Best Crankbait Fishing Reels: Choose the Best Reels for Crankbaits

By Ruhul Amin
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best crankbait reels

Do you enjoy fishing? If so, you know that the best way to catch fish is by using a crank bait reel. These reels are specially designed to help you catch fish quickly and easily.

In this blog post, we will discuss the five best crankbait reels on the market today.

Here is a quick list of all of our best crankbait fishing reels:

  1. Daiwa Tatula SV TW Baitcast Fishing Reels
  2. Abu Garcia REVO Winch
  3. Shimano SLX DC
  4. Lew’s Tournament MP Speed Spool Baitcast Reel
  5. Abu Garcia Revo Beast Low Profile Baitcast Fishing Reel

We’ll also provide a buyer’s guide to help you choose the right reel for your needs. So, if you’re looking for a new reel to add to your tackle box, read on!

Crankbaits are a great way to catch fish, and with the right reel, you can make sure that you’re getting the most out of your time on the water.

In-Depth Review of Our 5 Best Crankbait Reels

Now that we’ve given you a quick overview of our favorite crankbait reels, let’s take a more in-depth look at each one.


Daiwa Tatula SV TW Baitcast Fishing Reels

The Daiwa Tatula SV TW Baitcast Fishing Reels are our top picks for the best crankbait reel. These reels are designed for both fresh and saltwater fishing, and they come in a variety of sizes to suit your needs.

Its unique design and construction make it ideal for a wide range of crank bait fishing applications. The Daiwa Tatula SV TW Baitcast Fishing Reel is built with a top-of-the-line drag system that gives you unbeatable performance and durability in all conditions.

Its machined aluminum frame and spool provide exceptional strength and rigidity, while its sleek design gives it a modern look and feel.

The Daiwa Tatula SV TW Baitcast Fishing Reel is the perfect choice for anglers who demand the best performance from their fishing reel.

Pros
Optimal drag
Loaded with premium features
Daiwa quality
Variable gear ratios
Cons
A little heavier than some

Abu Garcia REVO Winch

The Abu Garcia REVO Winch is a crankbait reel designed for crankbait fishing. It features a unique crankbait crank handle that gives you more control over your bait and helps to reduce baitfish slippage.

The reel also has a high-speed retrieve ratio, making it easy to fish at high speeds. In addition, the Abu Garcia REVO Winch features durable construction that can withstand the rigors of crankbait fishing.

The reel also comes with a sealed clutch system that protects against saltwater intrusion, making it an ideal choice for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. 

Ultimately, the Abu Garcia REVO Winch is a top-of-the-line crankbait reel that provides anglers with the control and durability they need to be successful.

Pros
Smooth drag
Extended bent handle
8 stainless steel ball bearings
Extra long handling for cranking
Large EVA knobs
Cons
Weight

Shimano SLX DC

The Shimano SLX DC is a crankbait reel that was designed with the serious crankbait fisherman in mind.

It has all of the features that you need to be successful when fishing crankbaits, including a strong drag system and a smooth retrieve.

The SLX DC is also one of the lightest crankbait reels on the market, so you won’t feel weighed down when you’re out on the water.

It is a fishing reel that has a lot of features that make it a great choice for crankbait fishing. The reel has a high-speed gear ratio, and it also has a very good drag system.

The reel also comes with a lot of other features, such as an ant-reverse switch, and a centrifugal brake.

If you’re looking for a crankbait reel that can help you catch more fish, then the Shimano SLX DC is the perfect choice for you.

Pros
Great casting control
High rigid body for longevity
Excellent braking system
Durable and dependable
Works well with lighter lures too
Cons
4+1 bearing system

Lew’s Tournament MP Speed Spool Baitcast Reel

Looking for a crankbait reel that can handle the big ones? Look no further than the Lew’s Tournament MP Speed Spool Baitcast Reel.

This reel is built for crankbait fishing, with a 6.8:1 gear ratio that gives you the power to crank in those big fish. The multi-position cast control lets you customize your settings for different depths and speeds, while the double-anodized aluminum spool provides strength and durability.

The reel also has a line capacity of 12/120, which is perfect for crankbait fishing. The reel is also equipped with a drag system that can handle up to 25lbs of fish. The reel also has a Stainless Steel/Aluminum construction that makes it durable and long-lasting. 

And if you get into a fight with a fish, the 9+1 stainless steel bearings will give you the smooth performance you need to bring it in.

So whether you’re an experienced angler or just getting started, the Lew’s Tournament MP Speed Spool Baitcast Reel is a great choice for your next crankbait reel.

Pros
27-point adjustable braking system
Adjustable braking
Comfortable to use
Smooth casting
Longevity
Cons
Issues with bearing failure

Abu Garcia Revo Beast Low Profile Baitcast Fishing Reel

The Abu Garcia Revo Beast Low Profile Baitcast Fishing Reel is one of the best crankbait reels on the market. It’s designed for crankbait fishing, and it provides an incredibly smooth and powerful drag that can handle even the biggest fish.

The reel is also very well-made, with a solid construction that will last for years.

It features a 10-bearing system for smooth operation, and the centrifugal brake system provides consistent casting control. The reel also has a power handle for added torque, and the aircraft-grade aluminum frame ensures durability. 

In addition, the Abu Garcia Revo Beast comes with a five-year warranty, so you can be confident that it will stand up to the rigors of crankbait fishing. If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line crankbait reel, the Abu Garcia Revo Beast is the reel for you.

