6 Best Fishing Reels Under $100

Many people often list fishing as their preferred recreational activity.

One of the essential gears in fishing is the fishing reels. It is the fishing reels where the fishing line is stored, deployed, and then retrieved.

This is an integral part of the fishing rod for handling firm fish and dragging them out of the water.

You have the right gear for ease of use and safety.

If you are looking for the best fishing reels under $100 on the market, this guide will help you choose the best fishing reels.

6 Best Fishing Reels Under $100

Pflueger President Spinning Reel

The Pflueger President is a top contender for finding the best fishing reel under $100. Its reputation as a reliable and high-performance reel is well-deserved. This reel offers exceptional value for the price, making it a favorite among anglers.

First, its smooth drag system ensures a consistent and powerful drag performance, allowing you to reel in larger fish without a struggle. This means less strain on your arms and a better chance of landing that trophy catch.

Secondly, the reel’s lightweight design makes it comfortable for extended periods, reducing fatigue during long fishing sessions.

Lastly, its corrosion-resistant materials guarantee the reel’s longevity, even in harsh saltwater conditions. These features combine to provide an exceptional fishing experience.

The Pflueger President is ideal for beginners and experienced anglers seeking quality without breaking the bank. Its affordability and impressive performance make it a worthy investment. Whether you’re fishing in freshwater or saltwater, this reel is a reliable companion.

Pros:

• Smooth drag system
• Lightweight design
• Corrosion-resistant materials
• Affordable
• Suitable for beginners

Cons:

• Limited advanced features
• Some users may prefer a different handle design

PENN Pursuit III Spinning Fishing Reel

The Penn Pursuit III earns its place among the best fishing reels under $100 thanks to its quality and affordability. It’s the go-to choice for anglers who want a durable, high-performing reel without a hefty price tag.

This reel stands out with its three key features. Firstly, the HT-100 carbon fiber drag system delivers consistent and powerful drag performance, ensuring you have control over your catch. Second, the reel’s lightweight graphite body and rotor make it easy to handle during long fishing trips. The line capacity rings also provide real-time feedback, helping you manage your line effectively.

The Penn Pursuit III suits a wide range of anglers, from beginners to experienced ones. It’s perfect for those who want a dependable reel that offers excellent performance and won’t break the bank.

Pros:

• HT-100 carbon fiber drag system
• Lightweight graphite body and rotor
• Line capacity rings for easy line management
• Affordable
• Versatile for various fishing styles

Cons:

• Limited advanced features
• Not suitable for very heavy-duty fishing

Piscifun Carbon X II Spinning Reels

The Piscifun Carbon X II is a top choice for those seeking a quality fishing reel under $100. It combines innovation and affordability, making it a strong competitor in the market.

Its 5.3:1 gear ratio ensures smooth and efficient retrieval, making it easier to land your catch. The nine stainless steel ball bearings provide a silky-smooth operation, reducing friction and enhancing overall performance. The sealed drag system also prevents water and dirt intrusion, increasing the reel’s durability.

This reel is best suited for anglers who appreciate a high-quality reel at an affordable price. It’s ideal for freshwater and light saltwater fishing, making it a versatile choice.

Pros:

• 5.3:1 gear ratio for smooth retrieval
• Nine stainless steel ball bearings
• Sealed drag system for durability
• Affordable
• Versatile for different fishing environments

Cons:

• It may not be suitable for heavy saltwater fishing
• Limited advanced features

Okuma Ceymar Spinning Reel

The Okuma Ceymar stands out as one of the best fishing reels under $100, offering a perfect balance between price and performance. Its exceptional features and affordability make it a go-to choice for anglers.

First, the precision elliptical gearing ensures smooth and precise line retrieval, reducing the chances of line tangles and improving your casting accuracy. Second, the multiple ball bearings provide a buttery-smooth operation, resulting in effortless reeling and increased sensitivity when detecting fish strikes. Lastly, the corrosion-resistant materials used in its construction enhance durability, making it suitable for freshwater and light saltwater fishing.

The Okuma Ceymar is perfect for anglers who seek a budget-friendly reel without compromising quality. It’s ideal for those who enjoy a versatile fishing experience in various environments. This reel is worth recommending.

Pros:

• Precision elliptical gearing
• Smooth and sensitive operation
• Corrosion-resistant materials
• Affordable
• Versatile for different fishing conditions

Cons:

• It may not be suitable for heavy saltwater use
• Limited advanced features

Daiwa LEGALIS LT Spinning Reel

The Daiwa Legalis LT secures its place among the best fishing reels under $100 due to its blend of affordability and high-quality performance. This reel is designed to impress anglers with its innovative features.

The advanced drag system provides reliable and consistent drag performance, ensuring you can control your catch effortlessly. The lightweight and durable design of the reel’s body and rotor reduces fatigue during long fishing sessions, enhancing your overall comfort. Moreover, the air rotor design reduces weight, resulting in a smoother operation and better sensitivity to fish movements.

