Best crappie reel: A spinning reel buyers guide

best crappie reel on the market
Image courtesy Jim Ehle via Flickr. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

When I was a young lad, I had access to a small lake that was a short walk from my house. I use to fish at the lake with a bamboo pole and worm for bluegill.

The lake was so over-populated with panfish that I could drop the line in and get a bite in under 1 minute. It was like catching fish in a barrel. As a youngster, it was fun. Once I got a bike, rod and reel, I could travel to fishing holes. During the later teen years, I gave up fishing.

Good crappie reel reviews

Bestseller No. 1
Lew's Crappie Thunder Spinning Fishing Reel, 2 Bearing System, Size 50 Reel, 5.0:1 Gear Ratio, Right or Left-Hand Retrieve, Crappie Thunder Green
  • PREMIUM CONSTRUCTION: The Lew's Crappie Thunder Size 50 Spinning Fishing Reel is precision engineered with a premium graphite body, spool, and skeletal rotor to give anglers the toughness and durability needed for chasing crappie in all conditions
  • EFFORTLESS FISHING: This spinning reel features a changeable right- or left-hand retrieve and comes ready to fish out of the package with 6lb monofilament fishing line by Mr. Crappie
  • EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE: The Crappie Thunder spinning reel features a lightweight skeletal rotor, 5.0:1 gear ratio and a 19" RPT (recovery per turn) for a smooth and consistent retrieve
  • SUPERIOR VERSATILITY: With a mono capacity of 120/4 yds/lbs, Mr. Crappie is the name trusted for putting anglers on giant slabs, and the Crappie Thunder line-up is designed for out-casting, out-jigging, and out-trolling the competition
  • ROCK SOLID RELIABILITY: Crappie anglers who hit the water with Crappie Thunder will fish with the confidence that their reel is backed by a one-year warranty and supported by the dedicated Customer Service team at Mr. Crappie
SaleBestseller No. 2
KastKing Centron Spinning Reel, Size 500 Fishing Reel
  • Ultra Smooth Powerful - KastKing Centron spinning reel's Superior Drag System offers incredible stopping power up to 17.5LBs. Centron series spinning reel has a lighter and stronger CNC machined aluminum spool with a more even line lay, and internal grooves for lube retention.
  • Premium Quality Inner Parts - Centron's 9 quality ball bearings and one instant stop one-way anti-reverse bearing give it ultra-smooth performance. Centron spinning reel has a hardened metal main shaft, perfect mesh drive gear, and precision machined pinion gear for fish fighting power.
  • Two Color Options - KastKing Centron Spinning Reel in black-blue offers the best value at any level. The KastKing Centron Lite Fishing Reel in white-blue that there is a Collapsible Handle turns any angler into a PRO. Sizes 500 & 1000 are Perfect for Ice Fishing.
  • Brilliant Appearance Design - Centron's attractive, brilliant finish and its high strength two color anodized aluminum spool, with a power launch lip for farther casting, holds more line than other spinning reels in same-size models.
  • Ideal Choice - The narrow graphite frame design and computer balancing system combined with high performance in the compact Spinning Reel make the KastKing Centron series an excellent gift for anybody who loves fishing.
SaleBestseller No. 3
Lew's Crappie Thunder Underspin Fishing Reel, 4.3:1 Gear Ratio, Right or Left-Hand Retrieve, Crappie Thunder Green
  • PREMIUM CONSTRUCTION: The Lew's Crappie Thunder Underspin Fishing Reel features all-metal gears, an ball bearing drive system, and an stainless-steel nose cone for years of dependability
  • EFFORTLESS FISHING: This underspin reel features an changeable right- or left-hand retrieve and comes ready to fish out of the package with 6lb monofilament fishing line by Mr. Crappie
  • EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE: The Crappie Thunder underspin reel features an lightweight skeletal rotor, a 4.3:1 gear ratio and an 16" RPT (recovery per turn) for a smooth and consistent retrieve
  • SUPERIOR VERSATILITY: Featuring dual ceramic pick-up pins for a non-slip retrieval, a selective anti-reverse switch, and a mono line capacity of 90/4 yds/lbs. Mr. Crappie is the name for casting, pitching, jigging over brush and standing timber or trolling for suspended fish
  • ROCK SOLID RELIABILITY: Crappie anglers who hit the water with Crappie Thunder will fish with the confidence that their reel is backed by one-year warranty and supported by the dedicated Customer Service team at Mr. Crappie
