes, you read that right) of catching ability.
Thanks to this, it means that besides being ideal for everyday fishing needs, this powerful ultralight baitcasting reel is great for tournament fishing, too!
Another noteworthy benefit of this ultralight baitcaster reel is that it comes with 7 shielded ball bearings, as well as one additional ball bearing that has been coated with a protective coat that will be able to resist corrosion from saltwater.
It also features a CNC anodized aluminum spool that will be able to help elevate your launch power without any additional effort by you.
The Ultralight, Super Smooth Baitcasting Reel from KastKing also features ergonomic features that will be able to increase your comfortability while out fishing including handle knobs that have been created using EVA material that will be able to take the brunt of any force/impacts.
All in all, an excellent choice and certainly worth considering if you’re in the market for a lightweight baitcasting reel.
Pros
- Excellent value for money!
- EVA handles
- Durable design
- Lightweight
Cons
- Smaller design might not be suitable for all
Piscifun Spark Pro Baitcasting Reel
Next up on our list, we have the Piscifun Spark Pro Baitcasting Reel, which is a great option for those on the hunt for a smaller-sized, lightweight baitcasting reel that’s going to be able to deliver plenty of power and reliability.
Let’s take a closer look at this baitcasting reel below!
Promising a smooth user experience, the Piscifun Spark Pro Baitcasting Reel has been made with bearings that have been optimized to specifically deliver a smoother and more enjoyable baitcasting experience, time and time again.
Besides that, these bearings have also been created with a durable design that will also be able to withstand exposure to both freshwater and saltwater fishing conditions!
So, in other words, you’re going to be able to enjoy plenty of versatility with this little but mighty baitcasting reel.
The Piscifun Spark Pro Baitcasting Reel also features incredible durability and stability that will guarantee that this lightweight reel becomes your go-to baitcaster.
It features a double shaft that has been equipped with a supported line wind that will be able to allow for an increased 40% in overall stability (impressive or what?) while its double–shaft supported wind will also be able to deliver an increased durability of 35%, so you’ll be getting excellent value for money, as well as an increased service life, too!
Plus, ideal for all levels and abilities, the Piscifun Spark Pro Baitcasting Reel features an innovative magnetic braking system that contains 8 different magnetic buttons.
Thanks to this, it means that you will have the ability to switch between the magnetic braking options depending on what you need, which will mean that you will not only be able to enjoy a more enjoyable fishing experience with a lower chance of backlashes, but more successful fishing sessions, too!
Along with all of the above, the Piscifun Spark Pro Baitcasting Reel also features a convenient and compact design.
Besides making it easier to use (not to mention, being able to transport it to and from your fishing boat/spot more easily) the Piscifun Spark Pro Baitcasting Reel also comes equipped with ergonomic features that will be able to ensure you can enjoy a more comfortable fishing experience!
For starters, the handle knobs have been carefully positioned closer the middle of the rod (as opposed to further apart as per the standard baitcasting design most commonly used by various manufacturers) which will help to reduce any shakiness on the rod, which will help to prevent you from overexerting your hand while also helping to allow for a more powerful line throw.
In addition to that, the Piscifun Spark Pro Baitcasting Reel is also super lightweight without compromising on strength or power.
This is because, despite its lightweight construction, this baitcasting reel from Piscifun has been constructed with a hard, anodized aircraft-grade aluminum that will be able to allow for a lightweight design while also allowing for plenty of power! Piscifun ticks all of the boxes.
Magreel Baitcasting Fishing Reel
Are you on a budget? No problem. Blending affordability with a premium performance, the Magreel Baitcasting Fishing Reels is the perfect choice for anyone on the search for a lightweight baitcasting reel that isn’t going to break the bank!
Rivaling some of the more premium options on this list, the Magreel Baitcasting Fishing Reel offers incredible value for money, and it’s certainly easy to see why.
The Magreel Baitcasting Reel has been designed with strong and powerful components that will be able to ensure an enjoyable (and long lasting) fishing experience including brass gears, EVA knobs, stainless steel bearings and plenty more.
The nine powerful stainless steel double-shield ball bearings makes it ideal for all fishing levels and abilities, while its additional stainless steel one-way bearing will allow for a smoother and more enjoyable performance.
