Best Reels For Pike Fishing 2023

Sergio Smirnoff

Hello, my name is Sergio Smirnof, and my goal with FishReeler is to provide a valuable resource for anglers of all levels, from beginners to experienced veterans. I hope that my passion for fishing and dedication to the sport shines through in the content I create and inspires others to get out on the water and catch some fish!

Whether you’re a beginner or pro angler, there’s no doubt that pike fishing is one of the most exciting types of fishing there is. Pike can be caught in a variety of environments, from small ponds and streams to larger lakes and reservoirs. So, what’s the best reel for pike fishing?

Best Reels For Pike Fishing Review

We’ll be taking a look at the best reels for pike fishing. We’ll cover both baitcasting and spinning reels, and we’ll recommend a few top-rated models that are sure to help you land more fish. So, whether you’re just starting out or you’re looking for an edge on the competition, read on for all the info you need!

Best Spinning Reels For Pike

1# Daiwa BG MQ Spinning Reel

Daiwa BG MQ Spinning Reels

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Specification

Retrieve: Left/Right
Gear Ratio: 5.3:1, 5.7:1
Ball Bearings: 6+1

The Daiwa BG MQ Spinning Reel is a high-quality reel that is built to last. Made from a one-piece Monocoque aluminium body, it is designed for enhanced durability. The Zaion Air Rotor is also extremely lightweight and provides smooth operation. In addition, the quality 6+1 bearing system ensures reliable performance. Lastly, the Automatic Tournament Drag system provides smooth, consistent drag power.

Pros
  • Lightweight

  • Smooth Drag

  • Great for Beginners

Cons
  • Too expensive

  • Noisy

2# Pflueger Supreme Spinning Reel

Pflueger Supreme Spinning Reel

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Specification

Retrieve: Left/Right
Gear Ratio: 5.2:1
Ball Bearings: 9+1

Looking for a top-quality spinning reel that won’t break the bank? Check out the Pflueger Supreme. This reel is super-light and tough, making it perfect for freshwater fishing. It features a magnesium frame, carbon rotor, and braid-ready machined aluminium spool. Plus, it has a premium 10-bearing system for smooth operation and a sealed drag for reliable performance. And with its aluminium handle and slow oscillation retrieve, this reel is sure to give you the power and control you need to land that big fish.

Pros
  • Lightweight

  • Smooth Drag

  • Excellent for Beginners

  • Magnesium Frame

  • Carbon Rotor

  • Braid-Ready Machined Aluminum Spool

  • 10 Bearing System

  • Sealed Drag

Cons
  • The reel is a bit too light for some people’s liking

3# Shimano Ultegra XTD Surf Spinning Reel

Shimano Ultegra XTD Surf Spinning Reel

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Specification

Retrieve: Left/Right
Gear Ratio: 4.3:1
Ball Bearings: 4+1

Shimano Ultegra XTD Surf Spinning Reel is perfect for the serious surf caster. It offers maximum casting distance with full power and control. Plus, it features Super Slow Oscillation (14000 model) or Slow Oscillation (5500 model), X-Ship for maximum gear durability, XT-7 graphite composite frame, Dyna Balance counterweighted rotor, Elongated aluminium spool, Aero Wrap II for perfect line lay, 4+1 bearing system with Super Stopper II and Extreme drag power. The retrieve rate is 41″ per handle turn.

Pros
  • Maximum casting distance

  • Full power and control

  • Super Slow Oscillation (14000 model) or Slow Oscillation (5500 model)

  • X-Ship for maximum gear durability

  • XT-7 graphite composite frame

  • Dyna Balance counterweighted rotor

  • Elongated aluminium spool

Cons
  • No drag set on both sides

4# Lew’s Custom Speed Spin Spinning Reel

Lew's Custom Spin Reel

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Specification

Retrieve: Left/Right
Gear Ratio: 5.2:1, 6.2:1
Ball Bearings: 9+1

The Lew’s Custom Speed Spin Spinning Reel is the perfect choice for anglers who demand the very best. With its all-aluminium body and sideplate, flush-and-drain ports (except 100 model), C60 carbon skeletal Speed Rotor, aluminium bail wire, double-anodized, braid-ready knurled aluminium spool, high-strength Speed Gears with aluminium pinion, stainless steel main shaft, premium 10-bearing system, zero-Reverse one-way clutch bearing, smooth, sealed carbon-fibre drag, aluminium handle with Winn Dri-Tac knob, and pre-treated with Speed Lube, this reel provides unmatched performance and durability.

