As an angler who spends long hours under the sun to get a good catch, a microspinning reel is the best choice. Also, referred to as an ultralight spinning reel, these reels are light in weight and take away the fatigue associated with long hours of fishing. Moreover, they enable you to choose a lighter rod, line, and lure accordingly.
In this guide we will look at some of the best microspinning reels that are good for freshwater and saltwater fishing and also do not burn a hole in your pocket. So, here are our top four picks and we do hope that one of these suits your requirements.
Quick Overview – Best Microspinning Reel
- Best All Around: KastKing Summer and Centron Spinning Reels
- Best Value Microspinning Reel: No products found.
- Best for Beginners: Akataka Spinning Reel
- Strongest Microspinning Reel: Sougayilang Fishing Reel
Quick Comparison – Best Microspinning Reels
Buying Guide
These days both amateur as well as experience anglers are preferring spinning reels over baitcaster reels. It is primarily because spinning reels are easier to operate and do not require much practice as compared to the casting reels. Moreover, when it comes to working with lighter lines, spinning reels work the best and give high performance.
Microspinning reels or ultralight spinning reels are a great innovation for anglers as they make the tackle as light as possible. You can match the spinning reel with a rod, line, and lure to get the best combo for catching your favorite fish.
However, selecting the best spinning reel according to your requirements may seem to be a challenging process especially if you do not know how a spinning reel operates and what are the different terms used to indicate the performance of a spinning reel.
But you need not worry as we have listed a set of factors that you should keep in mind before investing in a microspinning reel, so read on to know more:
Body and Weight of the Reel
The body of an ultra-light reel, which is also called its housing, is generally made up of graphite as it is lighter. However, some reels are also made up of aluminum.
Choosing the right body material would also depend upon the type of fishing you do. For instance, if you fish regularly in freshwater then go for aluminum as it is stronger. Moreover, it has less flexibility and produces more torque when catching big fish.
However, if you are saltwater angler then go for graphite as this material is resistant to corrosion and has high tensile strength.
Bearings
The number of bearings is directly proportional to the smoothness of a microspinning reel. We have reviewed spinning reels that have different number of ball bearings.
If you want to ensure that the reel is smooth and durable then go for eight or more bearings as they provide a comfortable fishing experience. Also, make sure that the bearings are made up of corrosion resistant material so that you can use the reel for years.
Gear Ratio
Gear ratios help to decide the speed at which a particular reel can pick up a line. For instance, if a spinning reel has the gear ratio of 5.3:1, it implies that for one complete rotation of the handle, the spool rotates 5.3 times.
Spinning reels do not provide a range of gear ratios as compared to their baitcast counterparts. You can decide on a gear ratio based on the size of the fish you are catching and your fishing technique.
Drag System
The drag system comprises a brake pad that presses against the washers, that in turn put pressure on the spool. This system prevents the line from getting snapped. As soon as angler catches a big fish it starts to pull the line off the reel.
So, the drag system creates tension that slows down the speed at which the line is released from the spool. The spool-based drag systems can be easily tracked and are easy to adjust. On the other hand, a frame-based drag system is stronger and provides more stability.
Cost
If you are a recreational angler or someone who doesn’t spend a lot of time fishing then you should go in for a less costly reel. There are ample of options out there within $30 and they may last for a few fishing seasons.
On the other hand, if you spend a lot of time fishing then you can get a costlier reel that is more durable.
The Best Microspinning Reels Reviewed – Our Top Picks
The Best All Around Microspinning Reel
KastKing Summer and Centron Spinning Reels
Pros
- Two color anodized aluminum spool
- Attractive brilliant finish
- Lightweight compact design for effortless casting
- High tensile strength graphite frame resists corrosion
- Unique design handle. Right / Left interchangeable
Cons
- The KastKing Summer and Centron Spinning Reel works well in different weather conditions but when it gets wet sometimes it may get locked up and difficult to operate.
The KastKing Summer and Centron Spinning Reels have a plethora of features that come loaded in a small package. It is great for recreational anglers as it makes it easier to practice how to cast. It has a narrow graphite frame design along with a computerized balancing system that provides high performance and that too in a compact spinning reel.
If you are looking for a perfect gift for your friend or family member who is into recreational angling then search no more! The KastKing Summer and Centron Spinning Reel is an amazing gift. Moreover, the 500-size reel matches flawlessly with ice rods and together they make a perfect ice combo.
The KastKing Summer and Centron Spinning Reel is famous for its high-quality drag system that has a stopping power of 17.5LBs. The drag system has a hardened metal main shaft, flawless mesh drive gear along with a precision machined pinion gear that provides the necessary power required for fighting a fish.
Customers also prefer this reel because of its smooth performance that comes with one instant stop one-way anti-reverse bearing and nine quality ball bearings.
Searching for a durable ultralight reel that looks great? The KastKing Summer and Centron Spinning Reel has an amazing finish. It has high strength two color anodized aluminum spool, with a power launch lip for longer casts. The spool holds more line than many other high-priced models available online.
Features and Specs
- Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces
- Precision pinion gear system
- Superior drag system for intensive drag power
The Best Value Microspinning Reel
No products found.
No products found.Pros
- Wire cup metal
- An all metal folding rocker arm and it can be left and right interchange.
