12 Best Crappie Spinning Reels – Best Guide

After finding out that your lake of choice is abundant with crappies, you should get yourself a spinning rod and reel designed for catching them. There is nothing like a delicious, flaky white fish to enjoy with a cozy winter meal, regardless of how you prepare it (whether baked, deep-fried or grilled).

 Tiny fish fishing offers a different kind of thrill than catching 600-pound monster bluefish. Instead, you’re catching elusive little fish that are tough to capture.

 Pros are able to tell the difference between crappie-biting bait and current in the water. Fishing reels must be of the highest quality, even if you compromise on your rod sometimes.

When you select a reel that is durable, offers excellent performance, and is ultra-light, you can take your game to a whole new level. We’ve compiled a list of the 12 best crappie spinning reels currently available in the marketplace.

12 Best Crappie Spinning Reels

Let’s start exploring the best products for crappie reels.

1. PENN Battle Spinning Fishing Reel

Here is my Penn Battle II review so you can understand why this is one of the best reels for the money. Despite maintaining an affordable price point, Penn has been able to produce quality reels that, when well cared for, will last a lifetime.

In addition to satisfying the needs of many anglers seeking quality reels under $100, the Penn Battle II provides a great value for money.  While $100 may not seem like much to some people, if you are looking for a durable rod, this is one of the best options.

The Penn Battle II is the reel for avid weekend anglers as well as charter captains who need a reel they can rely on. In terms of weight and build quality, the reel feels very solid right out of the box.  I find the rubber knob to be extremely comfortable in the hand, and the retrieve is smooth even after hours of fishing.

To bridge the gap between the 2000 and 3000-sized reels, Penn launched the 2500 model in 2014. There is no difference in size between the 2000 and 2500, but the rotor and spool are larger.

In addition to the 1000 model, Penn has 8 models to choose from, from 8000 for large species such as Tarpon and Shark to 1000 for small freshwater species.

I would recommend either the 2500 or the 3000 as an all-around reel when just getting started and looking for a great all-around reel for inshore fishing, along with either a 6 1/2 foot light-medium Ugly Stik GX2 rod or a 7-foot Star Stellar Lite series rod for a few more bucks and with a lifetime warranty.

The Penn Battle II Combo Package, which includes a Penn Battle II graphite fishing rod and a Penn Battle II reel, is of great value as well. Budget-conscious anglers looking for a good quality reel and rod at an affordable price can’t go wrong with this combo.

Features

• Sideplates and body are made of metal
• Gear technology based on CNC
• Drag washers made of carbon fiber HT-100
• System of stainless steel ball bearings with 5+1 seals
• Rings with line capacity

2. Shimano Reels Spinning SN500FDC Sienna 500Spinning Reel Front Drag, 3BB + 1RB

All other spinning reels should be judged against Shimano’s reels since they set the standard. Even though it is quite affordable, the Sienna 500 offers excellent quality and performance.

The Shimano Sienna is a testament to Shimano’s reputation for smooth operation. Summer anglers will find the Sienna spins freely right out of the box, even when re-lubed and winterized when used for extreme colds, such as ice fishing.

In this example, you can see why bearing numbers aren’t necessarily important. In addition, this reel has a very smooth front drag, which allows it to perform well even with very light lines. The quality of a reel stands out from its competition because of that, and that is an extremely important factor.

The reel casts well and provides similar performance to other reels of a similar price range made by other companies. For crappie, this reel is an ideal choice if you prefer slower reels. It accepts monofilament between 2 and 6 lbs.

Features

• The number one fishing sport in the world
• The product is made in the country of China and is made of high-quality materials
• The following capacities are available on the lines: 2/190, 4/100, 6/60
• The gear ratio is 4.7:1
• There are 3 plus 1  roller bearings
• Lip of the propulsion spool
• Concept S: S arm cam and S guard

3. Tempo Apex Spinning Reel, Ultralight Premium Magnesium Body, Super Smooth Fishing Reel with 10 + 1 BB, Powerful and Durable Reel with Strong 39lb Max Carbon Fiber Drag

Just because the Tempo Apex comes last doesn’t mean it doesn’t impress. There is no need to look any further than this last crappie reel. It is both lightweight and strong due to its magnesium frame. Aircraft-grade aluminum also provides durability to the shaft and pinion gear.

