If you’re ready to put down your spinning reel or your underspin reel and venture into the world of baitcasters, you have come to the right place…
Using a baitcasting reel takes some getting used to and the first choice you have to make is buying the right one.
After considering all the options, some of the best baitcasting reels for beginners were…
The right reel is the foundation to getting used to baitcasting, paving the way to a new dimension of fishing for you to fall in love with.
There are quite a few reels on the market – but which one is the best baitcasting reel for beginners?
Check out our review of some of the top baitcasting reels on the market to make your choice a little easier…
The Top Three
Here are our top three baitcasting reels from the review, each in its own category.
Best All-Rounder
KastKing Royale Legend
This reel feels a little flimsy in the hand but it’s actually a well-made baitcaster that can be used in both fresh and saltwater. It casts very well thanks to its incremental dual braking system.
KastKing Royale Legend
This baitcasting reel should have all the features you’d expect from a good reel while being great value which will make it perfect for beginners.
It has to be durable, last and catch fish.
The KastKing Royale Legend is a good reel all-around. It’s easy to use once you get used to the braking system and is good value.
The retrieve rate, drag, and line capacity make it a perfect candidate for some pretty big fish in both fresh and saltwater.
It’s durable, simple and will last and is great for smooth casting..
Best on a Budget
Piscifun Torrent
This reel has been made with the quality of higher-end baitcasting reels for less than half the price! The CNC brass gear system and stainless-steel springs make this reel strong, durable and resistant to corrosion.
Piscifun Torrent
Here we’re looking for the best baitcaster with the best price.
It’ll do the basics well, last a while, and catch fish.
The Piscifin Torrent is one of the best baitcasting reels in this price range.
It’s amazingly well priced and you’re getting a reel that competes with some of the best out there.
It’s easy to use, casts well and will last a long time.
Editor’s Choice
Lew’s Mach Crush SLP
This reel’s frame is made from an advanced graphite polymer that’s very rigid. By not using aluminum, Lews have managed to move into a lower price range and reduce the weight of the reel, while keeping a solid design.
Lew’s Mach Crush SLP
From this review, this is my favorite baitcasting reel for beginners, based on my years of experience.
If it was me I would go for the Lews Mach Crush SLP…
This reel has been designed with a lot of thought.
It’s light, easy to use and one of the best basticasting reels in the review.
The reel is durable plus you can fish with it in every situation thanks to the drag, line capacity, and retrieve.
Our Reels Of Choice
Here’s a rundown of all the best baitcasting reels for beginners.
Quantum Accurist S3 Baitcast Fishing Reel
This baitcaster reel has a larger than average spool while still having a smaller frame. This gives you a little more line capacity and a larger area for thumbing the reel while casting. It is made with a coated aluminum frame designed for saltwater, making it very resistant to corrosion.
Quantum Accurist S3 Baitcast Fishing Reel
TlThe Quantum Accurist S3 has a larger than average spool while still having a smaller frame…
This gives you a little more line capacity and a larger area for thumbing the reel while casting.
It is made with a coated aluminum frame designed for saltwater, allowing it to resist corrosion well.
TIP
There is a push-button release on one of the side plates. While this is useful, if you press it by mistake you could easily lose one of the side plates altogether.
It has a high gear ratio of 7.0:1 for a quick and smooth retrieve thanks to the 9 stainless steel ball bearings.
If you’re unsure how to determine what a good ratio for your reel is, reading about fishing reel bearings will go a long way.
Some of the bearings are exposed and will rust quickly with use in saltwater, you’ll have to oil them after every use.
Alternatively, you can replace them with ceramic bearings – but these get expensive.
Flip Switch Feature
It comes with a flipping switch that allows you to release the line and re-engage the reel without turning the handle.
This is very useful when feeding bait to a fish, it’s like an auto free-spool button.
This is an easy to use reel and casts well thanks to the centrifugal braking system.
The centrifugal braking system has been refined to be more reliable and adjustable.
This makes it easy to dial in and find the right spool tension for casting. This works well as an anti backlash system and is very helpful for beginners.
TIP
Unfortunately I find the handle on the reel is too small, you’ll notice your hands and sleeves catching on things if you’re winching a tough fish up.
