Best Anti-Reverse Fishing Reels of 2025

Luke Dobson Avatar
Luke Dobson
Last Updated: 6 Feb 2025

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Anti-Reverse Fishing Reels are a type of fishing reel that prevent the handle from turning backward, thereby preventing the line from becoming tangled or twisted. These reels are particularly useful when fishing for larger fish or in situations where a strong current is present. The anti-reverse mechanism can be found in both spinning and baitcasting reels, and is a popular feature among anglers of all skill levels. With the ability to stabilise the line and provide a smoother fishing experience, anti-reverse fishing reels are a great investment for any fishing enthusiast.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Zebco 33 Micro Triggerspin Fishing Reel with Bite Alert Cover #TOP 1
Zebco 33 Micro Triggerspin Fishing Reel with Bite Alert
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Zebco 808 Spincast Fishing Reel with Bite Alert Cover #TOP 2
Zebco 808 Spincast Fishing Reel with Bite Alert
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Zebco 888 Spincast Fishing Reel with Bite Alert Cover #TOP 3
Zebco 888 Spincast Fishing Reel with Bite Alert
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Anti-Reverse Fishing Reels

Zebco 33 Micro Triggerspin Fishing Reel with Bite Alert

33MTN.BX6
Black
8 UK
Zebco 33 Micro Triggerspin Fishing Reel with Bite Alert Cover
Zebco 33 Micro Triggerspin Fishing Reel, Quickset Anti-Reverse with Bite Alert, Smooth Dial-Adjustable Drag, Powerful All-Metal Gears with a Lightweight Graphite Frame,Black,8 UK

The Zebco 33 Triggerspin Reel is designed to enhance your fishing experience. Its trigger release allows for smooth and easy casting, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced anglers. The all-metal gears ensure durability and reliability during use, while the ball bearing system provides effortless retrieval. Additionally, the patented no tangle design helps prevent frustrating line tangles, allowing you to focus on fishing rather than dealing with equipment issues.

What We Like
Smooth and easy casting
Durable all-metal gears
No tangle design
Built-in Bite Alert
#TOP 2

Zebco 808 Spincast Fishing Reel with Bite Alert

808J.SC3
Black
80 cm
Zebco 808 Spincast Fishing Reel with Bite Alert Cover
Zebco 808 Spincast Fishing Reel, Powerful All Metal Gears, Quickset Anti-Reverse and Bite Alert, Pre-spooled with 20-Pound Zebco Fishing Line, Clam Pack, Black

The Zebco 808 Reel is designed to enhance your fishing experience with its QuickSet Anti-Reverse feature, ensuring that you maintain control while reeling in your catch. The built-in Bite Alert signals when a fish is biting, allowing you to react swiftly. With a dial-adjustable Magnum drag, you can easily customise your drag settings to suit your fishing style. The all-metal gears provide durability, ensuring the reel withstands the rigours of fishing.

What We Like
Durable all-metal construction
Easy-to-use Bite Alert
Customisable drag settings
QuickSet Anti-Reverse feature
#TOP 3

Zebco 888 Spincast Fishing Reel with Bite Alert

888J.BX3
Silver
80 cm
Zebco 888 Spincast Fishing Reel with Bite Alert Cover
Zebco 888 Spincast Fishing Reel,3 Bearings (2+Clutch), Instant Anti-Reverse, Smooth Dial-Adjustable Drag, Stainless Steel Cover, Powerful All-Metal Gears, Pre-Spooled with Zebco Line,Silver,80 cm

The Zebco 888 Spincast Reel is designed for ease of use, featuring a no-tangle design and simple push-button mechanics, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned anglers. The oversized handle knob enhances your grip, ensuring a comfortable experience while fishing. Constructed for heavy-duty use, it boasts a stainless steel front cover that withstands harsh conditions. Additionally, the built-in bite alert audio indicator notifies you of underwater activity, allowing you to stay alert and ready to reel in your catch.

