Analysis & Results Specifications Body Not all reel bodies are built for hard fights, and if there’s one thing that you can trust about the Battle III, it’s that it lives up to its name. Manufactured with an all-metal body, the Battle III is stiff, tough, and durable. While aluminum weighs more than carbon fiber […]
We've cast our net far and wide to bring you an incredible selection of black friday fishing reel deals. From ultra-lightweight rods perfect for those delicate catches to robust, heavy-duty ones designed for the big game, our deals cover it all. This is your chance to upgrade your fishing arsenal with top-quality reels from leading […]
Analysis and Results What’s the difference between the Slammer III and Slammer IV? The Slammer III debuted to much fanfare, winning the coveted iCast 2016 award for Best Saltwater Reel. It quickly won the hearts of inshore and offshore anglers for its run-stopping power, amazing drag systems, massive capacity, and rugged durability. In 2021, Penn […]
Flipping and pitching a Texas-rigged soft plastic is as integral to bass fishing as fireworks are to the 4th of July. And whether you prefer a Punch rig, a Jika rig, a Tokyo rig, or stick with the tied and true, there’s simply no question that pitching and flipping a fat worm, Senko, or creature […]
As anglers, we all understand the importance of having quality gear. The case could be made that no matter what you’re chasing, your chances of success can depend greatly on that gear's ability to perform - and perform well. Perhaps none is more important than when fishing for salmon. Too often, I witness utter disappointment […]
Okuma is well known for affordable performance, and their spinning reels have proven themselves the world over. Recently, the company has ventured into the high-end as well, offering reels that are designed to compete with the best that Penn, Daiwa, and Shimano have to offer. Have they succeeded? Are Okuma reels at more moderate price […]
Daiwa is legendary for its tech, offering feather-weight reels with rigid monocoque bodies and smooth, powerful drags. And from hard fighting snook to tournament-winning bass, massive grouper to thick-bodied slabs, there’s a Daiwa reel that’s just perfect for your next fishing adventure. If you’re in the market for a new reel, we’re here to help. […]
Long-time readers of USAngler will know that we’re big fans of Penn’s spinning reels, and from the affordable Battle III to no-holds-barred Authority, exceptional performance is the norm. If you’re a saltwater angler looking for the best spinning reels to wrangle specks, redfish, stripers, snook, and even large, pelagic species like tarpon, sailfish, and shark, […]
Analysis and Results Body KastKing manufactures the MegaJaws Elite from die-cast aluminum, adding a carbon-fiber swing side to access its guts. And while I’m certain there’s plenty of machining between the die and the water, casting aluminum is much more cost-effective than machining it from a solid lump of metal. That helps keep performance high […]
Take a look at new baitcasting reels these days, and you'll see that high speed is all the rage. That’s great if you’re working a worm all day and need to pick it up quickly to cast again. But for crankbaits, slower is better - and slow, high-torque reels are in relatively short supply. Here […]
Analysis and Results Whether your passion is chasing reds in a moving tide or casting for snook from the shore, you need a reel that delivers the goods in gusty winds and hard fights. And as smooth casting as your favorite baitcaster might be, your best bet is almost always a great spinning reel. It’s […]
Buying Guide: What You Should Look for in a Shimano Spinning Reel Body On smaller reels, you’re not going to notice body rigidity because the forces involved just aren’t powerful enough to put common materials to the test. But as you turn to inshore and offshore fishing, those forces grow substantially. The body of a […]
Modern precision trolling isn’t guesswork. It depends on precise knowledge of how much line you’re trailing and an exact measure of your boat’s speed. That precision allows you to target the exact depths where the fish you’re after are feeding, and the results can be truly amazing. But it’s also fairly complicated and requires specialized […]
For anglers new to the sport, occasional fishermen, and children just starting their fishing journey, underspin - or “triggerspin” reels as they’re sometimes called - are a great option. Easier to use than spinning reels and much less demanding than baitcasting reels, underspin reels pair with spinning tackle, allowing you to throw light lures on […]
When you’re fishing offshore in deep water, chasing daytime sailfish in 1500 feet of water, or just working deep for tuna or halibut, retrieving heavy sinkers all day can become a real chore. And fighting fish by hand from that kind of depth is exhausting, to say the least. Enter the electric fishing reel, equipped […]
Analysis and Results Pfleuger is a name trusted by many, many anglers, and I’ve met folks on the water that won’t buy anything else. So when the company announced an improved version of the famous President spinning reel, we had to have a look! Is the Pflueger President XT everything it’s advertised to be? Is […]
Analysis and Results If there’s a name every saltwater angler respects, it’s Penn. Known for no-nonsense performance and durability, everyone from surfcasters to marlin chasers is aware that Penn sets the performance bar against which everything else is compared. And in my experience, most contenders fail. Is the Penn Slammer III really that good? Let’s […]
