If you are in a hurry and just want to find out which are the best fishing reel brands, then we’d recommend you go straight to the table where we list our favorites.
With so many companies producing and selling fishing reels, trying to make a mark among the best reel brands is no joke.
Long gone is the time when there was limited competition in the market and companies could get away with sub-standard reels because the customers had fewer options.
Best Fishing Reel Brands
- Penn Fishing Tackle Manufacturing Company
- Pflueger
- KastKing
- Daiwa Seiko Corporation
- Piscifun
- Shimano, Inc.
- Abu Garcia
- Okuma Fishing Products
- Cadence
- Zebco
- Lew Childre & Sons Inc.
Compare Top Fishing Reel Brands
| BRAND | TRUST LEVEL | BOTTOM LINE | COLLECTION |
|---|---|---|---|
Penn | Extreme | Experience, knowledge, great reputation. | Check On Amazon |
Daiwa | Extreme | First to fulfill changing market requirements. | Check On Amazon |
Pflueger | Extreme | Pflueger products are created for fishermen who dare to be different. | Check On Amazon |
Abu Garcia | Extreme | Decades of experience and attention to detail. | Check On Amazon |
Shimano | Extreme | For them tackle isn’t merely a tool to catch fish but to enjoy fishing too. | Check On Amazon |
KastKing | Developing | For them fishing gear should be cheap in price but not in quality. | Check On Amazon |
PisciFun | Developing | Fishing gears inspiring you to spend quality time with family. | Check On Amazon |
Okuma | Extreme | Aims to ignite a passion for fishing and give dynamic fishing experiences. | Check On Amazon |
Cadence | Developing | Aim to pass on the legacy of fishing to future generations. | Check On Amazon |
Zebco | Extreme | Most recognized name across the globe even among non-anglers. | Check On Amazon |
Lew’s | Extreme | You won’t find a better reel than the one made by Lew. | Check On Amazon |
Before We Begin
With today’s angler becoming more aware and tech-friendly, he or she is bound to do thorough research before buying something and if the product fails in any way, they are going to tell the world about it through reviews, word of mouth and social media.
In such a scenario, it has become increasingly difficult for many companies to exist and we see the low-quality ones being weeded out from the market. You can compare this to Charles Darwin’s theory of ‘Survival Of The Fittest‘.
So the only way out for these big names is to create top-quality products at competitive prices which have given rise to cut-throat competition. But in the end, it is you the customer who ultimately wins in this battle among big brands.
The following brands that we are going to talk about have been there for quite some time now and have respectfully earned their customers over the years. So, it wouldn’t be wrong to place your trust in them as they are actually good at what they do.
We have included the brands that we feel are the best. There are several great brands that couldn’t make it to our list due to falling short on one parameter or the other. So, in case we’ve missed your favorite brand, apologies in advance. At the end of the day, the best brand is the one which you can trust and enjoy fishing with.
Also, the order of the list does not mean that the brand below is inferior to the one at the top. The list is in no particular order.
Detailed Analysis Of The Best Fishing Reel Brands
While singling out any one as the best fishing reel brand is not only impossible for us but outright injustice to other great brands too. The choices we have listed above are the ones most trusted by our readers and other anglers alike. They are the best among the best and you can always trust them when in dilemma.
Below we have tried explaining in brief what each brand stands for today, their future vision along with a short history around them. Also, we have listed the ‘Amazon Best Seller’ and ‘Premium’ reels manufactured by these companies.
Un, dos, tres……….let’s go!
1. PENN
Why Trust Them? – A Brief History
PENN has actually been creating and producing angling equipment for over 75 years. The resulting ability, expertise, and enthusiasm allow them to create reels that have actually proved their mettle in almost every IGFA classification. Despite where you fish, or what you fish for, seek PENN as the answer to all your fishing needs.
Since 1932, they’ve come a long way to the leading edge of modern-day reel layout and manufacturing. They content themselves over the truth that countless seasoned fishermen all over the world place their belief in PENN items each day. That’s what motivates them to produce the globe’s best angling equipment.
What’s Up? – Current Progress
Experienced, educated, as well as reputed. These qualities make PENN’s components as well as repair work divisions renowned as the best in the market. Their personnel consists of skilled specialists that can analyze reels and make them like brand new again.
Whether it’s a total overhaul or an easy cleansing, PENN’s repair divisions try to get you back to fishing asap.
Best Selling Model
PENN Battle II Spinning Reel
High End Premium Seller
PENN International Vis 2 Reel
2. PFLUEGER
Why Trust Them? – A Brief History
When Ernest F. Pflueger established a fish hook firm called the Enterprise Manufacturing Company in 1881, it was the start of something that nobody knew would be a global brand in the coming years.