Crappie reels need to be strong, but not heavy, which is specifically what this design aims to achieve. There is just about 6 ounces of weight in the Apex-1000. There are ten ball bearings and one roller bearing in the Japanese bearing system, which ensures smooth performance.

Both the right and left hands can operate the handle, which is crafted from high-quality aluminum. EVA handles make fishing comfortable for long periods of time. An impressive 12-pound drag force is achieved by the sealed drag system’s carbon fiber drag washers.

There are special lip designs on the spool that reduce line twists and knots. One-piece bails provide great casting performance. Do you prefer a braided line? Spools are designed for this purpose. A good choice for a crappie reel is the Tempo Apex 1000, with its 5.2:1 gear ratio. 

Features

• Featuring a lightweight, stiff, and strong magnesium frame, the apex spinning reel is ultra-light and strong. In addition, the main shaft and pinion gear were constructed of aircraft aluminum 7075, which further reduced weight without sacrificing strength.
• In order to deliver maximum smoothness during retrieval, the fishing spinning reel comes with a high-quality 10+1 Japanese bearing system that ensures a smooth retrieve.
• Featuring a premium carbon drag system made up of carbon fiber washers to achieve a powerful yet smooth drag system, the Apex spinning reel drag system produces 29lbs of drag force, making it the first of its kind on the market.
• In order to prevent dirt and water from compromising the performance of the drag, the seals on the drag are sealed.
• A premium performance spool lip design helps reduce line twists and wind knots, increasing the casting distance when used with a one-piece bail, which is combined with an optimized spool lip design.
• Retrieving the braided line is easier due to the machined aluminum spool’s braid-ready design.
• Within three days, they will ship your order. You can use tempo products risk-free for up to 30 days. The warranty covers all tempo products for 1 year. Customer satisfaction is their top priority. Any problems you have will be resolved by an experienced team.
• It is constructed using carbon rotors, carbon body covers, 10+1 Japanese BBs, aluminum bails, carbon drag washers, an EVA handle knob, aluminum 7075 on the main shaft, and pinion, a drag knob, and a sealed drag system.

4. Pflueger President Spinning Fishing Reel

If you are looking for a spinning reel with high-quality features and durability, Pflueger’s President spinning reel is a good option. Known for its durability, it is one of the best reels on the market. The reel comes with high-quality stainless steel, aluminum, and graphite body, making it much more durable and smoother to use.

Stainless steel and corrosion-resistant 7 bearings are also part of the system. This reel is unique in that it never needs to be lubricated because of its sealed drag system. Lines are also kept from getting twisted by slow oscillation gearing. Spools that are braid-ready allow you to tie the braid easily to the spool.

The sure-click bail system dramatically improves the backing line, something we’re particularly impressed with. Even, the Pfleuger President come in a small size reel. As well as being small, it only holds 100 yards of 4-pound monofilament.

It’s the Pflueger’s President reel that will satisfy anglers who are looking for the latest technology and features.

The reel has a braid-ready spool and a sealed drag system, which are unique features for a budget reel. Also, it would make a great fishing lesson for a child that is a beginner.

Features

• 7 Stainless steel ball bearings system resistant to corrosion.
• This reel is constructed from a lightweight graphite body and rotor. It has a braid-ready spool that allows you to tie in a braid directly to the reel.
• The unique sealed drag system uses sealed drag washers; they are always lubricated, and they are always smooth. The gearing is slow oscillation, which reduces line twists while improving line lay.

5. KastKing Summer and Centron Spinning Reels, 9 +1 BB Light Weight, Ultra Smooth Powerful, Size 500 is Perfect for Ultralight/Ice Fishing.

In terms of price and performance, KastKing Summer and Centron offer some of the most affordable crappie reels available on the market. While looking fashionably fancy and polished, these metallic shaft reels offer superior strength.

These reels are made from lightweight graphite as their core material. There may be some concern that the graphite core will make the reel more corrosive. No such thing will ever happen.

With an anodized aluminum shaft, this reel is rust-resistant and protects its inner graphite core from corrosion damage. The strength of this reel will not let you down. As you catch those notorious little monsters, it will be subjected to rough handling. Despite being long-lasting, this reel is easy to operate comfortably.

It is extremely lightweight, so it can be carried anywhere. Optimal strength, flexibility, and lightweight are the best things about this reel. As compared to other reels with similar drag systems, this one has a superior one. Smooth and easy to cast, it allows for perfect casting.

