When it comes to catfishing, it’s very important for you to choose the right fishing reel in order for you to optimize your snag and draw ability. Catfish is one of the most highly sought-after species of fish out in the ocean right now which is why so many fishermen actively seek after catfish.
Before casting your line out, you need to understand the basic mechanics of fishing reels and all of the different types of fishing reels that are out there for you to choose from. While you do want to get the best deal on a catfish reel, you do not want to sacrifice quality simply because you’re not willing to pay more. There are several ways that you can determine which catfish reel is best for your particular needs and it’s important to understand all of these different elements and components before making your final purchase decision.
One of the main things to consider when choosing which catfish reel is best for you is the overall construction of the catfish reel you choose. Catfish are well-known to be a very aggressive species of fish and they can easily bend or break your catfish reel if it is not built to withstand constant pulling and heavy tension. That’s why it’s really important for you to select a catfish reel that is built using a very durable and high-quality metal material.
Not all catfish reels are created equal and often times you will find that most of them are made out of materials which break and bend very easily. Another really important factor for you to consider before making your final decision about which catfish reel is right for you is the overall line capacity of the reel. Catfish are known to avoid lines once cast and it’s important for you to use a catfish reel that has a very high line capacity in order to ensure that you will be able to reel in the fish on the other end.
The length of your reel is also very important when out fishing for catfish because shorter reels are known to put much more tension on your hand and wrist leading to instances where the reel can easily slip out of your hand. If you’ve been looking for the right catfish reel for your specific needs but simply haven’t been able to find the right choice, you’ve come to the right place.
In this guide, we’re going to go over all of the important aspects and features that you need to look for when choosing a catfish reel for your particular needs in order to make sure that you’ll be able to catch the amount of catfish you desire in no time. We’ll cover everything from the best type of reels to use for catching catfish, how you can determine which reels are the best, and a lot more in order to ensure that you’re making the right decision before going out on the water.
To begin, we’re going to take a look at the most important features and capabilities that you need to pay attention to when out shopping for the right catfish reel that you need in order to catch the type of fish that you desire.
Top Recommended Catfish Fishing Reel
Abu Garcia 6500C3 Ambassadeur C3 Baitcast Round Reel
The Abu Garcia Round Reel is made using superior quality metal which provides you with ultimate control and durability under all circumstances. The round reel uses a super smooth carbon matrix drag system which makes it easy for you to latch onto large catfish without worrying about your reel coming loose or you losing your grip on the reel in general.
The Abu Garcia 6500 has an overall spool capacity of about 14 pounds which makes it the perfect option for those who are interested in catching very large catfish. In addition, the reel uses a bait cast design and a stainless steel roller system with an instant anti-reverse system that prevents the rod from slipping out of your hands in the event of you attempting to catch very large and rowdy fish. This reel has a versatile gear ration and only weighs about 11.3 ounces which makes it very lightweight yet very reliable and durable.
What to Look for In A Catfish Reel?
When you begin looking for the right catfish reel for your particular needs, there are a few key elements that you need to look out for. A lot of catfish reel manufacturers make bold claims about how their reels are built to last, have great line capacity, and etc. however you can’t always trust these labels. That’s why it’s so important for you to educate yourself about all of the various options and configurations out there before attempting to make your final decision about which catfish reel is right for you.
In the following section, we’re going to go over some of the most important details and specifications that you need to look for when choosing the right catfish reel for your intended fishing purposes in order to ensure that you’re making the right decision. Make sure that you read the following section in its entirety so that you will be able to select the right catfish reel for your specific use with confidence.
Drag
Drag refers to the amount of movement that a fishing reel can make once engages with a fish without breaking or becoming dented. You always want to select a catfish reel that gives you the ability to adjust the amount of frag in your line to ensure that you can move freely in order to properly position yourself once you decide to actually reel the fish in. the amount of drag flexibility your line has is especially important when the fish you’re attempting to catch begins to resist your reel and starts swimming off into deeper waters.
The proper amount of drag adjusted to your particular situation will prevent any odds of the fish spooling your line or causing damage to your reel which is why it’s such an important factor in selecting the right catfish fishing reel. Often times, you’ll find that reels which use carbon fiber drag mechanisms will provide you with the most support and stability when out in the water.
Line Capacity
Line capacity is a very important factor to consider when selecting which catfish fishing reel is right for you. Catfish are known to be very aggressive and often times they will put up a great fight once hooked onto the end of your line. When you begin fishing for catfish, you need to make sure that you select a catfish reel that has a very heavy line capacity in order to ensure that you’ll be able to catch and hold onto the catfish that snag your line. You want to select a reel that has a heavy fishing line capacity that is strong and sturdy and also compatible with the spool that is on your reel to ensure that you will be able to maintain a solid grip on whatever you may pull out of the water.
