10 Best reels for fishing 5 stars of 2026

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Best Choice

1

OKUMA

Okuma Cortez "a" Star Drag Reel 5 SZ 15Lb. Max Drag Pressure
9.8

Exceptional

Our Rating
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Value for Money

2

Abu Garcia
Abu Garcia Max STX Low Profile Baitcast Reel, Size LP (1539732), 5 Stainless Steel Ball Bearings + 1 Roller Bearing, Synthetic Star Drag, Max of 15lb | 6.8kg, Multi
Main highlights

Key Features
Graphite frame, aluminum spool, MagTrax brake system, and Power Disk drag for lightweight, strong, precise casting and smooth drag performance.

Ideal Use Cases
Perfect for anglers seeking a high recovery rate and smooth operation in both fresh and saltwater fishing scenarios.

Customer Praise
Most reviews highlight the reel`s exceptional smoothness and durability, making it a favorite for consistent, reliable performance on the water.
Key specs
- maximum drag:15 Pounds
- size:Left-Handed Box
- material:Aluminum
- hand orientation:Left Hand
- fishing line:braid, mono
9.7

Exceptional

Our Rating
3

Sougayilang

Sougayilang Carp Fishing Reel，5+1 Shielded Stainless Steel BB-Carbon Fiber Drag Carp Reels, for Saltwater or Freshwater Spinning Reels, Fishing Reels-6000
9.6

Exceptional

Our Rating
4

KastKing
KastKing ReKon Saltwater Spinning Reel – Up to 55LBs Max Drag Big Game Fishing Reel - Innovative NyliTech Body- Water Resistant - 6.2:1 High Speed - MaxiDur 5+1+1 Corrosion-Resistance Bearing System
Main highlights

Unrivaled Drag Power
Offers up to 55lbs drag with carbon fiber discs.

Ideal for Saltwater Use
Built to withstand harsh saltwater conditions.

Praised for Smooth Drag
Customers love the smooth drag and solid feel.
Key specs
- maximum drag:30lbs
- size:2500
- material:Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Carbon
- hand orientation:Ambidextrous
- fishing line:Braided
9.5

Excellent

Our Rating
5

PENN
PENN Rival Level Wind Conventional Boat Fishing Reel, HT-100 Star Drag, Max of 15lb | 6.8kg, Forged and Machined Aluminum Spool, RIV20LW, Black
Main highlights

Key Features
Ultralight graphite frame, auto-engaging gears, and HT-100 star drag system offer durability and smooth performance for serious anglers.

Ideal Use Cases
Perfect for battling mid-size gamefish, excels in both freshwater and saltwater environments, ideal for those seeking a versatile, high-capacity reel.

Customer Praise
Reviews often highlight the reel`s exceptional drag system and durable build, praising its reliability and performance during prolonged battles with fish.
Key specs
- maximum drag:6.8 Kilograms
- size:RIV20LW
- material:Blend
- hand orientation:Right Hand
- fishing line:Mono: 475/15 yd/lb
9.3

Excellent

Our Rating
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6

Lew's

Lew’s Laser Lite Spinning Fishing Reel, Size 50 Reel, 6+1 Bearings, 5.0:1 Gear Ratio, Graphite Frame, Reversible Retrieve, Metallic Gray/Silver/Gold
9.2

Excellent

Our Rating
7

PENN
PENN Pursuit IV Inshore/Nearshore Spinning Fishing Reel, Size 5000, HT-100 Front Drag, Max of 20lb, 5 Sealed Stainless Steel Ball Bearing System, Built with Carbon Fiber Drag Washers, Black Silver
Main highlights

Key Features
Ultralight, durable graphite body with 5 bearings and HT-100 drag system. Offers smooth, powerful performance for both freshwater and saltwater fishing.

Ideal Use Cases
Perfect for inshore/nearshore fishing. Excellently recovers fast, handling various fish sizes, from bass to smaller offshore species.

Customer Reviews
Most praised for its smooth drag and durability. Anglers appreciate its reliability and performance in various fishing conditions.
Key specs
- maximum drag:20 Pounds
- size:5000
- material:Aluminum
- hand orientation:Ambidextrous
- fishing line:braid,mono
9.0

Excellent

Our Rating
8

Abu Garcia
Abu Garcia Max STX Low Profile Baitcast Reel, Size LP (1539731), 5 Stainless Steel Ball Bearings + 1 Roller Bearing, Synthetic Star Drag, Max of 15lb | 6.8kg
Main highlights

Lightweight and Durable Construction
The Abu Garcia Max Pro Baitcast Reel features a 7.4 oz graphite frame and sideplates with a machined aluminum spool, ensuring strength and lightweight performance.