Bestseller No. 4
Lew's Crappie Thunder Jigging Fishing Reel, 2 Bearing System, Right-Hand Retrieve, Crappie Thunder Green
  • PREMIUM CONSTRUCTION: The Lew's Crappie Thunder Jigging Fishing Reel is precision engineered with a premium polycarbonate body and spool to give anglers the toughness and durability needed for chasing crappie in all conditions
  • EFFORTLESS FISHING: This jigging reel features a right-hand retrieve and comes ready to fish out of the package with 6lb monofilament fishing line by Mr. Crappie
  • EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE: The Crappie Thunder jigging reel features n high quality two-bearing system and an adjustable star drag transition adjustment for a smooth and consistent retrieve
  • ROCK SOLID RELIABILITY: Crappie anglers who hit the water with Crappie Thunder will fish with the confidence that their reel is backed by one-year warranty and supported by the dedicated Customer Service team at Mr. Crappie
Bestseller No. 5
Zebco 33 Micro Trigger Spincast Fishing Reel, Size 10 Reel, Changeable Right- or Left-Hand Retrieve, Built-in Bite Alert, All-Metal Gears, Pre-Spooled with 4-Pound Zebco Cajun Line, Silver/Black
  • EASY-TO-USE: The Zebco 33 micro trigger spincast reel brings an elevated fishing experience to a trusted spincast reel. The size 10 fishing reel features a lightweight graphite frame, a stainless steel cover, a MicroFine dial-adjustable drag, and boasts a patented no-tangle design making it easier for both beginners and experienced anglers. The built-in bite alert simply and precisely uses an audio indicator to alert anglers of activity below the water
  • EFFORTLESS FISHING: Zebco's Quickset anti-reverse clutch stops your handle from moving backwards and creates a solid hookset in the mouth of a fish when reeling in your prized catch. It features a changeable right or left-hand retrieve and comes pre-spooled with 4-pound of Zebco Cajun line so you’re ready to fish sooner
  • SUPERIOR DESIGN: This spincast reel features premium all-metal gears, a 4.3:1 gear ratio, and dual ceramic pick-up pins that will ensure a buttery-smooth retrieve, extended life, and ultra-high abrasion resistance to make every fishing experience a memorable one
  • VERSATILE USE: With a mono line capacity of 90/4 yds/lbs, this reel offers smooth performance and unrivaled durability. Ideal for targeting light species from panfish to trout and more
  • TRUSTED: Since 1949, Zebco has been inviting people to explore the outdoors. Zebco products are warranted for a period of (1) year from date of original retail purchase against defects in workmanship and/or materials
Bestseller No. 6
Piscifun Viper X Spinning Reel, Ultralight 6.2:1 High Speed Spinning Fishing Reel, 10+1BB, Carbon Fiber 33 LB Max Drag,2000 Series
  • 【Powerful Performance】With a reinforced stainless steel main shaft and Zinc alloy drive gear, the Piscifun Viper X spinning reel can handle up to 33lbs of max drag, making it perfect for both saltwater and freshwater fishing.
  • 【Smooth and Consistent】Equipped with double shielded 10+1 stainless steel bearings, the Viper X spinning reel provides silky smooth performance that's both reliable and consistent.
  • 【Lighter & Stronger】Based on high quality graphite material, new mould technology was applied for the Viper X fish reel on frame and rotor. This makes the Viper X spinning reels lighter and more stylish while ensuring the overall strength.
  • 【Versatile Retrieval】Featuring a lightning-fast 6.2:1 gear ratio in our 500, 1000 series and a buttery smooth 5.2:1 gear ratio in our 2000-5000 series, the Viper X spinning reel offers multiple retrieves to suit any fishing style or situation.
  • 【Waterproof Design】Thanks to innovative waterproof technology, including a one-way clutch bushing, one-way clutch plate, stainless steel washer, and shielded stainless steel bearing, the Viper X spinning reel is highly resistant to water and dirt, ensuring optimal performance in any conditions.
Bestseller No. 7
Daiwa Strikeforce-B -B 4.9:1 Gear ratio U/L Action SF1000, Silver
  • ABS Aluminum Spool
  • Digigear digital gear design
  • Ultralight
  • 4.9:1 gear ratio
  • Max Drag: 4.4

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Find the best crappie reel for the money on Amazon.

As much fun as fishing was as a kid, I wanted to get started casting again. That brings me to this article: What are the best crappie reel brands, and what do I need to know when buying a spinning reel? I did some research and write about it here.