The Daiwa Legalis LT caters to a wide range of anglers, from beginners to experienced. It’s suitable for those who demand a cost-effective yet high-performance reel for freshwater and light saltwater fishing.

Pros:

• Advanced drag system
• Lightweight and durable design
• Air rotor for smooth operation
• Affordable
• Suitable for various fishing styles

Cons:

• Not ideal for heavy saltwater fishing
• Limited advanced features

PENN Fierce III Spinning Inshore Fishing Reel

The Penn Fierce III is a prominent choice among the best fishing reels under $100, offering a compelling combination of durability and performance. This reel is built to withstand the challenges of angling.

The HT-100 carbon fiber drag system provides powerful and consistent drag, giving you control over your catch, even with larger fish. The metal body and side plate ensure the reel’s ruggedness, making it suitable for heavy-duty fishing in saltwater environments. The line capacity rings also offer real-time feedback, helping you manage your line effectively and avoid overruns.

The Penn Fierce III caters to experienced anglers who appreciate a robust and reliable reel for saltwater and heavy-duty fishing. It’s a valuable investment for those who prioritize durability and performance.

Pros:

• HT-100 carbon fiber drag system
• Rugged full metal body and side plate
• Line capacity rings for easy line management
• Suitable for heavy-duty saltwater fishing
• Durable

Cons:

• Higher weight than some competitors
• Limited advanced features

Beginners Guide to Choosing Freshwater Fishing Reels

The right gears ensure your actions are done at their best and for your safety. Even in fishing, those things are also important.

To help you choose the best freshwater fishing reel, here are some tips and guidelines you can use:

• Reel Body

In choosing the right freshwater fishing reel, consider the reel body. Consider what you want for the reel body, whether you wish weight or strength for your choice. Reel bodies can be either made from aluminum or graphite, or they can be both. When it comes to a freshwater fishing reel, the highest quality reels are usually aluminum bodies. It is also important that the reel body is solidly constructed. Of course, it must not have any loose parts for smooth fishing performance.

It would help if you also considered the weight. Light reel bodies are easy to use, while the heavy ones can cause strain to the wrist and arms. As such, you must consider the weight to avoid accidents.

• Drag System

The drag system is another essential aspect when choosing the right freshwater fishing reel. As it is the one that is responsible for the pressure applied to a hooked fish, you must have a smooth drag, which will ensure that there will be no risk that your fishing line will snap and your fish will be lost. Your fishing reel’s drag system must pull the fishing line out steadily, whatever tension you put on the dragon.

Nowadays, refinements and innovations are available to help ensure that the drag will pose no risk. Sealed drag systems are one of the innovations noteworthy to many anglers out there. You can always opt for this drag where slippage or breakage can no longer happen.

• Reel Size

Choosing the actual size is very easy, as it is determined by the fishing line you want to use. That means the lighter the fishing line you intend to operate, the smaller the reel. Of course, you must also choose the right size for your fishing reel. Choose something that fits your fishing line. That way, your freshwater fishing will go as smoothly as you want.

• Baitcast

The Baitcast is part of the freshwater fishing reel with a revolving spool used to release the spool, allowing it to spin and cast the line out. The Baitcast reel must have adjustable spool tension to easily control the spool spin rate. That way, you can prevent any backlash from happening when you cast the fishing line. As such, your fishing reel’s Baitcast must also be considered carefully for safer freshwater fishing for you. When choosing the Baitcast, you must choose high quality for an excellent experience.

The best and most popular baitcasting reel brand is Abu Garcia Black. This baitcasting reel brand is known for its superior performance and durability. It can withstand hardcore fishing and is built to keep you comfortable. Plus, it has a unique brake system that can break pressure.

• Ball Bearings

The ball bearings help create smoother line retrieval when you reel your line. A good ball bearing will provide your fishing line with support and stability. That means that the ball bearings of your fishing reel must also be considered. When choosing a fishing reel, you must remember the quality of the directions. Choose the high quality for more prolonged use and select stainless steel, which is more durable than the rest.

Regarding fishing reels, some of the best freshwater fishing reel brands many anglers consider are the Abu Garcia, Shimano, and Daiwa brands. These three are known to have some of the best fishing reels available in the market today. Abu Garcia is known to provide fishing reels that are of the finest quality and very durable. Many of their products are designed with unique systems and technological innovations that allow anglers a smoother freshwater fishing experience.

On the other hand, Shimano is a well-known brand that produces high-quality freshwater fishing reels and other fishing gear. It is even known to have been the best brand back. Shimano is known to make sturdy and durable freshwater fishing reels designed to avoid backlash and all other damage from happening.

While Daiwa is the freshwater fishing reel brand famous for producing fishing reels for specific purposes, just like the other two, it is well-known for producing fishing reels designed for superior performance and durability. These three aim to have fishing gear to make fishing more straightforward.

Consider the guidelines mentioned above if you are looking for the best fishing reel for your fishing rod in preparation for your freshwater fishing adventure.