In a single day, you can catch all the crappie you can with a line capacity of about 240 yards.

9 superior quality ball bearings enhance the smooth operation of this reel. To ensure that this product is right for you, take the time to review its pros and cons.

Features

• It’s packed with features, yet it’s reasonably priced. It’s the best value at any level to select KastKing Summer/Centron. Anglers of all levels can become pros with KastKing Summer Fishing Reels.
• An awesome gift for any fishermen, KastKing Summer/Centron is designed with a narrow graphite frame, computer-balanced system and high performance in a compact reel.
• With a Superior Drag System, KastKing Summer/Centron spinning reels can stop up to 17.5 lbs. The main shaft is hardened metal, the mesh drive gear is perfect, and the pinion gear is precision machined to ensure that it has the power to fight fish.
• A one-way anti-reverse bearing and nine quality ball bearings ensure an ultra-smooth ride with Summer/Centron.
• A powerful launch lip allows for farther casting, making Summer/Centron’s spools much stronger than the models they compete with that cost much more money.

6. Sougayilang Fishing Reel, Colorful Ultralight Spinning Reels with Graphite Frame 6.0:1 High Speed, Over 39 lbs Carbon Drag for Saltwater or Freshwater Fishing

In rivers, creeks, and other water sources that receive salty water from the sea, you can find saltwater crappie as well as freshwater crappie. It’s important to choose a reel that can resist corrosion. For Saltwater reels, we recommend the Sougayilang SC1000.

The new generation represents an upgrade from the old. With zinc alloy gears and a solid brass pinion gear, the main gear drive provides excellent smooth performance. A single instant-stop one-way anti-reverse bearing and 12 corrosion-resistant ball bearings add to the smooth operation.

Crappies are easily handled by the carbon drag system, leaving space for other species. In addition to its lightweight graphite frame, the reel boasts a computer-balanced system and a braid-ready airplane-grade aluminum spool. There is a gear ratio of 6.0:1. The Super Polymer handle knobs allow you to fish comfortably. 

Features

• A brand new generation of colorful Sougayilang SC spinning reels features an eye-catching appearance as well as a more powerful performance from their past. All anglers seeking success can benefit from SC spinning reels’ outstanding performance and strength.
• Zinc alloy is used for the main drive gear, and solid brass is used for the pinion gear. In order to build reels that are ready to handle tough conditions, both rigidity and smoothness are needed.
• A graphite frame supports the lightweight, yet very strong SC spinning fishing reel. Lightweight and high-performance hollow frame design combined with a computer balancing system for long-lasting fishing.
• Machined from aircraft-grade aluminum, the spool delivers a long, accurate cast while reducing weight.
• A 12 corrosion-resistant ball bearing and an anti-reverse one-way instant stop ensure ultra-smooth running. In addition to the exceptionally smooth, endlessly adjustable drag system, each SC fishing reel also provides a carbon fiber drag system that delivers over 39 pounds of pulling power.
• You can handle the biggest fish with Sougayilang SC spinning reels. Experienced anglers and beginners will love this fishing reel.
• When spooling a Braid fishing line, you do not need to use a backing line to prevent slippage. This reel is more sensitive than ever before. A Super Polymer handle knob provides a secure, comfortable grip on your reel, ensuring that you are in complete control at all times.
• It is a great choice for freshwater applications that require a lighter fishing reel. With a rinse after fishing, it is ideal for Inshore species such as trout, walleye, and redfish, in addition to bass, and walleye in freshwater.

Must Read: 13 Best Spinning Reels For Bass – Buyer’s Guide

• With the SC, you get more design technology and concept than reels twice its price. The Worry-free 1 Year Service.

7. Cadence CS10 Spinning Reel, Ultralight Fast Speed Premium Magnesium Frame Fishing Reel with 11 Low Torque Bearings Super Smooth Powerful Fishing Reel with 36 LBs Max Drag & 6.2:1 Spinning Reel

The features you see there are premium features found on reels that cost double as much as those from other brands. The performance of this reel is nearly identical to many of those reels at a much lower price.

CS10-3000 is the reel I own, which has been used for finesse presentations throughout the years. My favorite thing about the 3000, or 30, size is the bigger spool for its versatility compared to smaller models, especially when I use light braid as I do.

As I’ve fished the reel, it has proven to be capable of handling bigger fish, and I’m pleased with how it has performed in terms of both drag and smoothness. Although it is only two months old, its durability has been good so far.

