baitcasting reel under 100 Bates Hundo Casting Left Hand 8.1:1 Z Spool Best Baitcasting Reels Under $100

Best for Big Baits: Daiwa Tatula 300 Casting Reel Pros Generous line capacity Bigger gears for bigger fish and lures Daiwas T-Wing system for long casts Cons Not suited for small to mid-sized lures Key Features Left- and right-hand retrieves 5.3: 1 (right), 6.3:1, 7.1:1, and 8.1:1 gear ratios 11.5 ounces Seven ball bearings, one roller bearing Price: $234 As the fish youre chasing and the lures needed to tempt them grow in size, its critical to beef up every component of a reel

Honorable Mention: Best Inshore Casting Reels Top Pick: Daiwa Coastal 200HS Casting Reels Whether youre surfcasting on the West Coast or targeting redfish and speckled trout in the Gulf, the Daiwa Coastal 200HS Casting Reels feature a low-profile design that crosses over into many saltwater applications from coast to coast

Theyd benefit from a model in the 6:1 gear ratio range, but otherwise, you could build much of a tournament-ready arsenal around this model and be confident that you were ready to chase giants in any conditions

While having a good reel is critical, there is no reason to go overboard, especially if youre a baller on a budget like myself