The 10 Best “Bang For Your Buck” Spinning Reels In Bass Fishing
Let’s talk reels. More specifically… spinning reels.
As someone who lives in Wisconsin, a spinning combo has always kind of been my bread and butter, but thanks to the explosion of forward facing sonar in recent years, we’re seeing way more bass anglers opt for a spinning setup. Especially in the tournament world where minnow shaking has become a MJAOR player in just about every tournament at the top level. That might start to change as we continue to see new FFS rules in the tournament world, but for now, you gotta have that spinning rod in hand if you want to win these days.
So let’s take a look at some of the best “bang for your buck” spinning reels. We recently covered budget-friendly spinning reels, as well as some budget-friendly rod options, but today, we’re looking at some of the more expensive reel options that will deliver high quality, perhaps even tournament-level performance, at a price that is still far below the most expensive reels on the market. The upper-middle class of spinning reels, if you will.
As always, every reel recommended here is one that I personally own, one I have fished regularly in the past, or one that I at least have some experience using. I’ll never recommend, link to, or even speak on something I’ve never used. And while all the Tackle Warehouse links are part of their affiliate program, meaning we get a small percentage if you use our links to make a purchase, we don’t take a dime from the specific brands listed here.
All that said, let’s get to it….
Abu Garcia
Abu Garcia Revo SX SP – $189.95
I love the Revo family from Abu Garcia, beginning with the more budget-friendly Revo X, but if can spend just a little bit more, go for the Revo SX. Sleek and smooth, and less than $200 bucks, it’s a steal.
Abu Garcia Revo Rocket – $229.95
With a lightning fast 7.6:1 gear ratio, this aptly-named Revo Rocket can move some line. Sometimes it’s almost a little too fast if you’re trying to slow roll a swimbait, but if you’re fishing deep drop shots, skipping wacky rigs under docks and want to get fish out in a hurry, or just trying to keep up with the trolling motor on full blast, it’s an absolute game changer. I have a few of them rigged up at all times.
I think this has become my favorite spinning reel as of late. Incredibly lightweight, but extremely durable, buttery smooth drag system, it has everything you’re looking for in a great spinning reel. I have a few paired up with my Fenwick World Class rods, and it’s just a nasty, nasty combo.
Seviin
As mentioned in previous blogs, Seviin is new on the scene, but essentially a sister company of Wisconsin’s own St. Croix Rods. We all know St. Croix has a reputation for making great fishing rods, for all types of anglers, but now that their ownership is in the reel game, you can build a quality combo completely under the St. Croix umbrella. The GX is their top of the line right now, and right around two-hundred bucks, it’s a ton of bang for your buck.
Daiwa
I’m a huge fan of the Tatula family… rods, reels, all of it, and the Daiwa Tatula MQ LTE is absolutely stellar at the price point. Featuring their signature AirDrive technology, it’s light, durable, smooth, it’s a workhorse reel that will outperform others at a similar price.
For all my fellow northern anglers, the new Daiwa Prorex is your go-to reel for cold weather situations. Specifically designed to fish in the coldest conditions, the Prorex will still be humming in icy waters and frigid temperatures. Featuring a slightly slower gear ratio and a beefed up gear, it’s a tank that you can fish effectively all year long.
Daiwa Ballistic MQ LTE – $239.99
The Daiwa Ballistic MQ LTE is another one in the running for my favorite spinning reels in the bunch. Featuring their monocoque body and AirDrive system, it’s feather-light, buttery smooth, and thanks to the Magsealed shaft, you’re able to use it in saltwater as well as freshwater. Tournament quality at a price that will fall well below some of the top offerings from Daiwa.
Shimano
I love the Shimano Miravel, and at about $150 bucks, the cheapest on the list, it’s fairly close to a budget reel in the grand scheme of things. The Shimano quality we all know and love, but at a price that certainly won’t break the bank. It make a regular appearance on my spinning rods.
While the Miravel is great, if you’re ready to take a leap, go up to the Stradic. A signature in the Shimano lineup since the ’90s, it went through a full overhaul in 2015, and then another redesign more recently, it’s simply one of the gold-standard spinning reels in all of bass fishing. Try one out, and you might never fish another reel ever again.
The staple… it’s just tough to beat a Shimano Vanford in the sub-$300 category. Shimano makes spinning reels that will run you up near a thousand dollars, 500 bucks and everywhere in between, but the Vanford is the epitome of “bang for the buck.” Precision quality, enhanced sensitivity, super smooth, it’s a proven winner. Jacob Wheeler, who has won Major League Fishing’s Bass Pro Tour Angler of the Year 4 times in the past 7 years, never finishing worse than 4th in the years he didn’t win, used it pretty regularly over the past few seasons… if that isn’t an endorsement, I don’t know what it.
*This post contains links through the Tackle Warehouse Affiliate Program. While all products are independently selected by our expert Riff Outdoors team, if you use these links to make a purchase, we may earn a commission.
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