Reels
Your rod and reel form the foundation of your fishing setup and quality matters. A cared-for, well designed fishing rod and reel can last many years. Quality construction can avoid rod breakage or reel malfunction. The correctly selected equipment can allow you to sense the light bite and be ready to set the hook. Depending on your level of investment into your angling career, you may have one or two rod set ups that you want to use for various purposes, or you may have a number of setups in your quiver ready to deploy for your specific purpose. Whatever the case may be, we’ve queried our Guides and Outfitters community and curated a shortlist of products to have confidence in.
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So many fishing rods and reels on the market - how to get the one you’ll be happy with?
Spinning Reels
Pflueger spinning reels come highly recommended from our conversations
with the fishing guide community in general, but there are a couple of models
that were discussed repeatedly for their various attributes.
Shimano and Diawa spinning reels are also both favorites of many of our
guides for outfitting their clients. They cite value for money combined with
dependability as the reasons for their preference for these two brands
and the specific models they’ve highlighted for us.
Viewed as the premium option among the three Pflueger models we’ve highlighted, the Pflueger Supreme stands out for its exceptional smoothness, ultra-lightweight build, and refined feel. It’s a step up in both performance and comfort, making it a top choice for serious anglers. Perhaps the strongest endorsement came from a guide who shared, “If I’m on a long solo canoe fishing trip and I’m only bringing one setup, this is my choice for a high-quality ‘do everything’ reel.”
Features as listed by Pflueger: 10 Bearing System, Magnesium Frame, Machined Aluminum Braid Ready Spool, Sealed Drag, Aluminum Handle, Machined Aluminum Main Gear and Slow Oscillation
Size 30 reel is most common for bass, walleye, northern pike.
Perhaps the best value-for-money option among the Pflueger lineup, the Pflueger President earns high marks from our Guides and Outfitters. It comes in at a very accessible price point, and while it’s not considered a high-end reel, it has plenty of loyal supporters—especially within our community of pros who appreciate its reliability, smooth performance, and durability. Guides like it as an option for their clients because of low cost durability, both of which make it a good choice for a kid's first spinning reel.
Features as listed by Pflueger: 10 Stainless Steel Bearing System, Lightweight Graphite Body And Rotor, Aluminum Braid Ready Spool, Total Line Control System-Reduced Line Twists And Wind Knots, Slow Oscillation, Aluminum Handle With Soft Touch Handle Knob
Also a favorite among Pflueger enthusiasts, the President XT came up often in conversations with our guides. Several mentioned they outfit their clients with this reel as a lower-cost, durable option that still delivers solid performance—a reliable workhorse that holds up well trip after trip.
Features as listed by Pflueger: 10 Bearing System, Carbon Body, Machined Aluminum Braid Ready Spool, Aluminum Main Shaft, Total Line Control System Improves Line Lay and Minimizes Line Twist, Machined Aluminum Main Gear and Slow Oscillation
The Daiwa Regal LT is another favorite among the guides we work with—often described as “dependable and affordable.” It’s a great choice for the everyday angler, and a go-to for many of our pros whose livelihoods depend on having a reel that’s easy for clients to use, yet resilient enough to perform day after day without fail.
Features of Daiwa Regal LT as listed by Daiwa: Crafted of ZAION V super composite material, Screwless AIRDRIVE Rotor for ultimate smoothness, Rigid and durable AIRDRIVE Bail, 6+1 bearing system, Click-adjustable front drag
The Shimano Sedona FJ is another reel trusted by several of our fishing guides. Known for its dependability, it’s an affordable, no-frills option that delivers great value for the money—a solid choice for anglers looking for performance without the premium price tag.
Features of Sedona FJ as listed by Shimano: The Sedona FJ series features Shimano's SilentDrive technology to remove unnecessary noise and vibration while creating a quieter, smoother reeling experience. Sedona FJ's enhanced spool design features Shimano's Propulsion Line Management System for increased casting performance.
If you move up to the next price bracket, you’ll find the Shimano Ultegra FC as a strong option. While it’s not commonly used by guides or charter captains as a go-to client reel, many recommend it as an excellent choice in that “just below the really pricey” category. It offers excellent line lay, smooth, responsive retrieval, and has the feel of a much more expensive reel. Based on the feedback we've received, it draws comparisons to the Pflueger Supreme—a versatile, do-it-all reel that punches above its weight. A+ from our Guides and Outfitters community!
Features of the Ultegra FC as listed by Shimano: MicroModule Gear II and SilentDrive technologies improve gear mesh and minimize overall play in construction to provide increased reel performance.
Even the most pragmatic and cost-conscious Guides and Outfitters have strong opinions when it comes to “splurge” reels. While opinions vary widely, there’s a clear consensus around the Shimano Stradic FM, particularly as a top-tier spinning reel for walleye fishing. Though not the most expensive reel on the market—especially compared to those designed for big-game saltwater species—it sits in a higher price tier than most of the models typically used for clients. Praised for its silky-smooth retrieval, reliable drag, and the balanced feel it offers when transitioning from cast to retrieve, the Stradic FM stands out as a premium pick among serious anglers.
Features of Stradic FM as listed by Shimano: The addition of InfinityDrive delivers light rotation and increased cranking power under load, while the new Duracross Drag system provides the smooth performance of felt with up to 10 times the durability.