Found! The Best Ultralight Spinning Reel.
While fishing with big spinning reels on the beach can be a blast, fishing with ultralight gear for trout or crappie can be just as fun.
In fact, some have said that some of the best fishing experiences they have had is fishing with ultralight gear. Even a 1 pound bass can feel like a tarpon and definitely get the heart racing.
In this article, we will list and discuss 7 of the top ultralight spinning reels and point out what makes them the go to reels when you’re deciding on your ultralight outfit.
Table of Contents
The Best Ultralight Spinning Reels Of 2020 For Crappie, Trout & Panfish
Abu Garcia Revo SX Spinning
Specs:(SX10 Model)
- Ball Bearings: 8+1
- Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
- Retrieve Rate: 30 inches
- Line Capacity: Mono 6/110 yards
- Line Capacity: Braid: 6/150 yards
- Braid Ready Spool
- Carbon Matrix Drag System
- Rocket Line Management System
- Weight: 7.2 ounces
- Maximum Drag: 10 lbs
The first on our list of the best ultralight spinning reel is the Abu Garcia Revo SX.
It has a max drag of 10lbs that is generated with its carbon fiber drag system. The drag is smooth and takes very little start-up pressure which is important for protecting light lines used for ultralight fishing.
This reel comes in at 7.2 ounces which is walking a fine line between moderate and ultralight reel weights, but this is great for ultralight fishing for larger trout and panfish species that might require a little more power from the reel.
This reel has a 6.2:1 gear ratio with a 30-inch line retrieval speed. This is an excellent retrieving ultralight reel that will bring in the fish quickly.
It features 8 High-Performance Corrosion Resistant ball bearing along with one anti-reverse roller bearing.
Like most Abu Garcia reels, the Revo SX uses an IM-C6 body design to deliver a lightweight but sturdy reel that provides housing to keep gears aligned while working fish.
One unique feature that I would like to point out is Abu Garcia’s Rocket Line Management System. What they have done is designed the angle of the bail and the spool lip in a way that the line comes off the spool much easier.
This allows for longer more accurate casts and ultimately it gives you more control over the line.
The Revo SX has decent line capacity with s spooling capacity of 110 yards of 6lb test monofilament.
This is a moderately priced reel that provides all of the classic Abu Garcia reel technologies in a small and sturdy package.
Daiwa D-Spin (500 Model)
Specs: (500 Model)
- Ball Bearing: 1
- Gear Ratio: 4.9:1
- Retrieve Rate: 21.4 inches
- Line Capacity: Mono, 2/190 yards, 4/100 yards, 6/60 yards
- Weight: 5.9 ounces
- Maximum drag: 4.4 lbs
Another great spinning reel for ultralight fishing is the Daiwa D-Spin.
Diawa is a renowned reel manufacturer that has provided one of the top ultralight reels at an extremely affordable price. It is a striking little reel with a black body and silver spool, rotor, and bail.
The 500 and 1000 models of the D-Spin weigh only 5.9 and 6 ounces. This lightweight reel comes from the carbon composite housing, side plates, handle, and rotor.
Both models have a 4.9:1 gear ratio with 21.4” line retrieval. The line capacity is low, but common for reels of this size with the 500 model having a mono capacity of 100yds of 4lb test while the 1000 model can hold 120yds of 4lb test monofilament.
The max drag comes in at 4.4lbs, but it features excellent drag adjustment throughout the small range.
These models only utilize a single stainless steel ball-bearing. With the fish this reel was intended for, it is not an issue, but moderately sized fish will put a lot of strain on this reel, and you will immediately notice a “geary” and unaligned retrieval.
This is a reel designed for extreme ultralight fishing and is perfect for small spring creeks and mountain streams.
You May Also Enjoy Reading: An Upclose Look At The Best Ultralight Spinning Rods.
Shimano Sedona SE1000FE
Specs: (Sedona SE1000FE Model)
- Ball Bearings: 3+1
- Gear Ratio: 5.0:1
- Retrieve Rate: 24 inches
- Line Capacity: 4/140 yards, 6/110
- Weight: 7.1 ounces
- Maximum Drag: 7 lbs
The Shimano Sedona SE1000FE is the next reel we will look at on our search for the best ultralight spinning reel.
This is an extremely durable ultralight reel that features a double anodized machine cut spool that will hold up to loads if you happen to hook up with a larger fish. Not only is it durable, but it has an excellent visual effect as well with the black carbon composite material with a gold anodized spool.
The Sedona 1000 has a 3+1 high-quality bearing system that provides smooth retrieval and helps support gear alignment.
The 1000 model has a 5.0:1 gear ratio with a 24” line retrieval.
If you have the itch to chase after moderately sized fish with ultralight gear this reel is a great choice that will keep your pockets heavy.
It features a 7lb max drag that has excellent range adjustments with little start-up inertia. Its anti-reverse bearing also helps eliminate back play that can cause a lot of lost fish, especially when trying to work larger fish.
It has good line capacity with and can spool 140yds of 4lb test monofilament.
Line management is incredible with the Sedona, as is most Shimano reels, with it Propulsion line management system and smooth and even rotor oscillation that lays line down evenly.