When his kid Earnest A. Pflueger took control of the household company as well as established the E.A. Pflueger Company, he broadened the firm from a hook supplier to all facets of angling equipment. In 1916 the very first Pflueger Baitcast reel was produced in Akron, Ohio, and also ended up being a trendsetter for the reel market.
The Pflueger spinning reel was introduced in 1954.
What’s up? – Current Progress
Over these years Pflueger has established itself as the globe’s leading rod & reel producer. The famous line of Pflueger reels & rods is created for the ‘different fisherman’. Their items are renowned for their advancement, reliability & precision.
Pflueger integrates satisfaction in workmanship, dedication to brand-new innovation to produce a line of exceptional angling items. Pflueger has actually generated high-quality angling items for over 120 years & top quality is their # 1 priority. Simply speaking, Pflueger products perform. If you presently use Pflueger items, you know what we mean.
Best Selling Model
Pflueger President Spincast Reel
High End Premium Seller
Pflueger Patriarch Spinning Reel
3. KASTKING
Why Trust Them? – A Brief History
KastKing’s parent firm, the Eposeidon Outdoor Adventure, Inc came into existence on March 15, 2013, when a couple of university friends from Syracuse University really felt “What if we utilize our expertise and experience to produce an angling business and tackle that everyone can buy?
Through direct funding as well as reliable service methods, we might pass the monetary savings on to the customer. After that, any type of angler will enjoy fishing without having to spend much. If we can make angling budget-friendly, we will certainly make it enjoyable!”
What’s Up? – Current Progress
Eposeidon maintained low costs by not needing to cover the high expenses of box-store retail area, conventional marketing, and also huge company commissions as well as payments that are handed down to customers as the item’s price by various other brand names. It was about being inexpensive, not cheap quality, for even the best items.
KastKing ® items are made with responses from the angling neighborhood straight to the production flooring– “Designed by fishermen for fishermen”. It’s an inverse of the maker to client formula. Input from fishermen and also the KastKing ® team incorporates into product their final features.
In much less than 2 years, Eposeidon sold KastKing ® items in every U.S. state as well as over 150 nations.
Best Selling Model
KastKing Centron Spinning Reel
High End Premium Seller
KastKing Bassinator Baitcasting Reel
4. DAIWA
Why Trust Them? – A Brief History
Daiwa stands for “Challenge”, “Originality”, as well as “Innovation.” The goal of Daiwa is to spread out the happiness of angling around the globe with those 3 regulations. Daiwa additionally stands for the Japanese top quality, accurate modern technology, as well as development that leads the international angling market.
Their goal is to give fishing happiness to everybody for generations to come. Established in 1958, Daiwa has actually been creating items to be the first to fulfill transforming market requirements. Daiwa has actually been the very first in the world to produce several cutting-edge innovations.
Daiwa’s reel creating modern technology is known to to be among the most effective worldwide.
What’s Up? – Current Progress
In 2010, Daiwa integrated the most progressed “space engineering” innovation right into their reels. This game-changing modern technology is called “MAGSEALED”. Water as well as a dust-resistant feature that likewise maintains the reel feel fresh as well as makes it rotate quicker by making use of MAGOIL.
A brand-new age of reels has actually been developed that eliminates the tensions of reel upkeep for the fishermen. Daiwa engineers all acquire the business’s enthusiasm for technical improvement.
The interest to supply shock as well as a satisfaction to any person that fishes are what maintains Daiwa’s modern technology advancing currently as well as in the future.
Best Selling Model
Daiwa BG Spinning Reel
High End Premium Seller
Daiwa Tanacom Power Assist Reel
5. PISCIFUN
Why Trust Them? – A Brief History
Established in 2013 by Ben and Peter; these two friends were all about fishing and family. Their slogan represents the same: “Go with Family”. Offering high quality and affordable fishing gear, Piscifun does a lot of cost-cutting. Hence customers are able to buy high-quality stuff for themselves and their families without feeling a financial crunch.
They want you to spend quality time with your family while you are fishing. Pisci translates to fish in Latin. Then Piscifun means? Yeah, you are right! Fun while fishing or something related to fishes. They want their customers to enjoy.
What’s Up? – Current Progress
Providing low-cost fishing reels, fishing rods and other accessories they help anglers save money but still have fun on the water. Whomsoever said fishing is expensive should learn from Piscifun. The Piscifun team works day-in-day-out to ensure ultra-high-quality products are what land in your hand when you trust them.
They have the following principles which they strictly adhere to:
- Products are based on your needs: Piscifun is extremely design focused to bring you the best and most cost-effective reels. They work with the pro fishermen around the world and try to comprehend what a typical angler needs. Through the inputs they get, they design and test the products thoroughly before release.
- Precision-skilled workmanship: Dedicated to producing high-quality products, they don’t settle for poor craftsmanship and try to be perfect with measurements, color, and every other aspect of fishing tackles.
