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Reading Time: 10 minutesLast Updated on April 3, 2025 by Paul Clayton
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Todays Best Fishing Reel Brands
Unleashing the angler within you? Before you swap your office chair for a boat, let’s get you schooled on the best brands of fishing reels. Like a fish in water, these brands have mastered the art of reel perfecting, giving you one less thing to worry about while you’re out there playing tug-o-war with the aquatic world.
Key Takeaways
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- Shimano: Renowned for a wide range of spinning reels, offering 55 models across various categories. Known for quality and versatility, it suits beginners and experienced anglers.
- Penn offers 15 spinning reel models with a focus on durability and affordability. Popular models include the Penn Fierce III and the Torque II.
- Okuma: Known for innovative designs and technology in spinning reels, offering a notable selection of 44 models, including high-end options like the Surf 8k.
- Pflueger is a budget-friendly brand with 12 spinning reel models, each costing under $300. This makes it ideal for anglers with tight budgets.
- Daiwa: Offers a range of durable and cost-efficient spinning reels, with notable models like the Exist and Certate LT.
- KastKing: Known for inexpensive reels, with a range of models that don’t exceed $150, making it suitable for beginners.
- Abu Garcia: Offers a wide selection of baitcasting reels, including 16 round and 29 low-profile models, catering to both low-end and middle-end markets.
- Lew’s: This company provides a variety of baitcasting reels, with 28 models, and is known for affordability and decent quality.
- Cabela’s: Offers lower- to middle-end trolling reels, like the DepthMaster line, ideal for budget-conscious anglers.
- Orvis focuses on fly reels, offering affordable and high-end options suitable for various budgets.
- Echo: Specializes in affordable fly reels, with models priced between $39 and $139.
- Piscifun: Known for budget-friendly fly reels, offering 10 models, all priced under $100.
- Zebco: Offers a wide range of affordable spincast reels, with over 20 models priced under $100.
Looking for a fishing reel for your first fishing trip? We want to offer a few fishing reel brands that caught your attention.
There are many reels on the market that you could choose from. Perhaps too many. 
But by narrowing your options down to a few brands, you should be able to make things a little easier for yourself.
Below, we introduce you to reel brands in a few reel categories – spinning reels, baitcasting reels, trolling reels, fly reels, and spincast reels. Hopefully, such a breakdown will allow you to find what you seek quickly.
Remember, a good fisherman never lets his gear off the hook! So, get hooked on our comprehensive guide to reel in your big catch.
With that said, let’s look at the best fishing reel brands in each category!
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Today’s Best Fishing Reel Brands
Spinning Reel Brands
Shimano
Shimano is one of the best-known names in the fishing tackle market, if not the best-known. This Japanese brand is also quite renowned for its cycling components and rowing equipment, so you have probably heard this name more than once when shopping for bicycles or rowing shoes.
Shimano offers many types of reels, and—a little spoiler alert—this brand will be featured in a few other fishing reel categories.
Shimano’s total number of spinning reel models at the time of writing was 55 – 10 surf spinning, 20 saltwater spinning, and 25 regular spinning reels. Not only that, but Shimano offers fishing reels across multiple ranges, allowing newbies and experienced anglers alike to find something that fits their budget and needs.
Penn
Penn’s selection of spinning fishing reels isn’t nearly as wide as that of Shimano. But while you have only 15 models, Penn’s assortment should be pretty enough for most people.
On the lower end, you have the Penn Fierce III spinning reel, an inexpensive but solid piece of equipment that will appeal to newbies or those who don’t need an over-the-top spinning reel. This reel has all the basics you would want and fairly decent build quality.
On the higher end, you have the Torque II spinning reel, which is shy of costing a grand. This guy offers a remarkable sealed body design and exceptional smoothness delivered by 9+1 stainless steel bearings.
Aside from these two reels, you have 13 models in between that would be more suitable for the not-so-demanding angler. And by the way, most of Penn’s fishing reels are in the middle price range, with Torque II being the only higher-end model at the time of writing. This makes this brand quite a good option for those who want something good but not too pricey.
Okuma
Okuma is another well-known fishing tackle manufacturer.
The spinning reel variety of Okuma is pretty remarkable – you have 35 regular reels, 3 saltwater reels, and 6 surf spinning reels. While Shimano offers a wider selection of saltwater and surf spinning reels, Okuma may be better in the regular spinning reel department.
