Top 5 Best Reels Under 50 Reviews and Buying Guide
Alright, let’s talk about them fishing reels, the ones they call “best reel under 50.” You know, I ain’t got all that fancy city talk, but I know a thing or two about catchin’ fish. And a good reel? Well, that’s important, real important.
Now, these young folks, they talk about “spool capacity” and “drag force.” Sounds complicated, don’t it? But it ain’t. It just means how much line your reel can hold and how strong it is when you’re fightin’ a big ol’ fish. You want a reel that can handle what you’re tryin’ to catch. If you’re goin’ after them little bluegills, you don’t need no monster reel, right? But if you’re tryin’ to haul in a catfish the size of a small dog, well, you best get yourself somethin’ sturdy.

Choosing the Right Reel Size
They say the size of the reel depends on the fish you’re after. Makes sense, I guess. If you are going after bigger fish, you will need a reel that holds more line and can pull harder. It’s like tryin’ to pull a stubborn mule – you need a strong rope and a good grip, same with fishin’. They measure the line it can hold and how strong it is. Don’t go gettin’ somethin’ too big or too small, gotta find the one that’s just right.
Daiwa and Shimano – What’s the Big Deal?
Some folks swear by Daiwa, some by Shimano, some by Penn. Me? I just care if it works and don’t cost an arm and a leg. They say Daiwa makes some real nice reels, even the ones that don’t cost a fortune. And Shimano? They’re good too, I hear. It’s like arguin’ over whose pie is better, Aunt Sally’s or Martha’s – both are good, just depends on what you like.
- Daiwa: Some folks say they are the best. I don’t know about that, but they do make some good reels.
- Shimano: Another good brand. People like ‘em. They say their stuff is high-quality.
- Penn: Heard of ‘em too. Seems like everybody’s got their favorite.
Matchin’ Your Reel and Rod
Now, this is important. You can’t just slap any old reel on any old rod and expect it to work. It’s gotta be balanced, you know? Like dancin’ with a partner, you gotta be in sync. The reel and the rod, they gotta work together. If the rod’s too strong for the reel, or the reel’s too strong for the rod, you’re gonna have problems. And make sure the line is strong enough too. Don’t want that line snappin’ when you got a big one on the hook, no sir.
Is Shimano a good brand? You betcha. They’ve been around a long time and folks trust ‘em. But like I said, there’s other good ones too. It’s all about what feels right to you and what you can afford.
Testing and Recommendations

Them city folks, they do all this “testing” they say to know which reels are the best. I reckon that’s helpful for some. They try out different reels and tell you which ones they like. But I always say, the best reel is the one that catches you fish. You can read all the reviews you want, but until you get out there and try it yourself, you won’t know for sure.
Looking for the Best Under $50
Now, about that “under 50” part. That means you ain’t spendin’ a whole lot of money, right? And that’s just fine. You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a good reel. There’s plenty of good reels out there that won’t break the bank. Just gotta look around and do a little research. Even I know you can find a good fishin’ reel without emptyin’ out your pocketbook.
So, there you have it. My take on them fishin’ reels. Don’t get too caught up in all the fancy talk. Just find a reel that’s the right size, matches your rod, and feels good in your hand. And remember, the most important thing is to get out there and go fishin’! That’s what it’s all about, ain’t it?
Some final words from an old timer: You don’t have to listen to anyone but the fish. They’ll let you know if your reel is up to snuff or not. And if it ain’t? Well, then maybe it’s time to try a different one. Good luck out there and happy fishin’!
Tags: [fishing reel, budget fishing, Daiwa, Shimano, Penn, spool capacity, drag force, rod and reel, fishing gear, under $50]