Pros
  • The frame and side plates are constructed of durable aluminium for a lightweight reel that won’t wear you out during a long day on the water

  • Premium 11-bearing system with a double-shielded stainless steel ball-bearing and 5 high performance shielded bearings provides smooth operation

  • Features Zero Friction pinion design and a titanium-coated line guide for even smoother operation

  • Comes with an oversized drag knob for easy adjustment when fighting big fish

Cons
  • No drag set on both sides

5# Okuma Makaira Spinning Reel

Okuma Makaira Fishing Reel

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Specification

Retrieve: Left
Gear Ratio: 5.8:1
Ball Bearings: 9+1

The Okuma Makaira Spinning Reel is a top-of-the-line choice for saltwater big game fish. With its astonishing drag performance, it functions as a conventional lever drag reel but with up to 66 lbs. of drag power.

The 60-detent fine-tuning and adjustable drag preset make this reel a versatile choice for any conditions. Additionally, the forged aluminium body, side plate, and rotor with full-body corrosion-resistant coating make the Okuma Makaira Spinning Reel built to last. Finally, the hydro sealed body and drag, solid aluminium manual-trip bail wire, rotor brake, and machined aluminium anodized spool with LCS lip add even more strength and durability!

Pros
  • Made of forged aluminium, side plate and rotor

  • 60-detent fine-tuning

  • Full durability

  • Hydro sealed body and drag

Cons
  • The drag system is not as smooth as some of the other reels on the market

6# Van Staal X Series Spinning Reel

Van Staal X Spinning Reel

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Specification

Retrieve: Left
Gear Ratio: 4.75:1
Ball Bearings: 7+1

The Van Staal X Series Spinning Reel is the original no-nonsense, tailless surf spinning reel that is built specifically for the rigours of surf fishing. With maximum performance on every cast, this reel is sure to give you the results you need to bring in a big striper, cobia, or tuna.

The 100% sealed, waterproof drag system kicks out a tremendous amount of drag force at lockdown to ensure that your catch makes it to your feet. Additionally, the massive line capacity lets you keep fishing even when other reels would have run out of line. Engineered for excellence, the Van Staal X Series Spinning Reel is the perfect choice for serious anglers who demand the best.

Pros
  • Rugged and durable build

  • 100% sealed, waterproof drag system

  • Massive line capacity

  • Great for serious anglers

Cons
  • It is not good for casting in windy conditions

7# Daiwa Procyon AL Spinning Reel

Daiwa Procyon AL Spinning Reels

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Specification

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Gear Ratio: 5.2:1, 6.2:1
Ball Bearings: 6+1

The Daiwa Procyon AL spinning reel was designed with one purpose in mind: to help you take down your next big fish. Its thicker design makes it easy to flip on the fly, while DIGIGEAR technology promotes better gear meshing for a smooth, responsive performance. Advanced Tournament Drag (ATD) gives you a built-in advantage while fighting fish, and the Long Cast ABS spool’s lip design eliminates wind knots and maximizes casting distance. Generous cut-outs in the rotor reduce overall weight, and the lightweight, strong tubular air bail helps keep things moving smoothly.

Pros
  • The thicker design makes it easy to flip on the fly

  • DIGGER technology promotes better gear meshing for a smooth, responsive performance

  • Advanced Tournament Drag (ATD) gives you a built-in advantage while fighting fish

  • Lightweight and strong tubular air bail helps keep things moving smoothly

Cons
  • It is loud

  • It is heavy

8# Quantum Cabo PT Spinning Reel

Quantum Cabo Spinning Reel

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Specification

Retrieve: Left/Right
Gear Ratio: 4.9:1, 5.3:1
Ball Bearings: 7+1

The Quantum Cabo PT Spinning Reel is engineered for the most serious anglers. It features 8 PT bearings, hybrid ceramic bearings in high-load areas, a sealed Magnum CSC Drag, and a titanium fail-proof bail system with the magnetic trip. The LMS line management system ensures smooth retrieves and prevents tangles, while the SaltGuard 2.0 multi-layer corrosion protection keeps your reel working smoothly in any environment. The SCR™ alloy body and side cover provide strength and durability, and the Super-hard PT gears ensure consistent performance season after season.

Pros
  • It l is durable and built to last

  • It has a smooth retrieve and is able to handle large fish with ease

  • This reel is also great for novice anglers

Cons
  • It is expensive

  • The drag sometimes jams

9# Tsunami Shield Spinning Reel

Tsunami Shield Spin Reel

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Specification

Retrieve: Right
Gear Ratio: 4.9:1, 5.1:1
Ball Bearings: 4+1

You need a reel that can handle anything the ocean throws your way. That’s where the Tsunami Shield comes in. It features a tightly sealed design that’s perfect for saltwater use, and 10-13 internal shields to protect critical components. Plus, it has a hybrid all-metal, anodized aluminium body for maximum durability. The Heavy-duty bail is also built to last, and the machined aluminium, braid-ready spool ensures smooth operation. Finally, the 4+1 system with sealed stainless steel bearings provides incredible power and performance.

