By Tackle Warehouse | Updated October 2024
In a year packed with incredible innovations and technological advancements, 2024 saw the release of some amazing new casting reels that we have grouped into several categories to help bass anglers of all skill levels make the best choice. If you’re looking to bomb heavy swimbaits for trophy bass, extend casting distance with ultra-lightweight lures, or chase large saltwater predators, you can bet there’s a purpose-built casting reel for every fishing application and technique.
Keep in mind that the best casting reel doesn’t necessarily apply to everyone, as entry-level anglers have different needs than advanced ones, and the occasional angler often prefers a more cost-effective price point versus someone who goes fishing every week. Whether you’re looking for the best swimbait reel or best BFS reels of 2024, the Tackle Warehouse staff comes from decades of fishing experience and has tested hundreds of reels to help anglers make better buying decisions based on price, size, and performance.
Top Pick – Daiwa Steez SV TW Casting Reel
All the reels in this category are packed with leading manufacturer technologies, so we define the best overall casting reel for 2024 as one an angler would select if they’re purely focused on performance and not concerned about price. A revolution in compact baitcasting reels, the Daiwa Steez SV TW Casting Reel uses Daiwa’s HyperDrive design concept to maximize efficiency while facilitating long casts and ultra-smooth retrieves. Crafted with a feather-light yet powerful magnesium frame, the Daiwa Steez SV endures challenging conditions while remaining impressively lightweight, enhancing casting distance and accuracy thanks to the updated T-wing system and SV BOOST spool.
Honorable Mention:
Top Pick – Daiwa Tatula SV TW Casting Reel
A Tackle Warehouse staff favorite and the staple of serious bass anglers for over a decade, the Daiwa Tatula SV TW Casting Reels expand on Tatula’s reputation as a do-everything, best-bang-for-your-buck, workhorse casting reel. Featuring Daiwa’s SV spool to reduce start-up inertia for incredible casting performance, the Daiwa Tatula SV TW Casting Reels are perfect for targeting trophy-caliber fish with a range of proven techniques like football jigs, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits. A household name for those who know how to catch ’em, the Daiwa Tatula SV TW Casting Reel offers an uncompromising blend of strength and performance.
Top Pick – Shimano SLX A 150 Casting Reel
Bass fishing is an expensive sport, which can make it hard to break into when you’re just getting started, but there are plenty of casting reels built to get the job done for less than a hundred dollars. A benchmark for versatility and high performance, the Shimano SLX A 150 Casting Reel delivers smooth retrieves and effortless casts with an external brake control that provides quick adjustments for swapping lures and adapting to changing conditions. A reel that has always exceeded our performance expectations at an insanely low price, the Shimano SLX A 150 Casting Reel is an ideal choice for tournament anglers or weekend warriors who want to upgrade their arsenal at an affordable price.
Top Pick – Daiwa PX BF70 Casting Reel
Bait finesse (BF) casting reels have rapidly grown in popularity over recent years, as they provide many advantages over spinning gear when it comes to increasing casting distance and accuracy with ultra-lightweight finesse lures. Designed to be a reel that anglers can trust for finesse fishing perfection, the PX BF70 BF Casting Reel is built with Daiwa’s Air Spool, which is 56% lighter than previous generations while enabling ultra-finesse performance with micro ball bearings. Meticulously engineered for unmatched control with every cast, the Daiwa PX BF70 BF Casting Reel is built to withstand the rigors of diverse fishing environments, and it allows anglers to use baitcasting tackle for the smallest finesse presentations.
Top Pick – Shimano Metanium DC A Casting Reels
Built to accurately present a broad range of lures with precision and distance in any angling scenario, the Shimano Metanium DC A Casting Reels feature an upgraded I-DC5 braking system for finely tuned adjustments and heightened cast control. Encased in a one-piece CoreSolid magnesium frame, the HAGANE Body design provides strength and impact resistance while eliminating flex in the reel body for superior cranking power and efficiency when fighting fish. Perfect for all kinds of pint-sized power fishing techniques like smaller crankbaits, swimbaits, scroungers, and jerkbaits, the Shimano Metanium DC A Casting Reel features compact ergonomics, a rock-solid construction, and the ability to make long and effortless casts with lightweight lures.
Top Pick – Abu Garcia Revo Premiere LP Casting Reels
Revamped from the ground up, the fifth-generation Abu Garcia REVO Premier Casting Reel comes in as this year’s best all-purpose baitcasting reel, with a design that provides best-in-class precision, power, and performance. Built around Abu Garcia’s EXD design concept, the Revo Premiere maximizes casting performance with an IVCB-6 braking system that gives anglers ultimate control and near-limitless braking options. Featuring an asymmetrical body design and X2-Craftic alloy frame for the optimal balance of weight, strength, and ergonomics, the Abu Garcia Revo Premier is an excellent choice for anglers seeking a versatile reel that’s capable of performing a variety of fishing tactics.