And the answer is …

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to what is the best crappie reel and rod. Everybody will have different opinions and different needs — i.e., are you dock fishing, casting jigs, trolling, vertical jigging, etc.

But I did find a little common ground on many forums about rods and reels. I found a few spinning reels and brands, which I list below, that were mentioned frequently on forums.

Mostly, though, forum members keep it vague and say just buy a spinning reel and a 6′ ultra-light rod.

Sample spinning reels, brands

Shimano Sedona 1000
Pflueger President
Daiwa reels
Mitchell reels
Abu Garcia spinning reel

General guide to buying a spinning fishing reel

Type of housing

Housings can be made from graphite or aluminum. The material you choose will ultimately be based on your preference and area that you fish in. Aluminum is stronger than graphite, which offers more flexibility.

If you choose to fish in freshwater, aluminum might be a better option for you because of its durability. However if you choose to fish in saltwater, graphite is a great option because it is resistant to corrosion. There are also reel bodies that utilize a combination of both materials.

It is important to have a well-constructed body! You want your equipment to be smooth and reliable at all times.

If you are usually out on the water for long periods of time, weight is a key factor in your decision. The less weight, the less fatigue you will feel on your forearms and wrist. This will also prolong any joint pains and stress on your tendons.

Reel gear ratio

In contrast to casting reels, the spool on a spinning fishing reel is fixed. So when discussing spinning reels, gear ratio refers to the number of times the bail rotates around the spool with a single turn of the reel handle.

For example, a reel with a 2:1 gear ratio will rotate around the spool two times for every single turn of the handle. This is considered slow speed because a small amount of line will be picked up during the cranking process. In contrast, a 6:1 gear ratio is considered fast. The gear ratio you choose will be determined by the style of fishing you intend to do.

According to a forum post on crappie.com, a good ratio for ultra light crappie reels is 5:1.

Choosing the right reel size

Choosing the correct reel size coincides with your fishing line. The fishing line you utilize most often will determine whether you incorporate a small or large reel.

If you are primarily fishing for medium-sized fish, think about incorporating a reel within the 6-10 pound test range.

In order to ensure you are choosing the correct reel size, check the capacity information on your spool. If you are shopping online, check the product cart as the information is often displayed here.

The 10-pound test line should be highest strength and diameter used on a spinning fishing reel. (This does not apply to saltwater fishing scenarios.)

Ball bearings

The ball bearing is used to enhance smoothness, support, and stability. To easily understand how this works, the more ball bearings, the smoother the action. The materials used in ball bearings play a great role in determining how smooth the action will be as well.

The preference will vary from person to person, but sealed stainless steel bearings usually offer added durability and control.

In fishing, quality is usually correlated with cost. Oftentimes, choosing the most expensive ball bearing you can afford will garner the smoothest results.

When you are out on the water, the last thing you want is a reel that doesn’t perform. You don’t want a lack ball bearings to be the reason why you don’t catch that prize fish.

Drag system on a spinning reel

The drag system is responsible for applying pressure to a hooked fish while letting out some line during the grapple. Without a high-quality drag system, you will be prone to broken lines and lost fish in your endeavors.

There are two types of system available on spinning reels: front and rear drag.

Front-drag: Front-drag systems usually enhance durability and performance in comparison to rear-drag systems. This system is useful when combating larger fish or particularly violent fish.

Rear-drag: In contrast to front-drag systems, rear-drag systems are easier to understand and access. This encourages ease of use and is particularly useful if you are catching smaller fish that do not put up a fight.

As time moves on, many new systems are brought to market all the time. A waterproof sealed drag system may be optimal for you if you fish in areas that are prone to rain.

Anti-reverse handles

This function will be the difference between a catch or going home empty handed. An anti-reverse system negates the handle from any backward action giving you increased power and accuracy. If the spinning fishing reel you are want to purchase has any amount of backward motion, you may want to reconsider your choice.

Type of water

The ultimate indicator of what you should purchase will rely on the type of water you are fishing in and your targeted species.

The difference between freshwater and saltwater is no joke, and you must prepare yourself for each battleground. To withstand saltwater, you must utilize a reel that can withstand the heavy corrosion that comes with the area.

In contrast, understand what you need for any fresh water endeavors. They are two different beasts which must be respected.

Find the best crappie reel for the money on Amazon.

Originally posted 2023-01-06 03:34:31.