Construction Quality
The overall build quality of your selected fishing reel is critical to ensure that you do not encounter instances where your reel may break or snap due to coming in contact with aggressive catfish species. Even smaller catfish are known to have the ability to bend and break your fishing reel which is why it’s really important for you to take into consideration the build material of your fishing reel before making a final purchase decision.
Always look for fishing reels that have a solid construction that is made out of either some sort of metal or carbon fiber as these materials are known for withstanding aggressive fish without breaking or bending. A heavy-duty reel body and a solid handle are the qualities that you should look for, fishing reels made from materials such as graphite are known to break and bend much easier than those reels made out of materials like aluminum or other types of metals.
Gear Ratio
The gear ratio of your fishing reel is very important when it comes to casting and reeling in your line. The gear ratio of any fishing reel is the measure that determines how fast and long the line will run over the spool on your reel every time you turn the handle. The higher your gear ratio is, the more line will be cast when you turn the handle allowing you to fish in deeper and denser waters.
Higher gear ratios will allow you to catch more fish at a lot faster pace than when compared to low gear ratios which will limit the amount of fish that you can catch at any given moment. Choosing a fishing reel with a high range of gear ratios is especially important when catching catfish because it will allow you to retrieve the catfish at a much faster rate than normal.
Handle Type
The type of handle that is on your catfish reel is very important because it will affect how fast, responsive, and accurate you’ll be at reeling in fish once they are caught on the end of your line. Most catalyst reel designs utilize a single handle that can make it quite tedious and tiring to reel in the line once you’ve caught onto a fish. Single handle fishing reels also can make balancing the action of retrieving the line much more difficult because it does not provide you with backup support like a pedal wheel.
You should always try to look for a reel that has a large handle because it will allow you to maintain a better grip and control over the fish on the other end of the line and it will also give you the ability to transfer more power throughout your reel which is really important when attempting to catch catfish. A reel with a paddle wheel and twin grips is always preferred because oftentimes they use a counterbalance mechanism opposite of the grip location which helps you maintain stability and control over your line when out fishing.
One thing to keep in mind is that often times fishing reels come with the option of allowing you to change and replace the reel as you wish so typically you won’t be stuck with one handle regardless of the type of fishing reel that you select.
Bearings
You need to make sure that your selected fishing reel has at least two bearings in its design because they mitigate the entire functionality of your reel. Bearings will allow your reel line to be cast very smoothly and the more bearings on your selected reel, the smoother the operation of the reel will be. It’s also important to consider the type of bearings that are integrated into your fishing reel because bearings made from cheap and flexible materials will wear out over time much quicker than bearings made from higher quality materials like metal or aluminum.
Brakes
Catfish require a lot of strength and stability to reel in and they are commonly known for causing the spool to run very quickly which can make your grip and overall control slip away with ease. By choosing a fishing reel with a high-quality brake system, you’ll be able to slow down the movement of your spool with ease allowing you to maintain a greater level of control and stability over prolonged periods of time so that you can hold on to anything that may snag the other end of your line.
Now that we’ve gone over all of the important factors and components to consider when choosing the right catfish reel for your intended fishing needs, we’re going to take a look at the various types of catfish reels that are out on the market today so that you can make the right decision about which model is right for you.
Types of Catfish Reels Available on The Market
Catfish are one of the most aggressive species of fish that you’ll encounter, that’s why it’s important for you to consider the type of catfish reel that you purchase before going out on the water. There are several different types of fishing reels available however not all of them will provide you with the power, stability, and versatility that you need to catch catfish. In the following section, we’re going to go over all of the best types of catfish reels that you can buy to begin catching all of the catfish you’re interested in today.
Make sure that you read this section in full to ensure that you will understand the best type of catfish reel that you need to use once you set sail.
Baitcasting Reels
Baitcasting fishing reels are well-known for being the optimal choice for catching catfish due to their heavy-duty body construction. Baitcasting reels are able to hold very high capacities of the line that are very heavy also and they are capable of producing extreme amounts of power which will give you the ability to maintain control and stability regardless of the type of waters that you’re encountering.
Baitcasting reels can be a little challenging to get the hang of due to the design however once you master the technique, you will not want to use any other type of reel for catching catfish. Baitcasting reels require very little maintenance which is also another reason that many people choose to use them for their catfish fishing adventures. Baitcasting reels can be matched with rods that are specifically designed for catching catfish so you won’t have to waste time matching up the right type of rod with your reel in order to begin catching the type of catfish that you want.
