Not all fishing reels are made equal and when it comes to finding a good panfish reel, you need to know what to look for. Check out the post below to see our list of the best panfish reels that will make any angler happy.
Best Panfish Reels
- Daiwa Revros LT – Our Favorite
- Shimano Sienna – Budget Pick
- 13 Fishing Source K – Best Looking
- Plueger President – The Classic
- KastKing Centron – Best Price
Any of the panfishing reels above will work for a wide range of sunfish. Rockbass, shellcrackers, even bass. They will even work for trout! Take a look at our review of the reels below!
Daiwa Revros LT
Daiwa Revros LT
Buy Now Disclaimer – This website uses affiliate links and get a small commission at no additional cost to you.| Price | $49.99 |
| Line Capacity | 2/220, 3/160, 4/110 |
| Weight | 7.4oz |
| Max Drag | 11 lbs. |
| Gear Ratio | 5.2:1 |
The Daiwa Revros LT is a top-notch reel that is at the top of our list. Despite its modest cost of $50, the Daiwa Revros LT feels like it should cost much more, delivering exceptional quality and value for money.
One of the standout features of this reel is its impressive drag system, that can be adjusted to your preference. It has a max drag of 11 lbs, a standard gear ratio of 5.2:1, and a lightweight design at 7.4oz. Whether you’re fishing for bluegill or crappie, it’s a great reel!
Pros
- Great price
- Quality products
- Great ultralight spool size
Cons
- Frequently out of stock due to popularity
What We Like About It:
- Quality parts and components
- Well known and reputable brand
- Great drag system
- Great spool size
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Shimano Sienna
Shimano Sienna 1000 Spinning Reel
Buy Now Disclaimer – This website uses affiliate links and get a small commission at no additional cost to you.| Price | $29.99 |
| Line Capacity | 2/270 4/140 6/110 |
| Weight | 7.2oz |
| Max Drag | 7 lbs. |
| Gear Ratio | 5.0:1 |
The Shimano Sienna stands out for its awesome performance for a low price. For just around $30, this reel offers a level of performance that rivals most reels costing $50 to $60. It boasts a top-notch drag system of 7 lbs and a gear ratio of 5.0:1, all while being incredibly lightweight at just 7.2 ounces. The Shimano Sienna is also a stylish choice, complementing any neutral-colored rod with its sleek design and well-balanced form.
Pros
- Affordable and can be found at any big box store
- Great color
Cons
- Spool is a little more narrow than most ultralight reels
What We Like About It:
- Budget friendly
- Can be found at any big box store or online retailer
- Decent components for an entry level spinning reel
13 Fishing Source K
13 Fishing Source K
Buy Now Disclaimer – This website uses affiliate links and get a small commission at no additional cost to you.| Price | $31.99 |
| Line Capacity | 4/160 6/130 8/90 |
| Weight | 8.5oz |
| Max Drag | 8 lbs. |
| Gear Ratio | 5.2:1 |
13 Fishing brought its A-game with the stylish and cool-looking Source K reel. Weighing in at just 8.5 ounces, this reel feels incredibly solid and sturdy. The smooth action of the reel and the seamless operation of the bail make it easy to use. One charming aspect of this reel that has nothing to do with its functionality is the message “more than luck” inscribed on the reel seat.
Aside from its attractive design, the Source K also boasts impressive performance with its anti-reverse switch and top-notch drag system. If you’re looking to try out the 13 Fishing brand, this reel is an excellent place to start. Its combination of looks and functionality make it a winning choice.
Pros
- Sturdy and feels durable
- Great components
- Stands out amongst other reels
Cons
- Line capacity is higher than most so you’ll need to add some backing to this reel
What We Like About It:
- Budget friendly
- Feels durable with the right amount of weight
- Great components for an entry level reel
- 13 Fishing branding “more than luck” on the reel seat
Plueger President
Pflueger President
Buy Now Disclaimer – This website uses affiliate links and get a small commission at no additional cost to you.| Price | $59.95 |
| Line Capacity | 2/200 4/100 6/80 |
| Weight | 6.2oz |
| Max Drag | 6 lbs. |
| Gear Ratio | 5.2:1 |
The Pflueger President is the most expensive reel of the bunch, but its quality and durability make it a wise investment if you have the budget to spare and one of the best panfish reels. With its lightweight design, casting is effortless and smooth..
Owning a Pflueger President is a hallmark of a seasoned angler who knows their way around the water. These reels are built to last, made with only the best components. If you’re looking for a pricier option that is both light and long-lasting, the Pflueger President is the reel for you.
Pros
- Quality and durability
- Lightweight
Cons
- On the more expensive side
What We Like About It:
- Classic and dependable reel
- Quality components
Kastking Centron
KastKing Centron
Buy Now Disclaimer – This website uses affiliate links and get a small commission at no additional cost to you.| Price | $24.99 |
| Line Capacity | 4/240 6/155 |
| Weight | 6.9oz |
| Max Drag | 11 lbs. |
| Gear Ratio | 5.2:1 |
The KastKing Centron offers unbeatable value with its price point of around $25, making it an ideal choice for anglers who want to save some money. Its cool design and sleek appearance are sure to turn heads, with its matte black finish and metallic blue accents complementing a wide range of rods.
The Centron’s drag system is a standout feature, offering 11 lbs. of stopping power and a sturdy 5.2:1 gear ratio. Additionally, with its line capacity of 240 yards of 4 lb test mono, you can hold an impressive amount of line on this reel. And, with the occasional sale, you might even be able to snag this reel at an even more attractive price. If you’re looking for a great-looking reel that delivers strong drag performance and won’t break the bank, the KastKing Centron is the perfect choice.
Pros
- Strong Drag
- Amazing Price
Cons
- Deep spool that can take a lot of line to fill up.
What We Like About It:
- Best of the Amazon reels
- Solid construction
- Good drag system
- Goes on sale and can be bought as little as $20
What size reel is best for panfish?
We recommend using a 1000 size reel for panfish and ultralight fishing. You can also go down to a 500 size reel, but that will limit you to using the smallest diameter fishing line.
Should I use a baitcasting reel for panfishing?
You can use a baitcasting reel for panfishing, those reels are called BFS reels. The BFS stands for Bait Finesse System. These are reels with shallow spools that allow easier casting of ultralight lures and ultralight line.
Best Panfish Fishing Line?
We recommend using a monofilament fishing line. We prefer to fish using 2-4 lb. test, but you can go as high as 6lb test. Any higher than that and it will be difficult to cast ultralight panfish lures.
Can You Use Braid?
Yes, you can use braided fishing line for panfishing! We like using Daiwa-J Braid and we normally use a hi-viz color so we can see our line in the water. We recommend 8lb braid and we tie an Albert Knot to join our braided line to our leader.
Conclusion
Whether you’re fishing for Green Sunfish, big Bluegill, or Warmouth fish any of the reels on this list will perform and help you reel in a big one! Good luck on the water and stay fishy!
