2025 BUYER'S GUIDE: The Best Casting Reels For Fishing! (Budget To Enthusiast)

These are the best Baitcasting Reels on the market! Whether you're looking for an affordable casting reel, or you need a high end reel to pair up for the perfect combo, we've got you covered! From incredibly light to incredibly strong, from precision to durability, these are the best options we've found. There are a ton of great bait casters from a variety of brands, let's go check them out!

Yesterday's spinning reel video only had a few brands. When it comes to casting reels, the flood gates open! There are a ton of great reels from all around the industry. Price, weight, and durability,, combine to create the best baitcasting reels at every price point. Whether you're just getting started, or you're a seasoned angler, this information will help you find the best reel in your budget.

Below you'll find links to all the reels in today's video. We've also included our favorite retrieve speed for each reel. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.

KEY DAIWA CASTING REELS...

•Daiwa Aird 80: https://bit.ly/46up5Mx

Favorite Speed: 7.5:1

•Daiwa Fuego CT: https://bit.ly/35hugfH

Speed: 7.3:1

•Daiwa Tatula 200: https://bit.ly/4ig0woA

Speed: 7.3:1

•Daiwa Tatula SV TW 150: https://bit.ly/3yiO3zJ

Speed: 7.3:1

•Daiwa Kage SV: https://bit.ly/3JEBep4

Speed: 7.1:1

•Daiwa Mangetsu: https://bit.ly/3YwWAZK

Speed: 7.3:1

•Daiwa Steez 70 CT SV TW: https://bit.ly/3esUZjg

Speed: 7.1:1

KEY ABU GARCIA REELS...

•Abu Garcia Max5 Pro: https://bit.ly/4pGZ4Az

Speed: 7.5:1

•Abu Garcia Revo SX LP: https://bit.ly/40nsz0i

Speed: 7.3:1

•Abu Garcia Zata Tact Z: https://bit.ly/3B8E7Ks

Speed: 7.1:1

•Abu Garcia Zenon X: https://bit.ly/4klsOju

Speed: 8.3:1

•Abu Garcia Beast 200: https://bit.ly/49BAQlE

Speed: 7.3:1

SEVIIN REELS...

•Seviin GF: https://bit.ly/3qa2SQZ

Speed: 7.3:1

•Seviin GX: https://bit.ly/4octPMZ

Speed: 8.1:1

FULL FRAME SHIMANO REELS...

•Shimano SLX A 150: https://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

Speed: 7.2:1

•Shimano SLX XT: https://bit.ly/3YgnWE8

Speed: 7.2:1

•Shimano Curado 150 M: https://bit.ly/4odTDs7

Speed: 7.4:1

•Shimano Curado 200 M: https://bit.ly/2tHewEh

Speed: 7.4:1

•Shimano Bantam MGL A: https://bit.ly/2H44yjG

Speed: 7.1:1

•Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B: https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

Speed: 7.1:1

FINESSE FRAME SHIMANO REELS...

•Shimano SLX 70 MGL: https://bit.ly/3gIUCgJ

Speed: 7.2:1

•Shimano Curado 70 MGL: https://bit.ly/2apmDJt

Speed: 7.4:1

•Shimano Aldebaran 50 MGL: https://bit.ly/2fdX1Uy

Speed: 7.4:1

•Shimano Metanium DC A 70: https://bit.ly/49al91d

Speed: 7.1:1

AMERICAN STYLE BFS REELS...

•Abu Garcia Revo X BFS: https://bit.ly/4flqwi3

Speed: 7.3:1

•Shimano Curado BFS: https://bit.ly/2QGRVF2

Speed: 8.2:1

•Abu Garcia Zenon MG–LTX BFS: https://bit.ly/4aSBckW

Speed: 8.3:1

JDM BFS REELS...

•Ark Gravity BFS: https://bit.ly/3UtgXnY

Speed: 8.1:1

•Daiwa Tatula BF 70 BF: https://bit.ly/4b7UbYM

Speed: 8.1:1

•Daiwa PX BF 70: https://bit.ly/3y0fWw0

Speed: 8.6:1

•Shimano Aldebaran BFS: https://bit.ly/3ryXKpR

Speed: 7.8:1

PREVIOUS BUYER'S GUIDES...

