As a professional or competitive fisherman you need expensive budget for fishing equipment. When fishing is just a hobby than no need to break your bank. The old saying, “keeping up with the Joneses” can be applied to this sport as it can to many aspects of life. you have plenty of options with best spinning reels under $100 as well as cheap price spinning rod, fish finder under $200 etc.
If you have fished more than one time, you will understand how expensive the Fishing can be. There is an entire list of “necessities” – from fishing rods, fishing reels, fishing tackle, fishing clothes – you get the picture. Then, there are the fees associated with fishing – licenses, fees for fishing in certain areas (piers, state parks, private lakes).
Table of Contents
As an avid fisherman, I can relate with wanting to have the best equipment. I mean, that big fish is going to look so much better if you catch it on a $500 rod and reel combo, right? Wait – what did I just say? Don’t worry – that fish will look just as good if you catch it on a $100 rod and reel.
Comparison of 7 Best Spinning Reels Under $100
| Image | Product Name | Features | Latest Price |
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Okuma Trio High Speed |
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Check Price |
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Okuma Fishing Tackle Trio Ladies Edition |
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Check Price |
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Penn Fierce II |
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Check Price |
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KastKing Summer and Centron |
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Check Price |
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Penn Battle II |
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Check Price |
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Daiwa 0001-4131 BG2500 Black Gold |
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Check Price |
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SHIMANO Stradic Ci4+ |
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Check Price |
Basic Fishing Supplies – You Need to Know Before Start Fishing
If you are a beginner fisherman, it is not necessary to sink thousands of dollars into equipment to get started. You can start by purchasing the basics and build from there. Here is a list of basic supplies:
- Fishing License – be sure to purchase a license before your first fishing trip. It can be purchased from the state, from the state-operated fishing sites, big box stores such as Walmart, bait and tackle stores, or online.
- Fishing rod and reel – can be purchased as a combo or can be purchased separately.
- Tackle Box – Choose a tackle box that will hold the gear you need but will be easy to transport and easy to access when you need to replace tackle.
- Fishing line – size depends on type of fishing you will be doing. Larger line for larger fish.
- Hooks – purchase a variety of sizes and types.
- Sinkers/Weights – purchase a variety of sizes and types.
- Swivels – swivels are often necessary for putting your fishing rig together.
- Bobbers
- Jigs
- Soft plastic, such as plastic worms
- Spinner baits
- Hard lures
- Pliers
- Filet Knife
Things To Consider Before Buying A Fishing Reels
It would be a little difficult to catch a fish without a rod and reel. As I stated above, you can purchase a combo that is already put together (rod and reel) or you can purchase each item separately. The first thing you need to do is to decide what type of reel you need. There are basically three types of reels.
- Spincast – Most people have heard of this type of reel as a closed-face reel. With a Spincast reel, everything is inside the reel cover. A hole allows the line to be cast. This type of reel works well for children and some beginner fishermen.
- Baitcasting – The baitcasting reel is one of the most difficult to learn how to use. Because you must control the spinning spool with your thumb, this type is most often used by more experienced fishermen. It takes a lot of practice to master the baitcasting reel.
- Spinning – The spinning reel is the most common type of reel. It does not require a long learning curve and can be used successfully by beginning fishermen. My 5-year-old niece and nephew learned to cast using a spinning reel. The spinning reel is more accurate than a closed-faced, easier to learn than the baitcasting reel, and offers a wider variety of options as far as line size is concerned.
7 Best Spinning Reel Under $100 Reviews in 2019
1. Okuma Trio High Speed Spinning Reel
The Okuma Trio High Speed Spinning Reel is one of the best saltwater spinning reels under $100. The hybrid spool design makes it sturdy and lightweight enough for freshwater and inshore saltwater fishing. The hybrid design found throughout the real is meant to provide maximum output while keeping the reel as lightweight as possible.
