Fishing Couldn’t Get Any More Fun
Crankbait is one of the most interesting methods of fishing you’d come across. This special fishing technique requires special equipment to fulfill its purpose.
The fundamental aspect of crankbait fishing is to introduce a lure that can dive and then stay underwater. Such a lure is known as crankbait. There are several varieties of crankbaits and they all stay in water by different mechanisms. Looking just like small-sized fish, crankbaits effectively lure bigger fish to bite.
Crankbait fishing requires a specific set of equipment that is very unlike your usual fishing gear. The special gear for crankbaits allows you to cast until a requisite depth is attained. This cast is thrown at a proper desirable speed owing to the perfection of the equipment.
We have eased your search by bringing you the best possible crankbaits in America. Just like crankbaits cover distances much longer than the usual baitcasting reels, their search is bound to keep you scrolling.
The Best Crankbait Reels for the Year 2022
Lews Fishing Tournament MB
This is essentially the best performing crankbait reel today. The size is perfect for comfort and ease of operation and the casting is smooth. The build is overall lightweight so your arms do not get tired after a long day of crankbait fishing.
The material of construction is metallic which imparts this reel the sturdiness that is requisite in crankbait fishing reels. While being strong, this reel is also light in weight which further compliments its use in crankbait fishing.
This reel is capable of casting smoothly until long distances. Even the retrieval speed is fast owing to the high gear ratio. This is essentially a heavy-duty reel meant to land big underwater predators. The special mechanism for this reel has made it easy to cast out the hooked fish.
Although the operation of this reel is considerably smooth, there are some discrepancies in bearings because this reel makes a lot of noise. This reel is well suited for use by anglers who require reels that allow smooth and long-distance casting together with a fast rate of retrieval.
The price of this reel may seem excessive to some. But it is well justified. This reel is more lightweight than any other crankbait fishing reel you’ll come across. Moreover, it also manages to be strong and durable at the same time. All the essential features for crankbait fishing have been incorporated in this reel. Beset to throw the longest cats with the minimum effort.
Pros
- This is a high-quality reel with excellent features for efficient crankbait fishing
- The price is very genuine considering the number of benefits this reel has to offer
- It is rare to find a lightweight reel capable of fulfilling heavy-duty tasks
- The light-weightedness of this reel will ensure that your arms don’t get tired while fishing
- The gear ratio is appropriate for a faster speed of retrieval
- While being lightweight, the metal construction doesn’t compromise on strength
- It is possible to make long-distance casts with this reel
- Appropriate for big predators, this reel will ensure you have a great day crankbait fishing
Cons
- This reel is reported to make a lot of noise
- Many users report that the handle for this reel is not very comfortable to hold and is narrower than average
- Many users feel that this reel is more expensive for its quality
- It has also been reviewed that this reel often loses its anti-reversal action when the weather is too cold
Lews Fishing Laser LSG1SHMG
The most attractive feature of this crankbait reel is its price. This is a good quality product for a genuinely affordable price. Trust me, you don’t get such deals very often.
Appropriate for beginners and experienced anglers alike, this reel is really easy to operate and serves its purpose very well. Many users review it to be the best crankbait reel for the cost. Like all other fishing equipment, a lower price does not mean that the product is low in quality. A higher price does not guarantee good quality. Quality is inherently independent of price.
This reel is strong and light in weight owing to its graphite frame. The light-weightedness makes it rather easy to carry and comfortable to use. Unlike most reels, this one doesn’t tire your arms out. However, many users report that other reels are comparatively more light in weight.
The high gear ratio is perfect for delivering appropriate retrieval speeds. This feature enables this reel to be very effective while using lipless crankbaits. Although, some users believe that the gear ratio for this reel is higher than required. This reel is not suitable for fishing with lip crankbaits and for deepwater fishing that requires lower gear ratios for high power delivery.
So when you are buying a lower-priced crankbait reel that has all the essential features, never doubt the quality unless it shows. This reputable brand has created this reel that compares well to its more expensive alternatives.
This reel is especially recommended for beginners who are just diving into the sport and do not wish to indulge in more expensive reels. This is the best reel for those who are looking for ease of operation.
Pros
- The graphite frame is strong and lightweight and renders this reel perfection for crankbait fishing
- Owing to the lightweight, this reel is very portable and can be carried without any hassle
- This reel is appropriate for beginners who don’t want to purchase the costlier reels for a sport they are newly into
- This is also a very viable option for those who want to stick to their budget
- This reel is well suited for crankbait fishing in shallow waters
- Lipless cranks go very well with this reel
- Most users are satisfied with the performance of this reel
- This reel is easy to operate
- Lews is a reputable and trustworthy brand
Cons
- Many users feel that the gear ratio of this reel is higher than the required ratio for crankbait fishing reels
- Users also report that this reel is not as light in weight as it is said to be
- This reel cannot be used for deepwater fishing because it is only compatible with lipless crankbaits
Abu Garcia Revo Toro Beast
Most buyers report this to be one of the best crankbait reels they have ever used. This reel is surely more expensive than other similar crankbait reels but it certainly has more features and great quality.
