Are you an avid angler in search of the best reels for bottom fishing? Today’s post focuses on bottom fishing. We have provided you with the essentials regarding the best reels to carry out this exciting activity and a buying guide to point you in the right direction. Catching fish that reside on the seafloor is one of the most common fishing methods. This is known as bottom fishing. It is no secret that this is a difficult task, especially without the proper fishing gear. Catching a single fish will remain a dream without the right reel for bottom fishing. But the right one hones your skills, making your trip enjoyable and successful. Let’s begin with the top-ranking reels that are perfect for you.
BEST REELS FOR BOTTOM FISHING
1)Shimano Torium HGA Conventional Fishing reel
If you are in need of a reliable and highly robust reel for bottom fishing, look no further than the Shimano Torium HGA Conventional Fishing reel. Incorporating state-of-the-art technology, the reel is compactly made and is comfortable to use in your hand. It is easy to handle with a smooth drag. The reel runs seamlessly with no hitches.
A braided line is simple to spool, casting and retrieving with ease, and working brilliantly when allowed to fall to the bottom to lie in wait for an unwary fish.
It has a star drag system, which is great for bottom fishing since it prevents the reel from slipping because it locks up.
Additionally rubberized, the drag handle knob is quite snug to grasp in your hand while fishing.
Further, due to its outstanding durability, you can use it in saltwater without worrying about rust. It has a special El coating to stop salt or other particles from building up. To avoid wear and strain, it also incorporates anti-rust bearings.
You can buy this reel no matter what kind of fish you want to catch. It comes in a variety of sizes and styles, each with a gear ratio of 6.2:1, three ball bearings, and one roller bearing. This speaks of how versatile it is.
Features
- CF aluminum cold forge spool
- Star drag system
- Special El coating
- Rubberized drag handle knob
- Ideal for saltwater use
- Available in different sizes and styles
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- Rugged body
- Medium price range
- Highly efficient gearing
Cons
- A crunching noise and resistance when casting and retrieving
2)Penn Squall LevelWind
Penn Squall LevelWind is another reel that you will love. It is an excellent alternative for a frugal fisher who wants many features without breaking the bank because it can be used with either mono capacity or braided capacity line. The useful line-capacity rings on this conventional reel will show you whether you have a third, two-thirds, or all of your spool line.
Construction-wise, the reel is small to handle and features a graffiti body and side plate in addition to an aluminum spool that is corrosion-resistant. It suffices even in salty water.
The reel is perfect for bottom fishing and is capable of taking on large predatory fish. With an HT-100 drag system, it boasts a smooth drag.
Even while reeling in big fish, your drag washers will continue to operate consistently and at a high level. There are two stainless steel bearings and a 4.0:1 gear ratio anti-reverse system, and two stainless steel bearings.
The machined main gear is composed of marine-grade bronze alloy for enhanced durability and features a stainless steel pinion.
Features
- Machined aluminum spool
- It comes in four sizes
- HT-100 carbon fiber drag washers
- Anti-reverse feature
- Two stainless steel bearings
- Corrosion-resistant
- Effective line-capacity rings
Pros
- Large spool capacity
- Durable make
- Both braided line and monofilament can be employed
- Price-conscious
Cons
- Unergonomically designed handle
3)Accurate Boss Valiant Reel BV2-400
Accurate Boss Valiant Reel BV2-400 is another reel worth paying attention to. The reel has the capacity to tackle the challenging saltwater environment like a pro. The reel contains two ARB bearings and seven Class-5 ABEC bearings that are all sealed against saltwater. This increases the reel’s resistance to corrosion and guarantees that it will always work flawlessly.
Precision-cut stainless steel gears are positioned inside the reel and function wonderfully together to provide seamless turning and quick stopping.
The reels’ walls are narrower than those of their rivals, but thanks to their non-flexing frames and side plates, they can withstand more stress from bottom fishing.
The reel also has a durable outer housing made of premium materials. Regardless of what it faces in the water, the reel will remain brand new.
Features
- Multiple sealed bearings
- Non-flexing side plates and frames
- Precision-cut stainless steel
- Robust housing
- Ideal for saltwater use
Pros
- Keeps corrosion at bay
- Tough construction on both interior and exterior
- Ambidextrous design
Cons
- No rubberized grip
4)KastKing Rover Round
The KastKing Rover Round Baitcaster is the ideal conventional reel for bottom fishing if you want something economical and dependable. The reel hits all the marks when it comes to durability. The spool and side plates are built of anodized aluminum, while the worm gear shaft is manufactured from machined brass. The other parts of the reel’s internal components, including the bearings, are built out of stainless steel for durability and corrosion resistance.
This reel’s components are all resistant to the damaging effects of saltwater. It will get the job done in all situations.
It uses carbon fiber washers as part of its star drag system. Backlashes are reduced, attributable to its centrifugal brake. But this reel shines because most of its primary attributes are found on higher-rack components.
Everything you would anticipate from a conventional round baitcasting fishing reel is included, such as the huge non-slip EVA handles, line out clicker alarm, convenient thumb bar spool release, and classic design.
Features
- Aluminum construction
- CNC machined spool
- Side plates have a hard anodized construction
- MaxiDur dual stainless steel ball bearings
- Perfect for saltwater
- Patented metal idle gear
Pros
- Incredibly smooth
- Powerful
- Affordable
- Notable versatility
Cons
- Proper maintenance is required to increase the lifespan.
5)Penn Jigmaster 500L Fishing Reel
Next up is the Penn Jigmaster 500L Fishing Reel. The reel is made to meet the demands and needs of serious fishers. With this reel’s special take-apart feature, you can easily switch spools and lines while out on the water without fiddling.
