As an avid angler, you may already be aware of the fact that certain types of fish require certain equipment. The same rule applies to bass. Bass is a common name shared by a plethora of different species. Some of them hang around freshwater, while others prefer marine species.

Choosing the best spinning reels for bass can be a challenging task.

Best Spinning Reels For Bass

There is lots of research involved, as well as some trial and error. But who wants to waste money buying one reel after another in the attempt to find the best one? There is nothing to worry about though. I have already done the research for you. 😉

Whether it comes to personal experience, spinning reel “test drives” or suggestions and ideas from the communities at Ultimate Bass or Bass Resources, here is what you need to know.

Top Spinning Reels For Bass

• Customer favorite: Shimano Sienna FE Spinning Reel
• Best value for money: Abu Gracia Revo X

Customer Favorite: Shimano Sienna FE Spinning Reel

If you have used a Shimano reel before, you probably know already that you can expect a great appearance and a top notch performance. I thought the exact same thing and to be honest, I was far from being disappointed.

The Sienna FE reel is practically an all-purpose fishing reel. It works wonders on small trout, but it is just as efficient for predator fish like pike and perch. Worried about bass? You will love the outcome, whether you are an entry level angler or a more experienced professional. However, I would rather recommend this reel to new and intermediate users.

The XGT 7 body is quite compact and small. It will not really affect the balance on your rod, not to mention the overall weight. Plus, Shimano has implemented an upgrade into its recent reels – the center of gravity is closer to the rod than ever. Practically, the reel feels like it is part of the rod.

The reel comes in a few different sizes and they cover various situations. The power roller is probably the most attractive feature – at least for me. Its main role is to handle line management and it does an impressive job. The line is firm and well managed – no twists or loops.

I feel like mentioning the VariSpeed oscillation as well. It is basically an oval oscillation gear that keeps the spool speed consistent. Its main role is to handle the oldest problem in spinning reels – line twists. As for the differences between RD and FD reels in this series, there are not so many of them – at least not when it comes to the quality and performance.

Finally, the maximum drag goes up to nine pounds, while the reel weighs just under 7.5 ounces.

Pros

• Excellent value for money
• Smooth operation with no vibrations
• Incredibly durable
• Lightweight and rustproof frame

Cons

• Factory oil and grease are not the best, so you can clean them and use your own products

Best price and deals 

What do other anglers say?

“You cannot go wrong with this reel at such a good price. It is not the best on the market, but it is certainly a great choice for intermediate users.”

Check it out here.

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Shimano Nasci FB Spinning Reel

I was not too surprised when I tried the Nasci FB for the first time. I knew it would be extremely smooth – it is just Shimano’s signature, right? Anyway, the unit comes with Hagane cold forged gears and I guess this is the main reason wherefore it is so smooth and comfy to use. You will notice this upgrade as soon as you have to face a heavy fish.

Now, the reel comes with a superior water resistance, regardless of the weather. I am not saying it does not require any maintenance though. I still give it a quick rinse after every fishing session. Make sure you dry it properly too. It is just part of the game.

Like I said before, the G free body is a common feature in Shimano’s reels these days. This kind of design ensures the center of gravity is as close as possible to the rod. Throw this reel on the rod and you will barely be able to tell the difference. Besides, the balance is drastically improved as well.

This is what most people think about, but let me give you another secret. You will spend a whole day on water using this reel and you will barely feel any fatigue in your forearm. This G free feature was initially used in Shimano’s high end reels, but it was later implemented into less expensive units too.

Now, let me mention the X Ship set of features. There are a bunch of small things meant to improve the power, power transfer and efficiency. The pinion gear is boosted by a couple of A RB roller bearings, which adds to your stability when dealing with large bass.

Last, but not least, I will introduce you to the thick bail wire that no one seems to care about. Terrible mistake! In fact, this is one of Shimano’s best features because it solves the most common problem in fishing reels – line management twists and knots.