- Fast Updates: They believe in quick responses and regular updates. Quick responses to customer queries, complaints, and issues on one hand and being able to constantly upgrade their products on the other.
Best Selling Model
Piscifun Torrent Baitcasting Reel
High End Premium Seller
Piscifun Phantom Carbon Baitcasting Reel
6. SHIMANO
Why Trust Them? – A Brief History
From the perspective of an angler, anybody using Shimano tackle can thank a Japanese visionary Shozaburo Shimano, who declared in 1921 “I aim to make Shimano’s products the best in Kansai, then the best in Japan, and finally the best in the world.”
For more than 80 years Shimano has paid quite some attention to precision engineering while creating innovative products.
What’s Up? – Current Progress
At Shimano, they have a strong belief that fishing tackle isn’t a mere tool to catch fish, but a tool to enjoy fishing. This mindset has ushered in a higher stage of development, thus enabling them to appeal to anglers’ sensitivity through their products.
In the quest of perfect products, they develop exciting equipment that enhances the enjoyment of fishing in a true sense. While developing fishing products, Shimano doesn’t just focus on technologies but is understanding about angler sensitivity, and their subconscious expectations too.
Best Selling Model
Shimano Sedona Spinning Reel
High End Premium Seller
Shimano 12 Ultegra Spinning Reel
7. ABU GARCIA
Why Trust Them? – A Brief History
Carl August Borgström founded AB Urfabriken, by the river of Mörrum in Svängsta, Sweden in 1921. At the time the company was into manufacturing of pocket watches, telephone timers, and taxi meters. Borgström himself was a brilliant craftsman who had a talent for light precision engineering.
These skills which were so beneficial to him and had been acquired during his years in the Halda watchmaking factory. But fate had other plans. The aftermath of World War II resulted in a sharp decline in the taxi meters industry due to deteriorating demands.
But, ABU didn’t stop and instead shifted their focus to precision fishing reels. For its persistence, ABU Garcia even received the honor of “Purveyor To The Royal Swedish Court“. It is a distinction bestowed upon manufacturers of highest standards of quality and craftsmanship.
What’s Up? – Current Progress
Abu Garcia enjoys an unmatched influence. Firmly committed to maintaining the leading position in their industry, they provide anglers the most innovative products of the highest quality. For generations, anglers all over the world have put faith in Abu Garcia. Their fishing tackle stands the toughest tests prevalent among the industry.
This trust has been established by building products right the first time, and further refined by making these products even better through upgrades. There is no compromise over how Abu Garcia designs, builds and perfects precision equipment. Decades of experience and attention to detail are the highlights of Abu Garcia.
Designed for superior performance, they strive towards making cutting edge fishing equipment.
Best Selling Model
Abu Garcia Black Max Baitcasting Reel
High End Premium Seller
Abu Garcia Revo Mgxtreme Reel
8. OKUMA
Why Trust Them? – A Brief History
OKUMA FISHING TACKLE CO., LTD. is based in Taiwan and is a fishing rods and reels manufacturer as we all are well aware of. What most of us don’t know that they have been in the market since 1986 manufacturing quality and affordable fishing equipment.
Having more than 3 decades of fishing equipment experience at the time of writing this article, Okuma has delivered excellent quality fishing rods and reels which has impressed its customers. Their range of products includes fly rods, float rods, spinning rods, spinning reels, baitcasting reels, trolling reels, and fly reels.
What’s Up? – Current Progress
Okuma uses advanced materials and dynamic designs in all its products. Okuma fishing tackle is one of the best choices for freshwater and saltwater fishing. Okuma aims to ignite a passion for fishing in its customers.
Often termed as one of the best partners for all anglers, they create dynamic fishing experiences and products that are adaptable to different environments of fishing, fish species, and movements.
Best Selling Model
Okuma Ceymar Spinning Reel
High End Premium Seller
Okuma Makaira Trolling Reel
9. CADENCE
Why Trust Them? – A Brief History
Since its inception, their mission at Cadence has always been to provide the best value in fishing gear and to inspire a movement to pass on the legacy of fishing to future generations. They have been giving youth fishing combos in the hands of young anglers via their charity partners.
No doubt their motto is “GO FISHING. GIVE BACK.” Cadence has been imparting some valuable lessons along their journey! They don’t want people to be glued to their phones, laptops or T.V. screens. Instead, they want them to step out and experience nature and its everlasting beauty in all its glory.
What’s Up? – Current Progress
Offering high-performance and premium features, Cadence products are also available at an unbeatable value. From spinning reels, and spinning rods to spinning combos, they make high-quality stuff. They want to save your hard-earned money.
Cadence fishing tackle is meticulously designed by seasoned industry professionals. Premium quality components and materials are combined to be topped off with rigorous testing. An angler’s trust has never been misplaced and maybe this is the reason they continue to rise.
