Best Spinning Fishing Reels of 2026

Luke Dobson Avatar
Luke Dobson
Last Updated: 8 Feb 2026

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Spinning fishing reels are an essential piece of equipment for any angler. These reels are designed to be lightweight and easy to use, making them a popular choice for both beginners and experienced fishermen. They are ideal for catching a variety of fish species, from small panfish to larger game fish. Spinning reels are known for their versatility and are suitable for use in both freshwater and saltwater environments. With a wide range of sizes and styles available, there is a spinning fishing reel to suit every angler's needs.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Diwa Spinning Fishing Reel Series 1000-6000 Cover #TOP 1
Diwa Spinning Fishing Reel Series 1000-6000
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Shakespeare SALT 6000 Pre-Spooled Fishing Reel Cover #TOP 2
Shakespeare SALT 6000 Pre-Spooled Fishing Reel
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Abu Garcia Cardinal X Spinning Reel for Fishing Cover #TOP 3
Abu Garcia Cardinal X Spinning Reel for Fishing
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Spinning Fishing Reels

#TOP 1

Diwa Spinning Fishing Reel Series 1000-6000

Diwa
Black
1000
Diwa Spinning Fishing Reel Series 1000-6000 Cover
Diwa Spinning Fishing Reels for Saltwater Freshwater 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 Series Left/Right Interchangeable Trout Spinning Reel Carp Fishing Spool 10 Ball Bearings Light and Smooth

The Diwa Spinning Reel offers smooth and durable performance, thanks to its metal main shaft and 10 ball bearings. This design ensures minimal friction, allowing for long-lasting use during your fishing adventures. Weighing in as a light option, its hollow frame and computer balancing system make it ideal for extended fishing sessions. Additionally, the reel's exquisite build with environmentally friendly materials not only looks great but also enhances its overall function, making it perfect for both novice and seasoned anglers.

What We Like
Ultra-smooth performance
Lightweight for easy handling
Durable and high-quality materials
Portable and convenient design

Shakespeare SALT 6000 Pre-Spooled Fishing Reel

1548352
Blue
6000
Shakespeare SALT 6000 Pre-Spooled Fishing Reel Cover
Shakespeare SALT Spinning Reel – Saltwater Fishing Reel Pre-Spooled with Mono Fishing Line | Corrosion-Resistant Body & Stainless Bearings | Ideal for Bass, Mackerel, Pollack & Cod | 6000 Reel Size

The Shakespeare SALT 6000 Reel is designed with a corrosion-resistant graphite body and crank, ensuring durability during your fishing adventures. It comes pre-spooled with mono line, saving you time and effort before you cast your line. The multi-disc drag system offers smooth control, allowing you to easily manage your catch. Additionally, stainless steel ball bearings enhance the reel's performance, ensuring a seamless experience when reeling in fish. This makes the Shakespeare SALT 6000 Reel a reliable choice for both novice and experienced anglers.

What We Like
Corrosion-resistant materials
Pre-spooled with line
Smooth drag control
High-performance ball bearings

Abu Garcia Cardinal X Spinning Reel for Fishing

1548585
Black / Red
2000
Abu Garcia Cardinal X Spinning Reel for Fishing Cover
Abu Garcia Cardinal X Spinning Reel; Precision Fishing Reels for Predator Lure Fishing, Ideal for Trout, Perch, Pike and Salmon, 2000 Size, Unisex, Black/Red

The Abu Garcia Cardinal X is an excellent spinning reel designed for anglers seeking a strong and lightweight option. Its durable graphite body and rotor ensure longevity, while the smooth rotation provided by 3+1 stainless steel ball bearings allows for effortless casting. You will appreciate the high-performance fighting drag system, which offers consistent performance when battling larger fish. Additionally, the multi-purpose design makes it suitable for various fishing techniques and species, enhancing your fishing experience.

