Fishing can be an expensive hobby, but it doesn’t have to be. If you are on a budget, you can still find some high very high quality fishing reels that won’t break the bank and will give you years of enjoyment. Here are five of the top rated spinning reels you can purchase on Amazon that you can buy for less than $100.
1. KastKing Summer Spinning Reel – ($30)
The KastKing Summer/Centron spinning reel is loaded with features while remaining affordable. The reel has a lightweight and compact design, with a narrow graphite frame and computer balancing system that provides high performance. The 500 size reels are ideal for ice rods and make a perfect ice combo. The KastKing Summer/Centron spinning reel also boasts a powerful Superior Drag System that can offer stopping power up to 17.5LBs. It has a hardened metal main shaft, perfect mesh drive gear, and precision machined pinion gear for fish fighting power. The reel features nine quality ball bearings and one instant stop one-way anti-reverse bearing for ultra-smooth performance. Its durable and attractive finish, combined with a high strength two-color anodized aluminum spool with a power launch lip, allows for longer casts and holds more line than competitor’s models that sell for much more. Overall, the KastKing Summer/Centron spinning reels offer a great value and are suitable for any angler looking for a reliable and high-performing spinning reel.
3. Penn Pursuit IV Spinning Fishing Reel – ($49)
The PENN Pursuit IV Inshore Spinning Reel is a versatile and durable fishing reel designed for both freshwater and saltwater applications. Boasting a sleek and robust construction with a corrosion-resistant graphite body and Line Capacity Rings, this reel ensures longevity and performance. The machined and anodized aluminum superline spool can accommodate a substantial amount of line. With a gear ratio of 6.2:1, the smooth and efficient gears recover at a rate of 37″ | 94cm per crank turn, providing power and speed. The reel features 5 total bearings, including 4 sealed stainless steel ball bearings and one instant anti-reverse bearing, ensuring fast hook-ups. The HT-100 Front Drag System, equipped with carbon fiber drag washers, offers a maximum drag of 15lb | 6.8kg, enabling anglers to exhaust their catch without undue effort. The reel’s mono and braid capacities make it suitable for various fishing styles and conditions, adding to its versatility and appeal.
4. Okuma Ceymar Graphite 8BB Spinning Reel – ($50)
The Okuma Ceymar features a reliable and smooth multi-disc, oiled felt drag system with a maximum pressure of 5-lbs. It also has a quick-set anti-reverse roller bearing and precision machine cut brass pinion gear for improved performance. The machined aluminum, 2-tone anodized spool is designed to handle monofilament line with a capacity of 210/2 (0.12), 110/4 (0.17), and 70/6 (0.22) mm diameter. It is suitable for a variety of fishing applications.
5. KastKing Sharky III Fishing Reel – ($62)
The KastKing Sharky III spinning reels are a remarkable combination of style and durability, engineered for conquering trophy fish in both saltwater and freshwater environments. Constructed with a high percentage fiber-reinforced graphite body and rotor, these reels exemplify toughness while maintaining a lightweight profile. The Sharky III boasts impressive power, featuring a best-in-class triple disc carbon fiber drag system with a capacity of up to 39.5LBs / 18KG, an oversized stainless-steel main shaft, and robust precision mesh manganese brass pinion gears. The K.I.S.S. (KastKing Intrusion Shield System) design seals the spool, body, and rotor, providing water resistance and protection against dirt. Experience super-smooth retrieves with the quiet operation of the Sharky III, enhanced by the unique Shark Fin Braid Ready aluminum spool that eliminates the need for backing line when spooling braid fishing line. Packed with affordable innovation, this spinning reel features 10 + 1 high-quality, saltwater-rated double-shielded stainless steel ball bearings, instant lock anti-reverse, stainless steel hardware, aluminum handle, and increased line capacity, making it a versatile and cost-effective choice for anglers.
2. Pflueger President Spinning Fishing Reel – ($70)
The Pflueger President spinning reel is a high-quality, yet affordable fishing reel that is suitable for both right and left-handed anglers. The reel is built with a lightweight graphite body and rotor that are corrosion-resistant, and it features a slow oscillation gearing system that provides a tight line lay for improved casting and control. The reel has a gear ratio of 5.2:1 and a recover rate of 25.3 inches per turn. It also has an aluminum spool and a sealed oil felt front drag with a maximum drag of 10 pounds to help tire out the fish during the retrieval process. The Pflueger President spinning reel is equipped with a 10 ball bearing system plus Instant Anti-Reverse for smooth operation and optimal performance. It has a mono capacity of 255/4 145/6 130/8.
