Best Star Drag Fishing Reels of 2025

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Star drag fishing reels are a type of fishing reel that is designed to provide anglers with greater control over their fishing line. These reels feature a star-shaped drag system that can be adjusted to increase or decrease the amount of resistance on the line, allowing anglers to more easily reel in their catch. Star drag reels are popular among both novice and experienced anglers due to their ease of use and versatility. They are available in a variety of sizes and styles to suit different fishing needs, from freshwater to saltwater fishing.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Star Drag Fishing Reels
Abu Garcia Ambassadeur SX 6600 Fishing Reel
The Abu Garcia SX Reel is designed for anglers seeking a lightweight yet durable option. Its machined aluminium spool ensures strength without unnecessary weight, making it easy to handle throughout the day. With a recovery rate of 26 inches per crank and a gear ratio of 5.3:1, you can efficiently retrieve line, enhancing your fishing experience. The synchronized level wind system ensures even line lay, which contributes to smoother retrieves, allowing you to focus on your catch without hassle.
Penn Squall II Star Drag Fishing Reel
The Penn Squall II Reel is designed for durability and efficiency. Its graphite frame and side plates provide a lightweight yet strong structure, making it easy for you to handle during long fishing sessions. The high-strength marine grade bronze alloy main gear ensures reliable performance, enabling smooth operation even in tough conditions. Additionally, the stainless steel pinion gear enhances longevity and resistance to corrosion. The Versa-Drag system, equipped with HT-100 washers, gives you precise drag adjustments, allowing you to control your catch effectively.
Abu Garcia Ambassadeur S5500 Fishing Reel
The Abu Garcia S5500 Reel is designed for enhanced fishing experiences. It features two stainless steel ball bearings, ensuring smooth operation and reducing friction, which makes your casting and reeling effortless. The multi-disc drag system allows you to easily adjust the drag pressure, giving you better control when battling with larger fish. Its compact bent handle and star provide a comfortable grip, making it easier for you to handle your catch. Additionally, the 4-pin centrifugal brake helps optimise your casting distance and accuracy, making every fishing trip more enjoyable.
PENN Fathom II Star Drag Fishing Reel
The PENN Fathom II Reel is designed for saltwater fishing enthusiasts. Its full metal body and side plates ensure durability and strength, allowing you to tackle tough fishing conditions. The fast gear access side plate makes it easier for you to adjust and maintain your reel quickly. With a machine-cut marine grade bronze main gear and hardened stainless steel pinion, you can expect smooth and reliable performance. Lastly, the Versa-drag system with HT-100 washers provides excellent drag control, giving you confidence when fighting larger fish.
Okuma Convector Star Drag Reel with Line Counter
The Okuma Convector Reel offers a variety of features to enhance your fishing experience. With precision machine cut brass main and pinion gears, you can expect durability and smooth operation. The mechanical line counter function measures the line in feet, allowing you to track your distance with ease. Its Clear View Technology ensures that the line counter remains clear and free from fogging, so you can always see your measurements. Additionally, the automatic trip and spool engagement mechanism provide a seamless fishing experience, giving you more time to focus on catching fish.
PENN Fathom II Star Drag Reel for Fishing
The PENN Fathom II Reel is designed for durability and performance in saltwater fishing. Its full metal body and side plates ensure longevity, making it a reliable choice for anglers. The fast gear access side plate allows you to quickly reach internal components for maintenance, saving you time on the water. With a machine-cut marine grade bronze main gear paired with a hardened stainless steel pinion, you benefit from enhanced strength and smooth operation. Additionally, the Versa-drag system with HT-100 washers provides excellent control over your catch, allowing you to adjust drag smoothly for a better fishing experience.
Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C3 Reel 6500
The Abu Garcia C3 Reel is a robust baitcast fishing reel designed for strength and smooth operation. With its three stainless steel ball bearings and one roller bearing, you can expect a seamless experience while fishing. The Carbon Matrix drag system ensures a consistent drag, enabling you to control your catch effectively. Additionally, the six pin centrifugal brake allows for precise casting, giving you the confidence to target your desired spots with accuracy.
Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C3 Reel with Drag System
The Abu Garcia C3 Reel features a robust machined aluminium spool, ensuring durability without unnecessary weight, which is perfect for extended fishing sessions. Its impressive recovery rate of 22 inches per crank allows you to reel in fish quickly and efficiently. The synchronous level wind system guarantees even line lay, enhancing your casting experience. Additionally, the carbon fibre star drag system provides smooth and consistent drag pressure, giving you confidence when battling larger fish.
PENN Fathom II Star Drag Fishing Reel
The PENN Fathom II Reel features a robust full metal body and side plates, ensuring durability during your fishing adventures. The fast gear access sideplate allows you to make quick adjustments without hassle, enhancing your fishing experience. Its machine-cut marine grade bronze main gear, combined with a hardened stainless steel pinion, offers reliable performance and longevity. Additionally, the Versa-Drag system with HT-100 washers provides smooth drag adjustments, giving you the control you need when battling larger fish.
FLADEN WARBIRD GCT20 Sea Fishing Reel
The FLADEN WARBIRD Fishing Reel is an excellent choice for sea anglers. This reel comes pre-spooled with 20lb line, saving you time and effort before you start fishing. With a gear ratio of 4.1:1, it ensures an even line lay, enhancing your casting efficiency. The robust graphite body provides durability, making it ideal for the rigours of sea fishing. Additionally, the star drag wheel allows you to easily adjust the line tension, giving you better control during your fishing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which is better lever or star drag?
The star drag is used to progressively tighten the drag, some will have a ratchet system and some will not, they will just tighten the drag quietly....In Conclusion.
2. How do you set a star drag reel?
mount the reel on the rod you're going to fish it on, run line thru all the guides, and hook on to a spring scale to set the initial drag setting. As the line pulls off the reel the drag will go up, as well as the line drag in the water will increase, so the drag may have to backed off a little.
3. Can you cast with a lever drag reel?
If you can cast a star drag (correctly), you can cast a lever drag. Do some reels cast better than others? Absolutely. But if you learn the right way to do it, it's the same.
During our star drag fishing reel research, we found 126 star drag fishing reel products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 12,253 customer reviews through our big data system to write the star drag fishing reels list. We found that most customers choose star drag fishing reels with an average price of £116.18.
The star drag fishing reels are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of star drag fishing reels, including Abu Garcia, Penn, Okuma, FLADEN.

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.