My baitcasters take a lot of abuse, and as the year ends not only am I thinking about upcoming fishing trips I’m planning for this spring, I’m also thinking about all the gear I need to replace this year. Not to mention all the tackle I need to reorganize. When you fish every weekend or every other weekend, it doesn’t take long to tear up or wear out your tackle and fishing gear. Fishing gear can also be extremely expensive so I’m always up for a sweet deal on an affordable reel that will stand up to so intense fishing. If you find yourself needing some new gear in 2024, check out some of the top rated baitcasters we found on Amazon. They all have great reviews and you won’t need to take out a loan to buy a few!
A $35 baitcaster you say? Can’t be good right? Many would say otherwise. This reel has over 4000 5-Star reviews on Amazon. Customers state the Piscifun Torrent performed well during fishing, with users praising its overall design and comfort, especially for those new to baitcasting. Other reviews state that customers appreciate its smooth casting and retrieval, citing successful encounters with crappie, bluegill, white bass, and even largemouth bass. Still others praised the reel for it’s stainless steel bearings, brass gears, and comfortable ergonomics. Overall, the reviews highlight the Piscifun Torrent’s positive aspects, such as its value for money, smooth performance, and suitability for various fishing scenarios. Definitely worth a look for the price!
KastKing Royale Legend II – ($49.99)
KastKing offers this budget-friendly baitcaster option without compromising too much on quality. The KastKing Royale Legend II baitcasting reel features a new compact design for angler comfort, with a concealed side cover release. It carries on the legacy of its predecessors while introducing double bearing supported pinion gear technology, providing a 35% increase in smoothness and a 30% increase in durability. The reel offers faster gear ratios, with a 5.4:1 option for crankbaits and a 7.2:1 option for quick line retrieval. Weighing just 7.2oz, it is lighter than many graphite side cover and frame casting reels. The reel is strengthened with features like an extra-hard stainless steel main shaft, Hamai precision machined brass gears, diamond-shaped ceramic line guide, and CNC aluminum spools. Additionally, it boasts a quadruple disc carbon drag delivering 17.6 lbs of stopping power. The Cross-Fire Magnetic Braking System includes 8 magnetic buttons for precise control, eliminating casting issues and improving distance and line control, especially in windy conditions. Reviewers praised the reel for smooth casting, quietness and it’s low profile design. It’s a great first reel for those new to fishing with a baitcaster!
The KastKing Crixus baitcasting reel is widely praised in Amazon reviews for its smooth performance, long casting distance, sturdy build, and appealing aesthetics. Weighing only 7.3 ounces it is still tough and durable. The Crixus features tournament-proven components that include heavy-duty brass gears for longevity and a fast retrieve 6.5:1/7.2:1 gear ratio. The smooth performance is facilitated by 5 high-quality ball bearings and an instant anti-reverse bearing, the Crixus also incorporates a magnetic braking system with 8 magnets for precise spool control, preventing overruns.
The Abu Garcia Max Pro Baitcasting Reel features a lightweight construction, with a graphite frame and sideplates, and a machined double anodized aluminum spool, weighing in at 7.4 oz. It has a fast recovery rate of 28” per turn with a gear ratio of 7.1:1, incorporating a durable Duragear brass gear. The MagTrax brake system ensures consistent brake pressure during casting, supported by 8 bearings (7 stainless steel ball bearings and 1 instant anti-reverse bearing) for smooth operation. The reel’s drag system includes a synthetic Star Drag with a maximum capacity of 15lb (6.8kg), powered by the Power Disk drag system for smooth performance. The line capacity accommodates 150/10 mono and 155/20 braid, and it features a right handle position with an ergonomic design, including a compact bent handle, recessed reel foot, and large co-molded soft-touch knobs for comfort. Reviewers praise the reel for the sturdy quality Abu Garcia is known for in a baitcaster. They say the reel is exhibiting no signs of wear or performance degradation even after several months of frequent use. The 7:1 gear ratio is noted for quick slack pick-up, making it suitable for topwaters and jerkbaits. Even those transitioning from spinning reels found the Pro Max easy to learn on. It’s also at a much more affordable price point than other Abu Garcia baitcaster reels such as the Revo Rocket Series.
I bought this reel for myself in early 2023. I have loved every minute of fishing with it. It is smooth, quiet, and the drag system on it is amazing. Very seldom have a backlash with it unless I’m doing something stupid like casting into the wind! (It’s happens :-)) I love the sleekness of this reel. The matte black finish and blue accents just really appeal to me. It’s more compact than the Caenan Baitcaster but maintains strength with a 150 PowerPro line capacity. The HAGANE metal reel body ensures rigidity and impact resistance, eliminating body flex. It features 6 Pin VBS adjustments for versatile casting control under any weather conditions. Available in various retrieve options (6.3:1, 7.2:1, 8.2:1) for both right and left-handed models. If you’re a fan of Shimano like I am, you’ll be a fan of this reel!
At the time of this post, this is a summary of the highest rated reels Amazon has to offer at the best prices. Always check the latest reviews, ratings, and product details on Amazon for yourself before making a purchase. Additionally, consider your specific fishing needs, preferences, and budget when choosing a baitcasting reel. If you instead are looking for a great deal on a spinning reel, check out this post. Hoping you find a game-changer here that puts a lot of fish in the boat for you the next time you Get Out Fishing!