Headquartered in Taiwan, Okuma Fishing Tackle has been providing quality, affordable fishing equipment to adventurous fishermen the world over for over 31 years. Since 1986, Okuma Fishing Tackle has focused on fishing rods and reels. They are dedicated to using high-quality materials and innovative designs to create the ultimate tool for man versus nature.
- Water tight drag seal prevents water from collecting inside the reel
- Dual force drag provides for maximum drag pressure and smooth retrieving
- Corrosion-resistant coating protects the reel from rust and corrosion that occurs around water
- Anti-reverse roller bearing allows the drag to work without moving the handle
- The combination of aluminum and graphite offer a lightweight reel that is tough enough to get the fish in
- The bell can be hard to close when casting
2. Okuma Trio Ladies Edition High-Speed Spinning Reel
The Okuma Trio Ladies Edition High-Speed Spinning Reel is one of the best ladies spinning reels on the market. With the same construction and design as the Okuma Trio, this edition provides a lightweight, easy-to-handle reel that is sturdy enough to bring the big one in.
While the Okuma Trio incorporates the colors orange and black, the Ladies edition sports a bright pink and black makeup. And just like the ladies, it is beautiful and tough enough to get the job done. It has the same hybrid design as the Trio and can be used in freshwater or inshore saltwater settings.
- Graphite arbor and Aluminum lip provide strength while being light enough to easily maneuver
- Precision Dual Force Drag provides the ultimate drag pressure with a smooth retrieval
- Trio high speed reels are designed for high speed, which leaves the fish less time to get away
- Reels as much as 11 inches more line than other reels
- Aluminum handle is less likely to break than plastic handles
- Some consumers feel the finger reach (to grab the line for casting) should be shorter in the lady’s version
3. Penn Fierce Spinning Reel
Otto Henze traveled from Germany to America in 1922. In Philadelphia, he worked as a machinist at a company that manufactured fishing reels. But, his dreams were bigger than that. He wanted to own his own company and manufacture quality, innovative fishing reels that set world records.
In 1933, his dreams moved in a forward direction when he founded the Penn Fishing Tackle Manufacturing Company. He sold his first real, the Sea Hawk, for $1.21 – and the rest is fishing history.One of the best spinning reels under $100 on the market today is the Penn Fierce Spinning Reel.
This is the best-quality reels from a trusted name that you can purchase without breaking the bank. The full metal body of the reel along with side plates makes this real durable and maintains gear alignment for a smooth retrieval every time.
- Stainless Steel ball bearings provide a smooth spinning motion
- Instant anti-reverse bearing keeps the handle in position when a fish is pulling drag
- Aluminum handle with a soft-touch knob makes the handle comfortable while you fish
- Superline spool line capacity rings allow you to spool braided line directly on the spool without a monofilament backing
- The paint is designed to protect your reel from saltwater spray or other chemicals, making it corrosion-resistant
- Since the reel is full metal, it is a bit heavier than reels containing graphite
4. KastKing Summer Spinning Reel
One of the best freshwater spinning reels, the KastKing Summer Spinning Reel is constructed of graphite frame and metal shaft. The combination is durable but remains lightweight. The Summer spinning real features 9 ball bearings that provides a smooth performance when retrieving your catch.
Top-notch performance at an affordable price. KastKing has only been around since 2011, but they are quickly making a name for themselves in the fishing world. Fishing provided relaxation for the founders as they attended college.
As they fished, they discussed their dreams of manufacturing innovation and affordable fishing reels. They also take education seriously and promote sustainable fishing practices as well as love and respect for our environment.
- Lightweight graphite frame
- Superior Drag System with stopping power up to 20 pounds
- Power launch lip allows you to cast farther
- Reel is corrosion-resistant for durability and a longer life
- Interchangeable handle allows you to easily switch from right-handed to left-handed
- Some fishermen state the reel becomes stiff quickly in saltwater
5. Penn Battle II Spinning Reel
Another reel from one of the top names in fishing is the Penn Battle II spinning reel. As one of the best bass spinning reels, the Battle II has all the bells and whistles an avid angler wants – and needs. Introduced around 5 years ago, the Battle II is an upgraded and improved version of the Penn Battle.
