5 Best Spinning Reels for Fishing

One of the most popular types of fishing reel, the spinning reel is a must have for the beginning angler all the way up to the most skilled. For those just getting started fishing, the spinning fishing reel, sometimes called an open-face reel, is easier to use than a baitcasting reel and is ideal for a wide range of fishing techniques. Small to medium sized spinning reels support many kinds of ultralight and finesse tactics for panfish, bass, and walleye, while larger reels offer high line capacity and improved drag systems to handle even the largest gamefish. Finding the best spinning reel can be a bit overwhelming. That's why we've done the work for you. Shown below is a list of the best spinning fishing reels for sale at MidwayUSA
1

Shimano Ultegra FC Spinning Reel

The Shimano Ultegra FC Spinning Reel is a feature-packed powerhouse, offering premium performance for all anglers. Ruggedly designed from cover to core with a hint of elegance in design. The marriage of Shimano's CI4+ composite body and cold-forged HAGANE Gear provide extreme durability and sensitivity with less weight. MicroModule Gear II and SilentDrive technologies improve gear mesh and minimize overall play in construction to provide increased reel performance. Improving upon standard protection against corrosion, Ultegra incorporates Shimano's X-Protect technology and makes it the easy choice for anglers seeking utility in fresh, brackish, and saltwater environments. For a final touch of refinement, Ultegra features a seamless one-piece bail that allows line to travel unimpeded onto the line roller, reducing friction and limiting tangles. A reel for all anglers and any situation, the Ultegra is loaded with high-quality Shimano features for increased performance.

Features

  • X-Protect
  • SilentDrive Technology
  • CI+ Composite Body
  • MicroModule Gear II
  • One-Piece Bail

What Customers Are Saying

I would by this again I have another ordered on back order

I use this reel for skipping wacky rig under docks, very smooth, drag is very smooth also, casts awesome well balanced. I can't really say anything bad about this reel.
- Dive, 6/10/2021

About Shimano

From an angling perspective, every individual who has owned and enjoyed using Shimano tackle has a reason to thank a Japanese visionary named Shozaburo Shimano, who in 1921 declared "I aim to make Shimano's products the best in Kansai, then the best in Japan, and finally the best in the world." For over 80 years, Shimano has concentrated on precision engineering, one step at a time. Creating the most innovative products and processes you can hold in your hand today. Shimano offers a full line of premium fishing gear, including spinning rods and spinning reels, casting rods and casting reels, and fishing lures. Some of their top models include the Curado DC Baitcast Reel, Vanford Spinning Reel, Zodias Spinning Rod, and Curado Casting Rod. Known around the world for premium quality fish with a Shimano.

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2

Daiwa BG Spinning Reel

The next generation of the ever popular Daiwa BG Spinning Reel series just got leaner and meaner. This complete series ranges from ultralight freshwater actions to heavy big game saltwater models.

Features

  • Black Anodized Machined Aluminum Housing ("Hard Bodyz" Body & Side Cover)
  • Over-sized Digigear (Digigear System)
  • Solid Screw-In Handle
  • Air Rotor
  • Dynamic Cut Aluminum ABS Spool
  • Braided Line Ready Spool
  • Waterproof Drag System
  • Carbon ATD
  • Machined Aluminum Screw In Handle
  • Manual Return Bail (4500 and Larger)
  • 6BB+1RB
  • Infinite Anti-Reverse System (4000 and Smaller)
  • Infinite Dual Anti-Reverse System (4500 and Larger)
  • (BG Series 4500 and Above Have A Manual Trip Bail for Durability)

 

What Customers Are Saying

Great Spinning Reel

I started of with the Silver series reel. After using these I bought the BG series. Very smooth, balanced and quality reels.
- Rudy, 10/3/2021

About Daiwa

Daiwa was founded in 1955 in Japan, it wasn’t until 1966 that Daiwa opened it’s first US doors to handle US sales and distribution. Despite starting out small, Daiwa has grown into one of the most influential tackle companies in the world. Daiwa offers a full line of reels, rods, lures, line, travel tackle, combos, accessories, and apparel. Daiwa series include the Revros, Legalis, Tatula, Steez, Exist, Laguna, BG, Presso, J-Braid, Samurai, Minispin, Saltiga, Neko, etc. The essence of life’s journey stretches beyond work and daily life, it’s found in the things that feed our soul and engage and nurture our senses. The lure of nature, the draw of the aquatic world, and the attraction and connection with what they have to offer is what fuels us as an angler. For over 60 years, this attraction has driven and inspired Daiwa to create and deliver the most advanced, dynamic fishing gear the world has to offer, to provide the ultimate experience. Daiwa is born to fish and built to inspire.

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3

Pflueger Supreme Spinning Reel

The Plueger Supreme spinning reel is the perfect choice in lightweight performance. Its super-lightweight, magnesium frame and carbon rotor, machined aluminum gear, braid-ready aluminum spool, and sealed drag make this reel ideal for all freshwater fishing situations.

