7 best reels for jigging

*Review of the best according to the editors. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to purchase. Before buying, it is necessary to consult with a specialist.

How to choose a good reel for jigging

Jig fishing, like any other method of fishing, has its own specifics and a number of small nuances that should be considered when selecting certain equipment. If the process of choosing a bait for jigging is not very difficult (due to the peculiarities of bait structure and their weight indicators), then the choice of reel is a delicate and responsible matter, because not only the effectiveness of fishing is at stake, but also solid monetary expenses. In order not to make a mistake with the choice of such a critical element, Expertology recommends paying attention to the following parameters:

Reel Type.At the present stage, the reels used for jigging can be divided into two types: inertialess and multiplier. The first are the traditional equipment of amateurs and beginners, widespread in retail and divided into a number of price segments. The latter, in turn, are renowned as an expensive reel for athletes and professionals, tailored to catching big predators and encouraging the ideal technique of jigging. If you are a beginner, make a choice in favor of simple and clear bezinertsionok – on the growth of experience and skill you will definitely have time to reach the multiplier models.

Friction brake.The parameter that determines the convenience of fishing and the possibility of catching trophy fish. Try to choose reels with friction on the front – this design is much easier to use. Also note the load capacity of this friction reel. When jig hunting for big predators give preference to those reels, the maximum force of which is more than six pounds.

reel class. The parameter is a key for jig models of reels, because it predetermines with what baits and on what spinnings the model will work best. Traditionally there are four classes:

1. micro jig in which the upper limit of the bait test is 7 grams;
2. Light jigs with a maximum casting speed of 21 grams;
3. Medium jig, in which baits can reach up to 42 grams in weight;
4. heavy jigs, with a test capacity of 42 grams or more.

Carefully examine the characteristics of the reel and compare them to your goals, and think about what kind of fish you want to catch in the water.

Number of bearings.Technical parameter that affects the smooth running and lack of play on the swivel parts. As a rule, the more bearings, the smoother are the strokes of the reel and the more accurate is the step movement of the bait.

Rating of the best reels for jigs

Shimano Twin Power 3000

Rating: 4.9

Expensive premium models of reels are very rarely included in the ratings of the best. However, if there are precedents, it happens very, very vividly. Shimano Twin Power 3000 – a real benchmark for reliability, which combines all the advanced developments of the Japanese company. The basis of the gear mechanism of the reel is built on the use of nine roller bearings, ensuring no backlash on the handle and bobbin for a long time. Smooth action is perfect, as well as the work of the front friction. Objectively, the friction brake is not the most enduring, but it provides a good line bleeding when the load threshold of eight kilograms is exceeded.

As for the opinion of buyers, the main users of the reel are professional fishermen, the cost of gear is not a problem for them. Amateurs turn to buy Shimano Twin Power 3000 very rarely, but for a premium, this cannot be considered a disadvantage.

Advantages

• sharpened for the average jig and the technical possibility to catch twisting;
• supersensitive friction (line bleeding when the threshold of eight kilograms is exceeded);
• The high-capacity bobbin (210 meters of 0.25 mm line);
• great customization.

Disadvantages

• are not detected.

Daiwa Freams 3000

Rating: 4.8

Another member of the elite series of free spinning reels, appreciated by users for its perfect combination of lightness and reliability. 280-gram reel works well with baits for both medium and heavy jigs, providing wiring with clearly distinguishable steps. The design of the mechanism is implemented in such a way that the load acting on the rotor is evenly distributed, not creating a precedent for component failure. To ensure smooth and free rotation, Daiwa installed only four ball bearings in the model, although with minor improvements in resistance to corrosion and salt exposure. The Daiwa Freams 3000 friction is designed to take 7 kilograms of pure load with fine-tuned braking force. Of the advantages of using the reel in fact anglers note the faultless stowage of the line on the bobbin (holding up to 200 meters of thread with a section of 0.28 mm), the ability to install the handle under the leading hand and a beautiful appearance (silver + gold).

Advantages

• The Daiwa Freams 3000 is the optimal combination of price and quality;
• excellent customization;
• Comfortable handle and informative mechanism;
• the ability to fine tune the disc friction to the triggering.

Disadvantages

• undetectable.

Shimano 15 Aldebaran 51

Rating: 4.8

“Aldebaran 51” is the only multiplier reel in the rating, the advantage of which is versatility and excellent ergonomic parameters. A worthy replacement for any gearless reel, this model has a high gear ratio (7.4:1), typical for smooth and very explosive mechanisms. This multiplier is suitable for a moderately aggressive twisting, as well as for staggered wiring with jig heads or medium twisters.