The reel comes in a few different sizes. Each size weighs differently, has a different maximum drag and retrieval rates. Choosing the best one depends on a few factors. Most importantly, make sure it can match your rod for balance. Other than that, consider other types of fish you might be going after.

Pros

• Excellent value for money
• Durable and lightweight composite body
• Silky smooth operation
• Hagane precision cold forged gears

Cons

• Not fully sealed, so it still requires a bit of care and maintenance

Best price and deals 

What do other anglers say?

“Shimano has done an amazing job implementing all these features into an inexpensive reel. It feels like running a high end reel, but without the high price tag. Great buy! I cannot make any comments on its durability yet, but it feels like it will last.”

Give it a try here.

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Shimano Sahara FI Spinning Reel

Many of Shimano’s top spinning reels share similar characteristics, especially when it comes to the technologies used in their design. The Sahara FI spinning reel makes no exception and more importantly, it comes with a great price for what it has to offer.

The G Free body is one of Shimano’s patented technologies and a representative aspect of this reel. The center of gravity is really close to the rod. Basically, the reel lacks a bit of balance, but it works out perfectly when fitted on the rod. This way, it feels like the reel is part of the rod, so you will experience less fatigue should you decide to spend a whole day on water.

The Hagane gearing is not to be overlooked either. I think the cold forged 3D cutting technology is superior to any other technology in this industry today. This kind of system is one of the factors responsible for Shimano’s low price and top performance.

The X Ship technology is yet another plus. It is by far one of my favorites for a simple reason. I had some cheap reels that felt like they were holding back. There is nothing worse than that, trust me. If you have a bit of experience, you know what that means – a frustrating feeling of friction everywhere. This technology clears this problem.

Finally, let me point out the graphite in the composition of this reel – rotor, side plate and frame. It is inexpensive, durable and lightweight. I believe graphite is slowly becoming a standard for Shimano, as I see more and more reels with this material in their composition. What else can you ask for? Oh, right – some great design. There, you have everything!

Pros

• Lots of patented technologies in the design
• Almost no friction at all
• Extremely smooth casting experience
• Affordable price

Cons

• No back reeling

Best price and deals 

What do other anglers say?

“I bought this reel as a backup for a more expensive model I have, but it is so smooth and easy to use that it has become my main reel. I own other Shimano products, so I knew I could leave myself in good hands. Good job, Shimano!”

Try it out here.

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Best value for money: Garcia Revo X Spinning Reel

Abu Garcia may not always come to your mind when considering spinning reels for bass, but trust me – the Revo X spinning reel will impress you with its capabilities. This lineup aims to make the difference on water.

It has a lightweight and compact body design based on insert molded C6 carbon. In other words, it is comfortable to use. Then, you get a graphite rotor, which is just as lightweight and durable. As for the spool, it is based on machined aluminum.

The Rocket Line Management System is responsible for superior casting. If you are new to fishing, you should know that this system allows fishing braid, mono or even fluorocarbon – which is normally a nightmare to deal with.

Other useful features include the 6 HPCR bearings and a roller bearing, the Carbon Matrix hybrid drag system and the rocket spool lip design. The knobs are made of PVC and they are quite large, meaning they are less likely to slip out of your hands. Besides, a large knob transfers more power from your hand to the reel.

Pros

• Casting is a breeze
• Lightweight and durable design
• Easy to use and comfortable knobs
• Good line management system

Cons

• It feels like there is a bit of friction at times

Best price and deals 

What do other anglers say?

“Impressive reel for the money. I even let my 14 year old daughter use it and she managed to catch some fish. It was more of a backup reel for another model that was about to quit on me, but it has become my primary option.”

Find out more here.

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Conclusion

Bottom line, browsing the best spinning reels for bass will definitely give you some good options. Which one is the best? It is totally up to you to figure out what you truly need, but the above mentioned products will clearly make your life easier.

Personally, I recommend going for something versatile. Yes, you are after a reel that can help against bass, but you will most likely catch other fish as well, so you need to consider other options.