Specs
- Mono capacity YD/LB : 135/12
- Braid capacity YD/LB : 170/30
- Max Drag : 18lb
- Gear Ratio : 7.0:1
- Ball bearings : 9
- Weight : 7.8oz
- Retrieve rate, per crank : 29”
- Retrieve Side : Right or Left, choose when you order Full Specs
Pros
- Excellent quality for value
- Great for casting.
- Easy to use.
- Quick retrieve rate.
Cons
- Handle is very small.
- The push-button release could lose the side plate.
- Exposed bearings will rust and need oiling every time.
Editor’s Choice
Lew’s Fishing Mach Crush SLP Speed Spool
This reel’s frame is made from an advanced graphite polymer that’s very rigid. By not using aluminum, Lews have managed to move into a lower price range and reduce the weight of the reel, while keeping a solid design.
Lew’s Fishing Mach Crush SLP Speed Spool
The frame of this fishing reel is made from an advanced graphite polymer that’s very rigid.
By not using anodized aluminum, Lews have managed to reduce the cost and weight, while keeping a solid design.
Baitcasting reels like this are a pleasure to cast with and won’t weigh you down on those long days.
The adjustments to tension, drag, and braking are on point, making the reel smooth and a pleasure to use…
The adjustments to tension, drag, and braking are on point, making the reel smooth and a pleasure to use.
It’s known as one of the best baitcasting reels for beginners Lews have ever made and is said to cast further than any other in their lineup.
The dual braking system is easy to set on the fly. Using both types of braking systems effectively is simply a matter of getting used to their handling.
This makes for easy casting and great anti backlash ability.
Spool
The speed spool and handle are aluminum for improved performance in the areas that see the most abuse.
The grips on the handle are comfortable and it doesn’t flex while fighting a fish.
The retrieve is quick and smooth featuring 10 stainless steel ball bearings and a ratio of 7.5:1.
The drag is smooth and has a high max power of 20lbs – enough to handle a big fish.
It all sounds too good to be true which makes it one of the best baitcasting reels for beginners.
NOTE
The only issues with this reel are that the anti-reverse can fail and that the spool begins to play up. After a while it can start slipping and slowing down, affecting both your cast and retrieve.
Specs
- Mono capacity LB/YD : 110/12
- Braid capacity mm/YD : N/A
- Max Drag : 20lb
- Gear Ratio : 7.5:1
- Ball bearings : 10
- Weight : 7.3oz
- Retrieve rate, per crank : 30”
- Retrieve Side : Right or Left, choose when you order Full Specs
Pros
- Small profile big handle.
- Casts very far.
- Great brakes
- Durable.
Cons
- Spool slips after time.
- Spool slows down after time
- Anti-reverse can fail.
Best on a Budget
Piscifun Torrent Baitcasting Reel
This reel has been made with the quality of higher-end baitcasting reels for less than half the price! The CNC brass gear system and stainless-steel springs make this reel strong, durable and resistant to corrosion.
Piscifun Torrent Baitcasting Reel
This baitcasting reel has been made with the quality of higher-end reels for less than half the price!
The CNC brass gear system and stainless-steel springs make this one strong, durable and resistant to corrosion.
It includes a 60S lubricant design that allows you to add oil through a port in the spool.
No longer will you have to take your reels apart to oil it – simply pour it in from the side!
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A slight oversight from Piscifun is that the reel comes without any oil, you’ll have to buy it separately and add it yourself when it arrives.
The baitcasting reel only comes with 5+1 bearings which is low for as you’d expect more, although this doesn’t seem to affect the smoothness.
The bearings are shielded, protecting them from oil, water, salt and dirt – good enough to handle both fresh and saltwater.
The reel’s spool is aluminum and it comes with a magnetic braking system. The combination gives you the accuracy and control of a professional reel while being easy to cast with.
The reel’s spool is aluminum and it comes with a magnetic braking system.
The combination gives you the accuracy and control of a professional reel while being easy to cast with.
In addition to the magnetic brake system, there’s also a spool tension knob and dial-in gauge to help with backlashes.
The brake can be a bit tricky and is known to backlash.
The carbon fiber drag system is smooth and has a great max of 18lbs.
This baitcasting reel also features a large aluminum thumb bar and a long crank handle both of which will give you more control when using it.
Specs
- Mono capacity YD/LB : 120/10
- Braid capacity YD/LB : 120/30
- Max Drag : 18lb
- Gear Ratio : 7.1:1
- Ball bearings : 6
- Weight : 8oz
- Retrieve rate, per crank : 30”
- Retrieve Side: Right or Left, choose when you order Full Specs
Pros
- Smooth and powerful drag.
