5 Best Panfish Reels for Any Situation

By Get Fishing •  Published: 02/11/23 •  6 min read

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

Best Panfish Reels

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

Daiwa Revros LT

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Price$49.99
Line Capacity2/220, 3/160, 4/110
Weight7.4oz
Max Drag11 lbs.
Gear Ratio5.2:1

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

Cons

What We Like About It:

Shimano Sienna

Shimano Sienna 1000 Spinning Reel

Shimano Sienna 1000 Spinning Reel

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Price$29.99
Line Capacity2/270 4/140 6/110
Weight7.2oz
Max Drag7 lbs.
Gear Ratio5.0:1

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

Cons

What We Like About It:

13 Fishing Source K

13 Fishing Source K

13 Fishing Source K

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Price$31.99
Line Capacity4/160 6/130 8/90
Weight8.5oz
Max Drag8 lbs.
Gear Ratio5.2:1

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

Cons

What We Like About It:

Plueger President

Pflueger President

Pflueger President

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Price$59.95
Line Capacity2/200 4/100 6/80
Weight6.2oz
Max Drag6 lbs.
Gear Ratio5.2:1

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

Cons

What We Like About It:

Kastking Centron

KastKing Centron

KastKing Centron

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Price$24.99
Line Capacity4/240 6/155
Weight6.9oz
Max Drag11 lbs.
Gear Ratio5.2:1

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

Cons

What We Like About It:

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!

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