What We Like
Lightweight and durable design
Smooth rotation for easy casting
Reliable fighting drag performance
Multi-purpose for various techniques

Sougayilang XY1000 Ultra Smooth Fishing Reel

ZF-XY1000-IN
Silver, Black
XY1000
Sougayilang XY1000 Ultra Smooth Fishing Reel Cover
sougayilang Fishing Reel 13 + 1BB Lightweight Ultra Smooth Aluminium Spinning Fishing Reel with Graphite Spool

The Sougayilang XY1000 Reel is designed for smooth operation, featuring 13+1 corrosion-resistant ball bearings that enhance your fishing experience. You'll appreciate the strong build, with precision brass gears and a hardened metal main shaft, ensuring durability and reliability. The high-powered drag system offers exceptional stopping power, making it easier to battle with larger fish. Additionally, its lightweight design and hollow frame make it ideal for extended fishing sessions, providing comfort whether you're a novice or an expert.

What We Like
Ultra-smooth performance
Durable and strong materials
High stopping power
Lightweight for easy handling
Versatile for various fishing locations

Abu Garcia Cardinal X Spinning Reel for Fishing

1548584
Black / Red
1000
Abu Garcia Cardinal X Spinning Reel for Fishing Cover
Abu Garcia Cardinal X Spinning Reel; 1000 Size, Reels for Predator Lure Fishing In Freshwater, Ideal for Trout, Perch, Pike and Salmon, Unisex, Black/Red

The Abu Garcia Cardinal X Reel is expertly designed for those who enjoy fishing. Its strong, lightweight graphite body ensures durability, making it reliable for various fishing techniques. You will appreciate the very smooth rotation, thanks to the 31 high-quality stainless steel ball bearings, allowing for effortless casting. The high-performance fighting drag system provides consistent drag performance, essential when reeling in that big catch. Additionally, the multi-purpose functionality of this reel makes it suitable for various species, from trout to salmon.

What We Like
Lightweight and durable design
Smooth rotation with ball bearings
Reliable fighting drag system
Versatile for different fishing techniques

Sougayilang Carp Fishing Reel with Carbon Drag

BDM-6000
BDM-6000
Sougayilang Carp Fishing Reel with Carbon Drag Cover
Sougayilang Carp Fishing Reel,5+1 Shielded Stainless Steel BB-Carbon Fiber Drag Carp Reels, for Saltwater or Freshwater Spinning Reels, Fishing Reels-6000

The Sougayilang Carp Reel is expertly designed for carp fishing, featuring a front and rear drag system that provides reliable control and a drag power of up to 28LB. The smooth ceramic line guide reduces line abrasion, enhancing durability and ensuring a seamless casting experience. With 10+1 corrosion-resistant ball bearings, this reel operates quickly and smoothly, allowing for a fast retrieve. Its corrosion-free construction ensures longevity, making it suitable for both freshwater and saltwater fishing.

What We Like
Designed for carp fishing
Smooth casting experience
Corrosion-resistant materials
Multiple sizes available

Mitchell Avocet Black Edition Fishing Reel

Mitchell
1446189
Black
5500| 5.1:1
Mitchell Avocet Black Edition Fishing Reel Cover
Mitchell Avocet Black Edition Reel, Fishing Reel, Spinning Reels, Allround Fishing, Unisex, Black, 5500| 5.1:1

The Mitchell Avocet Reel offers a reliable and smooth fishing experience. Its multi-disk drag system allows you to handle up to 8kg of drag power effortlessly, ensuring a seamless line take while you fight the fish. With 2+1 stainless steel ball bearings, the reel rotates smoothly, providing you with a hassle-free operation. The high-performance design features a lightweight ABS graphite body, making it robust yet easy to manage. Additionally, the free spool system lets you engage the line with minimal resistance, perfect for various fishing techniques.