Learn more about the Sedona Series in the following video:
Pflueger President Spinning Reel
Specs: (6920 Model)
- Ball Bearing: 7
- Gear Ratio: 5.2:1
- Retrieve Rate: 20.7 inches
- Line Capacity: Braid: 4/180 yards
- Maximum Drag: 6 lbs
- Weight: 5.9 ounces
Another spinning reel that continues to perform is the Pflueger President Spinning Reel.
This model weighs only 5.9oz through the use of carbon fiber side plates and a ported rotor. It’s a beautiful reel with a blue graphite body and drag adjustment knob with a silver rotor and spool with gold trim.
The line capacity on this reel is not as excessive as other models and can only spool 180yds of 4lb test braid.
The gear ratio for the President 6920 is 5.2:1 and has a 20.7” line retrieval rate.
The Pflueger President 6920 model features a 6lb max drag that is produced and maintained with stainless steel washers. The drag is relatively smooth although there is some jerk on initial engagement which could spell trouble if the drag is set high on a hard hit.
The retrieval and gear motion is extremely smooth as the President uses seven corrosion-resistant stainless steel ball bearings. It also features an instant anti-reverse roller bearing.
This is a very durable reel with an aluminum spool, rotor, handle and bail wire. It also remains extremely lightweight through the use of carbon composite side plates.
This reel also uses and excellent soft-grip knob on the handle for easy handling.
Okuma Helios
Specs: (HSX-20 Model)
- Ball Bearing: 9+1
- Gear Ratio: 5.0:1
- Line Retrieval: 24.7 inches
- Line Capacity: Mono, 2/220 yards, 4/140 yards, 6/110yards
- Max Drag: 6 pounds
- Weight: 6.2 ounces
The Okuma Helios is one of the best ultralight fishing reels available, but it is also a little higher in the price range.
That being said, I would venture to guess that those anglers who have invested in one would find it difficult to switch back to any other model. This is a great little spinning reel.
The Helios HSX-20 has a lightweight carbon fiber frame with a durable aluminum bail, spool, and handle.
Okuma calls this design Okuma’s C40x.
What they have done, is rather than use a straight graphite material to make the frame, they have used a combination of carbon fiber and graphite polymer. This ensures that it is 25% lighter, 50% stronger and a 100% anti-corrosive.
The results are a stronger and yet lighter reel. In fact, this reel only weighs 6.2 ounces.
It features nine high-performance Corrosion resistant (HPPB) bearings along with an anti-reverse roller bearing that gives this reel incredible casting and retrieving properties.
The Helios HSX-20 has incredible line capacity and can spool up to 110yds of 6lb test. The line is managed well with the computer weight balanced rotor and aluminum alloy gear system that provides smooth oscillation and even lay.
The HSX-20 model utilizes one of the best reel handle knobs on our list with a large EVA foam knob that is very easy to utilize and grip under any weather conditions.
The carbonite drag system uses carbon composite washers that can put constant pressure on fish without any start-up inertia and protects light line extremely well while still being able to play larger fish.
Learn more about these great features in the following video:
You may also enjoy reading: Is this the best spinning reel for crappie?
Abu Garcia Orra S
Specs: (S20 Model)
- Ball Bearing: 7
- Gear Ratio: 5.8:1
- Line Retrieval: 30.5 inches
- Line Capacity: Mono, 6/170 yards, 8/120 yards, 10/100 yards
- Braid Line Capacity: 8/175 yards
- Braid Ready Spool
- Rocket Line Management
- Max Drag: 12 pounds
- Weight: 8.30 ounces
The next one on our list is another one made by Abu Garcia it is the Orra S20 model.
Like the Revo SX this is a quality reel and will last you many fishing seasons.
The biggest difference between the two models is the material used to make the reel. The Orra S series is made with an aluminum reinforced C6 carbon body design.
Don’t get me wrong this is still quality material and it is a good reel for the price point.
In addition, the Orra S sports 6 high-performance corrosion resistant ball bearings plus the roller bearing, giving it a smooth retrieve every time.
It features a good all-around gear ratio of 5.8:1 bringing in just over 30 inches of line per crank.
It too is equipped with Rocket Line Management meaning that you will have an easier time making longer and more accurate casts.
Okuma Ceymar
Specs: (C20 Model)
- Ball Bearing: 6+1
- Gear Ratio: 5.0:1
- Line Retrieval: 24 inches
- Max Drag: 6 pounds
- Weight: 6.8 ounces
Do you know what a common complaint many people have about spinning reels? It is that the bails bend so easily.
Well, if you are tired of bent bails you need to give the Okuma Ceymar Ultralight Reel a try.
The Ceymar reel is made with a graphite body and an aluminum spool, keeping it lightweight and most importantly affordable.
Next, it features a durable heavy-duty aluminum bail wire ensuring that it does bend easily and thus increasing the overall life of your spinning gear.
It sports a 5.0:1 gear ratio and brings in about 24 inches of line on each turn. This may seem a little slower than others on the list, but the truth is when fishing for smaller fish such as crappie, trout or panfish, you aren’t going to want a fast reel.
In addition, a slower gear ratio makes it a great option for ice fishing.
Final Thoughts…
We have provided five of the best options on the market, we are by no means saying this list is complete. There are so many other very good reels on the market.
The important thing to remember is that the best ultralight spinning reels have to be lightweight to balance with the light rod. They also must have a drag system that can be adjusted to protect the light line.
What do you think is the best ultralight spinning reel? Share with us your comments.
Shimano is a great brand! They are super smooth and lightweight.They never disappoint.