Six Outstanding Freshwater Reels
Penn Wrath II 4000
Designed for 8- to 12-pound-test monofilament or 15- to 30-pound-test braid, the Penn Wrath II 4000 is an affordable midsize spinning reel that can be used in a number of freshwater applications. The entire Wrath II lineup ranges from size 2500 to 8000, with the largest, 8000, going for $69.99. The corrosion-resistant graphite body keeps it durable yet lightweight, and the anodized-aluminum spool resists corrosion. $49.99; pennfishing.com
Abu Garcia Zenon LTX BFS Low-Profile Reel
Just hitting the market this October, the Zenon LTX BFS is Abu Garcia’s lightest and most compact baitcaster to date. This lightweight reel is designed for precision casting, flipping and pitching control to allow top-level anglers to place their lure or bait in exactly the right spot. Its Carbon Matrix drag system is super-smooth throughout its setting range, allowing the angler to pressure the fish without creating herky-jerky stops and starts. $549.99; abugarcia.com
St. Croix Seviin GF Series
St. Croix has been in the business over 70 years, and is known mainly for fishing rods. But it also offers reels engineered to optimize performance with its rods. The new Seviin GF baitcaster features a one-piece graphite frame and side covers, 11 stainless-steel ball bearings, and a 32 mm forged-aluminum spool that will hold 110 yards of 12-pound-test mono. A carbon-fiber handle, a multistack carbon-fiber and stainless-steel drag system, microadjustable magnetic cast control, a precision-hobbed hard brass pinion and a drive gear make sure its the finisher for bass. $120; stcroixrods.com
Shimano Stradic FM 1000
The Stradic FM is designed to provide dependability and versatility at a reasonable price. The 1000 is the smallest in the lineup that goes all the way up to a 5000. This series of reels won an innovation award at the 2023 ICAST show. The 1000 has a 6.0-to-1 gear ratio, and can hold 2- to 6-pound-test mono line or 10- to 20-pound-test braid. Shimano’s X-Protect coating helps the reel shed water and protects it from corrosion. $199.99; fish.shimano.com
St. Croix Seviin GS Series
Spinning is so popular that St. Croix worked simultaneously with the baitcast team to bring this beauty to market. It’s available in five sizes, from 750 to 3000, to go ultralight or heavy on big bass. Its carbon-fiber frame and side plates are rigid, light and corrosion-resistant. With 11 stainless-steel ball bearings, a machined-aluminum handle and titanium bail, it’s built to last. Its carbon fiber and stainless-steel drag give smooth control for battling lunker fish during a prolonged fight. A helical brass pinion gear adds power. $120; stcroixrods.com
Okuma ITX CB 3000 Spinning Reel
Designed specifically for freshwater and light inshore applications, the ITX CB 3000 sports a 6.0-to-1 gear ratio, and its lightweight construction ensures a durable-yet-precise, strike-sensitive reel. The carbonite drag washer system guarantees a smooth drag experience as you battle the hardiest freshwater fish. It’s designed to sweep water away from the anodized-aluminum spool with its Cyclonic Flow Rotator Technology, protecting the reel from corrosion. The reel also comes in 1000, 2500 and 4000 versions. $159.99; okumafishingusa.com
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