Fishing Gear Guide 2024: Awesome Fishing Reels

Over 2024, we had an opportunity to test a lot of gear, and this list is what stood out as forefront fishing reels. Some of these products are so good, we couldn’t help but to give them a Gear of the Year award. Products appear in alphabetical order.

Top Fishing Reels That Stand Out

13 FISHING CONCEPT A3

For a 300-size casting 2024 reel that suits all purposes (heavy swimbaits and even saltwater conditions), this is a really slick one. You may first think a reel like this would be best for double-digit bass and maybe Florida tarpon, and you’d be right, but this is also great for salmon and steelhead. For those that prefer to spool fluorocarbon or mono over braid, the large spool capacity is perfect, yet the form factor is deceptively streamlined and compact. We love the finish, how it feels in hand, and its look, but it’s extremely well designed for casting far—the bearings must be exceptional. 13 Fishing stresses the “hardened brass gearing cut with Japanese Hamai” and they have every right to—this reel does not disappoint and feels bombproof on the retrieve, with up to 40 lbs of drag for stopping power. That means you can even use this reel for jigging up lingcod, as it’s saltwater ready. It even comes with a single power paddle handle for jigging or trolling. We also really love the cork knobs—they just feel right, even when wet or in different temperatures. Last, the low-friction adjustable brake system is easily located on the clamshell side of the reel. This bombproof reel ticks all the boxes of premium reel at a terrific price point.

AMUNDSON TMX5 SPECIAL EDITION (SE)

Over the 2024 season, we tested several reels and found ourselves relying on this as our ultimate go-to—we absolutely love it! Thanks to the seven-layer Carbon Ceramic Composite system that caps out at an astonishing 34 lbs of drag strength, we had none of the issues with line creep that so many other mooching reels have. Even when end-of-season fishing at 350′ on the rigger in Nanaimo, this reel ran smoothly and reliably without having to over-crank the drag. We also love the ergonomic paddle handles—very easy to grip. The large drag knob is very easy to adjust and very comfortable to grab. Another very thoughtful feature is the spool porting/venting, which helps the line dry out, especially after rinsing it to remove saltwater. It has fully Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machined aluminum on the body, handles, spool, and components. To top it off, Amundson included 5 years of free drag washer replacements for non-commercial use and get this: “Your reel will be eligible for lifetime servicing at no charge, with a 10-year warranty on any defects or manufacturing errors.” We really have no choice but to award this reel our top pick of 2024. For those that want a reliable top-performing reel that will last, pick this one.

AVET JX 4.6 G2 REEL

We’ve been fond of Avet for years as our go-to for halibut reels. It’s precision-machined marine-grade aluminum with stainless steel components and made in the USA. The large “Soft Touch” handle knob is really easy to grip, and the offset handle arm reduces cranking wobble and the coverall centreline profile. The JX model indicates it’s a large jigging reel and is rated for 400 yards of 65-lb braid. We found that loading up with about 300 yards of 80-lb braid and a short top shot, it works perfectly for bouncing bottom for those big flat fish. With a 4.6:1 gear ratio, you are pulling up about 3′ (36″) per crank, and the rachet lever drag system is powerful, reliable, and very easily adjustable. At 28 lbs maximum drag, this “get it done” reel is an overall workhorse that won’t disappoint.

DAIWA TANACOM 750 AND 800 POWER ASSIST REELS

Electric reels are really useful, especially if you are a guide who wants to cater to those that can’t crank up a fish from the deep on their own. They are also extremely useful for sablefish (black cod) fishing. These tasty critters are often found deep—have you ever done a bait check at 600′? Not fun. Using the Avet mentioned previously, that’s 200 cranks, but with an electric reel, it’s a flip of the switch. Just plug it into your downrigger port and you are good to go. For the past few years, we’ve been really enjoying the Daiwa 750 electric reel, and while the newer 800 series features some upgrades, we still feel the 750 is terrific for deepwater halibut, ling, and sablefish in our BC waters close to the canyons off the west coast of Vancouver Island. If you can find a 750, buy it—you will not be disappointed. However, if you are of the mind that bigger and newer is always better, and you think you may use your electric reel for swordfish or try kite fishing someday, go for the 800. Here’s why: First off, it holds 660 yards of 80-lb braid (220 yards more than the Tanacom 750). While you may not ever need 1,980′ of line on a reel, it’s great to have the extra for possible breakage/snags on the bottom when fishing for sablefish at 600′ or 700′. The all-aluminum body and repositioned bearings that see less water exposure promise, and surely will deliver, a longer lifespan. Compared to the 750, it also has a 30% faster retrieval rate and 20% more winding power at 22 lbs. Maximum drag on the 800 stands at 50 lbs with the 750 close behind at 48 lb. The biggest difference, other than the $300 to $400 price, is the size of the reel and the weight, with the 750 weighing in at 2.8 lbs and the 800 at 4.2 lbs.

ISLANDER IR III FLY FISHING REEL

Welcome to your next premium reel. If you want a reel or plan to give one as a gift to a trout fly fisherman, this is the one. Made right here on Vancouver Island, it’s a highly sought-after reel that will probably outlast you. This staple was recently relaunched with a larger diameter arbour, a new drag adjustment knob, and a stronger clicker spring, and is rated for 5–6 wt. You’ll love the sound this click-pawl fly reel makes with a fish peeling line, almost as much as its smooth aerospace aluminum surface that’s a delight to palm! It sports a simple rapid-release spool so you can quickly change your line, and whether you are a lefty or a righty, it doesn’t matter—you can change it up. When you are ready to upgrade to elegance, grab one.

OKUMA CEYMAR C-3000A

This entry-level priced reel fishes above its pay grade, and when paired with the Okuma Ceymar 6′ 6″ Medium Spinning Rod, you’ve got a perfect setup for spinning to bass and trout. This is a relatively new generation of Okuma’s best-selling spinning line. It has a multi-disk oiled felt drag system rating up to 15 lbs, and it weighs in at only 8.3 oz. It’s corrosion resistant, with a new modernized body. The Quick-Set anti-reverse roller bearing ensures a good hookset and Precision Elliptical Gearing for even line lay for long distance casting. It would be hard to find a better reel in the under-$100 price category.

Looking for rods? Check these out.

 

This article appeared in Island Fisherman Magazine. Never miss another issue—subscribe today!