Features

  • 10 bearing system
  • Magnesium Frame
  • Machined aluminum braid ready spool
  • Sealed drag
  • Aluminum handle
  • Machined aluminum main gear
  • Slow oscillation

What Customers Are Saying

Fantastic reels! Durable and dependable

I have 2 of these , one 30 series and one 40 series. I use the 30 with 6# test on an Eyecon walleye rod that is 6'3" from a boat and on the 40 I use 8# test on a 7'6" St. Croix from shore for walleye.
- Mike, 2/16/2023

About Pflueger

Ernest F. Pflueger founded a hook company in 1881 but it was not until his son took the family business over that they expanded into all aspects of fishing tackle and gear. Pflueger products are world famous for their innovation, dependability, and attention to detail, allowing them to continue to be one of the world’s leading manufacturers. Today Pflueger offers a selection of baitcast, spinning, ultralite, bigwater, and fly reels and combos in series including the President, Trion, Supreme, Monarch, etc. Pflueger has produced quality fishing products for over 120 years & quality remains their #1 priority. Pflueger continues to combine pride in craftsmanship and commitment to new technology to create a line of superior fishing products. Simply put, Pflueger Products Perform.

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4

Lew's HyperMag Spinning Reel

The Lew's HyperMag Spinning reel is the ultimate tool in an anglers tool box. This reel is perfect for all techniques that caters to a spinning reel, such as finesse tactics. This reel is the standard for spinning excellence. It is a perfect combination of speed, power, and balance.

Features

  • Premium 11 stainless steel bearing system
  • Zero Reverse sealed one-way clutch bearing
  • Magnesium body and sideplate
  • Lightweight high strength magnesium skeletal rotor with aluminum bail wire
  • Lightweight double anodized knurled aluminum spool
  • Proprietary forged main gear
  • External stainless steel screws
  • Smooth sealed multi-disc carbon drag system
  • Machined aluminum handle with Winn Dri-Tac knob
  • Speed Lube for exceptional smoothness and uninterrupted performance in all weather conditions from extreme heat to freezing cold

 

What Customers Are Saying

Smooth casting and retrieving

I use this reel for drop shot and light weight lures. It has a smooth casting action and a very smooth retrieve.
- Double D, 4/1/2023

About Lew's

Lew Childre was born to fish and got the insatiable thirst to build better fishing products than anyone else. Since 1949, professional and amateur anglers alike have trusted Lew's to deliver on the promise of Lighter, Faster, Stronger products. The original developer of the teardrop reel and bamboo rod, Lew's has been innovating for decades. From the first Bream Buster and Speed Stick to their latest product, Lew’s continues to set the standard for dependable fishing gear. Lew’s offers an extensive line of rods, reels, combos, tools, and accessories in series like American Hero, Custom Pro, Team Lew’s, KVD, Hypermag, Laser, Crappie Thunder, etc. Lew's reels, rods, combos, and accessories are designed for peak performance and durability. Feel the Difference.

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5

Okuma Helios SX Spinning Reel

The Okuma Helios SX Spinning Reel is constructed of C-40X carbon. The added torsion control armor design make the reel extremely rigid and lightweight. It helps to reduce twist and torque. This keeps the internal parts in perfect alignment for smooth operation and durability. Suited for both freshwater and inshore saltwater fishing use.

Features

  • Light weight C-40X carbon frame and sideplates
  • C-40X Cyclonic Flow Rotor for corrosion resistance
  • TCA: Torsion Control Armor reduces twisting
  • 8HPB + 1RB corrosion resistant stainless steel bearings
  • Quick-Set anti-reverse roller bearing
  • Precision machine cut brass pinion gear
  • ALG: Precision AlumiLite alloy main gear and oscillating gears
  • Rigid, machined aluminum, anodized handle
  • Light weight, EVA handle knobs for comfort
  • Precision Elliptical Gearing system
  • Machined aluminum, 2-tone anodized spool
  • Heavy duty, solid aluminum bail wire
  • RESII: Computer balanced Rotor Equalizing System
  • LCS line control spool

 

What Customers Are Saying

My first Okuma reel

I have this reel on a Fenwick 7' med/light rod with 10 lb. braid and a 8 lb. fluorocarbon leader. Recent trip to Kansas catching lots of nice white bass and a limit of wipers that averaged ~5 lbs. Reel performed perfectly, very smooth, good drag and handled these powerful fish nicely. We will see how it holds up over the long run.
- MikeO, 10/8/2020

About Okuma

Since its beginning in 1986, Okuma has pushed to deliver the ultimate fishing experience to everyone. Okuma offers a wide range of reels, rods, combos, accessories, and apparel, including series like Ceymar, SST, Aria, SRT, Avenger, Helios, Inspira, Convector, X-series, etc. At Okuma Fishing Tackle, our goal is to enhance every encounter and integrate materials and construction techniques as a means to downplay the presence of the gear. Reduce weight, increase feel. Enjoy a running fish instead of fearing it. Button-down the drag and fight with confidence with a focus on the fish and not the equipment. Wherever your travels take you, from the local pond to the distant reef, we’re proud to be your partner in discovering what lies beneath.

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