The carbon fiber handle is another thing I like about the reel. Additionally, it keeps the reel light while looking cool. I checked out several spinning reels in this price range and the weight of this one is significantly lighter than most other ones.

As a regular fisherman since June, I haven’t found something that irritates me about it. The casting distance is comparable to all of my other reels and it has a nice comfortable handle. In my experience, it has been a solid reel so far after several years of hardcore fishing.

Features

• An oversized ergonomic EVA handle knob, carbon fiber handle and one-piece bail make up the Cadence CS10.
• Features include a magnesium frame with 10 ball bearings as well as 1 anti-reverse bearing, a carbon fiber rotor, an aluminum machined spool suitable for braiding, a carbon fiber drag system, a braid-ready machined aluminum spool, and 10 ball bearings. Built for performance, the CS10 delivers.
• Compared to its competitors, the Cadence CS10 offers a higher value for the money. A magnesium and carbon composite construction allow for a lightweight design. On 11 corrosion-resistant bearings, a magnesium frame spins a carbon rotor that is light and aerodynamic.
• There is a carbon fiber drag system mounted on the aluminum spool for even pressure delivery. An ergonomically designed EVA knob and carbon handle further enhance the weight.
• A great spinning reel for freshwater and inshore fish, it’s made of premium materials, and it comes in a range of sizes to suit all fishing needs. It’s ideal for game fish like bass, walleye, and Trout as well as popular inshore species like redfish, speckled trout, and flounder.
• You will be blown away by the features, quality, and design of Cadence CS10 spinning reels, which are almost twice as expensive as others.
• Whenever you purchase a Cadence combo, we’ll donate a box to a charity partner, so that the next generation can enjoy it. Fishing is Cadence’s way of bringing generations together in such a hectic world, also imparting some valuable lessons to the young.
• It is important that people take advantage of the great outdoors by stepping away from their televisions. We want the next generation to enjoy the joy of a day on the water.
• A Cadence product is an unbeatable value for its high-performance features. It’s not necessary to break the bank to fish with quality, dependable gear.
• A team of experienced professionals works every day to prove it. The best customer service team and a one-year warranty make Cadence reel ownership as easy as possible.

8. Okuma Ceymar Spinning Reel

Although compact, the Okuma C-10 produces impressive results despite its small size. In addition, it is inexpensive for any budget and demonstrates that buying more does not automatically translate into receiving a better reel.

When you turn the crank on the C-10, it spins extremely smoothly, and the spool closes quickly with each turn of the handle. But this Okuma reel is turning consumers from some of the most well-known brands because the quality of manufacturing is remarkable, which translates into really effective performance on the water.

The C-10, which is fitted with a front drag system, also exhibits its capabilities in this location.  It’s seamless and effortless, and individuals will not be disappointed even with’s choice line and the nicest, sweetest drag setting; it’s flawless and effortless.

When fishing with lightweight rods, the Okuma throws beautifully, and it can comfortably accommodate 100 yards of 4-pound monofilament. It is possible that the effectiveness of this reel will be slightly different from that of higher-priced competitors, but our expectation is that you would wonder why you would spend more money for such a small margin of improvement.

Features

• The drag system uses multi-disc discs lubricated with felt and has a maximum drag pressure of five pounds
• Rolling bearings with anti-reverse quick-set
• Brass pinion gear with precision machine cutting
• Spool made of machined aluminum and anodized in two colors
• There is a capacity for monofilament lines of 210/2 (0.12), 110/4 (0.17), and 70/6 (0.22) mm.

9. Lews Fishing Mr. Crappie Slab Shaker Spinning Reel MCS50

This crappie reel is made mostly from graphite, making it as light as possible. Other important factors aren’t compromised by lightweight. There is plenty of strength and durability in this reel. Furthermore, a comfortable handle and a larger frame make it easy to operate.

Regardless of what you might expect, this reel is easy to handle due to its large frame. Enhancing the reel’s stability without weighing it down, it actually enhances its performance.

Crappie fishing requires a reel with a strong structure that can withstand rough handling. The reel’s easy click feature for adjusting the fishing line effectively compensates for the task of getting used to its handle movements at first.

In turn, its large arbor and large line capacity make it one of the best crappie reels available. As a result of the drag system, there are fewer problems such as fishing line twisting.