•Best Jigs– https://youtu.be/KVy_HzsNdv4

•Best Spinnerbaits/A Rigs– https://youtu.be/ipLAgQwf_t0

•Best Entry Level Combos– https://youtu.be/4O2ewrZzuJw

•Best Budget Baller Combos– https://youtu.be/sTtrvJ6xPYE

•Best "Affordable" Combos– https://youtu.be/HU5KG3rENDA

•High End Combos– https://youtu.be/7tj_awFmJLM

•Best "Enthusiast" Rods And Reels– https://youtu.be/J7ikDrkx6fU

•Jig And Minnow– https://youtu.be/oUbtQNb6ok4

•Spinning Reels– https://youtu.be/vie_pr69cdI

WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR??

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

Fishing Line Explained! Save Money By Avoiding Costly Mistakes!

Which fishing line should you be using? From Monofilament to Copolymer, Fluorocarbon to Braid, we're covering all the different lines and explaining the advantages of each! Let's start simple for beginner anglers then dive in deep for advanced anglers!

Who makes the best fishing line? Let's find out! The majority of line failures are a direct result of mistakes in line selection. Each style of line has benefits. Monofilament is inexpensive, strong, and easy to use. Fluorocarbon has incredible abrasion resistance and is nearly clear in the water. Braided line provides power in an incredibly thin package. While all of these lines have amazing benefits, each also provides challenges that need to be overcome. Understanding which line to throw for different techniques will improve your overall fishing experience!

Below you'll find links to the exact line Matt discussed in the video. We've separated them into different categories, based on price. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each.

CONNECTION KNOT VIDEO...

5 Knots You Need To Know!: https://youtu.be/MYzIKg4sPWU

AFFORDABLE FLUOROCARBON LINE...

•Seaguar Basix: https://bit.ly/38c1HHr

•Sunline Model FC: https://bit.ly/47bYQIm

•Seaguar Red Label: https://bit.ly/2LOVEwA

MAIN FLUOROCARBON LINES...

•Seaguar InvizX: https://bit.ly/2oVsG2Y

•Sunline Super FCSniper: https://bit.ly/2p7fxju

•Seaguar Tatsu: https://bit.ly/4lN1MBm

NICHE FLUOROCARBON LIENS...

•Sunline Crank FC: https://bit.ly/3fohguC

•Sunline Big Bait FC: https://bit.ly/46NMLv7

•Daiwa Hidden FC: https://bit.ly/3ILKXH0

MONOFILAMENT LINE...

•Sufix Advance Mono: https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

•Maxima Ultragreen: https://bit.ly/2ae97J9

COPOLYMER LINE...

•Sufix Defcon: https://bit.ly/3KGwG1H

BUDGET BRAIDED LINE...

•Power Pro Spectra: https://bit.ly/2aFg46b

•Seaguar Tact X: https://bit.ly/4eV8UJz

MAIN BRAIDED LINE...

•Sufix 832 Braid: https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

•Power Pro Maxcuatro: https://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

NICHE BRAIDED LINE...

•Sufix 131 Braid: https://bit.ly/314VoyF

•Sunline Almight (Sinking): https://bit.ly/4flJrsg

•Seaguar PEX8: https://bit.ly/3UEhhl2

MONO LEADER...

•Sufix Advance Mono: https://bit.ly/3GJEUix

Size: 12 – 20 lb

FLUOROCARBON LEADER...

•Seaguar Gold Label: https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi

Size: 8 – 12 lb

•Seaguar Grand Max: https://bit.ly/46eb98G

Size: 8 – 15 lb

SWIMBAIT LEADER...

•Seaguar Gold Label: https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi

Size: 25 – 35 lb

•Sunline Saltimate Nylon Shock Leader: https://bit.ly/3WqDIJp

Size: 30 – 40 lb

•Sunline Saltimate Tunageat: https://bit.ly/47MCfkR

Size: 25 – 35 lb

LINE STORAGE AND ACCESSORIES...

•Seaguar Line and Leader Bags: https://bit.ly/3yb17XZ

•Seaguar Bulk Storage Bag: https://bit.ly/4c6mlny

•Sunline Camo Line Storage Bag: https://bit.ly/47aRGnu

•Plano Spool Box: https://bit.ly/30VngVs

LINE SIZE RECOMMENDATIONS BY TECHNIQUE...

