Best Spinning Reel For Crappie | Complete Buyer’s Guide

Are you thinking of fishing for crappies alone or with friends? If yes, then you are not alone.

Crappie fishing is one of the most popular fishing sports in the United States. According to the US Fish and Wildlife Services, at least 6.1 million US anglers aged above 16 years fish for crappies each year. Although smaller than catfish and bass, fishing for crappies is more enjoyable and relaxing.

Additionally, crappies spawn very fast and are available all year round. They are also very easy to capture, delicious, and are in high demand in the fishing market. That is why it is the most preferred fishing sport for most anglers.

However, crappie fishing experience can only be fun if you have the right fishing gear. One of the most crucial fishing gear that you need to have is the spinning reel. Any angler who wants to be successful in crappie fishing needs to have a good spinning reel in their arsenal.

Spinning reels are available in nearly all local retails stores. But let’s be real, fishing reels are not equal, some are of better quality than others. If you are searching for the best fishing reel, but you don’t know where to start, you are in the right place today.

We have researched on your behalf and compiled a list of the five best fishing spinning reels for crappie.

Our Favorite Best Spinning Reel For Crappie List

  1. Shimano Stradic Ci4+ 400xg FB spinning fishing reel
  2. KastKing Summer and Centron spinning reels
  3. Piscifun honor spinning reel
  4. Sougayilang Fishing reel spinning
  5. Yoshikawa Baitfeeder spinning reel

Are You In Hurry ?

SHIMANO Stradic CI4 2500FB HG Freshwater Spinning Reel

The Test Winner is Here

Our Top Pick:

Shimano Stradic Ci4+ 400xg FB spinning fishing reel

Why It Is Better ?

  • Frame and handle are made of durable carbon
  • The X ship technology that is used eliminates friction and improve gear durability for enhanced performance
  • Smooth operation both inshore and offshore
  • Lightweight but impressively strong
  • Resistant to rust and corrosion
Check Price

In this section, we have mentioned the 5 Best Spinning Reel For Crappie on the marketplace. All of them come with unique features; therefore, make sure to have a glimpse.

1. Shimano Stradic Ci4+ 400xg FB spinning fishing reel

SHIMANO Stradic CI4 2500FB HG Freshwater Spinning Reel

Shimano Stradic Ci4+ 400xg FB spinning fishing reel is known to manufacture high-quality fishing tackle equipment. Once again, the Japanese multinational manufacturer proved why they are the undisputed leader when they launched Shimano Stradic Ci4+ 400xg FB spinning fishing reel.

This spinning fishing reel is currently one of the bestselling on the market. This is mainly attributed to premium features and the latest technology that Shimano has used on this spinning reel.

Shimano Stradic Ci4+ 400xg FB spinning fishing reel uses the latest technology while at the same time using some old techniques to give the angler the best fishing experience on the water.

One of the features that make this spinning reel stand out from the rest is the X-ship technology that eliminates friction between the spool shaft and the gear. This helps to boost casting performance and allow longer casts. Regardless of how harsh the conditions are in the water, you are guaranteed of best fishing results.

The Shimano’s flagship hagane body and hagane gearing are strong, durable, reliable and provide smooth and reliable fishing performance. The built-in fluid drive ii system and Dyna balance rotor combined with the Shimano’s propulsion line management system provide exceptional casting capabilities and smoothness while at the same time mitigate line management issues.

Shimano Stradic Ci4+ 400xg FB spinning fishing reel frame, and the handle is made of carbon material that is extremely strong and durable. The spinning real remain intact even when subjected to an enormous amount of pressure. This means that you will not experience those unpleasant surprises of seeing your reel disintegrating when under extreme stress or when you engage in a big fight with crappie.

The spinning reel’s internal components are fully waterproof, a factor that helps to enhance smooth operation by preventing rust and corrosion. Another impressive feature of this reel is the silky smooth drag. When big crappie is fighting to escape, you can be sure that its incredible drag will help you fight the fish.

Pros

  • Frame and handle are made of durable carbon
  • The X ship technology that is used eliminates friction and improve gear durability for enhanced performance
  • Smooth operation both inshore and offshore
  • Lightweight but impressively strong
  • Resistant to rust and corrosion

Cons

  • Does not have an anti-reverse system
  • Costly

2. KastKing Summer and Centron spinning reels

KastKing Centron Lite Spinning Reel, Size 2000 Fishing Reel

If you are searching for a high quality, durable and affordable fishing real, then KastKing summer and Centron spinning reels for a great choice for you.

