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Buying Guides · Bass Fishing
Best Crankbait Reels for Bass Fishing
The right crankbait reel delivers the gear ratio, smooth drag, and ergonomics needed to fish effectively all day. Shimano, Daiwa, and Lew’s picks selected for castability, retrieve quality, and crankbait-specific performance.
Last updated: October 2026 · By: FishUSA Staff
Crankbaits cover water quickly and trigger reaction strikes from aggressive bass — from shallow-running squarebills burning through laydowns to deep-diving plugs grinding along summer ledges. But to fish crankbaits effectively, you need the right reel. A dedicated crankbait reel delivers the proper gear ratio, smooth retrieval, and enough torque to handle resistance while keeping fish pinned through the fight. Pair it with the right crankbait rod and you have a technique-specific setup that outperforms a generic combo every time. This guide covers the best crankbait reels at FishUSA to help you build that setup and land more bass on crankbaits all season long.
What Makes a Great Crankbait Reel?
Not every baitcaster handles crankbaits equally well. These five features separate a dedicated crankbait reel from a general-purpose casting reel.
Choose a Lower Gear Ratio for Better Bait Control
Gear ratio is the single most important spec for crankbait fishing. A ratio between 5.4:1 and 6.5:1 keeps your bait in the strike zone longer and prevents overworking the action. Deep divers benefit from ratios as low as 5.1:1, which reduces arm fatigue on long retrieves and makes it easier to feel bottom contact and deflections off rocks and stumps.
Look for a Smooth, Consistent Drag System
Crankbaits run treble hooks, and hard-fighting bass can throw the bait on sudden head shakes. A smooth drag that gives line under pressure — without surging or locking up — keeps fish pinned. Look for reels with carbon fiber or multi-disc drag washers rated for at least 11 lbs of max drag for confident fish-fighting performance.
Prioritize High Line Capacity for Deep Cranks
Deep-diving crankbaits require long casts to reach their maximum running depth — more line out equals more time at depth. A reel that holds 120 yards or more of 12–15 lb monofilament gives you the spool size needed to get big plugs down to 15–20 feet on a standard cast from a bass boat or bank.
Pick a Lightweight, Ergonomic Frame for All-Day Fishing
Crankbait fishing involves constant, repetitive retrieves — a heavy reel translates directly into wrist and forearm fatigue by afternoon. Target reels under 7.5 oz with a low-profile, palmable body. Pairing the reel with a medium-power fiberglass or composite crankbait rod with a soft tip reduces both fatigue and hook pull-outs on treble-hooked fish.
Match Your Braking System to Your Casting Conditions
The braking system controls spool speed during the cast and prevents backlashes. SVS Infinity (Shimano) and T-Wing systems (Daiwa) offer precise tuning for different lure weights. Magnetic brakes are more forgiving in windy conditions and for beginners; centrifugal systems reward experienced casters with greater distance. Most quality crankbait reels provide both external and internal adjustments for maximum versatility.
Best Crankbait Reels
| Reel | Gear Ratio | Best Use | Angler Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shimano Curado MGL | 6.2:1 | Deep cranks, long casting | Intermediate–Advanced |
| Shimano Curado 200 M | 6.3:1 | All-purpose cranking | Intermediate–Advanced |
| Daiwa Tatula TW | 6.3:1 | Squarebills, mid-depth cranks | All levels |
| Lew’s BB1 Pro LFS | 5.1:1 | Deep cranking, slow-roll | Advanced |
| Shimano SLX XT | 6.3:1 | Budget-friendly versatility | Beginner–Intermediate |
Best for Long Casting: Shimano Curado MGL
The Shimano Curado MGL is the top performer for serious crankbait anglers. Its MGL (Magnumlite) Spool reduces rotational mass at the start of the cast, producing longer distances with less thumb pressure — a real advantage when bombing mid-depth cranks to cover structure. The 6.2:1 gear ratio hits the sweet spot for mid-range divers, and Shimano’s MicroModule gearing delivers exceptionally smooth, consistent retrieval. SVS Infinity braking is fully adjustable externally for different lure weights and wind conditions. Best for long casting, deep crankbaits, and precise lure speed control.
Best All-Purpose Crankbait Reel: Shimano Curado 200 M
The Shimano Curado 200 M is an excellent all-around option for anglers who fish a range of crankbait sizes. Its slightly larger frame and spool deliver greater line capacity for deep divers and heavy monofilament, and the ergonomic, palmable body stays comfortable through long casting sessions. The reliable multi-disc drag handles sudden runs and keeps treble-hooked fish pinned without surging. Best for versatility across crankbait sizes and confident hooksets on big fish.
