The Best Fishing Reels of 2023
The best fishing reels of 2023 have been reviewed so you can make that perfect catch. They aren’t necessarily the best reels on the market, budgets and preferences make it impossible to narrow that down for individual anglers, however, these are the best in terms of value for money. That’s what you can always expect from We-Find.
If you are a relative novice to fishing, then deciding upon which fishing reel to first splash out on can be rather confusing. For example, do you know your spincast reels from your longcast reels? How about knowing your spinning reels from your fly?
More experienced anglers will know that the fishing reel landscape has now changed for the better. With brands competing for customers, this has seen quality reels being made today at lower prices. Fishing reels are continually improving and evolving with new technology and new materials becoming readily available.
Different kinds of reels work in different ways from one another. They are suited to different roles and so this is the first thing to remember when making a purchase. You need to ask yourself, exactly what kind of fishing will I be doing?
Spinning reels are widely accepted as being the most popular and well-known fishing reels. They are easy to understand, so are ideal for both beginners and more advanced anglers. Versatility is a further plus point with regard to them being usable in almost all kinds of fishing conditions. They also do not require a lot of maintenance.
A problem with spinning reels though is that they can cause twisting issues when casting. Therefore, more experienced anglers are likely to opt for baitcasting reels. They are unrivalled in terms of their power and precision, which makes them tough enough for the seas and big rivers. Although they can take a lot of practice to get right, they can be cast at long distances.
With all this in mind, now is the time to look at the best fishing reels of 2023. In no particular order, let us see if some of your favorites have indeed made the all-important list.
The powerhouse
- Hagane Gearing
- Hi Speed Drag
- 4 ball bearings + 1 roller bearing
- Slow Oscillation System
Available in Big (14000 spool) and Medium (5500 spool) sizes, this well-rated reel is popular throughout Europe for carp fishing. The Big size is ideal for larger waters and has a line capacity of up to 400m. Whereas the Medium size is most suitable for smaller venues, where extreme casting distance is not the key factor. Both sizes are supplied with line reducers.
One for more experienced anglers for sure. If you love catching big fish with a true powerhouse reel, then this one is most definitely for you.
The powerhouse
- Hagane Gearing
- Hi Speed Drag
- 4 ball bearings + 1 roller bearing
- Slow Oscillation System
Available in Big (14000 spool) and Medium (5500 spool) sizes, this well-rated reel is popular throughout Europe for carp fishing. The Big size is ideal for larger waters and has a line capacity of up to 400m. Whereas the Medium size is most suitable for smaller venues, where extreme casting distance is not the key factor. Both sizes are supplied with line reducers.
One for more experienced anglers for sure. If you love catching big fish with a true powerhouse reel, then this one is most definitely for you.
The body
- Rotor brake
- Anti-backlash system
- 5 stainless steel ball bearings + 1 roller bearing
- Twist free roller
With its hardwearing graphite body, in minimalist matt black styling and discreet silver trims, it certainly ticks a lot of boxes. Anglers wanted a scaled-down version of best-selling magnesium 12000XT and graphite 12000S reels, so hey presto, Fox duly delivered.
Fox is renowned for producing reels for carp anglers, and the FX11 is certainly no exception. This reel also gives a superb line lay due to the super slow oscillation feature.
This is the carp-specific reel that you have always wanted.
The carp beast
- Super slow oscillation
- Parallel Body
- Front drag
- Shimano AR-C Spool
The Shimano Ultegra XT-D comes in two sizes, namely the 14000 XT-D and the 5500-series. Made with the carp angler in mind, this reel contains sumptuous amounts of Shimano’s cutting-edge technology. This together with being matt black throughout, there are definite connotations here of this reel having a very modern feel to it.
Both models have 2x line reducers, meaning you can fish with a whole variety of different types of lines. A technological highlight to point out is the X-Ship feature. This technology gives you greater control when you are battling against a big fish.
Widely regarded as one of the top carp reels on the market today.
The saltwater master
- 10 + 1 shielded stainless steel ball bearings
- Super Light CNC Aluminium Spool
- Updated asymmetrical rotor design which gives a smoother operation
This salt and freshwater spinning reel is amazing value for its price point. It comes in an anti-corrosive coating to withstand both salt and freshwater use. The carbon fibre drag system comes with a powerful drag to enable you to catch game fish such as salmon, trout, bass, and mackerel.
It also needs highlighting how the aluminium spool and rotor structure stop water and sand from getting into the gearing.
A low-cost durable reel that has been consistently widely praised.
Outstanding value
- Gear Ratio 5.5:1
- Anti-twist system
- Rear drag reel
- Long cast spool
The first thing that hits you about this item is that it is very low-cost, but in a cracking good value way. Not only that, but you also get a pair of reels rather than just one. They come in stylish black and red colours and are lightweight, due to being plastic.
Usefully, it is a multipurpose reel. For example, you can fish for small carp via float and feeder fishing, as well as spinning on riverbanks for gamefish.
Given the low price and repeated high ratings from fellow anglers, this makes this a must-have item for your fishing basket.
The green maestro
- Instant Anti-reverse
- Multi Disk Drag System
- One Touch Folding Handle
- Computer Balanced Drive
Aesthetically speaking, what hits you first about this product is the appealing army-green camouflage colour. This is complemented beautifully by its high strength graphite body.
It comes ready loaded with a 12lb line, so you are ready to fish right away. Other things to note are that it comes with a spare spool, together with a padded reel case.
Another standout addition to the carp angling market. Low-cost and highly rated, it does the job.