Although affordable, this spinning reel is equipped with amazing features that will make your crappie fishing experience fun and stress-free. This spinning reel offers the best value for money and ideal for both beginners and pro anglers.

Its frame is made of high tensile graphite that is strong, lightweight, durable and resistant to rust and corrosion. It also has a lighter and stronger CNC machine spool with more even line lay, more fishing line capacity and more internal grooves for lube retention. Its classy, unique finish is resistant to wear and tear.

The high retention anodized aluminum spool that it features and the power launch lip will enable you to cast further thus boosting your chances of catching your trophy fish

KastKing Summer and Centron spinning reel is equipped with 9 high-quality balls bearing and one instant stop one-way anti-reverse bearing that ensures smooth performance. Inner parts, including the shaft, mesh drive gear and pinion gear, are all of premium quality, and that is why they perform exceptionally well.

Its compact design, combined with computer balancing, makes this real spinning ideal for anyone who loves fishing. Its powerful drag system delivers intense drag power, allowing you to pull back your catch with ease.

This fishing reel can hold a minimum lead of 20 pounds meaning that you can engage in a fight with crappies without worrying that you might end up losing

Pros

  • Attractive, classy finish
  • Its frame and handle are made of high tensile graphite that is strong and resistant to corrosion
  • Lightweight, compact design for seamless casting
  • Unique design and comfortable handle
  • A precise pinion gear system
  • Superior drag system
  • Premium quality inner parts
  • Very affordable

Cons

  • Some people complain that the material is not of excellent quality as the manufacturer claims

3. Piscifun honor spinning reel

Piscifun Honor Spinning Reel Sealed Carbon Fiber Drag Light Weight Ultra Smooth 13.2LB Drag Fishing Spinning Reels (2000 Series)

Piscifun honor spinning reel is designed to last and deliver smooth, quiet and consistent performance. It is equipped with many incredible features that make it a reliable companion for crappie fishing. It is designed for both freshwater and saltwater applications.

The 10+ 1 sealed bearings that it features allow smooth and consistent operation while at the same time protecting the reel against corrosion. The premium-grade machined gears that it is equipped with are made of durable materials and provide incredible gear feel. On the other hand, the oversized carbon washers provide smooth drag, thus reducing the fishing line break off.

The water-resistant sealed system that this spinning reel is equipped with help to prevent dust, sand, and debris from getting into the sensitive inner parts, thus ensuring that your reel operates smoothly and efficiently both in fresh and salty water. The smooth and even anti-twist line roller installed in this reel reduces the chances of the line being snarled while fishing. The high design touch knob provides a comfortable grip even at wet conditions. Its incredible drag power means that the captured crappie will not escape regardless of the fight it puts on. The aluminum reinforced graphite body aligns perfectly with the gearbox, resulting in better casting control when fishing crappies.

Pros

  • Made of high quality and durable material this is resistant to dust and corrosion
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Very comfortable
  • Can be used both in saltwater and freshwater
  • Equipped with a powerful bearing system that ensures quiet, smooth and consistent operation
  • Affordable
  • Superior drag power

Cons

  • Some people have complained that getting used to the reel takes time

4. Sougayilang Fishing reel spinning

Sougayilang Fishing Reel Spinning -12+1BB Ultralight Smooth Powerful Spinning Reels for Freshwater Saltwater Bass Fishing(13bbdk-3000)

Sougayilang Fishing reel spinning is ideal for anglers searching for a robust, durable and affordable spinning reel. One feature that makes this real fishing stand out from the rest is its incredible stopping power of up to 17.5 lbs. All its internal components, including the main shaft, mesh drive gear and machined pinion gear, are all made of high-quality materials.

The lightweight aluminum handle with EVA knobs provides a comfortable grip and better control even in wet conditions. The 12+ 1BB makes reeling smooth and enjoyable both in freshwater and saltwater. The lightning-fast, smooth and high-speed retrieval will enable you to fight fast and robust running crappies. The reel line cup that it features is well textured, which helps increase throwing distance and enhance fishing line control.

The S curve oscillation ensures that your fishing line remains perfectly aligned, giving you a great fishing experience. Sougayilang Fishing reel spinning is a great spinning real to purchase if you want to make your fishing experience enjoyable and less tiresome

Pros

  • Compact and lightweight
  • Premium quality inner parts
  • Excellent design
  • Ultra-smooth performance
  • Corrosion-resistant smooth ball bearing
  • Ideal for both experienced anglers and beginners
  • Incredible stopping power
  • Perfect for freshwater and saltwater use

Cons

  • Some customers have complained that the line bailer usually starts to wobble and gets loss overtime

5. Yoshikawa Baitfeeder spinning reel

Yoshikawa Spinning Reel Saltwater Freshwater Fishing Baitfeeder 4000 5.5:1 11 Stainless Ball Bearings Bass Salmon Bluefish Catfish Carp

Yoshikawa Baitfeeder spinning reel is currently one of the bestselling spinning reels for crappie on the market. This is because of the fantastic features that it is equipped with.

