Plainly and simply, baitcasters are awesome. They are considered to be the next step up from a spinning reel for a seasoned angler. But we get it; not everyone can spend this month’s paycheck on that new reel, so here are our favorite budget-friendly options.
1. Abu Garcia BMAX3 Baitcast Fishing Reel
Looking for a good baitcasting reel in a minimum budget? Your search ends with the Abu Garcia BMAX3. Built with the latest technology deep embedded aluminum spool, this baitcasting reel is real value for your money.
If you are a beginner or have a limited budget, this reel is a best budget baitcasting reel and a good investment.
If you are still confused, I hope these features might help you make your mind.
- Powerfully built with sturdy spool head
- Lightweight, sleek and stylish
- One piece Graphite body and side plates
- Effortless fishing experience with ball bearing 4 in number and roller bearing 1 in number made of stainless steel
- Superior casting with support to variety of lures
- Ergonomic design for comfortable fishing experience all day
At a meager price of $42, the Abu Garcia is an entire budget reel.
I purchased this reel only a few months back, but my friend had it since last summer. It is indeed a value for money bait caster. You can cast and retrieve the reel quickly. I did even get lucky with some really good catches. Hit the only concern with it is its durability.
Yes, it’s not very durable, means it won’t last with you many summers, but given the price, I guess affording one every one or two season is still a great deal.
2. SHIMANO CORVALUS Round Baitcasting Reel
Precise built and reliable controls are the topmost highlighting features which make a Baitcasting reels perfect and this SHIMANO CORVALUS Freshwater fishing reel is one such incredible kind of Baitcaster which can never back down your expectations.
The one-piece die-cast aluminum frame is highly durable and can withstand any kind of adverse conditions even in rough usages.
The experience of over 80 years of the manufacturers in making high-grade fishing reels makes it the upgraded versions of all kinds of conventional models that are seen in the past.
Features: –
- The one-piece die-cast aluminum frame is the most compelling feature of the baitcasting reel from SHIMANO CORVALUS as it makes the reel highly durable.
- The efficiency of the casting reel is taken to its maximum extent with the use of cast aluminum frame which is considered both durable and lightweight at a time.
- Instant hook setting power is provided with the supper stopper and assist stopper which eliminates back play.
Besides the incredible features of the Round Baitcasting Freshwater Fishing reel, Brake system is upgraded to a whole new level which provides the most reliable controls to the fishing reel with completely controllable speeds which makes it a smart choice from all other reels in the market.
3. Abu Garcia Revo SX Baitcast Fishing Reel
Fishing is an excellent fun and adventure sport as well. If you are planning to give it a shot or have already started, then the Abu Garcia Revo SX is the best baitcasting reel for beginners.
It is a low profile fishing reel that gives beginners a good chance to understand the casting and retrieving skill.
- Let’s weigh its features to understand its merits.
- The frame is made of X2 crafting alloy and side plates made of C6 carbon, making it ultra light in weight, suitable for long hour fishing.
- Has a consistent and smooth drag system
- Corrosion resistant ball bearings 9 in number and one roller bearing
- It comes with extended bent cracking handle and a more powerful knob to pull even hard fish
- Durable frame, with perfectly fitted spool and cushioned handle for comfortable all day fishing experience
Although I haven’t used it personally, a close friend of mine gave me an excellent review of the product. He had used it several numbers of time now and is very happy with the product.
With a price band of $100-$150, It is a better choice for many new bait casters. It has no backlash problem and you can through at least 8 to 10 rounds. All in all, a good deal for people investing in fishing reps for the first time.
4. Daiwa Coastal TWS Reel
If you are looking for the best saltwater baitcasting reel,this is where your search ends.
The Daiwa Coastal TWS is made of corrosion resistant body including the Bella bearings and roller bearing.
One thing that survives salt water and makes the reel durable is the corrosion-resistant material used in making it.
- With first-hand experience of using this great masterpiece, I have the chance to highlight to you it’s equally great features.
- Comes with a 100mm swept handle and a beautiful EVA custom handle knob for effortless cranking with more power
- Its spool is made of aircraft grade aluminum and can fit 35 more line than any other reel
- It has a 154 lbs drag, and that is pretty amazing
- Has a durable and robust inshore reel
An aircraft grade aluminum bearing system with 8 ball bearing and 1 roller bearing.
Well, at least that is what I call a good bait! The Daiwa Coastal TWS is your asset in saltwater baitcasting, one that can win you tournaments as well. All in all a good bet for a price range of $100-$200. Well, I couldn’t judge it for any demerits as I found it just perfect. Hope you like it too.
Next in line is a superb pick that I am sure you must have laid your hands on if you are a pro baitcaster, but if you have missed it, here is something you just cannot afford to lose.
5. Lew’s Fishing Tournament MB Baitcasting Reel
For professional and experienced anglers, the quality of Baitcasting Reel is quite essential at times which should be at a time long-lasting as well as efficient too.
The Lew’s Fishing Tournament reel is one such perfect choice for the anglers those who are pro and often targets monster size fishes in lakes and streams. One of the most highlighting features of this Fishing Reel is it is accompanied by the zero-reverse one-way clutch that operates with a 10 ball bearing system.
Features: –
- U styled spool made from anodized aluminum is the topmost upgrade of the Lew’s Fishing Tournament Reel from the conventional ones.
