Catfish are a delicious and popular game fish, and if you’re looking to catch them, you’ll need the best catfish reel for the job.
In this article, we will review seven of the best catfish reels on the market today and give you our buying guide to help you choose the right one for you.
Here is a quick list of all of our best reels for catfish:
- Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C3 Baitcast Fishing Reel
- PENN Squall II Level Wind Conventional Fishing Reel
- KastKing Rover Round Baitcasting Reel
- Penn VI Spinning Fishing Reel
- Lew’s Speed Cast Reel
- Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo
- Piscifun Chaos XS Round Reel
Catfish are a popular game fish that can be found in many freshwater rivers and lakes. They are delicious to eat, and they provide a great challenge for anglers who are looking to catch them.
If you’re interested in fishing for catfish, you’ll need the best catfish reel for the job. So whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, read on for the best catfish reels of 2022!
Table of Contents
In-Depth Reviews of Our Best Catfish Reels
Now that we’ve gone over the seven best catfish reels on the market, let’s take a more in-depth look at each one. With those factors in mind, here are seven of the best catfish reels on the market today:
Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C3 Baitcast Fishing Reel
The Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C3 Baitcast Round Fishing Reel is one of the best catfish reels on the market.
Its features include a six-pin centrifugal brake system for greater control and castability and a durable carbon fiber drag system that can handle up to 30 pounds of drag.
It also has a corrosion-resistant stainless steel main gear and rotor for strength and durability, and a smooth, powerful drag system that can handle even the strongest fish.
The C3 is also one of the lightest catfish reels on the market, weighing in at just over 10 ounces. This makes it easy to carry and transport, even when you’re out on the water all day.
It has a large spool capacity that can handle big fish, and its durable design makes it perfect for long-term use. It’s also affordably priced compared to other high-end baitcasting reels.
If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line catfish reel that can handle anything you throw at it, the Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C3 Baitcast Round Fishing Reel is the perfect choice for you.
PENN Squall II Level Wind Conventional Fishing Reel
The PENN Squall II Level Wind Conventional Fishing Reel is a great choice for catfish anglers. Its level wind design ensures an even line lay, and its two-speed gearbox lets you switch between high and low gears to suit the conditions.
The reel also has a full metal body and side plates for durability, and its stainless steel main gear and drag system are designed for long-term use.
The Squall II features a strong level wind mechanism that ensures even line lay, and its two-speed gearbox lets you fish at high or low speeds.
Best of all, the reel comes backed by PENN’s years of experience in the fishing industry, so you can be sure it’s up to the task of landing big catfish.
KastKing Rover Round Baitcasting Reel
KastKing Rover Round Baitcasting Reel is one of the most versatile catfish reels on the market.
It can be used for a variety of fishing techniques, making it a great choice for anglers of all levels. The reel has a strong drag system that can handle even the biggest catfish, and the star drag provides smooth and consistent performance.
One of the best features of the KastKing Rover Round baitcasting reel is its smooth drag system. This ensures that you won’t lose your fish due to a sudden loss of line tension. The reel also has a magnetic brake system that further enhances your ability to land fish.
The Rover Round is also one of the lightest reels in its class, making it easy to carry on long fishing trips.
And with an affordable option for budget-conscious anglers. So if you’re looking for a versatile and affordable catfish reel, the KastKing Rover Round Baitcasting Reel is an excellent choice.
Penn VI Spinning Fishing Reel
The Penn VI Spinning Fishing Reel is one of the most popular catfish reels on the market. It’s known for its durability and its ability to handle big fish.
The Penn VI has a spool that’s located above the rod, making it easier to cast and retrieve your line. And because the spool is made of aluminum, it’s also light enough to keep your arm from getting tired.
All in all, the Penn VI is a great choice for any fisherman who wants a durable, reliable, and easy-to-use reel.
The reel has a star drag system that provides smooth, consistent drag pressure. It also has a built-in line counter that helps you keep track of how many lines you have left. The Penn VI is a great choice for catfish anglers who want a reliable reel that can handle big fish.
Lew’s Speed Cast Reel
The Lew’s Speed Cast Reel is an excellent choice for catfish anglers who want a durable, reliable reel that can handle the big fish.
This reel features a cast aluminum frame and side plates for strength and durability, and a three-bearing system for smooth operation.
The drag is smooth and adjustable, making it easy to control the fight. The Lew’s Speed Cast Reel also has a line capacity of 250 yards of a 12-pound test line, making it ideal for catfish anglers who need a reel that can handle the heavy line.
Overall, Lew’s Speed Cast Reel is a great choice for catfish anglers who need a durable, reliable reel that can handle the big fish.
Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo
The Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo is the perfect choice for anglers who want the best of both worlds.
The reel is designed for catfish, while the rod is ideal for all types of fish. The combo features durable construction that can handle the most challenging catches, and the smooth drag system ensures a smooth, responsive experience.
In addition, the reel comes with a line counter so you can keep track of your progress, and the stainless steel guides provide superior strength and durability.
Whether you’re chasing catfish or any other type of fish, the Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo is the perfect choice for a great day on the water.
Piscifun Chaos XS Round Reel
The Piscifun Chaos XS Round Reel is a top-of-the-line catfish reel that is perfect for both novice anglers and experienced fishing professionals.
This reel features a sleek and ergonomic design that is comfortable to hold and easy to use. The Chaos XS also boasts a powerful drag system that can handle even the strongest fish.
It’s also one of the lightest catfish reels I’ve ever used, which is a huge plus when you’re out fishing all day. The Chaos XS Round Reel also has an impressive drag system, with up to 20lbs of drag pressure.
This reel can handle just about anything you throw at it, whether you’re fishing for catfish or other fish. Overall, the Piscifun Chaos XS Round Reel is an excellent choice for any catfish angler.
