Do you love fishing for striped bass? Although there are many ways to fish for striped bass, using a reel is one of the most popular methods. If you’re looking for the best fishing reel for stripers, you’ve come to the right place.
Best Fishing Reels For Striped Bass Reviews
We’ve compiled a list of the top-rated reels for striped bass, so you can hit the water confidently knowing that you have the best gear possible. So, what are you waiting for? Start browsing our selection and find the perfect reel for your next fishing adventure!
1# Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C3 Striper Baitcast Reel
The Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C3 Striper Baitcast Reel is just what you need for a successful day of striped bass fishing. With a synchronized level wind system and 6-pin centrifugal brake, this reel provides superior cast control and smooth retrieves. The 3+1 system with stainless steel ball bearings ensures maximum torque, while the high-performance Carbon Matrix drag can handle even the toughest fish.
2# Shimano TranX 300/400 Baitcast Reel
Looking for a superior baitcasting reel that can handle anything you throw at it? The Shimano TranX 300/400 Baitcast Reel is perfect for anglers who demand the best in terms of power and durability. With its diecast aluminiumHagane body, oversized HEG Gearing, and X-Ship internal reinforcement, this reel can handle anything you throw at it.
Additionally, the Advanced Coreprotect sealing system ensures your reel stays protected from the elements, while the Precision aluminium S3D spool provides smooth casting performance. And with the QuickFire II clutch bar and Variable Braking System, you’ll have total control over your line. So whether you’re using it with single or double handles, this reel will help you!
3# Okuma Makaira Two Speed Lever Drag Reel
The Okuma Makaira Two Speed Lever Drag Reel is one of the highest-quality reels on the market, perfect for serious anglers. The 6061-T6 machined aluminium frame and forged side plates are incredibly strong and durable, while the Carbonite Dual Force Drag system ensures smooth, consistent performance.
The helical cut gears provide extreme smoothness and gear meshing, while the gold anodized two-speed gear shifter housing looks great. The CRC: Corrosion Resistant Coating process provides unbeatable corrosion protection, and the patented spool pin system allows for use with braided or mono lines.
4# PENN International VIS Gold Two-Speed Lever Drag Reel
The PENN International VIS Gold Two-Speed Lever Drag Reel is a top-of-the-line fishing reel that features a Quick-Shift II 2-speed system, machined and anodized aluminium body and side plates, braid-ready spool with line capacity rings, stainless steel main and pinion gears, 5 shielded stainless steel ball bearings, double-dog ratchet anti-reverse, Versa-Strike Adjustable Strike Stop, hesitation-free sealed Dura-Drag system and Line Shedding Lug. This reel is perfect for serious anglers who demand the best in terms of performance and durability.
5# Shimano Tiagra Conventional Two-Speed Saltwater Reel
The Shimano Tiagra is a conventional two-speed saltwater reel that’s built to withstand the elements. It features specially treated A-RB anti-rust bearings for exceptional corrosion resistance, and a metal frame for increased durability. The PermaLube lubrication system ensures effortless free spooling and long-term protection, while the ratcheting drag lever eliminates play due to boat vibration. The offset ergonomic power grip with soft, nonslip Septon grip allows natural hand, arm, and wrist angles for greater power and comfort.
6# Accurate Dauntless DX2 Two-Speed Conventional Saltwater Reel
The Accurate Dauntless DX2 Two-Speed Conventional Saltwater Reel is one of the most durable and powerful reels on the market. It’s made of 6061 T6 aircraft aluminium and features stainless steel gears, an oversized stainless steel gear shaft, six Class 5 ABEC stainless steel bearings, a stainless steel anti-reverse bearing, and a double anti-reverse dog system. Plus, it comes with Greased AccuDrag to provide smooth drag performance when you need it most.
7# Shimano Ocea Jigger Conventional Reel
Shimano’s Ocea Jigger reel is perfect for star-drag jigging. With its Infinity Drive technology, this reel reduces rotational resistance by up to 60%. You’ll experience maximum cranking power and exceptional smoothness with the MicroModule gearing.
The Water-repellent X-Protect coating enhances durability, while the adjustable, two-position, long-crank handle with spool lock makes it easy to use. The Auto-Clutch easily engages the reel out of the free spool, and the exciting Drag Sound alerts you to breaking off or pulling hooks. The Rigid Hagane body reduces flex under strain, and S A-RB bearings come shielded for greater protection.