- Die-cast Aluminum Frame provides high durability as well as lightweight to the Reel even in adverse conditions.
- Palming Graphite Side plate which can be easily removed provides a sturdy feel to the Rod while targeting bigger fishes.
- 95mm power crank handle of the Reel provides higher capacity and incredible control to the anglers.
In addition to all those features, incredible controls and adjustment features make it the most preferable model of the Baitcasting Reels for the professional anglers those who are skilled in fishing in any kind of water bodies that may be a lake, stream or rivers.
6. Shimano Calcutta B Fishing Reel
If you are looking for unmatched quality, durability, dependability, and versatility your search ends here.
The Shimano Calcutta B is everything you want from the best baitcasting reel for the money.
Most of all you will be charmed by its stylish golden looks.
Let’s take a look at what this “ Prince” as I say it, has to offer.
- It can be used in both freshwater and saltwater; not that is one pocket saver as well.
- Has a Dartanium drag of max 17.5 lbs and anti-corrosion bearing system of 3+1
- Gives you 24 line retrieve per crank
- Weighs around 11.7 oz
It’s ultra light, super strong and very well built. If you are looking for a versatile reel that stays with you for a long time giving you the full value of your money, you won’t find a better choice.
Mark my words, ones you use it, you will fall in love with this. So smooth and sturdy, fishing had never been more fun.
7. Abu Garcia Revo Toro Beast Baitcasting Reel
Well, the name is enough! It is a beast in fishing reels. That means you can catch big be it a Muskie or a Redfish.
So if you are looking for a perfect baitcaster that helps you in baiting for super trophy fishes and win your day, this should be your choice.
Take a look at its features, and you will know why this reel is the beat
- Great for hard pulling fishes
- Superior power to crank with precision and force
- Good line capacity for big catches
- Comes with a carbon matrix drag system and unmatched smoothness
- Has an attractive feature of active response drag mechanism
- Designed to provide Exceptional castability
- InfiniMAX braking system that provides nearly limitless casting control to anglers
- Anti-corrosive frame made from X-crafting alloy, spools made from aircraft grade aluminum and heavy duty Duragear design
If the price is not your constraint, this is a must-have for any fisher. Although the price range is a bit on the higher side the quality, precision, and results of effortless baitcasting you derive from this gem of a reel, it’s worth every bit spent on it.
One of the reviewers did call it beauty and the beast and probably its apt for it.
8. Daiwa Lexa HD Baitcasting Reel
The Daiwa reels are famous for their low profile reels, but with the Lexa, they have launched their Heavy duty reel as well.
The Lexa HD is the extreme baitcaster for inshore bait, and with a stainless steel frame, it sure is heavy duty.
Take a look at its features and find out yourself.
- Hyper gear ratio of 811
- Comes with 6 corrosion-resistant ball bearing and perfectly placed EVA knob
- Carbon drag for maximum power and extensive adjustment for dragging heavy baits
- Aluminum frame and side plates
- Incredible drag up to 25 pounds
- Hyperspeed
This said the Daiwa provides multiple ranges of Lexa HD baitcaster so you can pick the one that best suits your needs. Ranging from a moderate price of $250 to $ 750, it is an asset that will stay with you for long. With smooth casting and retrieving with excellent drag, the Lexa HD is a must buy.
For those of you who are little tight on budget but what to buy a value for money baitcasting reel then I present to you the affordable range.
9. Abu Garcia Pro Max Baitcasting Reel
In order to use the full potential of the Baitcasting Reel, precise engineering and accurate as well as reliable control setup are needed. Abu Garcia is one such company which makes the most promising Fishing Reels.
This PMAX Low Profile Baitcasting fishing reel is one such kind of most precise reels which can reduce the efforts of the professional anglers to a great extent with its extravagant features from all aspects.
Features: –
- Spool made up of machined double anodized Aluminum is one of the high-end features of the Abu Garcia fishing reel which enhances the accuracy to its maximum potential.
- One roller bearing accompanied with 7 stainless ball bearings improves the smooth operating of the reel.
- Both right-handed and left-handed models of this are available thus making it reliable for every kind of anglers.
- Reliable brake pressure is provided with the Magtrax brake system.
All the incredible features of the Abu Garcia Pro Max Low profile Baitcasting reel comes with the most reasonable price in the market and also ensure long-lasting performance as well. Lightweight and skillful engineered features make it perfect for fishing applications.
10. Abu Garcia BMAX3 Baitcasting Reel
A low profile baitcasting reel that you can buy for only $40 online. Yes, this sounds so amazingly perfect.
If I were new to baitcasting with limited money to spend on reels, I would have taken this call, and fortunately, I have enough to support my claim.
- Superbly built strong aluminum spool
- Ergonomically designed bent spool that profited comfort even fishing all day long
- Sleek and attractive with a one-piece graphite frame
- 4 stainless steel BB and 1 RB provides effortless retrieve and operation
- Magtrax brake system offers excellent castability
- Increased cast range
It won’t be wrong that there are many better options in the market, but given the price and its feature and all that it’s offering, the Abu Barcia BMAX3 becomes an unmatched performer in this range.
The only issues that I had were that it didn’t last long. The reel does not have a perfect life, but at least it’s best till it continues.
All credit for this awesome article goes to Pick Kayaks. https://www.pickkayaks.com/best-baitcasting-reels/