- The retrieve is smooth and fast.
- Aluminum thumb bar and long handle give control.
- Easy for beginners.
Cons
- A small number of ball bearings.
- Comes without oil.
- The braking system can cause backlashes.
Cadence CB8 Baitcasting Reel
The CB8 is a super light reel and is a joy to cast with all day. Cadence managed to reduce the weight by using carbon fiber for the frame and aircraft-grade aluminum for the gears. This also helps make the reel durable and resistant to corrosion.
Cadence CB8 Baitcasting Reel
The CB8 is a super light reel and is a joy to cast with all day.
Cadence managed to reduce the weight by using carbon fiber for the frame and aircraft-grade aluminum for the gears.
This also helps make the reel durable and handle corrosion well.
The CB8 is super light reel and is a joy to cast with all day…
The drag on the reel is made up of a carbon fiber disc system and has a high max of 20lbs which will have you catching most species out there.
The reel casts very well thanks to the magnetic braking system which is adjusted externally.
It’s easy to adjust and dial in the right tension so you won’t have to deal with many backlashes.
It has a great retrieve rate and fishing reel gear ratio. However, the reel feels a little rough to wind and the spool is noisy.
This can be forgiven due to its incredible value, but if you think they’ll get on your nerves, maybe go for a slightly higher budget option.
Specs
- Mono capacity YD/LB : 12/120
- Braid capacity LB/YD : 30/140
- Max Drag : 20lb
- Gear Ratio : Gear Ratio
- Ball bearings : 9+1
- Weight : 6.7oz
- Retrieve rate, per crank : 28”
- Retrieve Side : Right or Left, choose when you order Full Specs
Pros
- Very light.
- Good caster.
- Smooth drag.
- Changeable brake for less backlash
Cons
- Feels rough to wind.
- The spool is noisy.
- Play in the handle on the retrieve.
Abu Garcia Revo SX Low Profile Fishing Reel
This is an excellent low profile baitcasting reel for a beginner thanks to its simplicity. The design is basic and makes it easy to use, but it doesn’t feel like they skipped a few beats on quality.
Abu Garcia Revo SX Low Profile Fishing Reel
The Abu Garcia Revo SX is an excellent baitcasting reel for beginners thanks to its simplicity.
The design is basic and makes it easy to palm, but it doesn’t feel like they skipped a few beats on quality.
It is a little heavy and may become tiresome to cast with over a long day.
That being said, it’s still a winner on price.
The Abu Garcia Revo SX is an excellent baitcasting reel for beginners thanks to its simplicity.…
The reel has good braking systems but for some reason, it doesn’t cast well on windy days.
This is more likely a spool issue than the braking systems, but it’s something to be aware of nonetheless.
Retrieve
It has a smooth quick retrieve thanks to the ball bearings and gear ratio. You’ll be able to skip a lure in and put pressure on a fish without any worry.
The carbon fiber drag is made up of a disc system. It’s smooth, durable and has a max of 25lbs.
That is a punchy max drag and if you’re after big fish then this low profile baitcasting reel is worth some serious consideration. Once you build up your skills and decide you like the feel of this reel Abu Garcia’s Revo line also has an ultralight spinning reel model.
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One major flaw is that the side plate can pop off by mistake while you’re casting and you’ll have to be careful not to lose it.
Specs
- Mono capacity YD/LB : 175/10, 145/12, 100/15
- Braid capacity YD/LB : 190/20, 140/30, 100/50
- Max Drag : 24lbs
- Gear Ratio : 6.6:1
- Ball bearings : 9+1
- Weight : 7.83oz
- Retrieve rate, per crank : 27 inch
- Retrieve Side : Right or Left, choose when you order Full Specs
Pros
- A solid, smooth retrieve.
- Great maximum drag.
- Easy for beginners to use.
Cons
- The side plates can pop off by mistake.
- It doesn’t cast well in the wind.
- It feels like poor quality.
- It’s a bit heavy.
KastKing Rover Round Baitcasting Reel
This is quite a handy baitcaster for beginners as it doubles up as an offshore trolling reel. If you’re wanting to give baitcasting a try, but want a multipurpose reel, this is one to consider.
KastKing Rover Round Baitcasting Reel
This is quite a handy baitcasting reel for beginners as it doubles up as an offshore trolling reel.