High-end Okuma spinning reels like the Surf 8k are particularly remarkable because they boast the wide array of technology used by Okuma in their reels. The Surf 8k reel is filled with patented design solutions like a rotor brake system and the rotor with brush guards, which shows that Okuma has its vision and direction in fishing reel design.
Pflueger
Pflueger isn’t the most renowned fishing reel manufacturer because it doesn’t offer spectacular, high-end models. However, this brand may be a good option if you are on a tighter budget.
Pflueger offers 12 spinning reel models; the prices don’t exceed $300! If you desperately need a fishing reel, you may also go for the $30-$50 models like the Monarch Ice or the President spinning reels.
The “you get what you pay for” rule applies to this brand’s cheap reels, but if you don’t need anything extravagant, Pflueger is a solid option.
Daiwa
Daiwa doesn’t sell the most expensive spinning reels, but it has a few interesting offerings.
The first is the Exist spinning reel, a product of Daiwa’s 60 years of innovation. While this particular reel is far from the priciest model out there, it offers a remarkable combination of durability, lightness, and smoothness. It is among the most cost-efficient models available.
Then, there is the middle-end Certate LT spinning reel, designed for corrosion resistance, particularly thanks to the 10 corrosion-resistant ball bearings.
Aside from these two reels, you have 22 others to choose from, each offering interesting features.
KastKing
The last notable brand in the spinning reel category is KastKing, a great option for those looking for inexpensive fishing reels, whether because you are a newbie or a not-too-demanding angler.
KastKing’s spinning reel selection doesn’t exceed $150, with the most expensive model, the Kapstan Elite High-Speed Saltwater Spinning Reel, costing $149.99 at the time of writing.
On the lower end, you have things like the $24.99 Royale Legend II Ice Fishing Reel or even the $21.99 Summer spinning reel!
Since KastKing’s reels are very cheap, there isn’t much to expect from them. But this won’t necessarily be a problem if you don’t need that much!
Baitcasting Reel Brands
Abu Garcia
Abu Garcia is the go-to reel brand if you want a middle-end baitcasting reel. This company may also be able to satisfy you if you are looking for some low-end options.
The reel selection of these guys is pretty remarkable – you have 16 round baitcasting reels and 29 low-profile baitcasting reels. This is a much wider selection than the more renowned brands, e.g., Okuma with its 6 models.
While you have more low-profile baitcasting reels, you can find good low- to middle-end reels in both categories, as Abu Garcia represents.
Shimano
Is it a surprise that Shimano has made it onto our list for the second time? This brand will be featured again because of its 34 regular and 8 saltwater baitcasting reels!
Now, Shimano offers a couple fewer baitcasting reels than Abu Garcia, and the selections of the two brands are a little different. Abu Garcia also has more saltwater baitcasting reels, though not that Shimano is too far behind in this regard.
However, given that the two-reel brands are pretty close in price, Shimano is a good alternative to Abu Garcia (and the other way around) if you find that Abu Garcia’s reels aren’t exactly what you are looking for.
Lew’s
Lew’s is another solid brand option if you want a baitcasting fishing reel for not too much money. This brand offered 28 models when writing, with the priciest Pro-Ti Speed Spool model costing $349.99. Though this model is far from being the most sophisticated baitcasting reel on the market, it still has great smoothness and durability.
At the other end of the spectrum are extremely cheap models like the Speed Cast Underspin or the Speed Cast Spincast, which cost $19.99. These can’t boast exceptional durability or smoothness, but they are good enough for the newbie angler.
Trolling Reel Brands
Cabela’s
You won’t find as many reel models as in other categories on the trolling reel market. You probably won’t find more than a couple of models from a single brand, but there are a few brands you can buy trolling reels from.
One is Cabela’s DepthMaster trolling reel line, which includes lower- to middle-end models. Cabela’s reels may interest you if you can’t spend more than $200 on a trolling reel.
Okuma
Okuma is slightly better than Cabela’s regarding the trolling reel selection.
You have the Line Counter reel line specifically designed for boat fishing, with high-performance options like the Coldwater Line Counter, Convector Line Counter, and Magda Line Counter reel lines. In total, you have 6 models in the lower and middle end.
