Are you looking for the best spinnerbait reel? You have come to the right place. In this post, we will discuss what we believe are the top 5 best reels when fishing with spinnerbaits.
Here is a quick preview of what is to come:
- Lew’s Tournament Pro Speed TP1HL | Best Spinnerbait Reel
- Abu Garcia REVO Inshore | Best Reel For Casting
- Piscifun Phantom | Best Reel For Spinnerbaits
- Abu Garcia BMAX3 Black Max | Best Baitcasting Reel Under $100
- KastKing Whitemax | Best For The Price
What is the best gear ratio for fishing with spinnerbaits?
Before we talk about what is the best spinnerbait reel, let’s talk a little about gear ratio. Why is gear ratio important when fishing with spinnerbaits?
It is important because if you choose the wrong gear ratio you are going to burn yourself out. When shopping for a fishing reel it also important to take in consideration how you plan to fish with spinnerbaits.
For example, if you like to burn the spinnerbaits across the grass in clear water, then a higher speed gear ratio such as a 7.1:1 may work better for you.
It is also important to keep in consider what type of spinnerbait you will be fishing with. A spinnerbait with big colorado blades or a heavy spinnerbait will definitely put a lot of drag on your reel. In this case, you have two options, change out the blades to willow blades for speed, or go down to a 6.4:1 gear ratio.
The most common gear ratio for spinnerbait reels is a 6.4:1. This is a good medium range reel. It allows you to burn it across the water as well as slow roll it across the bottom. Many fishermen don’t go down much slower than that.
What is the best spinnerbait reel?
Let’s begin….
Lew’s Tournament Pro Speed TP1HL | Best Spinnerbait Reel
Features:
- Line Capacity – 12/120
- Gear Ratio – 6.8:1
- Weight – 6.2 oz
- Bearings – 10+1
- IPT – 28 inches
- Carbon Drag System
- Multi-Setting Brake
- Maximum Drag – 14lbs
The first reel to make the list is the Lew’s Tournament Pro Speed TP1HL model. This reel has a gear ratio of 6.8:1. This is a good all-round gear ratio for fishing with spinnerbaits. One of the unique features about this baitcasting reel is how extremely lightweight it is. It weighs in at 6.2 ounces. Yes, you read that correctly and yes that is the lightest reel that on our list.
The fact that this reel is super lightweight and compact really makes it comfortable to use those long days out on the boat.
It is fitted with 11 ball bearing making it extremely smooth to cast as well as retrieve. It has a multi-setting braking system giving you better control of your cast. Choose this reel and you will have no problem putting your spinnerbait right where you want it.
Abu Garcia REVO Inshore | Best Reel For Spinnerbaits

Features:
- Line Capacity – 12/180
- Gear Ratio – 7.1:1
- Weight – 8.7 oz
- Bearings – 7
- IPT – 29 inches
- Maximum Drag – 20lbs
- D2 Gear System
- Carbon Drag System
- Pitch Centrifugal Braking System
- Saltwater Approved
Whether you decide to fish with large spinnerbaits or small spinnerbaits the Abu Garcia REVO Inshore can handle both with no problem. It has a super high-speed gear ratio of 7.1:1 perfect for burning spinnerbaits across the water.
As we know spinnerbaits are great for covering a lot of water quickly. However, if you casting distance is limited by your fishing reel, this can slow things down.
One feature of the Abu Garcia REVO Inshore that I think makes it really great, especially for the spinnerbait fisherman, is the Pitch Centrifugal Braking System. This braking system is uniquely designed so that some of the brakes will actually disengage during your cast. This will give you the control of your cast that you want, but also help give you that extra distance.
As with most Abu Garcia Baitcasting reels it comes with a bent handle and bent star making it more comfortable to fish with. It has an extra long handle as well as the bigger knobs which help to give you the opportunity to really crank down on the reel when the need arises.
Best of all you don’t have to limit yourself to freshwater fishing. This reel is designed to be fished in both freshwater and saltwater.
To learn more check out the following video:
Piscifun Phantom | Best Reel For Spinnerbaits
Features:
- Line Capacity – 10/120
- Gear Ratio – 7.0.1
- Weight – 5.7 oz
- Line Retrieval 30 inches
- Bearings – 6+1 ball bearings
- Maximum Drag – 17lbs
- Centrifugal and Magnetic Braking system
If you are looking to add an all-around baitcasting reel to your arsenal you may want to give the Piscifun Phantom a try. The Phantom has a good gear ratio of 7.0:1 making it perfect not only for fishing with spinnerbaits, but it can be used for crankbaits, swimbaits, jerkbaits or whatever else you like to throw.
It comes with very comfortable rubber knobs attached to an extended handle. It is a super light fishing reel only weighing 5.7 ounces. This is great especially when spending those long days on the water.
The 6+1 ball bearings give it a super smooth cast and retrieve. On every crank, you can feel the gears moving. Some anglers prefer a super smooth reel over one that you can feel the gears moving. Once again this may come down to personal preference.
Abu Garcia BMAX3 Black Max | Best Baitcasting Reel Under $100
Features:
- Line Capacity – 12/145
- Gear Ratio – 6.4:1
- Weight – 7.3 oz
- Bearings – 4 +1
- IPT – 26 inches
- Maximum Drag – 18lbs
- Magnetic Braking System
If you are looking for a good reel for fishing with spinnerbaits you will not be disappointed by any means with the Abu Garcia BMAX3 Black Max. We have liked this reel so much it so much you may have seen it in our best baitcasting reels for beginners and our best baitcasting reels.
Made from with graphite side plates and one piece graphite frame really help to make it extremely light. It weighs in a 7.3 ounces. The compact design of the reel not only makes it comfortable to use, but ergonomic as well.
It is equipped with a 6.4:1 gear ratio. This is a good gear ratio to have when fishing with large spinnerbaits. The 5 gears are made from brass giving you that smooth feeling, but at the same time not sacrificing durability.
It has a very easy to use magnetic braking system perfect for learning to use a baitcasting reel so as to avoid backlashing.
KastKing Whitemax
Features:
- Gear Ratio – 5.3:1
- Line Retrieval – 24 inches
- Weight – 7.5 oz
- Bearings – 11+1
- Maximum Drag – 17.5lbs
Are you looking to take slow rolling to the next level? Are you looking for a good spinnerbait reel without breaking the bank? If so, the KastKing Whitemax might be the answer.
The Kastking WhiteMax has a 5.3:1 gear ratio. Many spinnerbait fishermen wouldn’t even go that slow. However, this may be just what you are looking for if you really want to slow thing down (especially during the winter season). It also is an option if plan on using this with larger lures such as crankbaits, swimbaits, and large spinnerbaits.
It is fitted with 11+1 ball bearing to give you that smoothness to cast your spinnerbait a mile. The best part of all is the price. You can pick up yourself a new spinnerbait reel for a very affordable price.
Read up on the following spinnerbait tips:
10 Spinnerbait tips
Facts about Spinnerbaits
How To Fish A Spinnerbait like a pro
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