If you’re wanting to give baitcasting a try, but want a multipurpose reel, this is one to consider.
The size 40-60 models come with a centrifugal brake that turns the reel into a baitcaster.
This reel is durable and resistant to corrosion as it’s designed for use in the sea…
This baitcasting reel is durable and resistant to corrosion as it’s designed for use in the sea.
As it is almost entirely made of metal, this does make it a little heavy but it’ll stand the test of time.
The frame is anodized aluminum and the gears are made up of brass and stainless steel.
It casts pretty well thanks to the aluminum spool and has a huge line capacity, making it ideal for surf fishing.
The Kastking Rover is one of the best in our surf casting reels review, making it a good choice if you plan to go on a surf fishing trip.
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The spool lock can slip on occasion causing some backlashes but it’s a rare issue.
The max drag is excellent at 30lbs and the carbon drag system is a disc system that will stand up well to corrosion.
Overall, it’s a good baitcasting reel and though the retrieve is a little slow, it’s enough for most situations.
Specs
- Mono capacity LB/YD : 16/750, 25/540
- Braid capacity LB/YD : 45/750, 65/540
- Max Drag : 30lb
- Gear Ratio : 3.6:1
- Ball bearings : 5
- Weight : 22.8 oz
- Retrieve rate, per crank : 24.8 inch
- Retrieve Side : Right or Left, choose when you order Full Specs
Pros
- Durable and corrosion-resistant.
- Great line capacity.
- High max drag.
- Multi-purpose.
- Double shielded ball bearings
Cons
- A bit heavy.
- Slowish retrieve rate.
- The spool lock can release.
Best All-Rounder
KastKing Royale Legend Baitcasting Reel
This reel feels a little flimsy in the hand but it’s actually a well-made baitcaster that can be used in both fresh and saltwater. It casts very well thanks to its incremental dual brake system.
KastKing Royale Legend Baitcasting Reel
This reel feels a little flimsy in the hand but it’s actually a well-made baitcaster that can be used in both fresh and saltwater.
It casts very well thanks to the two types of braking systems in the reel.
This reel feels a little flimsy in the hand but it’s actually a well-made baitcasting reel…
It has 10 different levels of tension allowing you to find the right pressure for a perfect cast.
It does take a while to get used to though and may not be ideal for a beginner. Consistent backlashes will get very frustrating when you’re first starting out.
The spool is braid-ready, made from CNC aluminum and has a good line capacity.
It’s smooth, casts well, but is a bit noisy when it spins.
This doesn’t affect the workings of the reel, but the sound could get on your nerves.
The reel is quite light for long days of casting and it has a nice smooth, powerful enough drag…
The reel is quite light for long days of casting and it has a nice smooth, powerful enough drag.
The carbon matrix drag is a disc system that will hold up in saltwater.
The retrieve is quick and smooth thanks to the 10 corrosion resistant ball bearings plus the high gear ratio.
Your baits will be skipping in and a fish will find it hard to snag you.
Specs
- Mono capacity LB/YD : 10/200, 12/165, 14/120
- Braid capacity mm/M : 0.26/180, 0.28/150, 0.30/110
- Max Drag : 17.6lb
- Gear Ratio : 7.0:1
- Ball bearings : 11+1
- Weight : 7.51oz
- Retrieve rate, per crank : 31.5 inch
- Retrieve Side : Right or Left, choose when you order Full Specs
Pros
- A smooth and strong drag.
- Good for casting once you dial-in.
- Good for fresh and saltwater.
Cons
- Hard to find the right brake pressure.
- Spool is noisy.
- It doesn’t feel strong.
What to Look for
Here are some things to think about before you buy one of these baitcasting reels.
What are you fishing for?
It sounds obvious but you want a baitcaster that will be able to catch the fish you’re targeting.
Remember, as a beginner, you’ll want one that can handle a range of situations.
It’ll need to be light enough for bass but heavy enough for some inshore saltwater.
RECOMMENDATION
Think about where you’re fishing and what you’re catching, then be sure to choose a reel that’s made to handle it.
If you plan on catching a catfish, you’ll need to know all the tips and tricks on how to catch catfish and have the best catfish reel. You might hook a monster cat, so it is best to have a reel that can handle that situation.
Line Capacity
Line capacity is closely related to what you’re fishing for.
If you plan on fishing in freshwater for crappie then most reels on the market will hold enough line for you to cast far enough, and to land the fish.
