Chris Walton 
Bass fishing is another exciting part of fishing that is incomplete without the use of a perfect yet suitable reel. Spinning reels for bass have been widely used for this sort of activity. While there are numerous options at our disposal, again, the problem lies with the selection.
Considering there are innumerable options that may consume both your time and energy, here we share a list of the best spinning reels for bass. Prior to that, we give you a quick highlight of the features that may help you when buying a spinning reel for bass fishing.
Construction
The make-or-break deal starts with the construction of the spinning reel. The construction determines the durability and resilience of the reel under certain conditions. Currently, the market is thriving with options made out of graphite composite or aluminum alloy.
While metal is another contender, the material is more likely to fall prey to corrosion. Graphite has become the ideal choice for anglers when fishing in saltwater, whereas aluminum is slightly heavier and more expensive than other materials. Carbon composite material provides the best of the worlds — aluminum and graphite.
Drag System
The drag system is another imperative consideration in considering the kind of spinning reel you are looking for. The reason this becomes a vital facet of selection is large because of the battle against bass fish. The role of the drag system is to apply counter pressure on the line once the fish is hooked to your line. The recommended drag power is 15 pounds, however, we also recommend having something much more than this number.
Spool
The construction of the spool is the next crucial aspect of selection. The main ingredients for making a durable spool are either aluminum, graphite, or carbon. Aluminum has rigidity, and graphite is slightly on the lighter side. Another material — carbon has durability and weight on its side.
Also, consider the capacity of the spool. Reels with a medium-casting spool are more likely to fit your fishing purpose. Most anglers recommend small or medium-sized reels and spools as suitable options for bass fishing.
Best Spinning Reels for Bass
Spinning reels come in different shapes and sizes, and while selecting the best out of the many available becomes a tricky situation — here are our favorites for the best spinning reels for bass fishing.
1. Shimano Sedona Fi Spinning Reel
Shimano is the brand many seasoned anglers vouch for — it is known for quality and sturdiness in all fishing conditions. The Sedona Fi is another testament to the brand’s excellent lineup. The lightweight contour of the reel with a new Magnumlite Rotor provides for an ultra-smooth feel once you throw your hands on the handle.
This spinning reel has double-anodizing body resistance against water splashes — preventing the reel from rust and corrosion. The spinning reel is equipped with modern features like the Hagane gearing system that enhances performance and assists while chasing larger species of fish.
In addition, the reel makes fishing seamless with 3+1 shielded stainless steel ball bearings. All in all, Shimano’s Sedona Fi — with the G-Free body has the look and feel to fight off large fish in both fresh and saltwater, and if budget is a concern, then this is a bargain.
2. Daiwa Bg Spinning Reel
Second, on the list is the decade-old brand — Daiwa. The Daiwa BG Spinning Reel comes with the “Hard Bodyz” black anodized finish, which serves as a protective layer against water splashes and offers an ultra-smooth fishing experience. The Digigear system allows smooth retrieves, while at the same time improving the durability of the reel.
The machine also boasts a unique rotor — Air Rotor, which weighs 15% less than conventional rotors, courtesy of the shape and design. The reel weighs slightly less than 11 ounces, nevertheless, it still does a fine job in reeling fish up to 15.4 pounds. Furthermore, the 7 stainless steel ball bearings offer a smooth and strain-less fishing session.
Besides the aforementioned features, the reel also comes with Infinite (for 4000 and smaller sizes) and Infinite Dual (for 4500 and larger sizes) anti-reverse systems that reduce any backplay movements. The Daiwa Bg Spinning Reel has been the choice of anglers since its inception, and if you are looking for something from a brand of high repute, this may be the one.
3. Penn Battle II Spinning Reel
Penn has accolades and a loyal fan base worldwide for the best-in-class products it has been manufacturing for years now. The Battle II is another improved addition to the brand’s impressive lineup of spinning reels. Sporting an all-metal body, this reel withstands any kind of heavy use or abuse.
The instant anti-reverse system assists when battling against stubborn species. The inclusion of 5 stainless steel ball bearings prevents the reel from against or rusting when casting in saltwater. The Superline Spool on the spinning reel indicates the line remaining on the spool.
The reel comes with this excellent power of dragging species like trout, barracudas, and smaller reds and snooks. The Penn Battle II is the affordable variant from the Battle series. The full metal body and side plate take the blows, while the soft-touch knobs make handling easy as a breeze.
4. KastKing Sharky III Spinning Reel
With a growing customer base, KastKing’s Sharky III has all the capabilities that deserve nothing beyond the fourth spot on this list of best spinning reels for bass fishing. The reel has a coating of KISS (KastKing Intrusion Shield System), which is a one-of-a-kind protection system in keeps the complete reel protected from water and grime.
Supplied with the shark fin braid-ready aluminum spool, this spinning reel ensures smooth and easy retrieval of the line, while also preventing the braid lining from slipping. The addition of an anti-twist line roller alleviates the risk of line tangling and snarls. The high-density EVA grips prevent slipping from your hands even when the reel is entirely drenched.
The Sharky III is available in five sizes: 1000, 2000, 3000, 4000, and 5000 — all of which come with superior power and smooth performance to bring the best out of the fishing activity.
5. Pflueger President Spinning Reel
The Pflueger President Spinning Reel is the under-appreciated product on our list. Coming from a known brand, the reel hasn’t got the attention it deserves. The ergonomic body and soft-touch handles are easy on the hands for long hours of fishing. The machine boasts a ten stainless steel bearing system, which is corrosion-resistant and ideal for bass fishing.
The spinning reel has minimum friction, thanks to the addition of a titanium-coated spool lip and line roller. The durability is further enhanced with aircraft-grade aluminum used in the making of the machine. The reel also comes with a drag system coupled with multiple discs that are made from stainless steel.
Pflueger’s President is every seasoned angler’s go-to choice for bass fishing. The smoothness and effortless casting performance is a notch above the known names in the business.
Also Read: Best Inflatable Boats for Fishing
Wrapping Up
Selecting a reel for bass has its own set of challenges. Understanding that the selection process is laborious and tiring, we have jotted down only the best spinning reels for bass fishing. The Shimano Sedona Fi Spinning Reel has remained the leader for a while now and will continue to do so. The next item we recommend would be the Penn Battle II Spinning Reel for its smooth operation in fresh and saltwater.
FAQs
What is the ideal gear ratio for bass fishing?
The gear ratios are another important part of the spinning reels that determine your bass fishing result. Basically, a gear ratio refers to the times your reel spool swivels once you turn the handle. In simple terms, if a reel has a ratio of 6.2:1 this means that for each reel handle rotation, the spool turns about 6.2 times. The higher the gear ratio, the quicker the line retrieves.
Does the rod size matter while using the bass reel?
Spinning reels are available in different sizes, and they become necessary to consider when buying a reel to the same rod. Having inappropriate rods to match the reel hampers the fishing session. Match small-sized reels with six to seven feet of spinning rods. While the larger ones — 2000, 2500, or 3000 reels can be paired with rods up to 7.5 feet.
