10 Best Crankbait Reels In 2023

Coming in at an impressively lightweight of only 5.7 ounces, this KastKing crankbait reel is built for long days out on the water. Being comfortable to hold doesn’t mean that this reel has compromised its rugged design. The tough carbon construction on the body and the 4 disc carbon fiber 16.5 pound drag rate ensures that you can still get ultra high performance.

A shielded 12 bearing design provides a smooth performance to be better suited to reel in all your days catch. Being corrosion resistant is an important feature and helps to make this reel last even longer. A 6.3:1 gear ratio features instant stop features as well as an anti reverse technology that helps perfect your cast. Dual brakes work to help you look like a pro ensuing you hit your mark every single time.

This pflueger crank reel is one that stands out amongst the rest. Having one of the highest drags on our list, this reel is suited with a 20 pound drag. The 9 ball bearings help to provide you with a buttery performance while the instant anti-reverse features work to make your cast even better. The bearings are all made from stainless steel making them corrosion resistant and ideal for long term use in any conditions.

The handle is made from a superior aircraft grade aluminum that makes this reel highly durable. Featuring an ideal 5.4:1 gear ratio with 22 inches per turn, this is exactly the reel you will want for your next day out on the water. It also comes in 3 models so you can fine tune your fishing reel setup. This reel allows you to control everything from the brake controls to spool rotation. Both of these are externally adjustable and can be done even while you’re on the boat.

You may have noticed that Abu Garcia reels made our list a few times, that is because this brand is one of the top rated crankbait brands out there. This fishing reel is ideal for catching those bigger fish as it features an impressive drag weight of 24 pounds. Totalling 10 corrosion resistant stainless steel bearings ensure a smooth retrieval rate. The Infini brake system provides exceptional casting performance. A brass main gear works with the D2 Gear Design to allow you to get maximum power with less effort. A high gear ratio of 6.6:1 makes this a great reel choice for even more kinds of fishing.

If you’re looking for the best value for your money this reel should stand out. It features a 12 bearing design and a 7.0:1 gear ratio. Both of these features are usually only found on high end, expensive reels. What’s amazing is that Sougayilang has also included a magnetic brake allowing you to fully customize your reel in real time. Oversized crank handles give you the most leverage possible for those long fights against large fish. This reel also comes in both left and right handed configurations.

This Abu Garcia power crank reel is one of the beasts when it comes to baitcast performance reels. The Revo Toro Beast can handle fish that fight hard. A combination of cranking power and the ability to use high test line gives you the best chance of landing your ideal fish.

Shimano has taken their famous gearing system and nearly made it perfect. This Caenen reel has a 7.2:1 gearing making it one of the more aggressive on the market. In total, this reel weighs just 7.2 ounces so it won’t even feel like you have a reel attached to your rod. This reel can also handle any line type and weight you throw at it.

The Daiwa Tatula is a rugged lightweight rod that has been designed to stand up to the elements. It is made from aluminum and has a corrosion resistant clutch mechanism. Overall, this baitcasting reel is tournament quality. It’s 7+1 ball bearing setup and it’s 5.4:1 gear ratio make casting and reeling powerful and efficient. This reel also features 13.2 lbs of max drag making it one of the best Daiwa crankbaits on the market.