8 Best Ice Fishing Reels
Carla Arbuckle
One of the vital tools in fishing that influences both professional and hobbyists alike is the reel. A good quality reel improves your fishing experience and helps you save time, money, and effort. But, finding one that is perfect for you may be a bit hard, especially if your fishing trip is due too soon.
We have a list of ice fishing reels that will guide you on selecting what's best and suitable for your taste. Do you want a reel that has a good structure, excellent features, and of course, comes at an affordable price?
Thinking of all those qualities, now you can have it anytime you want. We featured some of the best fishing reels from big manufacturers in the United States like Kastking and Ceymar. They have been in the business for years, and their products are known to thousands of anglers.
These reels are lighter in weight yet durable. Plus, most of them are corrosive and water-resistant. Without further ado, here are the most advanced and high-powered reels that are up for a grab in the market today.
8 Best Ice Fishing Reels
1. KastKing Summer and Centron Spinning Reels
2. KastKing Summer and Centron Spinning Reels
3. Okuma Ceymar Spinning Reel
4. KastKing Valiant Eagle Spinning Reel
5. KastKing Sharky III Fishing Reel
6. Sougayilang Fishing Reel
7. Sougayilang Spinning Fishing Reels with Left/Right Interchangeable Collapsible Wood
8. Okuma Ceymar Spinning Reel
KastKing Summer and Centron Spinning Reels
The KastKing Summer Fishing Reel turns any angler into a PRO at a very affordable price.
KastKing Summer/Centron spinning reel's Superior Drag System offers incredible stopping power of up to 17.5LBs. It is built with hardened metal main shaft, perfect mesh drive gear, and precision machined pinion gear to for fish fighting resistance.
The Spinning Reel has a narrow graphite frame design, which makes it lighter than many other brands, and designed with the computer balancing system.
Plus, the color is attractive, brilliant finish, and with high strength, two colors anodized aluminum spool, with a power launch lip for farther casting and holds more line.
Pros
- With an anodized aluminum spool
- Attractive brilliant finish
- Lightweight
- Corrosion-resistant
- High tensile strength
- Superior drag system for intensive drag power
- The precision pinion gear system
- Unique design handle
- Right/Left handle interchangeable
Cons
- For occasional use only
- No corrosion resistance
- Drag knob and linkage a little flimsy
Our Take
These centron reels feel just as good as they do. They cast as good and feel just as smooth when reeling. I will say that they can catch big fish (5lb fish) very quickly with no problem on the 2000 reel.
All in all, this is an excellent reel at a reasonable price. Plus, it is super quiet when reeling and doesn't seem to twist the line like other spin-cast reels. Almost as smooth as the high-dollar brands.
KastKing Summer and Centron Spinning Reels
The KastKing Summer and Centron Spinning Reels turn any angler into a PRO at a very affordable price.
KastKing Summer/Centron spinning reel's Superior Drag System offers incredible stopping power up to 17.5LBs. It is built with hardened metal main shaft, perfect mesh drive gear, and precision machined pinion gear to for fish fighting resistance.
The Spinning Reel has a narrow graphite frame design, which makes it lighter than many other brands, and designed with the computer balancing system. Summer/Centron's nine quality ball bearings and one instant stop one-way anti-reverse bearing give it ultra-smooth performance.
Plus, the color is attractive, brilliant finish, and with high strength, two colors anodized aluminum spool, with a power launch lip for farther casting and holds more line.
Pros
- Great value
- Lightweight
- High-powered
- Smooth performance
- With an anodized aluminum spool
- Attractive brilliant finish
Cons
- The reel maybe a little heavier compared to other models.
Our Take
This G-summer 2000 KastKing Summer and Centron Spinning Reels are lightweight and perfect for ultralight or ice fishing. It has a nice push-button break on the knob allowing for appropriate storage.
Well, the spinning action is very smooth, plus you can easily forward and reverse its switch, which is accessible on the front base of the reel.
The drag is also very stable and smooth, and not wobbly like some other poorly made reels, so you don't have trouble casting it on waters with low temperatures. Overall, this is a well-constructed reel and perfect for your fishing trips.