Features

• Rotor, spool, and body are made of graphite.
• Construction of the2 bearings.
• The gearbox that is thin and compact.
• There is a gear ratio of 5.2:1
• Premium 6 lb. spooled in a pre-packaged format. Monotype of Mr. Crappie

10. Daiwa QZ Ultralight Spinning Reel

This Daiwa QZ is one of the best ultralight crappie reels available. Anyone targeting panfish or trout would benefit from the 750 size, in particular. Ice fishing can also be done with it. Ultralight rods balance well with a weight of just over 5 ounces.

Spools made from aluminum work best with mono lines weighing 4-6 pounds or braided lines weighing 6-8 pounds. To ensure smooth performance, there are six ball bearings. The reel is also good with ice for another reason? You can keep your hands warm with the premium cork handle.

With its aluminum folding handle, it’s extremely easy to pack and store, which is perfect for anglers who travel light. When catching crappies, the gear ratio of 5.11 is sufficient, while the drag of 5 pounds is sufficient. 

Features

• Fishing for trout, panfish, and ice requires a reliable spinning reel, such as the Daiwa QZ750.
• The ultralight body remains remarkably strong while combining flawlessly with the ultralight, fast tip rod.
• With a 5.1:1 gear ratio, 6 ball bearings are mounted on aluminum spools.
• The line is well suited for monofilament lines of 4 and 6 pounds or braided lines of 6 and 8 pounds.
• If you need a spinning reel between a 500 and a 1000 size, this is the reel for you.

11. Cadence CS8 Spinning Reel, Ultralight Fast Speed Premium Magnesium Frame Fishing Reel with 10 Low Torque Bearings Super Smooth Powerful Fishing Reel with 36 LBs Max Drag & 6.2:1 Spinning Reel

For years, experienced anglers have chosen the Cadence CS-8 because it’s incredibly smooth. This reel is very lightweight, which is the first thing you’ll notice. As with aluminum, it is 34% lighter and 1.5 times stronger when made with CMC (Carbon-Magnesium-Carbon).

Featuring a carbon fiber drag system and machined aluminum spool, the spool prevents slippage.

In addition, the thick EVA foam handle is easy to grasp and reduces the overall weight of the reel by making it easier to hold. Despite its mid-range price, this spinning reel has high-quality bearings, attachments, and performance, making it quite a modest investment.

The reel glides in all kinds of weather and water thanks to its maximum number of bearings: 10. A fast reel is essential when fishing for crappie. 6.2:1/5.2:1 Gear Ratio makes sure you will scoop up crappies even before they know what’s happening.

In fact, the largest crappie ever caught was a 21-inch 6-pounder! Crappies aren’t usually more than 2 pounds, but the biggest crappie ever caught was a 21-inch 6-pounder!

This reel will cover you if you are lucky enough to catch a big guy. There is a superior drag system with a stopping power of 20 lbs that can handle fish fights of any size. An intermediate angler will love the Cadence CS8.

A good reel for those who have fished for a while with a basic rod and reel and want to narrow their catch to crappies, or for those who want to upgrade from a basic reel to one that performs well: here is the reel that you are looking for.

This reel is a good choice for someone who wants to invest a small sum to get a high-quality reel worth twice as much as it costs. Its Mid-range price might not fit a first-time fisher’s budget, but it fits a beginner’s budget perfectly. 

Features

• A 1-year manufacturer’s warranty is included with Cadence, as well as a 90-day full refund policy. Enjoy your fishing life and try it out. 
• Using CMC(Carbon-Magnesium-Carbon) as the main body, lightweight is pushed to new levels, achieving 34% smaller and 1.5 times more durable than aluminum.
• Aluminum spools ensure that your line does not slip and carbon fiber drag systems deliver consistent pressure. The handle knob is made from ergonomic EVA, further reducing weight. Fishing lovers will love this gift. 
• This high-performance fishing reel boasts nine resistant to corrosion stainless steel bearings as well as a one-way quick stop anti-reverse bearing manufactured in Japan. Ultra-smooth, and ultra-fast due to its high gear ratio of 6.2:1/5.2:1.
• Superior Drag System: The Superior Drag System on the CS8 Spinning reel offers incredible stopping power of up to 20LBs so that even the biggest fish won’t escape.
• Your drag power can be precisely adjusted with the innovative wave spring drag system. The reel is made strong and durable with aluminum OS gears, pinion gears, and main shafts. Fishing scenarios can be handled with their fighting power.
• Providing the angler with a high-quality, premium fishing tackle at an unbeatable price, Cadence spinning reels offer unmatched value.
• Match fishing reels that are packed with features that are high in quality are what they manufacture. Anglers who put in long hours on the bank and fish every day have designed Cadence products.