One of the main improvements is the paint that makes the reel resistant to water and chemicals, protecting your reel from corrosion and rust. The sealed stainless-steel ball bearings are designed to withstand the spray of fresh and salt water.
Whether you are after that record-breaking largemouth bass or a record-breaking Spanish Mackerel, the Battle II spinning reel from Penn provides strength and a smooth retrieval.
- Full metal body and side plates for durability
- Carbon fiber drag system for smooth retrieval
- Anti-reverse feature keeps the handle from moving backwards when the drag is being pulled
- Superline spool allows you to load the reel with braid without monofilament backing
- Capacity rings tell you when the spool is 1/3, 2/3, and full
- The most common complaint is the heaviness of the reel, but that is to be expected from an all-metal construction
6. Daiwa BG Spinning Reel
Another best spinning reels under $100 is the Daiwa BG spinning reel. The BG spinning reel works well for freshwater and saltwater fishing. The ABS swept spool is designed for greater casting distance with fewer loops or wind knots.
In 1955, Daiwa’s first reel rolled of the assembly line. Bases in Cypress, California, Daiwa has been a household name in fishing supplies since. Daiwa places an emphasis on innovation and quality and are committed to provide affordable fishing supplies for the casual fisherman as well as the professional fisherman.
- Aluminum ABS spool works well with monofilament and braided line – no mono backing needed for braided line
- Waterproof Drag System provides a strong drag without allowing water in
- Anodized Aluminum housing for durability
- Heavy duty paddle on the handle provides comfort for long days of casting
- Easily adjustable drag system
- Some fishermen stated the retrieval is not as smooth as other comparable reels
7. Shimano Stradic Ci4+
Though the Shimano Stradic is not under $100, it is one of the best Shimano spinning reels on the market. While we have explored six of the best spinning reels under $100, I wanted to show you something on the opposite end of the spectrum.
The Stradic is definitely NOT an inexpensive spinning reel. Shimano is one of the most recognized names in sports fishing and bicycles. Since 1921, Shimano’s goal has been to provide captivating products to promote these cultures.
Shimano is committed to environmental preservation so future generations can enjoy nature as we do. Their motto is “to promote health and happiness through the enjoyment of nature and the world around us”.
- Carbon Interfusion construction provides durability in a lightweight reel
- Contains no metal, making it a great choice for brackish or saltwater fishing
- Super Stopper II anti-reverse roller bearing
- X-Ship pinion gear system provides a mega smooth retrieval
- Designed for maximum comfort with minimal fatigue
- Not budget friendly
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Final Thoughts
The most important aspects of fishing are enjoying the sport and feeding the family. Professional and/or competitive fishermen will most often use more expensive gear. However, having the most expensive gear is not necessary for the casual fisherman.
From the best spinning reels reviewed above, my choice for the best spinning reels under $100 is the Penn Fierce Spinning Reel. Not only is it manufactured by one of the best-known companies for fishing supplies, it is built out of the highest quality material and built to last through many days of fishing.
Whether freshwater or saltwater, the Fierce is designed to withstand all the punishment an avid angler doles out. With paint that protects the reel from salt spray and chemicals, there is no need to worry about corrosion or rust that can occur after long days on the water. Fish without worry.
Another plus is the Superline spool that allows you to place braided line directly on the spool. On many reels, it is necessary to begin with monofilament line until the reel is covered, then splice in the braid (Source). This can create an opportunity for losing a big fish if it takes a lot of line off and your splice fails. Not only do you lose the fish, you lose all the braided line (which is more expensive than mono).
Everything about the Penn Fierce is heavy-duty and designed with the angler in mind. Designed for durability, smooth retrieval, long casts, and the angler’s comfort, the Penn Fierce is one of the best spinning reels under $100 that you will find on the market today – from a company that has been tried and tested and continues to provide innovative fishing supplies.
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