Okuma Ceymar Spinning Reel
The Okuma Ceymar Spinning Reel is a multi-disc, oiled felt drag system that can carry dragging pressure of up to five pounds. It has a quick-set, anti-reverse roller bearing that is perfect for ultra fishing and or ice fishing. The pinion gear is made up of cut brass to achieve machine precision.
It is made up of 2-tone anodized spool that is powered by aluminum. It can handle the Monofilament line with a diameter ranging from 210/2 (0.12) 110/4 (0.17) 70/6 (0.22).
Pros
- Lightweight
- Good-quality
- High-powered machine
- User-friendly
- Affordable
Cons
- The C-30 will only hold about 80 yards of 12lb mono. I would suggest a bigger size reel if you are going to use such thick diameter line.
Our Take
I think the reel is very manageable. Both the rod and reel are so light, giving you the comfort you need while fishing.
An all-aluminum body ( or at least a more solid reel foot) and a faster gear ratio help you catch any medium to smaller species of fish. It's probably a tie when compared to other expensive brands when it comes to smoothness, construction, and price.
KastKing Valiant Eagle Spinning Reel
The new KastKing Emerald Eagle is part of the KastKing series of Valiant Eagle spinning reels. The dazzling green trim reflects the brilliance of precious emerald stones and the color of the saltwater seas. Like an eagle, this reel is built for power and speed and is easy to use in a freshwater or saltwater.
KastKing Valiant Eagle fishing reels are fast and strong with a speed of 6.2:1 gear ratio, lighter raptor yet has a strong body with an enhanced graphite frame and rotor.
The sealed carbon drag system provides 22 LB of fighting power. For consistent performance, KastKing uses a total of 10+1 MaxiDur shielded stainless steel ball bearings for smoother retrieves and long accurate casts.
Plus, the reel has a Patent Pending spool design, specifically to increase casting distance and improve line control. Plus, its braid line-ready spool doesn’t need monofilament linebacking, unlike other brands. The lightweight aluminum handle with EVA knob gives the user extra leverage and control.
Pros
- Fast
- Lightweight
- Powerful
- Increased speed gear ratio
- Smoother retrieves
- Longer casts
- Comes with luminum handle for extra leverage and control.
Cons
- Too expensive
Our Take
Based on the reviews, this reel works flawlessly. Considering its price, this is a high-quality reel perfect for both blue water and seawater fishing activities. Plus, it is portable enough to keep in the car or throw in a backpack. If there's a local pond near your residence, you can quickly bring this along with you.
True to its words, Kastking made this reel perfect for anglers. Line spools on very evenly and cast off spool smoothly from its patented spool design. I like that it has a slightly faster gear ratio than other spinning reels. The design of the reel is pretty awesome as well.
KastKing Sharky III Fishing Reel
Sharky III is made of lighter materials and high-quality fiber, while its body and rotor are reinforced with graphite. This new edition of the spinning reel from Kastking has 39.5LBs / 18KG of smooth, reliable triple disc carbon fiber drag, and oversized stainless-steel main shaft.
While the pinion gears are equipped with mesh manganese brass to achieve stronger and precise fishing, its spool, body, and rotor have unique protection to resist water and dirt. And you will love the quiet, silky smooth retrieve of the Sharky III.
This is very good for fishing as it is loaded with features, including 10 + 1 high quality, saltwater rated double-shielded stainless steel ball bearings, instant lock anti-reverse, stainless steel hardware, aluminum handle, and more line capacity than other brands.
Plus, with the unique Shark Fin Braid Ready aluminum spool, you no longer need to use the backing line when spooling on the braid fishing line.
Pros
- Smooth drag system
- More line capacity
- Water-resistant
- Lightweight
- Strong
- Silky-smooth retrieve
Cons
- The gear inside may rust or get weak over time.
Our Take
If you are looking for an inexpensive basic spinning real but exceeds your expectations, then this one is for you. I was also astonished at the quality of this spinning real. Compared to some expensive reels, Sharky III has the same quality of gear.