Best All-Around Pick: Daiwa Tatula TW
The Daiwa Tatula TW earns its spot for smooth performance and high casting efficiency. Daiwa’s T-Wing System widens the line guide at the frame, reducing line friction during the cast for longer, tighter loops — especially valuable in crosswind conditions on open water. Its 6.3:1 gear ratio is ideal for squarebills and shallow- to mid-depth cranks, and the hybrid braking system makes tuning simple for any lure weight. Best for all-level anglers wanting a smooth, long-casting reel for cranks and jerkbaits.
Best for Deep Cranking: Lew’s BB1 Pro LFS
The Lew’s BB1 Pro LFS is purpose-built for grinding deep-diving crankbaits. Its 5.1:1 gear ratio is the slowest on this list — and the most appropriate for working big plugs along summer ledges hour after hour without fatiguing your arm. The lightweight aluminum frame keeps overall weight low despite larger line capacity, and the dual braking system provides fine adjustability for casting heavy crankbaits with minimal backlash. Best for deep cranking, tournament fishing, and slow-rolling heavy plugs.
Best Value Pick: Shimano SLX XT
The Shimano SLX XT delivers premium Shimano performance at an accessible price point. Its compact frame and 6.3:1 gear ratio make it a capable all-purpose crankbait reel, and the SVS braking system provides the castability needed for squarebills and lighter cranks without constant fiddling. If you’re building a dedicated technique-specific rod and reel collection on a budget, the SLX XT is the smartest starting point on this list. Best for entry-level to intermediate anglers who want Shimano reliability without the premium price tag.
FAQs About Crankbait Reels
A gear ratio between 5.4:1 and 6.5:1 is ideal for most crankbait fishing. Slower ratios in the 5.1:1 range are best for deep-diving cranks because they keep the bait in the strike zone longer and reduce fatigue on long retrieves. Ratios in the 6.2:1 to 6.3:1 range work well for squarebills and mid-depth cranks where a slightly faster retrieve helps cover more water.
The Shimano Curado MGL is the top pick for serious crankbait anglers thanks to its MGL Spool for longer casts, 6.2:1 gear ratio, and MicroModule gearing for smooth retrieval. For deep cranking specifically, the Lew’s BB1 Pro LFS at 5.1:1 is the best option. The Daiwa Tatula TW is the top all-around choice for anglers who fish a variety of crankbait styles at any experience level.
Yes — spinning reels work well for smaller, lighter crankbaits like finesse jerkbaits and mini cranks under 1/4 oz. For larger crankbaits and deep divers, a low-profile baitcasting reel is preferred because it handles heavier lines and longer casts more efficiently and provides more torque for working deep plugs against bottom structure.
Monofilament in the 10 to 17 lb range is the most popular choice because its stretch acts as a shock absorber that prevents fish from throwing treble hooks. Fluorocarbon in the 10 to 15 lb range sinks slightly and helps deep-diving cranks reach maximum depth. Avoid braid as a main line for crankbaits — its lack of stretch leads to pulled hooks and lost fish during head shakes.
You don’t need different reels, but matching gear ratio to depth pays off. A 6.2:1 to 6.3:1 reel like the Shimano Curado MGL or Daiwa Tatula TW covers squarebills and mid-depth cranks well. For deep-diving cranks that run 15 to 25 feet, a slower 5.1:1 reel like the Lew’s BB1 Pro LFS reduces arm fatigue and keeps baits digging without overworking your retrieve.
The Shimano SLX XT and the Daiwa Tatula TW are the best options for beginners. Both offer easy-to-tune braking systems that help prevent backlashes during the learning curve, smooth retrieve quality, and enough versatility to fish squarebills and mid-depth cranks. The SLX XT is the better value pick; the Tatula TW has a slight casting distance advantage thanks to its T-Wing System.
Final Thoughts
The best crankbait reels give you more than just smooth casts — they let you control your presentation, manage fish through a treble-hook fight, and grind effectively for hours without fatigue. Whether you’re burning a squarebill over grass flats in spring or targeting summer ledge bass with a deep-diving plug, the right reel makes a measurable difference. Browse FishUSA’s full selection of bass fishing reels to find the best fit for your cranking setup and fish with confidence.