Best baitcasting reels for the money in 2018. Tried, tested & reviewed

Having a fishing rod is merely half the battle. You need to have a reel to go at that rod. Of course you could go primitive and simple use a long stick, some line, a hook and a worm but last time I checked this is the 21^st century and we’ve come quite a ways, I mean, we have street signs and ipods! For those of you who are slightly more advanced you may be interested in buying a baitcasting fishing reel. The reason I say this is largely due to the fact that a baitcaster is slightly more technically difficult to use in comparison to a spinning reel. On the backside of the reel you will find a small lever or button that needs to be pressed down prior to casting the reel. You need to make sure that you let go of this button prior to your line and lure hitting the water. If you fail to do so your spool will continue to release line causing what we call, a rats nest. This is when your line releases within the spool but it still contained within the area in which the spool is found. In order to undo or correct a rats nest you need to continuously pull the line out of the spool until you have completely released all of the line that was let loose. This could become a serious nightmare and often times it leads to you simply just removing all of the line by cutting it out of your spool and re-spooling your entire reel. This is the reasoning behind us saying that a baitcasting fishing reel is slightly more technical than a spinning reel. Below you will find the top 5 baitcasting reels for the money in 2018.

Image	Name	Bearings	Gear Ratio	Weight	Latest Pricing
	KastKing Royale Legend	11+1	7.0:1	7.5 oz	Amazon
	KastKing Speed Demon	12+1	9.3:1	8.3 oz	Amazon
	Abu Garcia BMAX3	4+1	6.4:1	7.3 oz	Amazon
	Piscifun Torrent	5+1	7.1:1	8 oz	Amazon
	KastKing Assassin	11+1	6.3:1	5.7 oz	Amazon

KastKing Royale Legend High Speed Low Profile Baitcaster

This reel can be summed up in one word, amazing. The KastKing brand is known for their amazing craftsmanship and long lasting durability. The Royale Legend baitcasting fishing reel is unmatched in almost every category. It’s fitted with an extremely silent 7.0:1 high speed line retrieve that just about every angler can appreciate. This reel comes fitted with state of the art dual brakes. These brakes can be quickly and easily tuned to every anglers specific needs not to mention the amazing casting control this provides. It features a brass structure that is precision cut accompanied with a carbon fiber drag system that delivers an astounding 17.5 pounds of drag. It helps you land even the hardest fighting fish. The 11+1 stainless steel ball bearings are corrosion resistant and allow for smooth casting and lifelong reliability. This baitcasting reel is perfect for any style of fishing, from flipping to pitching and anything in between.

Highlights:

• 4 Disc. Carbon fiber drag system
• Silent 7.0:1 gear ratio
• Brass gears that have been precision cut
• Dual braking system
• Anodized aluminum forged multi-ported spool

KastKing Speed Demon 9.3:1 Baitcasting Fishing Reel

KastKing reels are known for their strength and durability, but that’s not all, they’re also known for their aesthetics and versatility. The Speed Demon is one of the best baitcasting fishing reels currently on the market. Whether you’re fishing for largemouth bass on a freshwater lake or fishing for trout in a slow moving river, this reel can get the job done. This is a reel that’s perfect for any angler young or old, regardless the level of experience they have. This reel is known as the ‘world’s fastest baitcasting reel.’ It comes equipped with a 9.3:1 gear ratio which helps with it’s lightning fast speed and they’re made from precision cut matching brass gears. It’s 12+1 MaxiDur completely shielded stainless steel ball bearings help with its extreme smoothness and speedy retrievals. You can land the largest of fish with this reel, it’s 13.2lb drag ensures you’ll have the ability to land those big game fish. Overall, this reel is one of the top on the market, it’s speed and price are hard to beat.

Highlights:

• Extremely strong & durable stainless steel shaft
• Amazingly fast 9.3:1 gear ration
• 3 disc carbon fiber drag/braking system
• 115mm high torque handle
• Precision cut brass gearing system

Abu Garcia BMAX3 Max Low-Profile Baitcast Fishing Reel

This reel is for all you ‘lefties’ out there! Don’t you worry, we didn’t forget about you. This reel is made just for you (of course there is a right handed version as well). This reel has a solid one piece graphite frame accompanied by graphite side plates making it lightweight, sleek but most importantly stylish. It has a MagTrax brake system that allow you to fully customize your casting which allows the angler to use a larger variety of lures. Inside you’ll find 4 stainless steel bearings accompanied by 1 roller bearing which make this reel one of the most reliable and dependable reels on the market today. Sometimes simplicity is key. The power disk system ensure the angler will be able to feel and adjust the drag throughout the duration of the fight and will be able to feel the smoothness throughout the entire drag range. This reel made our list not only due to its left handed feature, but due to the fact that this reel can be used as a serious fishing weapon by both seasoned and rookie fisherman and fisherwoman.

Highlights:

• MagTrax braking system
• Machined aluminum spool
• Slight bend to the handle for comfort
• Exceptional casting control & range
• Duragear brass gearing

Piscifun Torrent 18LB 7.1:1 Baitcaster

Piscifun’s reel is powerful! It allows you to handle large fish with ease. This low-profile baitcasting reel comes with an advanced three washer design giving it a whopping 18 pounds of drag. Not only is it strong but it uses some of the highest quality gears currently on the market. They are industrial strength, climate resistant Japanese Hami cut 3604 brass gears. As if that weren’t enough this reel has a truly unique feature that sets it apart from many others. It comes equipped with a side plate oil port that allows you maximize and supervise the life, longevity and performance of this reel. This bait caster has a gear ratio of 7.1:1 meaning it is extremely silent and allows you to retrieve your line at a truly amazing rate. This reel sets the bar pretty high, and that’s why it made our list of top baitcasting reels.

Highlights:

• Exceptional (bigger) gearing system
• Brass gearing which is CNC’d
• 2 line winding shafts
• Lubrication port
• 0-10 magnetic braking system

KastKing Assassin Carbon Baitcasting Reel

If you’re on the market for a stylish reel, look no further. This beauty comes finished in midnight black with electric blue accents. It comes equipped with more high-end features than most luxury cars. It’s aero grade aluminum spool, 6.3:1 ratio gears which are precision matched, instant stop anti-reverse, 11+1 corrosion resistant completely shielded MaxiDur ball bearings are just a few of the features this reel comes equipped with. But that’s not all, this reel comes with some serious stopping power. It’s 16.5 pound drag will stop even the largest of fish in their tracks. Just because this reel is stronger than a cows hide doesn’t mean it weighs a ton. This is one of the lightest baitcasting reels currently on the market coming in at only 5.7 ounces. This guarantees you’ll be able to fish all day without finding yourself even the slightest bit fatigued.

Highlights:

• Light is an understatement
• Carbon fiber braking system
• Aero grade hardened aluminum gearing
• Aluminum spool which is anodized
• Non-slip grips w/ padding