Ideal for Freshwater Fishing
Perfect for fishing in rock lagoons and around docks, offering sensitivity and quick response with a 6.4:1 gear ratio and 25 64cm line recovery rate.

Smooth Casting and Drag Performance
Customers frequently praise the reel's smooth casting and drag performance, highlighting the consistent brake pressure and ergonomic design for ease of use.
Key specs
- maximum drag:6.8 Kilograms
- size:Right-Handed Box
- material:Aluminum
- hand orientation:Right Hand
- fishing line:braid,mono
8.9

Very Good

Our Rating

9.9
Light weight

9.7
worth the money

9.5
Simple to use
9

QINGLER
Summer and Centron Spinning Reels, 12 +1 BB Light Weight, Ultra Smooth Powerful, Size 3000 is Perfect for Ultralight/Summer Fishing by QINGLER
Main highlights

Ultra Smooth Performance
Equipped with 12+1 ball bearings for seamless fishing.

Ideal for Freshwater Fishing
Designed for freshwater with a 5.1:1 gear ratio.

Praised for Value
Highly rated for quality and affordability.
8.7

Very Good

Our Rating

8.7
worth the money

8.2
for starters

8.0
Light weight
10

Piscifun
Piscifun Sword Fly Fishing Reels with CNC-machined Aluminum Alloy Body Fly Reel 5/6wt (Gunmetal)
Main highlights

Solid and Lightweight Build
Precision CNC-machined from 6061-T6 aluminum alloy, making it durable and lighter than ordinary models due to the larger CNC hollow design.

Perfect for Trout Fishing
Ideal for trout fly fishing with a 9ft. 5wt. rod, providing smooth drag and efficient line management, making it great for casual anglers.

Highly Praised Machining Quality
Customers frequently commend the reel for its excellent machining quality, especially considering its affordability, and its smooth drag system.
8.6

Very Good

Our Rating

10 Best reels for fishing 5 stars of 2026

1

Okuma Cortez "a" Star Drag Reel 5 SZ 15Lb. Max Drag Pressure

How do we rank?

How do we rank?

Analyzing top stores

2

Abu Garcia Max STX Low Profile Baitcast Reel, Size LP (1539732), 5 Stainless Steel Ball Bearings + 1 Roller Bearing, Synthetic Star Drag, Max of 15lb | 6.8kg, Multi

3

Sougayilang Carp Fishing Reel，5+1 Shielded Stainless Steel BB-Carbon Fiber Drag Carp Reels, for Saltwater or Freshwater Spinning Reels, Fishing Reels-6000

4

KastKing ReKon Saltwater Spinning Reel – Up to 55LBs Max Drag Big Game Fishing Reel - Innovative NyliTech Body- Water Resistant - 6.2:1 High Speed - MaxiDur 5+1+1 Corrosion-Resistance Bearing System

5

PENN Rival Level Wind Conventional Boat Fishing Reel, HT-100 Star Drag, Max of 15lb | 6.8kg, Forged and Machined Aluminum Spool, RIV20LW, Black

6

Lew’s Laser Lite Spinning Fishing Reel, Size 50 Reel, 6+1 Bearings, 5.0:1 Gear Ratio, Graphite Frame, Reversible Retrieve, Metallic Gray/Silver/Gold

7

PENN Pursuit IV Inshore/Nearshore Spinning Fishing Reel, Size 5000, HT-100 Front Drag, Max of 20lb, 5 Sealed Stainless Steel Ball Bearing System, Built with Carbon Fiber Drag Washers, Black Silver

8

Abu Garcia Max STX Low Profile Baitcast Reel, Size LP (1539731), 5 Stainless Steel Ball Bearings + 1 Roller Bearing, Synthetic Star Drag, Max of 15lb | 6.8kg

9.9

9.7

9.5

9

Summer and Centron Spinning Reels, 12 +1 BB Light Weight, Ultra Smooth Powerful, Size 3000 is Perfect for Ultralight/Summer Fishing by QINGLER

8.7

8.2

8.0

10

Piscifun Sword Fly Fishing Reels with CNC-machined Aluminum Alloy Body Fly Reel 5/6wt (Gunmetal)

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