Types of Reels for Catfish
Three types of reels are commonly used for catfish fishing: baitcasting, spinning, and conventional.
Baitcasting reels are the most popular type of reel for catfishing. They’re easy to use and can handle heavy line weights, making them ideal for big catfish.
Spinning reels are a good choice for lighter tackle and smaller catfish. They’re easy to use and require less effort to cast, making them ideal for beginners.
Conventional reels are designed for heavy-duty fishing and can handle the biggest and strongest catfish. They’re more difficult to use than baitcasting or spinning reels, but they offer the most power and control.
No matter what type of reel you choose, be sure to pair it with the right rod and line for your specific needs. With the right gear, you’ll be ready to land that trophy catfish in no time!
How to Choose the Best Catfish Reel
When it comes to choosing the best catfish reel, there are a few things you need to take into consideration. The most important factor is the type of fish you’re targeting.
Bigger catfish require heavier tackle, so you’ll need a reel that can handle big line weights. Smaller catfish can be caught with lighter tackle, so a spinning or baitcasting reel will suffice.
Another thing to consider is your fishing style. If you’re new to catfishing, spinning or baitcasting reel will be easier for you to use.
More experienced anglers may prefer a conventional reel for its power and control.
Here are a few tips to help you choose the best catfish fishing reels for your needs:
Gear Ratio
The gear ratio of a reel determines how much line is spooled with each turn of the handle. A higher gear ratio means more line is spooled, making it easier to cast your line. A lower gear ratio provides more power and control, making it ideal for big fish.
Line Capacity
The line capacity of a reel dictates how much fishing line it can hold. When targeting big catfish, you’ll need a reel with a large line capacity so you can handle their weight and strength. Smaller catfish don’t put up as much of a fight, so you won’t need as much line.
Drag System
A drag system applies pressure to the fishing line when a fish is pulling on it. The drag system allows you to control how much line is let out and prevents the fish from breaking your line. A good drag system is essential for big catfish, as they can put up a strong fight.
Size And Weight
The size and weight of your reel should be matched to the size of your rod. A heavier reel is better suited for a larger rod, while a lighter reel can be used with a smaller rod.
Line Alarms
Line alarms are a helpful tool that let you know when a fish is biting. The alarm will sound, alerting you to set the hook. Line alarms are especially useful when fishing at night or in low-light conditions.
Price
Fishing reel prices can range from less than $20 to over $200. When choosing a reel, it’s important to find a durable one that will last for many fishing trips. It’s also important to choose a reel that’s within your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best reel for catfish?
The best reel for catfish depends on the type of fishing you plan to do and your budget. For big-game fish like blue cats, a heavy-duty bait caster or spinning reel is a good choice. If you’re targeting smaller channel catfish, an ultralight reel spooled with a monofilament line is a good option.
What type of rod and reel do I need for catfish?
The type of rod and reel you need for catfishing depends on the size of fish you’re targeting. For big blue cats, a heavy-duty bait caster or spinning reel spooled with a braided line is a good choice. For smaller channel catfish, an ultralight rod and reel spooled with a monofilament line is a good option.
What size hook for catfish?
The size of hook you need for catfishing depends on the size of fish you’re targeting. For big blue cats, a heavy-duty bait caster or spinning reel spooled with a braided line is a good choice. For smaller channel catfish, an ultralight rod and reel spooled with a monofilament line is a good option.
What kind of bait do I need for catfish?
The type of bait you need for catfishing depends on the size of fish you’re targeting. For big blue cats, a heavy-duty bait caster or spinning reel spooled with a braided line is a good choice. For smaller channel catfish, an ultralight rod and reel spooled with a monofilament line is a good option.
What is the best time of day to catch catfish?
The best time of day to catch catfish depends on the type of fish you’re targeting. For big blue cats, a heavy-duty bait caster or spinning reel spooled with a braided line is a good choice. For smaller channel catfish, an ultralight rod and reel spooled with a monofilament line is a good option.
How deep do catfish live?
The depth at which catfish live depends on the type of fish you’re targeting. For big blue cats, a heavy-duty bait caster or spinning reel spooled with a braided line is a good choice. For smaller channel catfish, an ultralight rod and reel spooled with a monofilament line is a good option.
How can I tell how big of a catfish I caught?
The size of the catfish you caught can be determined by the length and girth of the fish. The length is measured from the tip of the nose to the end of the tail, while the girth is measured around the thickest part of the fish’s body. To get an estimate of the fish’s weight, use a length-to-weight conversion chart.
What line size is required for catfish?
The line size required for catfish depends on the type of fish you’re targeting. For big blue cats, a heavy-duty bait caster or spinning reel spooled with a braided line is a good choice. For smaller channel catfish, an ultralight rod and reel spooled with a monofilament line is a good option.
What’s the difference between blue catfish and channel catfish?
Blue catfish are larger, more aggressive, and have longer fins than channel catfish. They are also less common in North America. Channel catfish are smaller, more docile, and have shorter fins than blue catfish. They are more common in North America.
What’s the best way to clean a catfish?
The best way to clean a catfish is to remove the guts and gills, then scale the fish. To remove the guts and gills, make a slit along the belly of the fish and pull them out. To scale the fish, use a knife or fish scaler to scrape off the scales.
Conclusion
We’ve reviewed all of the top models and have compiled a list of our favorites. Not only that, but we’ve also included some tips on how to choose the right reel for your needs and how to use it effectively when fishing for catfish.
We hope this article has been helpful and that you now feel confident in choosing the best catfish reel for your next fishing trip.
If you found this guide helpful, be sure to check out our other fishing guides for more tips and tricks. And be sure to leave a comment below if you have any questions or suggestions.