Dropshot– 10 lb Braid or 6 lb Fluorocarbon

Crankbait– 12–17 lb Fluorocarbon or 20–30 lb Braid

Topwater– 40 lb Braid or 15 lb Mono

Frog– 50–65 lb Braid

Jig– 50 lb Braid, 15–20 lb Fluorocarbon, 15–20 lb Mono Leader

Ned Rig– 10 lb Braid or 6 lb Fluorocarbon

Senko– 30 lb Braid, 10–15 lb Mono leader, 12 lb fluorocarbon

Shakey Head– 20 lb Braid, 10–12 lb fluorocarbon, 10 lb mono leader

Spnnerbait/Chatterbait– 15–20 lb fluorocarbon, 40–50 lb Braid

Big Swimbait– 80 lb braid, 25–35 lb mono or fluorocarbon leader

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

Top 5 Fishing Rods Every Anglers Should Have (Beginner To Advanced)

Are you looking for a fishing rod? We've got you covered! These are the top 5 fishing rods every fisherman should own! Whether you're just getting started and need to stick to a budget, or you want to buy the best so you only have to purchase rods once, we've got you covered! No matter your skill level or budget, this is for you!

The first 5 rods will cover everything you'll face as a newer angler. The very first rod is extremely universal and will help you throw as many different baits as possible, the next 4 will give you a foundation for virtually any situation you'll face on the water. Whether you're working with a budget, looking for "bang for the buck", or simply want the best, we have a recommendation that will fit your fishing style.

Below you'll find links to the top 5 rods, broken down by price range from budget to enthusiast. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. We've also included 3 bonus combos to help you take your fishing to the next level!

7' MEDIUM SPINNING ROD...

Budget Rod– Dobyns Colt 7' Medium: https://bit.ly/4l2N7l8

Budget Reel– Shimano Sedona FJ 2500: https://bit.ly/2wgh50Z

Mid Price Rod– Daiwa Tatula Cork 7' Medium: https://bit.ly/4f8RRV2

Mid Price Reel– Daiwa Tatula MQ LT: https://bit.ly/3IWhxbv

High End Rod– G Loomis GLX 6'10": https://bit.ly/3Ifjbow

High End Reel– Shimano Exsence 2500: https://bit.ly/3UHL2jP

7' – 7'4" MEDIUM HEAVY CASTING ROD...

Budget Rod– Daiwa Aird X 7' Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/2Z2JfYG

Budget Reel– Daiwa Aird 80: https://bit.ly/46up5Mx

Mid Price Rod– Cashion Z2 Element 7'3" Medium Heavy: https://bit.ly/48w69eC

Mid Price Reel– Shimano SLX 150 XT: https://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

High End Rod– G Loomis GLX 7' 844C MBR: https://bit.ly/2gqziwT

High End Reel– Shimano Metanium DC 70 A: https://bit.ly/2qrSZvs

6'8"- 6'10" MEDIUM LIGHT SPINNING ROD...

Budget Rod– Dobyns Maverick 6'9" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/2qrSZvs

Budget Reel– Shimano Miravel 2500: https://bit.ly/3QZnwL5

Mid Price Rod– St. Croix Black Bass 6'10" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/4diwkqT

Mid Price Reel– Daiwa Exceler LT 2500: https://bit.ly/4oa5mYG

High End Rod– Abu Garcia Zenon 6'10" Medium Light: https://bit.ly/45coLzN

High End Reel– Zenon MGX 3000 Spinning Reel: https://bit.ly/3C7KTAd

7' – 7'2" MEDIUM CASTING ROD...

Budget Rod– St. Croix Bass X 7'1" Medium Fast: https://bit.ly/3A5CFSU

Budget Reel– Shimano SLX XT: https://bit.ly/2BRTYL8

Mid Price Rod– Shimano Expride 6'10" Medium Moderate Fast: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Mid Price Reel– Shimano Curado 70 MGL: https://bit.ly/2apmDJt

High End Rod– Fenwick World Class 7'1" Medium Extra Fast: https://bit.ly/3qbGEya

High End Reel– Shimano Metanium MGL (HG): https://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

7'4" – 7'6" HEAVY CASTING ROD...