Baitcasting reels generally provide more overall torque and power than when compared to other fishing reels out on the market so if you’re looking to catch really big catfish, a baitcasting reel will likely be the best option for you.
Spinning Reels
Spinning reels are great for those fishermen who plan to use live bait in order to catch catfish. Spinning reels have long been associated with amateur fishers because of their ease of use and design however in recent years, many experienced fishermen are beginning to use spinning reels to catch catfish because they understand their overall power and ability more now than ever.
Spinning reels come in a wide array of design and configurations making them easily one of the most versatile fishing reel options out on the market right now. Large spinning reels have the ability to take on sharks so catfish will not be a problem for you when using this type of fishing reel. One of the thins to remember when choosing to use a spinning reel is that they are not compatible with many of the fishing rods out on the market right now so that’s something to keep in mind before deciding to use a spinning reel for your specific fishing needs.
Some spinning reel models also come with bait clickers so it makes it easier for you to catch all types of fish without an extra hurdle added to the overall process. Spinning reels can also be difficult to use with many rod holders out on the market today so you also want to keep that in mind before deciding on which fishing reel is right for catching catfish.
Spin cast Reels
Spin cast reels are best for entry-level fishers and advanced fishers, spin-cast reels are commonly used for catching catfish because they eliminate some of the other technical aspects of fishing that you would have to deal with when using other types of fishing reels out on the market today. Spin cast reels operate by using a push-button mechanism which will allow you to easily cast and reel in your line without having to put too much energy into physically turning the handle every time.
Spin cast reels also have very low maintenance requirement which is why so many fishermen tend to use them on all of their fishing expeditions. Spin cast reels are great if you plan on catching small catfish however, they are not known for their heavy-duty construction or durability so catching larger catfish is completely out of the question when using a spin cast reel.
Spin cast reels also tend to have very low line capabilities so you won’t be able to fish in very deep waters when using spin-cast reels. Spin cast reels also don’t come with bait clickers so it’s important for you to consider this factor before making your final decision about which fishing reel is best for catching catfish.
Now that we’ve gone over the three main types of fishing reels that are best for catching catfish, we’re going to take a look at the best type of reel that you can use to catch catfish without interruptions or accidents.
What is the best reel for catfishing?
After reading the section above, you’re probably asking yourself which fishing reel you should choose for your intended use. To answer that question in simple terms, baitcasting reels are the preferred method for those that are serious about catching catfish. This is largely due to the fact that baitcasting reels are made from high-quality materials which are durable and long-lasting.
One of the main benefits to using baitcasting reels is the fact that even small baitcasting reels can be matched with high-quality rods in order to allow you to catch large catfish without any issues. Baitcasting reels will give you the most power, stability, speed, and control especially when fishing for larger size catfish however they are optimal for catching small catfish also.
Baitcasting reels also require very little maintenance so you won’t have to constantly clean and take apart your reel in order to continue your desired fishing trip. Baitcasting reels also have very high line capacities which allow you to insert more line that is heavier and durable for catching catfish that may be difficult to latch onto with other commonly used fishing reel types on the market today.
There are fishing rods specifically designed to be matched with baitcasting reels which is why they’re commonly used when catching catfish across a wide spectrum of fishers. If you’re looking for ultimate power, torque, speed, and control, a baitcasting reel is a right solution for all of your catfish fishing needs.
Now that we’ve discussed the best type of reel to use for catching catfish, it’s time to take a look at our top recommended catfish fishing reel recommendations that you can purchase today.
Top Recommended Catfish Fishing Reels
When it comes to choosing which fishing, a reel is right for your catfish fishing needs, there are several options out on the market for you to choose from. In order to help you make the best decision while still taking into account cost, build quality, and all of the other factors mentioned in this article, we’re going to provide you with our top recommended fishing reel options for catching catfish that are currently on the market today.
All of our recommendations listed below come in different configurations and types so it’s still important for you to consider your specific needs before making the final purchase decision about which fishing reel is right for catching the type of catfish, you’re interested in.
1. Pflueger President Spincast Fishing Reel
The Pflueger President Spincast Fishing Reel comes with a 5-bearing system which ensures that you have smooth fluidity under all conditions. It is made using an aluminum frame which provides durability and stability for you to catch catfish of all sizes. The Pflueger Reel also has an aluminum cone that gives you extra support when casting out your line.
This Reel uses dual titanium pins which makes it easy for you to latch onto your catch without the need to worry about water damage causing corrosion to your reel, and also has an integrated anti-reverse mechanism which reduced the odds of your spool becoming lost when in the water.