What We Like
Smooth operation
Lightweight and durable
Versatile for different fish species
Easy free spool engagement
Pre-spooled with quality line

Shakespeare SALT Pre-Spooled Spinning Reel 8000

1548354
Blue
8000
Shakespeare SALT Pre-Spooled Spinning Reel 8000 Cover
Shakespeare SALT Spinning Reel – Saltwater Fishing Reel Pre-Spooled with Mono Fishing Line | Corrosion-Resistant Body & Stainless Bearings | Ideal for Bass, Mackerel, Pollack & Cod | 8000 Reel Size

The Shakespeare SALT Reel is designed for fishing enthusiasts seeking durability and performance. Its body and crank are made from corrosion-resistant graphite, ensuring longevity even in harsh conditions. The reel comes pre-spooled with mono line, allowing you to start fishing straight away without the hassle of spooling it yourself. With a multi-disc drag system, you can easily adjust the tension on your line, making it simpler to handle large catches. Additionally, the stainless steel ball bearings provide smooth operation, enhancing your overall fishing experience.

What We Like
Corrosion-resistant construction
Pre-spooled with mono line
Adjustable drag system
Smooth operation

Mitchell MX1 Lightweight Spinning Reel

Mitchell
1532065
Silver / Black
Mitchell MX1 Lightweight Spinning Reel Cover
Mitchell MX1 Spinning Reel, Fishing Reel, Spinning Reels, Allround Fishing, Freshwater Fishing Spin Reel - Perch, Trout, Pike, Zander, Unisex, Silver / Black, 30 | Left Hand/Right Hand

The Mitchell MX1 Reel is designed for all-round fishing, making it perfect for targeting species like perch, trout, pike, and zander. Its lightweight graphite body ensures ease of handling, allowing you to fish for extended periods without fatigue. The soft running feature provides a smooth experience, making each cast effortless. With an aluminium spool, you benefit from enhanced durability and performance. Additionally, the anti-reverse on/off switch gives you greater control over your fishing techniques, ensuring you can respond quickly when you feel a bite.

What We Like
Lightweight and easy to handle
Smooth operation while casting
Durable aluminium spool
Control with anti-reverse switch

Sougayilang LY Series Lightweight Fishing Reel

1320
LY-1000
1000
Sougayilang LY Series Lightweight Fishing Reel Cover
Sougayilang Colorful Fishing Reel 13+1BB Ultra Smooth Powerful and Lightweight Spinning Reel with CNC Graphite Line Management Frame for Freshwater Fishing-10

The Sougayilang LY Reel is designed for anglers seeking power and comfort. Its lightweight graphite frame ensures you can fish for longer without fatigue, while the aircraft-grade aluminium spool allows for long, accurate casts. With a strong drag system, you can rely on its stopping power when reeling in larger fish. The ultra-smooth performance is enhanced by 13 corrosion-resistant ball bearings, making every catch a pleasure. Experience a blend of performance and style with this versatile fishing reel.

What We Like
Lightweight and strong frame
Powerful drag system
Ultra-smooth performance
Long, accurate casting
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a spinning reel good for?

Spinning reels are the best all round type of fishing reel, and are used for many different purposes, ranging from throwing artificial lures, fishing with live or dead bait, fishing with rigs or bobber fishing, and even for ice fishing.

2. Why is a Baitcaster better than a spinning reel?

Spinning reels have fixed spool, while baitcasting have a revolving spool that turns while you cast. This greatly affects the casting distance, and baitcasters can cast further and more precise. Because of the spool turning, they have braking mechanisms, that can be either magnetic, centrifugal, or combined.

Editor's Notes

During our spinning fishing reel research, we found 130 spinning fishing reel products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 32,339 customer reviews through our big data system to write the spinning fishing reels list. We found that most customers choose spinning fishing reels with an average price of £21.49.

The spinning fishing reels are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of spinning fishing reels, including Diwa, Shakespeare, Abu Garcia, Sougayilang, Mitchell.

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.