Best Selling Model
Cadence CS5 Spinning Reel
High End Premium Seller
Cadence CS10 Spinning Reel
10. ZEBCO
Why Trust Them? – A Brief History
The Zero Hour Bob Company aka Zebco as we know it today was the first to introduce spincast reels in 1949. Backlash in baitcasting reels and twisted line in conventional reels was becoming a major issue and Zebco came forward with a solution.
Since then, the Zebco reels have held an important place in everybody’s lives. Our fathers and grandfathers have been especially fond of their spincasting reels. One of the most recognized names in the fishing industry and a beginning point for young anglers, Zebco’s popularity, has only soared through the years.
What’s Up? – Current Progress
Zebco creates one of the most durable reels in the world. Zebcos have been known to last literally several decades under proper maintenance. Enjoying an instant recognition, even among non-fishermen, Zebco reels are easy to use and are a preferred choice for children and other novice anglers.
Zebco reels lead the industry with many combos in categories catering to youth whereas, for adults, there are more beefy reels in their arsenal to haul in large catfish or other big game fish.
Best Selling Model
Zebco 33 Spincast Reel
High End Premium Seller
Zebco Exo PT Baitcasting Reel
11. LEW’S
Why Trust Them? – A Brief History
Lew Childre Jr. saw the need to provide fresh bait in his native town on the Alabama gulf coast. He, along with his wife, Bebe, began selling shrimp to local anglers. Slowly, this small business grew into a small bait and tackle shop. However, Childre remained frustrated by the rods of those times. Thus, he began to grow bamboo for his rods.
He met Japanese investors while on a trip to Japan looking for the best bamboo. They agreed to finance his new reel design which was shaped like a teardrop. In 1979, Lew’s Speed Spool Baitcaster appeared. This was used in conjunction with Lew’s pistol-grip rods to make it a huge hit at bass tournaments.
What’s Up? – Current Progress
Lew Childre & Sons Inc. remains well-known for their original reels. These teardrop reels still remain very popular today and you won’t find a better reel than the one made by Lew. Although they are mostly used for baitcasters, there are also some spinning reels that are popular among American fishermen.
Best Selling Model
Lew’s Mach 2 Spinning Reel
High End Premium Seller
Lew’s Team Pro-Ti Speed Spool Baitcast Reel
What To Look For In a Fishing Reel Brand?
There are a few things you would want to look out for before placing your trust in a particular fishing reel brand. These points can prove to be of small significance or a make-or-break factor depending upon person to person.
However, they cannot be neglected at the end of the day.
- Reputation
- Price Range
- Product Durability
- Environmental Policy
- Technology
- Customer Service
1. Brand Reputation
You would want to ensure that the brand you choose should have a good reputation and should be a respected name in the market. Great brand name doesn’t equal to a great product but a bad brand definitely leaves a cheap quality product in your hand.
2. Price Range Of The Reels
Does the brand that you are so eager to buy from have products in the price range you are comfortable with? Or you can afford to spend more but your choice doesn’t have anything in the premium price range?
3. Environmental Policy
This is something we’ve never seen getting talked about but with the changing global warming scenario, you’d want to ensure that the brand you choose should have environment-friendly plants and not be violating green policies and harming the world.
You can choose to overlook this point completely but as a virtuous resident of this planet, it is a part of your responsibility.
4. Technology
Do they have products that have catered to the needs of the changing market or are they still dealing in obsolete products? You would not want a reel good for the 1970s in your hand and compete with your angler friends who might have state-of-the-art gear.
5. Product Durability
What your favorite fishing reel companies manufacture would last you for some time or will it be useless after a few fishing trips? Of course, the durability of one product from a company is different in comparison with some other product manufactured by them, but we hope you get a general idea.
6. Customer Service
Would you go for a brand that manufactures the most technologically advanced product but pays no heeds to the vows of its customers or would you settle for a brand that might be making decent enough products but has excellent customer service?
You would not want to lose sleep over uncouth customer executives and would surely love a warm and friendly response when a problem shows up.
Conclusion
Even though there are dozens of brands out there, getting a new fishing reel can be a pretty painful task. After all, you may need them for a completely different purpose when compared to the person next to you. Or you may be someone who needs something like a jack of all trades.
While dealing with fishing reels there are so many variables, and it is impossible to list just a definitive single brand for all situations. Instead, we have made this article to try and help you recognize which fishing reel brands are great, and we have listed the best sellers on Amazon, as well as some of their premium examples.
Though we urge you to look a bit deeper but clicking through our links will give you a great starting point towards choosing your new fishing gear. As always, we’d love to hear from you. If you’ve recently bought a fishing reel, we’d love to hear what brand did you go for.
Was it one of those we’ve listed above, or did you go somewhere else? Let us know by dropping us an e-mail. Till then, vale!