What We Like
Easy to use for everyone
Durable stainless steel construction
Built-in bite alert feature
Smooth and powerful drag system

CKR30 Match Coarse Fishing Reel with Line

AP-FRL-CKR30
Black
CKR30 Match Coarse Fishing Reel with Line Cover
CKR30 Match & Coarse Fishing Reel With Rear Drag Pre Loaded With 8lb Line

The CKR30 Fishing Reel is an excellent choice for those new to match and coarse fishing. It comes pre-loaded with 8lb line, making it convenient for you to start fishing right away. The rear drag system allows for easy adjustments to your line tension, ensuring a smooth experience as you reel in your catch. Its sharp-stop anti-reverse feature helps improve control, preventing any unwanted line movement. Additionally, the big line roller and long cast spool enhance your casting distance, giving you the advantage in various fishing scenarios.

What We Like
Great for beginners
Pre-loaded with line
Easy rear drag adjustments
Improved casting distance
#TOP 5

SQLWYLAT BL30 Fishing Reel with Adjustable Drag

SQLWYLAT
Black
SQLWYLAT BL30 Fishing Reel with Adjustable Drag Cover
BL30 Fishing Reel, Instant Anti-Reverse with a Smooth Dial-Adjustable Drag

The SQLWYLAT BL30 Reel features a durable and stylish design, ensuring a professional feel while fishing. With its premium quality construction, including hardened gears and an aluminium alloy housing, you can rely on its durability. The smooth operation provided by the all-metal gears and 3.6:1 gear ratio allows for effortless retrieval of your line. Plus, the dial-adjustable drag and quick-set anti-reverse feature give you the confidence of a secure hook set every time, enhancing your overall fishing experience.

What We Like
Durable and stylish design
Smooth and effortless operation
Comfortable, adjustable foam handle
Versatile for various fishing types

DNA Leisure 2 x NGT Carp Coarse Reels

Black
DNA Leisure 2 x NGT Carp Coarse Reels Cover
DNA Leisure 2 x NGT Carp Coarse CKR50 Reels with 1 Ball Bearing 1BB with Rear Drag Anti-Twist Big Line Roller

The DNA Leisure Carp Reels offer an excellent fishing experience with their high-quality rear drag system and smooth 1 ball bearing action. The sharp-stop anti-reverse feature ensures that you maintain control during your fishing adventures, while the long cast spool allows for greater casting distance. You can easily switch between left and right-hand use with the interchangeable handle, making these reels versatile for all anglers. With a gear ratio of 5.2:1 and pre-spooled with 8lb line, these reels are designed to enhance your fishing efficiency.

What We Like
Smooth 1 ball bearing action
Long cast spool
Interchangeable handle
Sharp-stop anti-reverse
Pre-spooled with 8lb line
#TOP 7

Zebco 33 MAX Gold Spincast Reel with Anti-Reverse

33MXNGOLD.SC3
silver/gold
Zebco 33 MAX Gold Spincast Reel with Anti-Reverse Cover
Zebco 33 MAX Gold Spincast fishing reel, 2+1 bearings with a smooth and powerful 2.6:1 gear ratio and direct anti-reverse, lightweight graphite frame and a microfine dial-adjustable

The Zebco 33 MAX offers an easy-to-use design with its patented no-tangle feature, ensuring hassle-free fishing experiences. The MicroFine twist-adjustable tow and direct anti-reverse clutch provide solid hook sets, giving you confidence when reeling in your catch. Built for durability, this reel boasts stainless steel covers and an all-metal body, making it a reliable companion for long fishing sessions. With a gear ratio of 2.6:1, effortless retrieval is at your fingertips, allowing you to focus more on enjoying your time outdoors.

What We Like
Easy to use design
Durable construction
Effortless retrieval
Solid hook sets
#TOP 8

Hunter Pro HP70S Surf Fishing Reel with 20lb Line

HP70S
Grey
Hunter Pro HP70S Surf Fishing Reel with 20lb Line Cover
Sea Fishing Reel Hunter Pro 70s Surf With 20lb Line Black Chrome Spool New!