Pros
All day comfort, smooth as butter
Good for crankbaits
Great for deep cranks
Extra long handling for cranking
Smooth drag
Cons
Doesn’t seem sturdy enough

How to Choose Crankbait Fishing Reels

crankbait reels

Crankbait fishing reels are designed to do one thing well – throw crankbaits. But with all the different models and manufacturers on the market, it can be tough to decide which reel is best for you.

That’s why choosing the right crankbait fishing reel is so important. Here are a few things to keep in mind when making your selection:

Reel Type: There are two main types of crankbait fishing reels – baitcasting and spinning. Baitcasting reels are better for throwing heavier baits while spinning reels are better for lighter baits.

Gear Ratio: The gear ratio of a reel determines how fast the spool spins. A higher gear ratio means the spool will spin faster, which is better for throwing lighter baits. A lower gear ratio means the spool will spin slower, which is better for throwing heavier baits.

Ball Bearings: The number of ball bearings in a reel determines how smoothly it will cast. More bearings mean a smoother cast, but also a higher price tag.

Braking Systems: Most crankbait fishing reels come with some type of braking system to prevent backlash. Magnetic brakes are the most common, but centrifugal brakes are also available.

Drag Systems: The drag system on a reel is what controls how much resistance there is when a fish is pulling on the line. A good drag system will allow you to slowly crank in big fish without breaking the line.

IPT: IPT stands for “in-line pressure test.” This is a measure of how much pressure the reel can handle before it fails. The higher the IPT, the better.

Weight: The weight of the reel is important because it affects how easy it is to throw. Heavier reels are more difficult to cast, but they can handle bigger fish. Lighter reels are easier to cast, but they may not be able to handle as much weight.

Lure Size: The size of the lures you plan to use should be a major consideration when choosing a crankbait fishing reel. Heavier lures will require a stronger reel, while lighter lures can be thrown with a weaker reel.

Line Capacity: The line capacity of a reel is how many lines it can hold. This is important to consider because you don’t want to run out of line when a big fish is on the other end.

The Line Recovery Rate: The line recovery rate is how fast the reel can bring in the line. A higher recovery rate means less time spent cranking and more time fishing.

The Number of Bearings: The number of bearings in a reel is important because it determines how smoothly the reel will cast. More bearings mean a smoother cast, but they also add to the price.

Rod and Reel Combos: Rod and reel combos are a great way to get started in crankbait fishing. These combos come with everything you need to get started, including the rod, reel, line, and lures.

Price: As with anything else, you get what you pay for when it comes to crankbait fishing reels. Higher-priced models will usually have more features and better build quality than lower-priced models.

These are just a few of the things to keep in mind when choosing a crankbait fishing reel. Take your time and choose wisely – it could make all the difference on your next fishing trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best crankbait fishing reel?

The answer to this question depends on a few factors, including the type of fish you plan to catch, the weight of the lures you’ll be using, and your budget.

What Speed Reel is Best for Crankbaits?

The answer to this question also depends on a few factors, including the type of fish you plan to catch and the weight of the lures you’ll be using. In general, though, a higher gear ratio is better for lighter lures while a lower gear ratio is better for heavier lures.

What is the good reel gear ratio for crankbaits?

The answer to this question also depends on a few factors, including the type of fish you plan to catch and the weight of the lures you’ll be using. In general, though, a higher gear ratio is better for lighter lures while a lower gear ratio is better for heavier lures.

What rod should I use for crankbaits?

The answer to this question depends on the type of fish you plan to catch and the weight of the lures you’ll be using. In general, though, a medium-heavy to a heavy rod is best for crankbaits.

What size line should I use for crankbaits?

The answer to this question depends on the type of fish you plan to catch and the weight of the lures you’ll be using. In general, though, a heavier line (12-20 pound test) is best for crankbaits.

Do I need a special reel for crankbaits?

In general, though, a reel designed for crankbaits is a good idea. These reels usually have a higher gear ratio and can handle heavier lines.

Can I use a spinning reel for crankbaits?

Yes, you can use a spinning reel for crankbaits. However, these reels are not designed for the heavy lines and lures used in crankbait fishing. As such, you may have difficulty casting and retrieving your lure.

Baitcasting vs Spinning? Which One is Better for Crankbaits?

Baitcasting reels are better for crankbaits because they can handle the heavy lines and lures used in crankbait fishing. However, spinning reels can also be used for crankbaits.

What fish can I catch with crankbaits?

Crankbaits can be used to catch a variety of fish, including bass, trout, and walleye.

What power and action are the best for crankbaits?

The answer to this question depends on the type of fish you plan to catch and the weight of the lures you’ll be using. In general, though, a medium-heavy power rod with fast action is best for crankbaits.

Can I use live bait with crankbaits?

Yes, you can use live bait with crankbaits. Live bait can be used in conjunction with crankbaits to attract and catch fish.

Conclusion

Crankbait reels are an important part of any fisherman’s tackle box. With so many different types of reels on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you.

That’s why we’ve put together a list of the five best crankbait reels on the market, perfect for any fishing enthusiast.

If you’re in the market for a crankbait reel, any of the five options on our list would be a great choice. 

We hope our guide has helped you narrow down your search and find the perfect reel for your fishing needs.

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