This is a great reel. What stands out most to me is its power and stability for lure retrieval and fish fighting. Moreover, the reel's compact size and extreme power make it pair up well with an extensive range of rods, which is a huge advantage. This can go on light and up to a reasonably heavy rod. Plus, it comes with rubber for multiple grip spots, so your line won't slip around after the first few turns. All in all, this is an excellent reel for you!
Sougayilang Fishing Reel
Sougayilang spinning reels are designed with precise brass gears, hardened metal main shaft, triple-disc carbon drag washers, and interchangeable right or left CNC machined aluminum handle.
13+1 Sougayilang spinning fishing reel is also corrosion-resistant. It has smooth ball bearings that function in a one-way, anti-reverse for ultra-smooth performance. Plus, it comes with an extra free spare spool.
It features Superior Drag System that offers incredible stopping power. It has a hardened metal main shaft, perfect mesh drive gear, and precision machined pinion gear for fish fighting power.
It is considered to be lightweight as it is designed with a hollow frame and computer balancing system for high-quality performance and durability.
Perfect as gifts for both pro and amateur anglers.
Pros
- Attractive brilliant finish.
- Lightweight compact design for effortless casting.
- High strength graphite frame
- Corrosion-resistant
- Superior drag system for intensive drag power.
- Right / Left interchangeable handle.
Cons
- The reel may wear out over time
Our Take
First of all, I like the way this reel looks and feels. The extra-large handle may look lovely when fishing for a longer time. I also love the zero reverse one-way clutch bearing, which gives you solid hooksets. The 13+1BB makes the reeling very smooth, and you can enjoy "fishing."
Sougayilang Spinning Fishing Reels with Left/Right Interchangeable Collapsible Wood
The Sougayilang Spinning Fishing Reels is perfect for both freshwater and seawater with a 5.2:1 Gear Ratio. It is light to carry since its body is designed with ultra-thin streamline while the spool is aluminum with high-tensile gear.
Design to make your fishing enjoyable, it now comes with a collapsible handle, Left/Right Interchangeable.
The has a fully adjustable cast control with a sound S-curve oscillation system for first-line winding. Suitable for Ocean Boat Fishing, Ocean Rock Fishing, Ocean Beach Fishing, Lake, River, Reservoir Pond, Stream.
Pros
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Collapsible handle
- With high-tensile gear
- Portable
- Has an oscillation system for good line winding
Cons
- The felt washers in the drag system need to be replaced with carbon fiber ones.
- The spool and drag system should be rinsed well after use in saltwater conditions, and kept lubed.
Our Take
This spinning reel has impressed me with its robust, professional performance at an entry-level price point. It's lightweight design and strength make it ideal for both hobbyists and tournament fishers alike.
The reel has excellent castability with 11 ball-bearings and a smooth drag system. It is relatively the same as some of the more popular and pricey spinning reels on the market.
It is crafted with a modernized design that is pleasing to the eye and ergonomically optimal for long days on the water.
Also, I was shocked that this one is so affordable. Honestly, you can enjoy fishing without spending too much.
Okuma Ceymar Spinning Reel
The Okuma Ceymar Spinning Reel comes with three available choices: C-30, C-40: versatile for freshwater performers, C-55: great for inshore saltwater fishing, and C-65 for Pier, Jetty & Big Water Fishing. So this is perfect for both seawater and freshwater fishing.
It has a 7BB + 1RB bearing system that is quick to set with an anti-reverse roller bearing for secure handling. Both the rod and reel are made up of lighter material, so it is very comfortable to fish with.
Plus, it has a forged aluminum handle arm that offers complete control over the reel and custom EVA handle knobs that are comfortable to use. The Blade Body Design is refined and compact, thus reducing bulk and minimizes the overall size of the Ceymar spinning reel.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Smooth performance
- Refined and compact
- Rigid
- Strong
Cons
- Its downside is the reel foot. It will be flexing when paired to several different rods.
Our Take
The sleek design and smooth performance of Ceymar spinning reels will give a fantastic fishing experience for all anglers. The reel comes with useful qualities such as rigid, machined aluminum spool for strength and durability.
Also, the rotor system is equipped with Okuma RESII computer balancing, so Ceymar spins even at high speed without developing annoying wobble. Overall, you will enjoy using this reel and would be useful for catching any medium to smaller species of fish.