12. Sougayilang Fishing Reel 13+1BB Light Weight Ultra Smooth Aluminum Spinning Fishing Reel with Free Spare Graphite Spool

In addition to being suitable for various kinds of fishing techniques from the lake to the ocean, the Sougayilang Ultra Smooth Aluminum Spinning Reel is specially designed to provide improved crappie performance.

A beginner angler who has not yet gotten used to fishing for smaller prey can easily use this rod because it is lightweight and balanced. An anti-reverse bearing is included in one of the 13 as well as 1 ball bearings on this reel. In addition to being easy to use and accurate, it is very smooth and easy to use.

An aluminum spool is attached to a brass gear drive system, and the main shaft is made out of a metal alloy with three carbon drag washers. The spool is made out of aluminum, and the handle is CNC machined aluminum.

Further, it has the best mesh drive gear as well as amazing stopping power. Casting can be done very quickly and far. Graphite is also used as a material for the frame’s structure, so it’s corrosion-resistant. Its design makes this reel look great on any rod, with a very attractive finish.

There is an extra spare spool included with the Sougayilang Ultra Smooth Aluminum Spinning Reel without charge, as well as a 1-year warranty covering workmanship defects. Only if it has not been mistreated or abused can it be returned for a refund or replacement.

Features

• With 13+1 smooth ball bearings, a single one-way anti-reverse bearing, and corrosion-resistant ball bearings, the Sougayilang spinning fishing reel offers a smooth performance. and comes with an extra free spare spool!
• A strong spinner reel with a triple-disc carbon drag washer, precision brass gears, and interchangeable right and left CNC machined aluminum handles, Sougayilang spinning reels are designed for the toughest fishing conditions.
•  Its Superior Drag System gives Sougayilang spinning reels unparalleled stopping power. The main shaft is built with hardened metal, while the drive gear is perfect mesh and the pinion gear is precision machined, resulting in strong fish fighting power.
• This fishing reel is one of the best gifts you can give to a friend who fishes regularly and has a lot of experience since it has a hollow frame design and a computer balance system. This fishing reel has high performance and is lightweight for long-time fishing.
• Fishing in the ocean, fishing on the rocks in the ocean, fishing on the beach in the ocean, fishing in lakes, rivers, reservoirs, ponds, streams, etc.

How To Choose The Best Crappie Spinning Reels?

The best crappie reels have been narrowed down, and now you need to know which is the best. Understanding your own requirements is the key to doing this.

There are still some anglers who have their own techniques for playing and reeling in crappie, despite the fact that crappie fishing is quite straightforward.  There are several factors that affect the kind of reel that you’d want to make, including your technique and surroundings.

Why Choose a Spinning Reel?

This list of reels is all spinning reels, as you might have noticed. This is due to their success at catching small panfish like crappie, as well as being the most widely used.

In addition to being much better than baitcasting reels, spinning reels are also better at casting than fly fishing reels and inline reels. Kids, beginners, and experienced anglers all enjoy spinning fishing.

Due to this ultralight reels’ small size, we end up using smaller cast distances than baitcasters, which can increase resistance.

For this reason, only spinning reels are used by pros who fish crappie exclusively. When crappie fishing in lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams, you should use spinning reels since crappies are found in these kinds of waters all year long.

1. Weight

You don’t want to be fishing for crappie for hours on end with a heavy metal reel, especially if you do a lot of fishing. In order to determine which reel to choose, you should examine its ball bearings and reel frame. The reel’s weight should be taken into consideration.

It should weigh between 6-7 ounces. The crappie reel should be lightweight enough to be effective. Besides considering the metal frame, you should also consider its composition.

It is usually made up of fiber of carbon, aluminum machined, anodized aluminum, and sometimes magnesium (like in the Cadence CS8) that make it up high-quality materials.

There are no reels made with materials other than graphite and carbon fiber that aren’t lightweight, but reels is made up of graphite as well as carbon fiber material that will be the lightest. While some rod and reel combos will offer more features than others, the quality of the reels will differ.