On top of that, all of the stainless steel double-shield ball bearings have also been equipped with an anti corrosion coating that will help to prevent any damage caused from general use in both freshwater and saltwater conditions.
In addition to this, the 0-10 magnetic brake system will also allow you to easily adjust the magnetic braking adjustments on the fly, as and when needed.
This makes it a great option for fishers and anglers of all abilities, as you will be able to effortlessly adjust the magnetic braking system to suit the specific fishing application you are carrying out in just a matter of moments.
Along with that, the Magreel Baitcasting Reel also features 4 carbon fiber drag washers that also make it suitable for fishing large species of fish, too, even despite its smaller size and lightweight construction!
So much so, that this baitcasting reel will be able to provide 13lbs of drag power. This makes this baitcasting reel super versatile and a great option for anglers of all levels and abilities.
Oh, and did we mention that this baitcasting reel has been developed with your comfort and enjoyment in mind?
This baitcasting reel has been made with a metal handle that is both sturdy and reliable while also featuring slip-resistant polymer grips that will ensure you are able to stay comfortable for the entirety of your fishing session.
This baitcasting reel has certainly got our seal of approval!
Pros
- Ideal for those on a budget
- Plenty of usability features
- Smooth
Cons
- Might not be suitable for larger species of fish
Cadence Ultra Lightweight Baitcasting Reel
Another great baitcasting reel that we have selected to feature on this roundup is the Cadence Ultra Lightweight Baitcasting Reel! Let’s take a closer look at this baitcasting reel below:
Ensuring a lightweight yet comfortable fishing experience, the Cadence Ultra Lightweight Baitcasting Reel features a super ergonomic yet small design that will not only make it easier to transport, but will also make this baitcaster a lot easier to palm and cast.
So much so, that this innovative little baitcasting reel weighs in at just under 7 ounces. Yes, you read that right!
If that wasn’t impressive enough, despite being super lightweight in construction, this baitcasting reel from Cadence also comes complete with a durable carbon fiber frame that has been constructed using aircraft-grade aluminum.
Thanks to this, this means that this baitcasting reel will deliver impressive stability and strength while being around 80% lighter than standard baitcasting reels currently available on the market that are typically made from brass and other heavy metals.
Along with being lightweight in construction, the Cadence Ultra Lightweight Baitcasting Reel has been equipped with a larger EVA handle knobs that are not only able to absorb the majority of shock and impact from each catch, but are also sweat resistant, too!
Thanks to this, it means that you will be able to use this handle without losing your grip, no matter how intense your fishing sessions get!
In addition to its ergonomic design, the Cadence Ultra Lightweight Baitcasting Reel comes equipped with 9 double-shielded stainless steel ball bearings that will not only help to allow for a less strenuous user experience, but will also be able to ensure that casting each reel is super smooth, too.
Plus, the adjustable magnetic brakes will allow you to easily make adjustments to the baitcaster’s braking system on the fly, which will allow you to tailor your baitcaster to your specific fishing situation.
On top of that, there is also an additional double-shielded steel ball that has been created with an anti-reverse bearing which will help to elevate and add versatility to your overall fishing experience.
The Cadence Ultra Lightweight Baitcasting Reel also features an advanced drag system that will allow you to enjoy a maximum drag capacity of 20lbs, which will ensure that you are able to fish for a range of different species of fish, ranging from small to large without any impact on the performance of your baitcaster reel.
Along with this, this Cadence baitcasting reel also comes equipped with a 7.3:! Gear ratio which will ensure you are able to retrieve fish quickly without losing any pressure while you are reeling them in.
Pros
- Great value for money
- Maximum drag of 20 pounds
- Ideal for saltwater and freshwater
- Lightweight
Cons
- Some find that the drag tensioner can “wobble” occasionally
Daiwa Tatula Elite Baitcasting Reel
Are you in the market for a premium baitcasting reel that you can make an investment in?
If you answered yes to that question, then we think that the Daiwa Tatula Elite Baitcasting Reel should be on your radar! Let’s take a closer look at it below:
If you’ve been in the fishing community for quite some time, then we are sure that you might have already heard of the Daiwa Elite Baitcasting Reel!
Loved by anglers of all levels, experiences, and preferences, the Daiwa Tatula Elite Baitcasting Reel is a tried and true favorite, and it’s certainly easy to see why.
