I believe that fishing with mates is one of the best ways to improve both physical and mental well-being.

But without a good quality fishing reel, even the most expensive fishing rod seems pointless. Now, you’d obviously want to have a successful and enjoyable experience outdoors, right? Well, in that case, you need the best fishing equipment made in industry-certified manufacturing facilities in the USA.

What Fishing Reels Are Made In USA?

There are a variety of fishing reels made in the USA, varying a bit in terms of both quality and functionality. Be it a spinning, spin-casting, or baitcasting reel, each has its own unique functions and features dedicated to helping you cast a line in the desired direction. These reels are made by some of the most reputed fishing gear brands in the USA, including Abel, PENN and Aspen. 

I’m no expert, and I don’t mean to brag, but I have quite a few years of experience in fishing and choosing the right reels to wind or hold the fly line. And taking the advice of my father and grandfather, I always intend to buy US-made rods and reels.

However, there’s more to know, and that’s why I’ll be highlighting the different American brands and types of reels available on the market. So, keep reading!

Types Of Fishing Reels Made In USA

While the USA manufactures some of the best fishing gear that’s ever been made for the fishing industry, I’ve decided to highlight the four primary fishing reels made in the country. I’ll be explaining the use of each type along with their advantages and disadvantages.

1. Spincast Fishing Reel

As a beginner, my parents got me a spin-cast reel for my “Albatros” fishing rod, which lasted for years. This type of reel features a closed face with important components hidden inside. And the fishing line is fed out of a hole in the cover. 

But what makes it ideal for beginners is its easy-to-use back button. I didn’t even have to deal with the backlash and hardly faced the problem of my line twisting or snarling. The only downside to this fishing reel is that the line isn’t accurate, and it doesn’t go as far as the other types of US-made reels.

2. Spinning Fishing Reel

One of the most popular fishing reels in the US – the spinning reel has an open-face design and is easy to cast. In fact, its line is more accurate compared to its spin-casting counterpart, offering a greater line capacity. 

If you ask me, it’s a great option for light lures, especially because of its fixed spool that allows the line to flow freely. Now, I started using this type of reel after gaining some experience as an angler. And I’d suggest you do the same.

3. Baitcasting Fishing Reel

The most advanced and expensive reels out of the three – the baitcasting reel require you to have the skills and experience to cast it effectively. Once you release the line, the spool will rotate while offering more accuracy and distance. 

So, I’d recommend opting for this reel for catching heavier, larger, and more aggressive fish. However, keep in mind that it’s prone to line tangles and backlashing. Consequently, make sure that you’re in control of feeding out of the line using your thumb when fishing with this reel.

4. Fly Reels

Those who are not new to fly fishing will understand the importance of fly fishing reels. They are known for their single-action style, meaning a single revolution of the handle will provide a single revolution of the spool. 

These types of reels feature a built-in drag system to retrieve the backline after casting when fighting fish. 

USA-Made Fishing Reel Brands

I’ll now be highlighting the three most reputed and reliable US-based brands that deal with the manufacturing of fishing reels.

1. Abel Reels

Abel fishing reels made using domestic components in Montrose, Colorado, are known to be among the best in the USA. As a brand, it has some of the finest quality reels for fly fishing – hand-crafted by the most skilled professionals using the highest quality materials to last for the years to come.

For example, the Abel Super 14 is one the most robust fly reels available on the market today.

2. Aspen Reels

Aspen fishing reels are manufactured by the family-owned and operated Barrel Service Company in a 22,000 sq. ft facility in San Marcos, California. All of its products, such as the Aspen Reels 450, are simple, lightweight, and reliable, lasting you for seasons after seasons.

3. Penn Reels

Since the Penn Fishing Tackle Company was founded in the year 1932, the brand has been a frontrunner in designing modern reels that anglers like me can trust. In fact, each of their US-made fishing reels has proved itself in almost every IGFA classification. 

Consider the highly durable Penn Battle II Spinning Reel, for example. With a 4-in-1 stainless steel bearing system, it’s ideal for catching big saltwater fish with ease.

Conclusion

While there are innumerable fishing reels made in the USA, choosing one from the wide range of options is not an easy task. 

My father always made it a point to carefully inspect the functionality and ease of use of whichever type of reel he felt best suited the situation. For light lures, he opted for fly and spinning reels from the most reputable US-based brands. And the baitcasting reel was reserved for heavier catches.

This is something I follow as well while choosing suitable reels before going for fishing trips with my mates. And I’ve had very rare failed attempts in making great catches!

That’s all for today; I’ll be back soon with more such guides on fishing gear. Till then, you may leave a comment down below if you have any questions or concerns that need to be addressed.