Analysis and Results There’s no question about Penn’s dominance in the salt, and there’s simply no brand out there with a better reputation, more fans, or more excellent products for inshore and offshore anglers. Like pretty much everyone else, we like Penn’s reels a lot, and we count the Battle II and Slammer III among […]
Analysis and Results Okuma advertises its Ceymar series as budget-friendly spinning reels whose performance outpaces their price. Sometimes seen as “Shimano killers,” the Ceymar lineup is supposed to be so good that it can compete with reels costing twice, even three times, as much. Pflueger’s President is clearly in Okuma’s sites, but do they have […]
Analysis and Results Fish any lake, pond, or river in America, and chances are, you’ll see a Pflueger reel in the hands of an angler. And their likely choice? The President. What explains the perennial, nationwide popularity of this reel when so many others have local or trendy followings? Precision and performance. Let’s get down […]
After careful research, field testing, and detailed comparison, we’ve put together an unbeatable resource to help you find the best baitcasting reel for the money! Quick look at the best baitcasting reels on the market today: Abu Garcia Revo SX REVO4 SX-HS Awesome casting Excellent drag with a very heavy maximum Excellent capacity Incredible […]
Saltwater anglers need reels they can rely on to take a beating and deliver the goods in a hard fight. And whether you fish inshore for reds and specks or chase sailfish and sharks in the blue water, a good reel is essential. If you’re looking for a quality saltwater fishing reel, we’ve got you […]
While there are tons of spinning reels on the market, very few are designed for the salt, and fewer still are available in sizes that can handle bull reds or small sharks. For that kind of performance, the pickings get pretty slim, and only a handful of companies really offer the goods. If you’re an […]
Need a good reel but don’t know where to start? We’ve got you covered! Below, you’ll find an exhaustive list of the best fishing reels for any situation, freshwater or saltwater. After careful research, field testing, and detailed comparison, we’ve put together an unbeatable resource to help you make the best choice for your needs. […]
Looking for the best spinning reel that can help you slay slabs? Or do you need a bigger reel for bigger fish? There are a few spinning reel options that can cover all your bases in a single line-up, and today, we’ll be discussing them. And as always, we’re here to help you make the […]
Line capacity: 30/190, 50/120, 65/80 (braid) Bearings: 6 + 1 roller bearing Gear ratio: 7.4:1 Weight: 7.6 oz. Maximum drag: 11 lbs. Shimano’s baitcasting reels are among the best options for serious anglers, and their legendary performance has been putting--and keeping!--smiles on faces for generations. But with new upgrades, the Curado line is even better […]
Line capacity: 6 lb./150 yds (mono) Bearings: 6 + 1 roller bearing Gear ratio: 5.2:1 Weight: 6.2 oz. Maximum drag: 6 lbs. Bass Pro’s Micro Lite Elite spinning reel is a real winner in its price range. And while it may not compete with the absolute best ultralight reels that brands like Shimano can offer, […]
With legions of devoted fans and plenty of advertising hype, we ask the question on your mind: does the Shimano Curado K really live up to its reputation? The simple answer is yes. The Shimano Curado K is probably the best reel at its price point, and it may just be the best reel you […]
The Abu Garcia Revo SX Spinning Reel offers a great option even for more experienced anglers who are looking for an effective way to battle fish of all shapes and sizes. This reel has a durable carbon body that means that you will be able to keep using it for many years to come without […]
The Abu Garcia Black Max Low Profile Reel has a uniquely durable construction that is perfect for reeling in the big fish. This reel offers a number of impressive features that you will want to know about before deciding whether or not to purchase it. Abu Garcia Pro Max Reviewed Some of the features of […]
The Battle II spinning reel are priced quite reasonably and have a lot to offer, especially for those who tend to do freshwater fishing. You will find that these reels are very sturdy and have soft touch knobs for easy and comfortable handling and retrieval. The anti-reverse and smooth drag features that this reels boast […]
Among the big names in fishing, KastKing stands out, as their entry-level pricing puts good reels within reach of pretty much anyone. And they haven’t ignored the mid-priced segment, either, developing quite a few reels for mid-market. So, you may be wondering what are the best KastKing reels? Let’s find out! Quick glance at the […]
Designed for massive fish and ferocious fights, you can think of conventional reels as baitcasters on steroids. With easy-to-access drag levers, capacious spools, and tough gearing, they’re built for the big stuff. Not sure what makes a conventional reel superior for offshore fishing or trolling on the Great Lakes? Curious about which models are the […]
At USAngler, we’re big ultralight fans, and much of the time, this is the fishing gear we reach for first. If you’re in the market for an ultralight setup, need to replace your worn reel, or just curious about dipping your toes in the ultralight water, keep reading. Below, you’ll find an in-depth discussion of […]
The best spincast reel is simple and more than up to the task of bluegill, crappie, perch, catfish, walleye, trout, bass, specks, reds, and most pike. Better yet, they're affordable and well made! If you’re looking for the best spincast reel, want to give one a try, or are thinking about where to get one […]