Made with a low profile construction, the Daiwa Elite Baitcasting Reel has been carefully designed with the ability to easily achieve long-distance casts with lower friction, all while ensuring an enjoyable and convenient experience – regardless of whether you’re competing in a bass tournament or enjoying a quiet Sunday fishing in your favorite spot.
Boasting its lightweight construction, the Daiwa Elite Baitcasting Reel has been created using a redesigned A7075 aluminum, aircraft-grade construction that will be able to guarantee a more enjoyable experience thanks to this model being around 80% lighter than bass models, but it will also ensure minimal effort.
So, in other words, armed with this baitcaster, you can kiss your arm and wrist strain goodbye for good!
Not just that, but displaying its premium design, the Daiwa Elite Baitcasting Reel has been engineered using a refined magnetic-based Magforce braking system that will not only deliver a longer casting distance with no extra effort required by you but will also ensure that you are able to adjust the braking level on the fly, too.
This baitcasting reel also comes ready to go with Daiwa’s iconic T-Wing System, which will allow for smoother reels, regardless of your level of fishing experience.
On top of all that, the Daiwa Elite Baitcasting Reel is also available in both left and right-hand retrieves across three different gear ratios, so this premium model is a great option that will cater to a variety of different preferences and requirements.
Daiwa has truly covered all bases! All in all, the Daiwa Elite Baitcasting Reel is a must-have for any angler!
Pros
- Durable yet lightweight construction
- Aluminum spool
- Made with innovative technology
- Magnetic system optimized for longer casting distances
- Lightweight
Cons
- Pricey
Read also: Best Fishing Lines For Baitcaster Reels
Best Compact And Lightweight Baitcasting Reels: Buying Guide
Now that we have taken the time to talk you through five of the best compact and lightweight baitcasting reels currently available to buy on the market, we are now going to be sharing with you some helpful factors that you should consider when making your decision.
By taking the time to take these into consideration before making your decision, you will help to find a model that will be best for you:
Budget
The first factor that you should consider when choosing a lightweight and small baitcasting reel is your budget.
By taking a few moments to outline your budget prior to beginning shopping, not only are you going to find that you have a more enjoyable and streamlined shopping experience, but you are also going to find that you are able to make a smarter spending decision that doesn’t go outside of your budget!
Size
Seeing as you’re in the market for a small, lightweight model, it only makes sense that you should take the time to consider the size of your baitcast reel, too!
Even though there are a variety of great baitcaster reels on the market that are available in a range of different sizes and styles, if you want a compact option, you should be sure to make this a priority during your selection process.
All of the models that we have provided above are both small in design and feature a lightweight construction, but this is something to keep in mind if you’re planning to do some shopping of your own.
Construction
In addition to considering your budget and the size of the baitcast reel you select, you might also want to consider what the construction quality of your baitcaster reel is, too!
For the very best user experience, we strongly recommend that you opt for baitcaster reels that feature a strong and durable construction.
Not only will this provide you with the best value for your money, but you’ll also find that you are able to enjoy a much more enjoyable fishing experience, too.
Just think about it: the last thing that you want to do is to purchase a baitcasting reel, only to discover that it’s made of a poor construction design that breaks easily!
Angling Experience
Last but certainly not least, the final consideration that you should consider when choosing a baitcasting reel is what your current angling experience currently is.
As you will have already seen from the list that we have provided you with above, there are a variety of different baitcasting reels that are available with a range of impressive features and technologies.
However, this doesn’t always mean that it’s going to be a good fit for you.
By taking the time to consider what your current level of experience is, you will have a better chance of ending up with a baitcasting reel suited to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does Baitcaster Reel Mean?
If you’re not already aware, a baitcaster reel essentially refers to a piece of fishing gear that is designed to sit directly on the top of the rod, so that the reel’s spool is located directly opposite the rod.
After it has been fastened correctly to the rod, the baitcaster acts as a way to lure in potential fish catches by casting out bait into the water via a reel…hence the name!
Is A Lightweight Baitcaster Good?
Even though there are a variety of different baitcasters currently on the market that each come in a range of different sizes, many people deem lightweight baitcasters to be superior simply because they are more enjoyable to use.
However, while this might be the case, it should be noted that lighter baitcasters might not be suitable for larger species of fish.