If you’re a surf fisherman, you know that you’ll need a lot of line on your surf fishing reel.
This will help you cast far over the waves and land a big shark if you hook one.
If you’re up for a challenge, you might be interested in great white shark fishing. Catching the ocean’s apex predator with rod and reel is the ultimate achievement in angling. But always remember, there are existing laws on how to handle this creature.
Using Braid
Most anglers are using braid these days as it’s the best line out there for most situations.
When you first start baitcasting go with mono, as it’s easier to learn with.
Then once you have mastered mono, upgrade to braid.
On my site is a great resource if you’ve already made the switch and want to learn some of the best braided line knots.
To have this flexibility when learning you’ll want a braid-ready reel.
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Most reels are braid-ready and this allows you to spool them correctly and get an even line lay which is of paramount importance for your casting.
How Heavy Is The Reel
When fishing with a baitcaster, you’ll be casting a lot!
A heavy reel is going to get tiresome and hold you back.
Compare the weights of the reels you like and be sure to pick a light one.
The one in my Shimano Casitas review is pretty lightweight but it might not be the best choice for a beginner.
Durability and Corrosion Resistance
Corrosion and durability are key to a reel lasting a long time, especially if you fish in saltwater.
You want a casting reel that’s made for saltwater and has a durable design, is made of anti-corrosion materials and has some kind of protection system.
Drag, Strong and Smooth
Having a good drag is about it being smooth, having enough power and being made of materials that stand up to corrosion well.
A smooth drag will let the line come off the reel without any sticking or slippage.
There is nothing worse than when a drag sticks and it ends up breaking your leader.
Drag power is relative to what you’re fishing for.
RECOMMENDATION
Make sure the baitcaster has enough max drag from the fish you want to catch. Try and test the drag if you can, just crank it up and pull some line off. If it’s smooth then you’re on to a winner.
Gear Ratio
Baitcasters are known to have high gear ratios which translate to a quick retrieve and a high retrieve rate.
If a reel has a ratio of 7.0:1, then for every turn of the handle, the spool will turn 7 times.
A fast retrieve is useful if you’re fishing baits that need to come in quick or to put pressure on a fish that’s trying to snag you.
Brake System
This is probably the most important factor when it comes to beginners using baitcasters.
You’ll want to make sure you buy a reel with a good braking system as this will help your casting a lot…
The brake lets you adjust how much drag you want to put on the spool while you cast, assisting with anti backlash and stopping birds nests.
A good braking system is an asset that’ll help you cast, whereas a bad break will have you untangling line on the water all day…
Right vs Left-handed
Baitcasters come with either left or right-hand wind, you can’t switch them over as you might on a spinning reel.
If you have used a spinning reel before you’ll probably want to stick with the side you’re used to. If you’re new to fishing, it’s about choosing what feels right to you.
TIP
The best bet is to try out a reel and see which side suits you best.
Conclusion
A quick recap of our top three picks…
All-Rounder
The all-rounder from the review is the KastKing Royale Legend.
The retrieve rate, drag, and line capacity make a reel that can handle some big fish while being reliable.
The reel is well-made, durable enough to be used in saltwater and will last the test of time.
It’s quite simple and easy to use, but it may take some time to get used to the sensitive magnetic braking system.
Best on a Budget
The Piscifin Torrent is the best baitcasting reel for beginners on a budget.
The price is out of this world and should be worth about three times as much.
The reel does everything you might expect from a higher-class reel.
It casts well, is easy to use, has a good drag and will last.
If you want reels similar to this, check out this Best Baitcasting Reel For The Money review.
Editor’s Choice
The editor’s choice is the Lews Mach Crush SLP. It just might be the best baitcasting reel for beginners or even pros.
This reel has had the most thought put into it compared to the others in the review.
The things that appeal the most are how light it is, its excellent cast and it’s ease of use.
All this while being backed up by a durable design, good drag, and a great retrieve.
I hope you have found these reviews useful and now have the confidence to buy your first baitcaster. If you’re still unsure, this best baitcaster combo review might help make choosing easier for you.
In case you’re looking for other beginner friendly options try checking out this kids’ fishing rods review.
Remember to focus on simplicity and you should make the right choice.
Once you have mastered it and improved your fishing techniques, then you can upgrade to a more sophisticated one. Find a suitable upgrade option with this best baitcasting reel review