This reel is mainly admired for its strong build and suitability for use in both fresh and saltwater environments. This reel is built out of a strong alloy that is meant to sustain the corrosive elements in saltwater. Equipped with an ergonomic handle, this reel can be operated with ease and comfort.
The drag power for this reel is high and very much dependable in catching big treats. You’ll be able to throw long and efficient casts in a smooth manner. The anti-reverse action for this reel is quite strong.
Most dedicated fishermen but this reel for its ability to work well in both fresh and saltwater environments. Built with corrosion-resistant good quality materials, this is one of the reels that you can rely on. Big fish are mainly caught with this reel. This is why the gear ratio is low enough to deliver high power.
This reel stands true to this popular brand’s reputation. This beast is capable of overcoming every challenge offered in crankbait fishing. The drag power for this reel is not only high but also consistent. Users agree that this reel deserves the price even though it is expensive.
Pros
- This reel is lightweight and corrosion-resistant
- The built is sturdy and durable because the material of construction is a non-corrosive alloy
- The drag power for this reel is smooth, consistent, and perfect for reeling in big fish
- Unlike most crankbait fishing reels, it is possible to use this reel in both fresh and saltwater environments
- The ergonomic handle on the reel greatly enhances the ease of operation
- The gear ratio is low to enable the high power required for landing big muskies
- The functioning of this reel is smooth
Cons
- Many users complain that this reel’s large size is far from comfortable
- It has also been reported that the drag for this reel can easily malfunction after the heavy operation
- Many users consider this reel to be more expensive than other similar crankbait fishing reels
Know About the Essential Features of Crankbait Reels Before Buying One
Pay consideration to your budget, the sturdiness of your fishing reel, and the requisite gear ratio.
Buy the Reel You Can Easily Afford
It is always wise to stick with your budget while buying fishing equipment. You must be certain about the amount of money that you are willing to spend. There is a large variety of reels and there are good reels in every price range. Make sure you buy the reel with the best function for the best price.
Make Sure Your Reel Is Strong
You are meant to encounter rough and forceful fish while crankbait fishing. Your crankbait reel should ideally be strong enough to withstand the tough fight. Go for heavy-duty components and high-quality reels that talk of toughness. A weak reel will end up disappointing you because it might just break down unable to sustain the fight. Go for solid materials and prefer reels that come in a single piece.
Choose the Reel With the Appropriate Gear Ratio
Crankbait fishing is a game of power. A small gear ratio will deliver the requisite power more effectively. Never opt for a higher gear ratio because you are not essentially battling speed in crankbait fishing. You are fighting toughness. It is very important for you to know about your reel’s gear ratio. A moderate gear ratio works best for crankbait reels because it supplies sufficient power with an admirable speed of retrieval.
Know the Type of Crankbait You’re Heading For
There are lip and lipless varieties of crankbaits and you should always be aware of the type of crankbait you’ll be using before getting a reel. The crankbait with a lip will dive down very deep and require a lower gear ratio. You’ll mainly need power at that depth. The lipless crankbaits need a higher gear ratio that will deliver a faster speed of retrieval.
Make Sure You’re Heading for Crankbait Fishing at the Right Time of the Year
It is popular knowledge that fall is the best time for crankbait fishing. This technique might not be very effective for the rest of the year. The reason for this absurdity is the nature of the fish. They tend to be more active in biting underwater lures during the fall. Be prepared to land a predator on a hunt.
Conclusion
Looking through some of the best crankbait fishing reels we have assembled, you’d find that all of them function well and have their own merits. Although, a few demerits are associated with every good thing.
Many users report that the sound made by the Lews Fishing Tournament MB well exceeds the acceptable noise levels. It has also been reported that its apparently comfortable handle is quite difficult to access and get used to. This reel can also lose its anti-reversal function in a cold environment.
Similarly, the Lews Fishing Laser LSG1SHMG has a higher gear ratio than is required for crankbait fishing reels. Customers review that this reel isn’t as lightweight as mentioned. Moreover, this reel is only suitable for crankbait fishing in shallow waters.
The last reel on our list also has a few drawbacks. It is considered large in size by some. Many reports that it’s otherwise powerful drag can easily malfunction.
This establishes the fact that all otherwise good crankbait reels have a few drawbacks which may or may not interfere with the functioning of the reel. Essentially, Lews Fishing Tournament MB is a very efficient reel for this type. The other two are no less. Go for the one that suits your requirement. Remember that you’ll require different crankbait reels for shallow and deep water fishing. Go, land predators!