Pros
  • It is perfect for saltwater use

  • 10-13 internal shields to protect critical components

  • Hybrid all-metal, anodized aluminium body for maximum durability

  • Heavy-duty bail is also built to last

  • Machined aluminium, braid-ready spool ensures smooth operation

Cons
  • Low Weight Capacity

  • Unstable when Casting

10# Ardent C-Force Spinning Reel

Ardent C-Force Spinning Reel

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Specification

Retrieve: Left/Right
Gear Ratio: 5.2:1
Ball Bearings: 9+1

The Ardent C-Force Spinning Reel is amazingly light and strong, thanks to its carbon-rich construction. Featuring a carbon fibre frame and rotor, double-anodized 6061-T6 aluminium spool, and carbon fibre spool backer, this reel is built to last. It also features a smooth 9+1 ball-bearing system and high-speed 5.2:1 gear ratio for quick retrieves. The Carbon Fiber Multi-Stack Drag System provides up to 14 lbs. of drag pressure to handle big fish. And the Machined Handle ensures a comfortable grip while you’re reeling them in.

Pros
  • Light and strong construction

  • Features a carbon fibre frame and rotor

  • Double-anodized 6061-T6 aluminium spool

  • Carbon fibre spool backer

  • Smooth 9+1 ball-bearing system

  • High-speed 5.2:1 gear ratio for quick retrieves

  • Carbon Fiber Multi-Stack Drag System provides up to 14 lbs. of drag pressure

Cons
  • The magnetic brake system is not as strong as competing models on the market

11# Penn Slammer III Spinning Reel

Penn Slammer III Spin Reel

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Specification

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Gear Ratio: 5.3:1, 5.6:1
Ball Bearings: 6+1

The Penn Slammer III Spinning Reel is a heavy-duty saltwater fishing reel that is built for strength and reliability. It features an all-aluminium Full Metal Body, side plate, and rotor for added durability, and is sealed to IPX6 specifications to keep the elements out.

The Slammer Drag System uses massive Dura-Drag phenolic-coated carbon-fibre washers for smooth, consistent drag power from 30-60 lbs., while the CNC Gear technology with full brass construction provides extreme cranking power. The 6+1 stainless steel bearing system ensures smooth operation, and the machined aluminium handle knob provides a comfortable grip.

Pros
  • It has all-aluminium Full Metal Body

  • It has a machined aluminium handle knob

  • The drag system of the reels is smooth and reliable

Cons
  • It’s not self-lubricating

  • The spool doesn’t lock into place

Best Baitcast Reels For Pike

1# Abu Garcia Revo SX RKT Baitcast Reel

Abu Garcia Revo SX Baitcast Reel

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Specification

Retrieve: Left, Right
Gear Ratio: 9.0:1
Ball Bearings: 9+1

The Abu Garcia Revo SX RKT baitcasting reel is the fastest SX yet, with a blazing 9.0:1 gear ratio for effective power fishing. The X2-Craftic alloy frame and crank side plate provide long-lasting performance, while the Ti-coated line guide ensures durability. The Duragear brass gear delivers superior power and efficiency, and the DuraClutch gear engagement system provides improved durability and smoothness. The 9+1 system with stainless steel ball bearings provides smooth operation and Infini’s co-engaging dual brake technology ensures near-limitless adjustability.

Pros
  • Lightweight and easy to use

  • Ideal for baitcasting rods

  • Smooth performance

  • Strong and durable construction

  • Superior braking system

Cons
  • Some users report poor quality construction

  • It may be difficult to use for beginners

2# Daiwa Tatula Elite Baitcast Reel

Daiwa Tatula Elite Baitcast Reel

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Specification

Retrieve: Left, Right
Gear Ratio: 6.3:1, 8.1:1
Ball Bearings: 7+1

The Daiwa Tatula Elite Baitcast Reel is a specially engineered reel designed for long-cast performance. It features a lightweight aluminium frame and side-plate, as well as a free-flowing T-Wing System. The spool has been redesigned and is made from super-lightweight A7075 aluminium, and the reel also features an enhanced Magforce braking system. TheZero Adjuster automatic spool alignment system ensures that your line is always perfectly straight, while the smooth 7+1 bearing system provides a smooth and effortless experience.

Pros
  • Superior drag system

  • Low profile design for better handling

  • Good in class performance

Cons
  • It is not designed for use in saltwater

3# Shimano Metanium MGL Baitcast Reel

Shimano Metanium MGL Baitcast Reel

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Specification

Retrieve: Left, Right
Gear Ratio: 6.2:1, 7.1:1, 8.1:1
Ball Bearings: 10+1

Introducing the Shimano Metanium MGL baitcasting reel – a high-performance piece of equipment designed with anglers in mind. Featuring a magnesium core and solid body, this reel is incredibly durable and rigid, providing enhanced sensitivity for those finesse bites.