Top Pick – Daiwa Lexa TWS 300 Casting Reel
The 300- to 500-size baitcasting reels are better suited for swimbaits, as the traditional 100- to 200-sized casting reels won’t offer enough line capacity and power for using heavy fishing line and lures. Built to pull double-duty for trophy largemouth and saltwater predators alike, the Daiwa Lexa 300 TWS casting reel is packed with corrosion-resistant ball bearings which reduce vibrations when casting and ensure excellent durability in tough conditions. Complete with Daiwa’s Ultimate Tournament drag system for maximum fish-stopping power, the Daiwa Lexa TWS 300 Casting Reel features the battle-tested design that’s made the Lexa series a staple for lightweight heavy-duty performance.
Top Pick – Bates Fishing Co. OG 100 Casting Reels
A throwback to the classic round baitcasting reels of years past, the Bates Fishing Co. OG 100 Casting Reel turns back the clock with cutting-edge manufacturing techniques that ensure top-notch performance. Featuring a fully machined frame, the OG’s round 100-size exterior houses a set of brass gears perfect for swimbait aficionados looking to maximize performance. Proudly engineered in Texas USA, the Bates Fishing Co. OG 100 Casting Reels seamlessly blend nostalgia with innovation for anglers yearning for the good ol’ days on the water who want to experience the best of both worlds.
Top Pick – Daiwa Lexa 500 Type-HD Casting Reels
Designed to be your trusted partner for landing those trophy-sized fish, the Daiwa Lexa 500 Casting Reel delivers enhanced angler comfort and control with a large EVA power handle knob that provides optimal grip in wet conditions. The Lexa 500 carries an impressive 250 yards of 65-lb braid, so you can conquer the most challenging fishing situations. It’s also packed with 30 lb of max drag pressure that’s ready to tackle the most formidable opponents in fresh and saltwater environments. Built around a high-strength aluminum frame for lightweight and comfortable handling under heavy load, the Daiwa Lexa 500 Casting Reel combines power, precision, and durability for the ultimate angling experience.
Top Pick – Abu Garcia REVO Inshore LP Casting Reels
Featuring Abu Garcia’s Duragear D2 gear design for powerful winding performance, the Abu Garcia REVO Inshore LP Casting Reel is packed with HPCR corrosion-resistant bearings that provide maximum protection in harsh inshore conditions. Fitted with a rugged 95-mm aluminum handle and large EVA knobs, the Abu Garcia REVO Inshore LP Casting Reel provides plenty of torque and leverage when fighting large gamefish or trophy bass. Complete with a Gull Wing Sideplate for effortless brake adjustments, the Abu Garcia REVO Inshore LP Casting Reel stands up to the toughest challenges and delivers lasting performance that you can count on in harsh marine environments.
Choosing the right line for a casting reel is crucial to your success in bass fishing, but the ”best” line depends on various factors like the style of lure you want to use, the type of cover, water clarity, and sinking attributes. For bottom-fishing tactics, fluorocarbon is preferred for its translucence and ability to sink quickly, but if you’re fishing a topwater frog over grass you’ll need the strength and floating attributes of braided line to fish efficiently and remove fish from heavy cover.
Check out our How To Choose the Right Fishing Line article for more information!
When considering purchasing a casting reel, a common misconception many anglers have is that more bearings always translate to smoother retrieves, but the quality of the bearings is much more important. If you’re fishing in saltwater environments, you’ll want to make sure the bearings are corrosion-resistant or completely sealed within the casting reel so they don’t become gummed up with salt, dust, and grime.
To execute a cast with a casting reel, hold the rod with your dominant hand, disengage the spool by pressing the button, point the rod tip toward your target, and use thumb pressure to control the spool speed. Keep in mind, when you swap out to a different size lure, you’ll need to adjust the brakes to match the weight of the new bait.
Just like line selection, the best gear ratio for a casting reel depends on a number of variables, including what type of lure you intend on throwing, how active the fish are, and angler preference. High-speed gear ratios are preferred for topwater and flipping techniques, as they pick up line quickly for improved efficiency. While slower gear ratios are more advantageous for tactics where you want to leave your bait in the strike zone for a longer period, like deep cranks, swimbaits, or bladed jigs.
The term ”backlash” refers to the tangled mess that can occur when the spool continues to spin after your lure has already hit the water. This is easily prevented with some practice casting and by adjusting the spool tension knob. After you tie up a new lure, start by turning the brake system all the way up and slowly back it off until the lure drops in free spool with a steady rate of fall from the rod tip. From here, use the tension knob to fine-tune spool rotation speed and avoid backlash.