Best Catfish Reels for the money in 2020. Tried, tested & reviewed

Image	Name	Top Choices	Latest Pricing
	1. Abu Garcia Ambassadeur Special Catfish Reel	Our Favorite	Amazon
	2. Abu Garcia C3 7000 Right Hand Catfish Reel	Premium Pick	Amazon
	3. Shimano Tekota Conventional Trolling Reel	Great Value	Amazon
	4. Zebco Big Cat Spincast Catfish Reel		Amazon
	5. Okuma Classic CLX Right Hand Catfish Reel		Amazon

Pricing of these Catfish Reels Range Between $35-$200

Abu Garcia Ambassadeur Special Catfish Reel Review

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The Abu Garcia Ambassadeur Special Catfish Reel is designed to offer big water anglers increased smoothness because it features 3 stainless-steel bearings and a roller bearing system. The torque of this reel is dramatically increased because it features an extended bend handle that makes the alignment of the cranking hand easier. Besides, the Carbon Matrix system on this catfish reel is helping to make the drag more consistent and smoother.

The Abu Garcia Ambassadeur Special Catfish Reel has a bearing made from DD400 martensitic, a material that offers durability and higher load capacity. Aside from this, it also features a 6-pin centrifugal brake that has the angler in control during the battle. Since there are only 2 pins required for balance, 6 are more than enough for any beginner angler. It’s possible to use just 2 pins, but 6 can come in handy when having to break for a big capture or the handler doesn’t know too much about reeling.

The Abu Garcia Ambassadeur Catfish Reel is made from non-corrosive materials and offers a solid retrieve without any back play and it fits amazingly on just about any catfish rod. Its anti-reverse bearing makes it perfect for anglers who don’t want to struggle with their prey. However, the mechanism needs to be properly maintained and lubricated very often with proper fishing reel grease.

Pros

• Reliable
• Powerful
• Dependable drag
• Value for money
• 6 break pins
• 3 stainless-steel bearings
• Carbon Matrix drag system
• Non-corrosive materials
• Anti-reverse breaking
• Perfect for beginner handlers

Cons

• The mechanism needs to be lubricated often
• Power handle can be too much
• Sensitive release button

Abu Garcia C3 7000 Right Hand Catfish Reel Review

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The Abu Garcia C3 7000 Right Hand Catfish Reel offers increased performance to both entry-level and more experienced right-handed handlers. It features 3 ball bearings made from stainless-steel and a roller bearing system. More than this, it has a 6-pin centrifugal brake system that gives the handler more control. This reel offers more power and torque when the prey is big because it also has an extended bent handle and a power knob.

The Carbon Matrix system on the Abu Garcia C3 7000 Right Hand Catfish Reel is ideal for a smoother and more consistent drag. This reel is 100% made from durable materials resistant to corrosion. More than this, it has enough mono line and a heavy breaded one, both which ensure its performance. It’s designed for the high seas and very sturdy. However, it needs to be lubricated very often if it’s to work properly for a long period of time.

The Abu Garcia C3 7000 Right Hand Catfish Reel comes with a 1-year warranty that covers defects in workmanship and materials. This means that if it hasn’t been misused or abused and there are some manufacturing problems with it, it can be sent back to the company for a refund or replacement.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Easy to use
• Increased power
• Carbon Matrix drag system
• Durable
• Resistant to corrosion
• Sturdy
• 3 stainless-steel ball bearings
• 6-pin centrifugal break
• Roller bearing

Cons

• High maintenance
• Expensive
• Only for right-handed handlers

Shimano Tekota Conventional Trolling Reel Review

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The Shimano Tekota Conventional Trolling Reel is made from high-quality materials and available in sizes 300, 500, 700 and 800. Having a sturdy construction and many advanced features, it’s the perfect solution for handlers who want to try both salt and freshwater. Those who prefer saltwater can appreciate its power and durability, while those who fish in lakes will love its line counter. This reel is ideal for sea-angling where the rate of retrieve needs to be slower because it has a gear ratio of 4.2:1.

The line counter feature on the Shimano Tekota Conventional Trolling Reel counts how much line the angler has casted off. This reel also features ball bearings made from stainless-steel and resistant to corrosion. These bearing can resist 10 times more than others in environments with high levels of salinity. The Super Stopper that’s featured on it eliminates the back play when the hookset is very solid, which increases the power and helps the handler establish a stronger hook.

The Shimano Tekota Conventional Trolling Reel has a drag made from dartanium, a material that provides a very wide array of drag settings. Besides, it also features a level wind system that ensures the line distribution is perfect across the spool.

Pros

• Durable
• Lightweight
• Available in 4 sizes
• Suitable for both fresh and saltwater
• Line counter
• Stainless-steel ball bearings
• High-quality materials
• No back-play
• Increased power
• Dartanium drag

Cons

• Level wind can easily break
• Sensitive rod clamp
• Not the smoothest retrieve

Zebco Big Cat Spincast Catfish Reel Review

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The Zebco Big Cat Spincast Catfish Reel is perfect for the bait cast technique and features an aluminum frame that’s resistant to corrosion and rust. It’s perfect for those who want increased performance at a reasonable price, not to mention it offers stability and a high capacity. This reel is easy to handle because it has a clutch lever mounted on the side and big crank handles that make the drag easier during the battle.

Having a low gear ratio at only 4.2:1 and a rapid retrieve rate, the Zebco Big Cat Reel can cast a long distance. It has a maximum drag of 17 pounds or 7.7 kg, which is considered middle for any test. Its graphite body construction is sturdy and very stable. This reel is suitable for both beginner and more advanced handlers. Weighing 18.4 ounces or 0.5 kg, it isn’t the most lightweight reel on the market, but it offers in return a quick retrieve rate and a long cast distance.

The Zebco Big Cat Spincast Catfish Reel is easy to operate and has a very robust construction. In case there’s a problem with workmanship and the materials from which is built, the customer support service can be contacted to solve it.

Pros

• Resistant to corrosion
• Fast retrieve rate
• High capacity
• Stable
• Sturdy
• Long cast distance
• Easy to use
• Durable
• Affordable
• Big crank handles

Cons

• Heavier than other reels
• The bearings can make a grinding sound
• Looks cheap

Okuma Classic CLX Right Hand Catfish Reel Review

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The Okuma Classic CLX Right Hand Catfish Reel has a very lightweight frame made from graphite and resistant to corrosion. The side plates are also built with graphite, while its power handle is 100% aluminum. This reel features a stainless-steel level wind system and a drag lever that can go on or off. It’s perfect for trolling anglers because it has a multi-disc drag system and a classic design. Its mechanism is self-lubricating, so durable and not at all high maintenance.

The Okuma Classic CLX Right Hand Catfish Reel has a gear ratio of 3.8:1 and a retrieve rate of 24 inches or 60.9 cm. Its maximum drag is 17 pounds or 7.7 kg. Weighing 15 ounces or 0.4 kg, this reel isn’t the most lightweight on the market, but it offers powerful gearing and a high dragging performance. It’s very efficient for catfish and salmon, not to mention suitable for both beginner and highly advanced handlers.

The warranty for the Okuma Classic CLX Right Hand Reel is 1-year and covers defects in workmanship or materials. This means the reel can be returned for a refund or replacement if there are any problems with it. However, the warranty becomes void if the product has been abused or misused.

Pros

• Durable
• Not high maintenance
• Affordable
• Stainless steel level wind system
• On/off drag lever
• Suitable for beginners
• Sturdy
• Stable
• Easy to use
• Rustproof

Cons

• Feels cheap
• Graphite construction
• Heavier than other reels