The S3D spool technology ensures smooth and consistent casting every time, while the Silent Tune system ensures that your catches stay quiet when you need them to. With Hard brass MicroModule gears, an X-Ship pinion support, and shielded bearings throughout, this reel is built to last. The Cross Carbon Drag system provides exceptional stopping power when battling larger fish, while the Ci4+ star drag keeps things light and easy to handle.

Pros
  • The Metanium MGL is a high-quality bait cast reel that is built to last

  • It has an impressive 11 ball bearings that help make it smooth and easy to use

  • The drag system is also top-notch and provides you with plenty of power when fighting

Cons
  • It can be difficult to use for beginners

4# Lew’s Tournament XP Baitcast Reel

Lew's Tournament XP Baitcast Reels

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Specification

Retrieve: Left, Right
Gear Ratio: 7.5:1
Ball Bearings: 9+1

The Lew’s Tournament XP Baitcast Reel is a top-of-the-line choice for serious anglers. Its one-piece aluminium frame and double-anodized, machined aluminium U-spool make it durable and easy to handle, while its premium 10-bearing system ensures smooth operation.

The externally adjustable Multi-Setting Braking system lets you customize your cast to suit the conditions, while the carbon fibre drag provides up to 20 lbs. of drag power. The 95mm aluminium handle with Combat Grip paddle knobs provides a comfortable grip, and the audible-click drag star and cast control knob make it easy to keep track of your settings.

Pros
  • It is durable and built to last

  • It has a robust construction with a one-piece frame and a graphite side-plate

  • This reel is designed for those who are serious about pike fishing

  • It comes with an impressive 8 bearing system that ensures smooth operation

Cons
  • It may not work as well with light to medium weight lures

5# Daiwa Zillion SV TW Baitcast Reel

Daiwa Zillion SV TW Baitcast Reel

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Specification

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Gear Ratio: 8.5:1
Ball Bearings: 8+1

Daiwa’s Zillion SV TW bait cast reel is designed with advanced technology to provide elevated performance. The lightweight aluminium body provides durability, while the T-Wing System wide-aperture line guide ensures smooth and consistent casting. The backlash-inhibiting SV system and SV Booster System 2-stage spool brake provide precise control during fishing, while the Hyper Drive Design and HyperDriveDigigear design ensure smoothness and power.

The Hyper Armed Housing frame and side plate protect the reel against impact, while the Hyper Tough Clutch reinforcement ensures strength and durability. Finally, the 8+1 bearing system provides premium quality for a smooth experience.

Pros
  • Smooth and consistent bait cast

  • Best in its class for power and durability

  • Excellent Drag System

Cons
  • Tends to be on the heavier side

  • Casts better on lighter weights

FAQ

What type of reel is best for pike fishing?
When looking for the best reel for pike fishing, you’ll want to consider the size of the reel, the weight of the reel, and the number of bearings. You’ll also want to make sure that the reel is designed for saltwater fishing, as pike can be found in both freshwater and saltwater habitats.
What is the best reel size for pike fishing?
The best reel size for pike fishing can vary depending on the angler’s preference. However, a larger reel is generally recommended for pike fishing as it will provide more line capacity and better drag performance when fighting bigger fish.
Can you use a spinning reel for pike?
Yes, you can use a spinning reel for pike fishing. In fact, it’s the most popular type of reel for this type of fishing. Some fishermen prefer to use baitcasting reels for pike because they offer more control, but a spinning reel is still a good option. When choosing a reel for pike fishing, be sure to get one that is powerful enough to handle the fish’s large size.

Conclusion

When it comes to the best reels for pike fishing, there are a few things you need to take into account. The first is that not all reels are created equal – some are better suited for smaller fish while others can handle larger ones. The second thing to consider is what type of fishing you’ll be doing.

If you’re mostly casting in open water, then a large reel with plenty of line capacity is ideal. If you’ll be doing more trolling or jigging, then a smaller reel with a higher gear ratio will give you more power and speed when fighting fish. With those factors in mind, we’ve put together this buyer’s guide to help you choose the right reel for your next pike fishing adventure!

Sergio Smirnoff
Sergio Smirnoff
Professional fisherman with 40+ years of experience.
Fishing and the ocean is a passion of my life. I am passionate about all kinds of sea fishing: fishing from the shore (spinning, float, baitcasting), from a boat, and spearfishing day and night.

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.

Affiliate Disclosure: FishReeler.com sometimes gets paid for listings, through sponsors or affiliate programs like Amazon, Ebay, Cabelas, Bass Pro Shop, Shimano, Daiwa, Rapala, Renn, Okuma, KastKing, etс. Clicking a link helps keep FishReeler.com free, at no extra cost to you!

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.

Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency. The articles are for informational purposes only, share your opinions in the comments and join the fishing discussions, let's share our fishing experiences together!

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