The small weight of the Shimano 15 Aldebaran 51 (only 135 grams) does not affect the reliability indicators: with proper use, the model is able to serve up to five or seven seasons. Slightly pumped magnetic friction that can withstand only 4.5 pounds in the peak, but to the stratting line no complaints – with a particularly violent surfing line goes supple, but at the same time provides the ability to instantly pick up.

Advantages

• smooth running on nine ball bearings;
• low weight (135 grams);
• A universal model (suitable for twisting and jigging).

Disadvantages

• high price.

Shimano Nasci 13 2500

Rating: 4.7

Nasci 13 2500 is a clear example of how a mid-budget series of reels turns into an elite one, without causing a mass exodus of consumers. Modernization of the basic Shimano was spontaneous and, most importantly, at the right time. The 270-gram bobbin incorporates elements suitable exclusively for stepfishing, which a little later proved its practical use. Traditional configuration of the mechanism with four roller bearings (this time with an increased service life) has completely eliminated the possibility of backlash and ensured high smoothness of the rotating elements. Front friction has acquired extra tenacity and ability to hold up to 8.5 kilograms of load, gradually casting off the line even at the slightest excess of this indicator.

In the minds of consumers Shimano Nasci 13 2500 entrenched as a really cool coil, capable of solving disputes with particularly stubborn fish alone. Though its price may severely hurt the buyer’s wallet, every amateur fisherman should have such a model in his arsenal.

Advantages

• optimal combination of price and quality;
• Very tenacious and rational friction;
• Sharpening exclusively for the jig;
• lightweight design.

Disadvantages

• no spare bobbin included.

Ryobi Excia MX 3000

Rating: 4.7

Medium-priced reel that made it to the rating thanks to high popularity among users and meets all the requirements of medium-jig fishing. The bobbin Ryobi Excia MX 3000 holds up to 300 meters of line with a diameter of 0.2 mm, which is enough for comfortable fishing on large reservoirs. Strokes of the moving parts model smooth, which is provided by the presence of eight ball bearings rationally distributed throughout the mechanism. Front friction is unusually tenacious, triggered at the slightest excess load of six pounds, which prevents the breakage of fishing line when fishing for a large predator.

According to fishermen, Ryobi Excia MX 3000 fully justifies the advances given to it when buying. Yes, there is a need for periodic lubrication of friction pairs. Yes, there is a lot of play on the handle and bobbin. But the overall impression of the model is great, especially in light of its high performance in jig fishing.

Advantages

• reasonable price;
• optimal technical performance;
• sensitive friction, reacting to the slightest changes in load;
• nice appearance.

Disadvantages

• backlash on the bobbin and handle;
• some models may require additional lubrication.

Okuma Ceymar C-25 FD

Rating: 4.6

An infrequent guest of the rating, the Japanese company Okuma, is not popular among domestic fishermen, but to produce decent reels for jigging is certainly able to. Ceymar C-25 FD is a whole series of winchless, which includes five models, the weight of which ranges from 216 to 392 grams. Single reel design includes eight wear-resistant bearings (scheme 7 +1), a special elliptical gear and the second generation of RES rotor balancing system. In other words, it has everything you need for confident jigging: smoothness, accuracy and ease of manipulation.

As noted by users, the Okuma Ceymar C-25 FD series turned out to be remarkably successful, and in all the variety of models within it. The build quality is fully consistent with the asking price, and of the real disadvantages can be noted except for the lack of an extra bobbin.

Advantages

• low price;
• excellent technical characteristics;
• Accuracy of action in the staggered wiring;
• high smoothness of motion.

Disadvantages

• No extra bobbin included.

Daiwa Exceler Z 3000

Rating: 4.5

Average-sized freewheeling reel from the company Daiwa, in the recent past has received the title of favorite among the reels for medium and heavy jigs. Equipped with seven ball bearings, treated with CRBB technology, which increases the resistance of the metal balls to corrosion and salt water. Front friction Daiwa Exceler Z 3000 turned out to be moderately reliable, but not the most enduring – triggering on the line release occurs already at six pounds of load. However, this way you can avoid frequent line breaks, which, of course, can be credited to the asset of the model.

Expert opinion on the Daiwa Exceler Z 3000 turned out to be that the reel’s time of “tight” leadership in the class has passed and the entire series needs further upgrades. The thing is that just a few seasons ago the model cost barely over 4000 roubles. At the moment this figure has increased by 2.5 times, which naturally turned away most consumers and caused partial non-competitiveness of the coil in the new price field.

Advantages

• excellent external parameters;
• seven bearings with increased wear resistance;
• “Delicate” operation of the friction that releases at six kilograms of load.

Disadvantages

• high price;
• Approaching obsolescence and loss of competitive conditioning.