It boasts a lubricated HT-100 Versa Drag system, which provides a smooth drag and numerous drag settings. This unique system is one of the best of its kind. When you are reeling in a fish, it doesn’t kink up or make any weird noises.
Impeccably, the reel allows you to easily adjust your tackle depending on how well the fish are biting.
The Jigmaster 500L furthermore boasts bigger paddle knobs and a counterbalanced handle. This enables you to comfortably crank away without worrying about slipping off the handle in slick circumstances.
What’s more, it contains precision-machined gears and an aluminum spool that has been machined.
Even the side plates have backlights, creating a unit that eliminates frame flex and gives you leverage while battling a fish that is giving you its all.
Optimum performance, versatility, and longevity are what you get when you invest in the Penn Jigmaster 500L Fishing reel.
Features
- One-piece graphite top with an open-top design
- Powerful gear system
- Machined aluminum spool fortifies durability
- HT-100 carbon fiber drag system
- Counterbalanced handle
- Backlight side plates
Pros
- Powerful and smooth drag system
- Premium materials for construction
- Effortless switching between spools and lines thanks to the quick take-apart feature.
Cons
- Unsuitable for casting
6)Penn Rival LevelWind
We finish our list of the best reels for bottom fishing with the Penn Rival LevelWind. Though it is ideal for saltwater use, the reel lasts longer when used for fishing in freshwater. Besides being versatile, the reel comes at an approachable price. To fortify the fact that the Penn Rival is versatile, it works well for trolling and flatline baits when you’re at anchor and is excellent for bottom fishing.
Line capacity rings eliminate the guesswork of how many lines you have left when pursuing a fish. There are line counters in every size offered by the reel series.
It includes side plates with aluminum frame rings for increased resilience to reduce frame flex. This is also made possible by the lightweight graphite frame. Under heavy loads, HT-100 drag washers offer smooth drag.
Features
- HT-100 carbon drag washers
- Stainless steel bearings
- Robust graphite body that is also lightweight
- Full metal housing
- Bronze main gear
Pros
- Offers a smooth action
- Budget-friendly
- A sealed system keeps sand and water out
Cons
- Not long-lasting in saltwater
Also Read,
https://outdoorandsurvival.com/best-binoculars-for-deer-hunting/
Factors to Consider when Selecting the Best Reels for Bottom Fishing
The fact that is a litany of reels on the market makes it hectic to find the right one. The following factors are meant to give you more confidence in the selection process.
1)Construction materials
The best reels made especially for bottom fishing will be tough to endure abuse.
They are often constructed from durable materials. The ocean’s or sea’s bottom waters have a rough topography. You will therefore require greater torque, a longer line, more cranking force, and heavy sinkers.
This being the case, you would want the best reels with a more durable and stronger structure when you’re fishing for a heavier and larger species weighing 15 pounds or more.
2)Weight
The type of fish you’re targeting will largely decide the weight of your conventional bottom fishing reel.
In contrast to heavy reels, lighter fish can be held on a lighter reel. When choosing a reel’s weight, your particular preferences must be taken into consideration. Some anglers favor the more streamlined design, but others also favor the ones with a tough and substantial build.
3)Line capacity
You’ll need more line capacity than you typically have with a spinning reel or bait caster to get your bait or lure down to where bottom fish like to dine.
Reels with large line capacities allow you to fish in considerably deeper water when you want to catch big bottom-feeding species.
4)Gear ratio
The number of times the reel handle must be spun for one full spool rotation is known as the gear ratio. The range of gear ratios is four to plus one hundred. When fishing for a heavier bottom-dwelling species, such as grouper, a lower gear ratio provides more power, which is crucial.
The spool will rotate slower when you turn the handle when the gear ratio is lower, giving you more power. This means that reeling in big, hefty fish requires a lot more mechanical muscle.
Whether you’re fishing inshore, offshore, saltwater, or freshwater, you’ll often prefer the lower gear ratio to benefit from greater durability and strength.
5)Type of Fishing
You must also decide what type of fishing you want to indulge in. If you fish for bass, you’ll need a reel with an anti-reverse feature. This will prevent the hook from returning to its initial location after you set it.
You need a reel with a clicker if you want to catch trout since it will alert you when the line is about to run out.
You’ll need a reel that can handle a wide range of water temperatures if you’re fishing for saltwater species. It should also have a solid drag system and be corrosion-resistant.
6)Spool size
The spool size is crucial because it determines how many lines it can store and, in turn, how long your fishing rod will be inoperable while you’re out on the water. The rod gets shorter the longer the line is.
For most people looking for an average-sized fishing reel for their first rod, 200 yards to 240 yards are typically sufficient. However, some people can get rather fussy about this.
FAQs
1)Is bottom fishing better?
In the end, bottom fishing will provide more fish, but the fish won’t be particularly large, especially compared to the fish you’ll catch while sport fishing. It won’t be as difficult as sport fishing, especially for seasoned fishers.
2)Can you bottom fish with a baitcaster?
Reels depend on where and how you intend to fish. Spinning reels are a fantastic choice if you’re bottom fishing from a pier. The baitcaster is a superior choice, though, if you need to make a longer and more accurate cast.
3)Are the best reels for bottom fishing worth investing in?
The products on our list are robust. Any of them will survive for decades with proper upkeep and care, making them absolutely worth the investment.
You won’t get the same performance with a cheap reel as you would from the best reels. A considerable likelihood of the reel breaking easily and letting large fish escape is also present.
Conclusion
You’ll find that bottom fishing is quite addictive once you become a master of this craft. But selecting the appropriate equipment can be difficult. Lucking, any of the reels explained above are made with bottom fishing enthusiasts in mind. They promise success once you hit the waters.