- High grade light champagne color mirror with environment friendly painting
- Japanese organ professional spring
- Metal sound piece
- High-grade coarse cast line configuration.
- Super smooth feel with copper gear transmission and zinc alloy high hardness tooth disc
Cons
- There may be problems with the handle with constant use
The Isafish Spinning Reel gives a great performance in both freshwater and saltwater, at an attractive price point, making it our pick for a cheap microspinning reel. It is made up of a light yet hard material and is left/right interchangeable.
The fuselage employs a great intensity of superb quality fishing. It has special PA66 material and uses environmental protection paint that is sprayed evenly.
This reel accompanies an anti-fried line force release button and provides effective control of the big fish as they fight hard and put pressure on the rod. The positive inversion switch provides it an effective life of more than 100 thousand times as compared to any other reel. The high hardness tooth disc and the 12 high quality bearings make this product all the more durable.
The Isafish Spinning Reel is a product of fine workmanship. Moreover, this reel is good for the environment and for your health. So, if you are looking forward to invest in a reel that is both durable and sustainable then this one is a great choice.
Features and Specs
- Size (L*W*H*Foot length):10*7*9*5.8cm
- Parameter configuration: Model: EF500
- Bearing:12BBs
- Gear ratio: 5.2:1
- Line capacity(mm/m):0.18/165 0.20/135 0.25/85
- Dead weight:160g
- Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 4.4 x 2.5 inches; 8.8 ounces
- Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
The Microspinning Reel for Beginners
Akataka Spinning Reel
Pros
- Anti-Corrosion Zinc Drive Gear
- Triple Disc Drag Washes
- Non-clip Grip
- Crisp Click Sound
- Braid Ready and Good-Looking Spool
Cons
- So many parts of this reel are made up of plastic rather than metal and so it may be less durable in the long run
The Akataka Spinning Reel has a smooth performance owing to the ten quality ball bearings along with one instant stop anti-reverse bearing. This reel is ultralight and has a number of features that come at a reasonable price. You can make a fast and smooth retrieve with its super powerful drag system that brings in steady drag power.
The Akataka Spinning Reel has other great features such as corrosion 10 + 1 high quality, double shielded stainless-steel ball bearings, zinc material gear, instant lock anti-reverse, and an aluminum handle.
All these features add a great value to your fishing experience. If you are looking for a light reel that can be used for longer hours then Akataka Spinning Reel would be a good choice. It has other features such as a lightweight matte black body, aluminum spool and hollow frame design that make it easy to operate it for long. Moreover, these reels work great in both saltwater and freshwater.
Lastly, the manufactures have made this product convenient to use with its braid ready spool. The line roller has a great design and helps in reducing line twist and breakage. Moreover, it also helps in reducing fatigue. Left/right compatible handle makes this fishing reel flexible for both the right or left-handed users.
Features and Specs
- Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
- 10+1 Stainless Steel Ball Bearings
The Strongest Microspinning Reel
Sougayilang Fishing Reel
Pros
- Smooth & Durable
- CNC Aluminum Spool with free spare graphite spool
- Premium Quality Inner Parts
- Brilliant Appearance
Cons
- Although this reel is meant for both freshwater and saltwater, it tends to turn hard during saltwater fishing
The Sougayilang Fishing Reel is smooth and has 13 corrosion resistant ball bearings along with one instant stop one-way anti-reverse bearing. Moreover, this one comes with an extra spare spool. This reel is relatively stronger than the other ones available in the market. It owes its strength to precision brass gears, hardened metal main shaft, triple disc carbon drag washers, and an interchangeable right or left CNC machined aluminum handle.
If you want a reel that has an increased stopping power then you should go for The Sougayilang Fishing Reel as it has a good drag system. The system has a hardened metal main shaft, flawless mesh drive gear and precision machined pinion gear that provide an amazing fish fighting power.
Along with all these features the Sougayilang Fishing Reel has a hollow frame design and a computer balancing system that provides high performance. It also serves a variety of purposes such as boat fishing, ocean rock fishing, ocean beach fishing.
Features and Specs
- Item Weight: 7 ounces
- Shipping Weight: 10.1 ounces
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the benefits of a microspinning or an ultralight reel?
Ultralight reels take tiredness out of your fishing experience as you can hold the tackle for hours at a stretch. Moreover, these reels help you in casting better and are easier to retrieve.
So, we can say that microspinning or ultralight reels improve the stability of casting and retrieving, which in turn improves your performance. For even more about the pros and cons check out Ultralightanglers!
What is the material of ultralight reels?
The body of an ultralight reel is made of graphite, lightweight aluminum, a combination of these two or fiberglass. The bearings are made up of stainless steel. The idea is to use corrosion resistant materials so that the equipment does not get damaged with water.
What other types of reels are there?
If you want to go fly fishing, get a fly fishing reel. If you plan to go for a specific fish, you can also think about getting reels that are especially good for this fish, e.g. for crappie or salmon.
For a comprehensive overview, check out or article on the different types of rods and reels!
Finally…
Whether you are out there catching a crappie, perch, or a trout a microspinning reel enhances your performance and stability.
So, what are you waiting for? Order the best microspinning reel and gear up for an awesome fishing experience!