Budget Rod– St. Croix Bass X 7'4" Heavy Fast: https://bit.ly/3A5CFSU

Budget Reel– Seviin GF: https://bit.ly/3qa2SQZ

Mid Price Rod– Shimano Expride B 7'4" Heavy: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Mid Price Reel– Shimano Curado 150 M: https://bit.ly/4odTDs7

High End Rod– Daiwa Steez AGS 7'5" MHH: https://bit.ly/3RhFit1

High End Reel– Daiwa Steez SV TW: https://bit.ly/3wXZ9Jb

BONUS FLIPPING COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride 7'11" Extra Heavy: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel– Shimano Bantam MGL A (HG): https://bit.ly/2H44yjG

BONUS CRANKING COMBO...

Rod– Megabass Levante Flat Side Special: https://bit.ly/2FdE3YY

Reel– Daiwa Tatula SV TW 70: https://bit.ly/3ZcBbCZ

BONUS BFS COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride B 6'8" Light: https://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel– Shimano Curado BFS: https://bit.ly/2QGRVF2

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz

5 Fishing Reel Tricks That Make Fishing Easier!

We've got 5 reel hacks that will change your fishing forever! This isn't just for beginners either, it's for you! Forget what you heard when you started fishing, that's not what we do with our reels at all. If you're tired of struggling with your reels, we've got you covered. From tuning, to line tricks, we're going to show you how to get peak performance from your gear.

Matt is opening up about how he modifies all his reels. From how he sets up a bait caster, to how he spools his reels for success, he's not leaving anything out. He even shows some of the best "bang for the buck" reels from several brands. You don't want to miss this!

Below you'll find links to all the reels in the video. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. We've also included a link to a previous knot video to help you tie the "San Diego Jam" knot effectively.

SAN DIEGO JAM VIDEOS...

•Short Video On The San Diego Jam: https://youtube.com/shorts/-ZPn1wpgZJI

•Full Length Knot Video Including The San Diego Jam: https://youtu.be/MYzIKg4sPWU

MATT'S FROG COMBO...

Rod– Shimano Expride 7'3" Extra Heavy: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

Reel– Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B (XG): https://bit.ly/34HlAAk

Line– Power Pro Maxcuatro 65 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

BAIT CASTING REELS...

•Shimano Metanium MGL 150 B: https://bit.ly/34HlAAk

•Shimano Curado 150 M: https://bit.ly/4odTDs7

•Shimano SLX 70: https://bit.ly/3gIUCgJ

•Daiwa Fuego CT: https://bit.ly/35hugfH

SPINNING REELS...

•Shimano Twin Power FE 3000: https://bit.ly/3df3hX5

•Daiwa Luvias ST 2000: https://bit.ly/459jXLv

•Shimano Vanford FA 3000: https://bit.ly/3WAPNO1

•Shimano Miravel 2500: https://bit.ly/3QZnwL5

•Shimano Sedona FJ 2500: https://bit.ly/2wgh50Z

POWER FISHING BRAIDED LINE...

•Power Pro Maxcuatro: https://bit.ly/2clBRiQ

•Sufix 832: https://bit.ly/2ae93Ji

FINESSE BRAIDED LINE...

•Seaguar JDM PEX8: https://bit.ly/3UEhhl2

•Sunline Almight: https://bit.ly/4flJrsg

FAVORITE FLUOROCARBON LINES...

Finesse– Daiwa Hidden FC: https://bit.ly/3ILKXH0

Budget– Seaguar Red Label: https://bit.ly/2LOVEwA

Power– Sunline Super FC Sniper: https://bit.ly/2p7fxju

Leader– Seaguar Gold Label: https://bit.ly/3UqrUbi

TACTICALBASSIN LURE DESIGNS (AND APPAREL)

We have a variety of custom lure designs and apparel available! Everything from Swimbaits and crankbaits, to apparel and merch! See it here…

•TacticalBassin Apparel and Merch: https://bit.ly/3ZxEI0z

•TacticalBassin Lure Designs: http://bit.ly/38YpPIz