One of its powerful features is its superior drag system that delivers a full free spool mode by flipping the small lever on the back of the real. This is important because it allows the line run free without the need to open the bail. Catching large crappies is incredibly easy and stress-free with this spinning reel.

The side plate, reel leg, and rotor housing are all made of TITAN graphite that is strong, durable and resistant to corrosion. The anodized CNC aluminum spool delivers extra high capacity allowing you to cast for longer distance. On the other hand, the foldable left-right interchangeable aluminum handle and stainless steel shaft all work smoothly in freshwater and saltwater.

10+1 high power corrosion-free ball bearing that it features ensure that you cast and retrieve your line with ease. The 5.5:1 gear ratio also provides fast and secure retrieval. The multi drag system that it features with amazing oiled felt drag washers make it easy to capture crappies regardless of the resistance. Its cool gray finish makes it blend well with popular fishing rods for a uniform look. It is ideal for both freshwater and saltwater fishing

Pros

  • Impressive anti-reverse system
  • Affordable
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Watertight drag seal
  • Robust, durable and corrosion-resistant
  • Fist easy in fishing boats backpack and boat hatch
  • Soft-touch knob for comfortable use

Cons

  • The reel-spinning is not smooth enough

Important features to consider when searching for the best spinning reel for crappie

The spinning reel for crappie that you purchase will determine your fishing experience. You, therefore, need to be careful when choosing one. Below are important factors to consider when buying a fishing reel for crappie

1. Consider spool size

Before you purchase a spinning reel for crappie, it is vital to consider spool size. Most models come in 3 or 4 different sizes. Typically, the larger the spool size, the higher the total line capacity. Most manufacturers usually provide line spool capacities for both the braided line and monofilament. Some manufacturers also provide extra spool to serve an emergency backup. Choose a spool size that will suit your fishing needs. For instance, if you are fishing crappies in a deep pool, you choose a reel with a large spool size to increase your casting.

2. Consider the drag system

This is one of the most important features to consider when choosing a spinning reel for crappies a good drag is one that engages smoothly when fish makes a dive. This will prevent the line from breaking off when it gets high resistance. An inconsistent drag can cause your line to break off, something you don’t want. Some reels have a rear drag control system controlled with a knob with others have front drag system controlled with a dial. Both of them have their own pros and cons. Regardless of the option you choose, ensure that the drag system is smooth.

3. Consider the material used to make the frame

The material used to make the frame will determine its strength and durability. Most spinning reel frames are made of aluminum, magnesium, carbon and plastic. Plastic and aluminum are the most used materials. On the other hand, magnesium and carbon have high tensile strength and lightweight and are mostly used in higher-end reels. If you want your reel to last for long, then you should choose ne made of carbon, magnesium or aluminum frame. They are lightweight but incredibly strong. They are also resistant to rust and corrosion.

4. Consider anti-reverse

This is a critical feature that most people usually overlook. The last thing you want is seeing your reel handle unwinding after waiting for an hour to catch crappie. Anti-reserve a feature that helps to prevent this from happening. When spinning real has an anti-reverse, then it means that the line will not unwind in whatever case. This feature can be turned on and off, depending on what you are fishing. If you want to have smooth fishing experience, then it is recommended that you choose a spinning real with an anti-reverse feature.

5. Consider bearings

Bearings are responsible for making the spool and the handle to move smoothly and quietly. Most people usually think that spinning reels with more bearing are of higher quality than those with less. However, that is not true. In fact, a good spinning reel only needs 4- 5 bearing to operate efficiently. Don’t be fooled with brands claiming that their reels work better because they have more bearings. The most important parts that need to have bearing include the main gear and the main handle shaft.

Conclusion

The spinning reel for crappie that you choose will determine your overall fishing experience. All the five spinning reels that we have listed above are all of the excellent quality. It is upon you to choose one that is right for you based on your preferences, style and fishing needs.

We guarantee you that you won’t regret it if you select any of the above-listed spinning reels because we have tested them, and they have all proven beyond a reasonable doubt to deliver excellent performance. They are also equipped with premium features that make fishing crappie fun and stress-free.

Also You Can Read

Scroll to Top