It is for this reason that you should take the time to examine the material of the spinning reel. A corrosion-resistant reel would be a bonus, as that will certainly enhance the durability of these reels in the future.

2. Line’s Capacity

In all the crappie reels we reviewed, we included both monofilament and braided line capacities since this is a critical factor to consider when selecting a fishing reel. Reels are designed to handle a specific range of lines, so the line capacity refers to the ideal line for which they are designed.

Using a reel with a “6 LB/110 YDS” listed capacity means it will be able to handle a 4-pound line as well as an 8-pound line, but best when used with the 6-pound line.

You may not need to worry about this if you’re crappie fishing, as heavier braided lines can handle bigger fish!

3. Quality Drag

There are three types of drag systems that can be found on spinning reels. Depending on the model, it can have a front drag system, a rear drag system, or a sealed drag system. The jerky feeling of low-quality drugs can be detected by using it.

A budget rod and reel combo will typically have this type of drag. In the case of a reel that you intend to purchase separately, it is extremely important to pay attention to the drag system before you purchase the reel.

There are different kinds of crappie reels depending on the price range for crappie fishing.

Also Read: 10 Best Spinning Reels Under 100 – Buyer’s Guide

4. Size

As you can see, the majority of the reels we have listed here are 1000 sizes. There is a difference in sizing between brands.

The smallest has a size of 1000, and the largest has a size of 8000. It is generally necessary to use a small reel when fishing for crappie. The largemouths of crappies are probably familiar to anyone who has seen it before.

In addition to their ability to bite larger baits and lures, they also have an easy time slipping them out. In your attempt to hook the crappie, you have to set the hook into its mouth.

When you are trying to set the hook accurately, you need light gear that is easy to maneuver. In order to land these slippery mouth crappies, you don’t want to use an ultralight rod with a too-large reel.

If you get lucky, you might be able to catch large crappie with a small reel that goes with your rod. Before going crappie fishing, make sure your rod has a medium or fast action unless you are ice fishing.

Due to the colder temperatures under ice, fish move much slower. Choose a lightweight reel, but one with a larger spool to accommodate more line and a large handle so you can fish ergonomically.

5. Rear Drag System

As a result of how easy it is to access the rear drag system on crappie reels, many pros prefer it. Here You can find a difference between the rare and front drag system.

Because they don’t directly contact the spool, they are sometimes mechanically complex and don’t always provide the same quality and effectiveness as their front drag counterparts.

6. Front Drag System

If you’re used to the rear drag, accessing the front drag is a little more difficult.

However, they have a much smoother and more powerful mechanism. A crappie fishing reel with a front drag system will fall somewhere between a middle-range and a high-range product.

7. Sealed and Watertight Drag System

A watertight and sealed drag system ensures that no water or sediment will corrode the internal workings of the reel.

 As you use your reel more frequently, you can have it last for a longer period of time. The fact that crappie cannot be found in saltwater (unless you’re fishing in creeks) makes it unnecessary to invest in a high-end fishing reel with this feature.

8. Gear Ratio

Crappie reel gear ratio is another aspect that needs to be considered. When you crank the handle of the spool, the gear ratio indicates how many revolutions the spool makes.

Every time you turn the handle, you have turned the spool 5.2 times. For example: in the 5.2:1 gear ratio, you have turned the spool 5.2 times. When choosing a lure or bait, you need to consider the action and retrieve speed. There will be a 5:1 ratio on most crappie fishing reels

Frequently Asked Questions

Here below are the frequently asked question we mention below about the best crappie spinning reels. So must read this and also you can be asked me in the comment section if you have any other questions about this.

Conclusion

Overall our top pick that deserves to be on top of our list is PENN Battle Spinning Fishing Reel. It has a smooth drag system, an anti-reverse system which make it best.

2nd best pick is Lews Fishing Mr. Crappie in terms of excellent quality products at the cheapest price. It is corrosion free, and also offers great durability.

Our 3rd choice of best crappie spinning reel goes to the Shimano Sienna 500 for this reason: it’s durable and incredibly reliable. As well as being the best, it’s affordable and has only a few stainless steel ball bearings, making it a case in point.

Explore more: 9 Best Shimano Spinning Reels – Buyer’s Guide

It is important for an ultralight reel to have a smooth drag mechanism, even if it has a variety of fancy features that enhance your fishing experience.

When you hook up with crappie, he will probably not fight back too much, so you need ultralight equipment that is easy to maneuver regardless of its power.