2. Abu Garcia Ambassadeur Catfish Special Round Baitcast Fishing Reel
The Abu Garcia Ambassadeur Catfish Special Round Baitcast Fishing Reel uses a rounded bait cast design which provides extra durability. The Fishing Reel comes with a carbon matrix drag system which allows you to smoothly transition and adjust your line through the water without worrying about damage occurring to your reel.
This reel also comes equipped with a 6-pin brake system which uses centrifugal force to enact precise pressure to prevent your reel from becoming loose or slipping out of your hand during the process. In addition, it comes with extended bent cranking handle which allows you to maintain stable control over your reel in addition to adjusting the levels of torque to meet your specific needs at any moment.
3. Pflueger Patriarch Spinning Reel
The Pflueger Patriarch Spinning Reel uses a 10-bearing system which makes the reel very smooth under all conditions. The Pflueger Spinning Reel is made out of aircraft guide aluminum material that is utilized through the spool also which makes it a very durable and corrosion-resistant fishing reel.
This particular reel has a body that is made out of lightweight magnesium in the rotor and body which makes it a very reliable and stable fishing reel for any fisher who is interested in catching large catfish. The Pflueger Patriarch Spinning Reel also uses a sealed carbon drag system so that you can adjust the amount of tension in your reel no matter how hard a particular species of catfish is fighting back on the end of your reel. The reel provides a smooth action that will allow you to fish in a variety of different waters.
4. PENN Spinfisher V Spinning Fishing Reel
The PENN Spinfisher V Spinning Fishing Reel is equipped with a sealed HT-100 drag system that provides you with an unlimited amount of versatility to allow you to catch catfish under all types of conditions. The fishing reel comes with a 5-bearing system that is shielded so that you never have to worry about corrosion or fluidity in terms of the movement of your reel.
The PENN Fishing Reel is also equipped with an anti-reverse system so that you can avoid the problem of reel slipping and loosening when trying to catch aggressive catfish. The reel uses a 5-bearing stainless steel system in addition to coming with a full metal body so that you never have to worry about your reel being damaged.
Additionally, it comes packed with a heavy-duty aluminum bail wire which gives you extra support and stability under all fishing conditions, and the reel is made using a waterproof design so that you never have to worry about corrosion interfering with the functionality of your fishing reel.
5. KastKing Stealth Baitcasting Reel
The KastKing Stealth Baitcasting Reel is made out of lightweight carbon material which ensures that you maintain ultimate stability and control under all situations. It comes packed with a 4 layered disc drag system which gives you ultimate control over how far and fast your line is reeled in once you snag a catfish.
The KastKing fishing reel uses an 11-bearing system which makes the gears super smooth and flexible in terms of how well you will be able to control the line once it has been cast out. The reel uses a knob made from EVA material for extra support and stability under virtually all circumstances and situations. It also has a spool that is made out of aircraft-grade aluminum material so you never have to worry about accidental breaks or bends in the reel.
This fishing reel is capable of producing about 16.5Lbs of overall drag force so you’ll be able to catch catfish of all sizes and types with no issues. It also comes with a 4-pin brake system so that you can easily stop an out of control reel from slipping out of your hands. The KastKing Stealth Baitcasting Reel is also outfitted with a 7-magnet magnetic brake system to ensure that you have maximum braking power and support under all conditions.
Conclusion
We’ve covered all of the most important features, capabilities, and components to look for when selecting the right catfish fishing reel for your specific needs. When you go out to choose which fishing reel is best suited for catching the catfish you intend to, remember to take all of these tips and tricks into consideration before making your final decision to ensure that you’re choosing the right option for your particular needs.
Remember all of the various factors and elements that we’ve discussed in terms of the best types of fishing reels to use when attempting to catch catfish, how they all differ in terms of their functionality and maintenance requirements, and how they also differ in terms of the mechanism that they use to operate.
This will allow you to narrow down your choices when out looking for the right fishing reel for your catfish fishing desires in order to make the right decision a lot quicker and easier. While you can use our recommended fishing reel choices from the list above, it’s always best for you to take into consideration your own need before making a final decision to ensure that you’re choosing the right fishing reel for your intended usage.
There are a lot of different fishing reel options out on the market for you to choose from so as long as you take your time, you will be able to find the right fit in no time. Always consider the specific type of fish that you’re trying to catch, how big they will be, how long you plan to stay out on the water, and all of the other important factors that will affect how your reel is used and how effective it will be for allowing you to catch catfish.
As long as you use this guide as a reference point, you should have no problem finding the right catfish fishing reel for your intended needs in no time.