8# Shimano Trinidad Series Star Drag Conventional Reel
Shimano’s HEG gearing system provides amazing efficiency, while the X-Ship gear support system ensures smooth, consistent performance. The Dartainium II drag system offers powerful and reliable stopping power, while the lightweight aluminium spool minimizes wobble. The frame is made from rugged one-piece aluminium for long-lasting use, and the drag star features Micro-Click for precise adjustments. This reel also comes with 8 S A-RB bearings and 1 A-RB roller bearing for ultra-smooth operation.
9# PENN Squall Two-Speed Lever Drag Reel
Looking for a reel that can handle big fish and powerful waves? Look no further than the Penn Squall Two-Speed Lever Drag Reel. This reel is made with a graphite frame and side plate, stainless steel main and pinion gears, and a quick shift two-speed system ensuring smooth performance even in tough conditions.
Plus, the Dura-Drag system provides maximum drag pressure while the double-dog anti-reverse system prevents backlash. And if you’re looking to take your fishing game to the next level, the forged aluminium spool with line capacity rings is perfect for your needs. So what are you waiting for? Order your Penn Squall Two-Speed Lever Drag Reel today!
10# Okuma Tesoro Casting Reels
The Okuma Tesoro Casting Reels are perfect for serious fishermen. The self-lubricating gear system ensures smooth operation, even after hours of use, and the XL gearing provides increased drag surface area for greater power. The corrosion-resistant coating process protects these reels from the harshest environments, while the ergonomic design ensures hours of comfortable fishing. With four corrosion-resistant ball bearings and dual anti-reverse systems, you can be sure that these reels will perform under any conditions.
11# PENN Fathom Baitcast Reel
The PENN Fathom baitcasting reel was designed with one purpose in mind – to help you bring in the big ones. The full-metal body and crank side plate protect internal components, while the smooth 6+1 stainless steel bearing system ensures smooth, consistent performance. Brass main gear and bearing-supported bronze pinion gear provide durability under harsh conditions, while HT-100 carbon-fiber drag washers apply relentless pressure at all settings.
The dual-action casting brake dials in control and the line-capacity rings tell you line status with a quick glance. The TiN-coated level wind system lays the line straight and even, so you’re always ready to make that next big cast.
12# Daiwa Lexa 300/400 WN Casting Reel
The Daiwa Lexa 300/400 WN Casting Reel is a top-of-the-line choice for serious anglers. With its superior comfort and leverage, this reel is perfect for those long days out on the water. The aluminium frame and gear-side side plates make for a durable design, while the smooth 6+1 bearing system ensures a smooth retrieve.
The infinite anti-reverse with dual stopper provides ultimate control, and the swept handle with weight-reducing cutouts makes for a comfortable grip. The oversized Winn custom handle grips provide even more comfort and support, making this reel an excellent choice for any angler looking to up their game.
13# Offshore Angler Ocean Master Star Drag Conventional Reel
Fishing for something a little bigger? Bring in the big ones with this Ocean Master Star Drag reel from Offshore Angler. With its standout star drag system, you’ll be able to easily take on the biggest fish around. Plus, it’s got plenty of other features that make it great for serious anglers, like a hard-anodized frame and side covers, 5 carbon fibre drag discs, and stainless steel bearings. So get ready to haul in some trophies with this high-quality reel!
14# PENN Fathom Lever Drag Reel
Looking for a top-of-the-line fishing reel that can handle anything you throw at it? Check out the PENN Fathom Lever Drag Reel. This bad boy is built with a full metal body and sideplates, so it’s extra durable. Plus, it has 5 shielded stainless steel ball bearings for a smooth operation. And if that’s not enough, it also features a forged and machined aluminium spool, stainless steel main and pinion gear, and Dura-Drag technology. So whether you’re an experienced angler or just getting started, the PENN Fathom Lever Drag Reel is perfect for you.
FAQ
Conclusion
If you want to catch more fish, a fishing reel is an essential piece of gear for anglers who enjoy spending their time on the water. It’s important that your fishing reel has features like castability and drag capacity in order to get the most out of it before it needs repairs or replacement parts. With this buyer’s guide full of product reviews and tips about what makes one model better than another, we hope you find exactly what you’re looking for when shopping around!

I live in Tenerife (Canary Islands) for the last 10+ years and share my daily fishing experiences on my website. Many years of personal experience as a fisherman and the vast experience of my friends allow me to write professionally on any fishing topics (from choosing a flashlight and equipment to deep-sea fishing).
All of my advice is based on practical real-world experience and will be useful to both novice anglers and professionals. Read more about the author.
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About the author: Each article is verified by the fishing expert Sergio Smirnoff. The articles are written by professional and amateur fishermen with 20+ years of fishing experience.
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