Well, such a selection sure is nowhere near the 35 models in the Okuma spinning reel line, but given how specific trolling reels are, 6 reels to choose from is pretty good.
Shimano
Shimano is a fairly good option if you are ready to spend the money on a solid middle-end trolling reel.
Shimano’s reel selection is slightly poorer than Okuma’s. To be more precise, Shimano offers just 2 trolling reel models—the Tekota A is priced at around $200, and the Charter Special is slightly cheaper.
At the time of this post, the Tekota A line offered 8 size options, whereas Charter Special had only 2. While you may be able to find what you are looking for in the Charter Special Line, the Tekota A series is more likely to provide you with what you want.
Fly Reel Brands
Orvis
Things are a little better in the fly reel department. You have brands specifically focused on fly fishing tackle in this market segment.
One of these brands is Orvis. While Orvis can’t boast the widest selection of fly reels, you can find cheap and expensive ones.
If you want something less expensive, the Clearwater Large Arbor or Battenkill reels, costing around $100, may interest you. But if you are up to spending a few hundred dollars on a great reel, you could opt for Mirage fly reels that cost around $500 to $800.
Echo
Echo is also specifically focused on fly fishing tackle. And while Echo only offers 3 fly reels, this brand is a nice option if you want a cheaper reel.
The priciest fly reel from Echo costs just $139, while the budget Base reel is priced at just $39. The Ion line is in between, with a price tag of $79 to $99, depending on the model, which shows that Echo is pretty decently represented at the lower end.
Piscifun
Finally, we have Piscifun, a fishing tackle brand that offers a few other reel types besides fly reels. These guys are focused on the lower end of their reel selection, which makes this brand another good option if you have a tight budget.
Piscifun offers 10 fly reel models, and their price doesn’t exceed $100. Most Piscifun reels are priced around $50, which isn’t as cheap as Echo reels, but it’s cheap enough if you are looking for an inexpensive beginner’s fly reel.
Spincasting Reel Brands
Daiwa
Daiwa’s selection of spincast reels pales compared to its spinning reel line we’ve overviewed earlier, but that’s how things go in the spincast reel market. You only have a few brands, and there aren’t many options.
The Daiwa spincast reel lineup includes 4 not too expensive models. On the higher end are the Goldcast and Silvercast r, which have a smooth operation, and you also have the Underspin and Minicast reels if you aren’t too demanding.
Pflueger
Pflueger only has 2 spincast reel models, but priced under $40, they appear decent for beginners or those who don’t need an over-the-top spincast reel.
The $39.99 President spincast reel isn’t the best reel on the market, but it seems to be a fairly solid option for a lower-end spincast reel. And if you want something even cheaper, the $25.49 to $29.99 Trio line could be a good option.
Zebco
Finally, we have Zebco. With over 20 spincast reels, Zebco is a great option if you want a very inexpensive spincast fishing reel. The spincast models of this brand don’t go over $100, and you can also find reels that cost as low as $20 or even $10!
Wrapping Up
So, there you have it, folks, the lowdown on the best brands of fishing reels. 
These are the crème de la crème, the big fish in the sea of reel brands. They are not just brands, they are stalwarts, they are legends, they are the fairy godparents of every angler’s dreams.
We’ve reviewed some serious details for reel brands because, hey, when it comes to fishing, it’s all about the details.
These brands have been around the block. They’ve wrestled with marlins, danced with salmon, and whispered sweet nothings to bass. With their superior craftsmanship, innovative designs, and sheer dedication to making your fishing experience smoother than a trout’s leap out of the water, these brands have truly earned their spots at the top.
From Shimano’s durability to Penn’s reliability, from Daiwa’s innovation to Abu Garcia’s precision, these brands of fishing reels have shown us that when it comes to fishing equipment, they are no small fry. They offer you the confidence to cast a line, knowing that your reel won’t disappoint you at that crucial moment when a trophy catch is on the line.
Choosing from these top brands is like trying to pick your favorite child – it’s nearly impossible! But one thing is certain: when you invest in any of these best fishing reel brands, you aren’t just buying a product; you’re buying a legacy, a story, and a partner for all your future fishing exploits. Now, go forth and fish with the knowledge that you’ve got some seriously good gear at your disposal!