The Hunter Pro HP70S Reel is designed for sea fishing enthusiasts. It features a lightweight and strong graphite body, making it easy to handle while ensuring durability. The interchangeable left or right-hand folding handle allows you to fish comfortably, regardless of your preference. With silent anti-reverse functionality, you can enjoy a smooth fishing experience without distractions. The adjustable front drag gives you precise control over your line tension, ensuring you can reel in your catch with confidence.

What We Like
Lightweight and durable design
Interchangeable handle for comfort
Smooth silent operation
Precise adjustable drag
#TOP 9

RESTCLOUD GF1000 Spinning Fishing Reel

Black / Gold
GF1000
RESTCLOUD GF1000 Spinning Fishing Reel Cover
Spinning Fishing Reel for Freshwater Saltwater Fishing, Anti-Reverse with Front-Adjustable Drag (GF1000)

The RESTCLOUD GF1000 Reel is designed for both freshwater and saltwater fishing, ensuring tough durability with its titanium-nitride plated bail wire and sturdy aluminium spool. You can rely on its Instant Anti-Reverse clutch technology to prevent the reel handle from moving backwards, allowing for a solid hookset when you reel in your catch. The lightweight ported spool makes this reel easy to handle, while the convertible handle gives you the flexibility to fish comfortably from either side. Ideal for various fishing environments, it enhances your fishing experience with reliability and smooth operation.

What We Like
Tough and durable construction
Smooth and reliable operation
Lightweight design
Versatile for multiple fishing locations
Convertible handle for user comfort

SILSTAR Typhoon II Fishing Reel 5000

black alumium red
5000
SILSTAR Typhoon II Fishing Reel 5000 Cover
SILSTAR - Fishing Reel TYPHOON II Size 5000 Front Drag 3 Ball Bearings Fixed Aluminium Spool Plus Spare Graphite Infinite Anti Reverse - Aluminium Handle Gear Ratio 1:5.2 For Coarse Freshwater Use

The SILSTAR Typhoon II Reel is designed for efficient coarse freshwater fishing. It features a fixed spool with a robust aluminium handle, providing both lightness and strength for easy handling. With its 3 ball bearings technology, you can enjoy a smooth and confident turning motion, enhancing your overall fishing experience. The infinite anti-reverse feature ensures that you have precise control while reeling in your catch, allowing for better performance and reliability on the water.

What We Like
Lightweight aluminium handle
Smooth turning motion
Precise control with anti-reverse
Durable aluminium spool
Good casting distance
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is an anti reverse reel?

ANTI-REVERSE SWITCH This feature is typically located at the bottom of the reel and can be a helpful tool when fighting fish. This switch allows you to backreel, or reel in reverse, rather than relying on your drag system for line tension.

2. What does the anti reverse switch do?

Anti-Reverse on a spinning reel is a feature that prevents the reel from turning backwards and engages the drag. Some reels come with an Anti Reverse switch that allows the angler to choose whether it is engaged or not. This feature has helped people "back-reel" rather than allowing the drag to fight the fish.

Editor's Notes

During our anti-reverse fishing reel research, we found 170 anti-reverse fishing reel products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 11,671 customer reviews through our big data system to write the anti-reverse fishing reels list. We found that most customers choose anti-reverse fishing reels with an average price of £20.38.

The anti-reverse fishing reels are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of anti-reverse fishing reels, including Zebco, Angling Pursuits, SQLWYLAT, DNA Leisure, Hunter Pro.

Written by
Luke Dobson Avatar

Luke is a runner, a climber, hiker, hunter, and a lot more. Luke Dobson is Celtic-born and has lived most of his life in Scotland. However, his sporting endeavours have taken him to several countries around Europe. He serves as a tour guide for countless companies and owns a couple of gyms and recreational centres in Scotland. Luke Dobson is proficient in 7 different languages. He maintains many sport article columns where he shares his wealth of experience in the sport industry.