Best Round Baitcasting Reels 2024 (Round Baitcasters)

Baitcasting reels are the go-to fishing arsenals for experts who want to level up their fishing game. Best Round baitcasting reels are designed exclusively with immense power to reel in conventional large species. Low profiles are more common among fishers, especially inexperienced ones. To get the best round baitcasting reels and optimize the performance, you must understand its working and key factors. 

Though the round baitcasters have several similarities with the low-profile models, you should always be careful before the purchase. The round profile baitcasting reels are best for larger species and hence come with a hefty body that weighs significantly higher than the low profiles. So, make sure you have the right skill set to manage the weight of the reel and fish both.

Considering the important specs such as gear ratio, spool size, weight, and more, I have tested numerous models. As a result, I found Abu Garcia C3 Baitcast Round Reel as the overall best round baitcasting reel. The next choices that leveled up my fishing experience include Shimano Calcutta 400B, and Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C4 Baitcast Round Reel.

Quick Overview – Best Round Baitcasting Reels

1. Abu Garcia C3 Baitcast Round Reel – Overall Best Round Baitcaster
2. Shimano Calcutta 400B – Best For Freshwater 
3. Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C4 Round Reel – Best For Saltwater
4. KastKing Rover Baitcasting Reel – BestbFor Conventional Fishing
5. Piscifun Chaos XS Round Reel – Best For Trolling 
6. Lew’s Speed Cast Casting Reel – Best For Casting Distance
7. Piscifun Salis X Trolling Reel – Best For Inshore Saltwater Fishing
8. KastKing ReKon Baitcasting Reel – Best For Bass
9. Abu Garcia Ambassadeur Reel – Best With Level Wind System
10. Lew’s Laser XL Casting Reel – Best Under $80

10 Best Round Baitcasting Reels in 2024

1. Abu Garcia C3 Baitcast Round Reel – Overall Best Round Baitcaster Reel

Specifications 

• Gear Ratio: 4.1:1
• Max drag: 20 lbs.
• Hand Orientation: Right Hand
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.

One of the most classic baitcasters from Abu Garcia, my heart belongs to the C3 round reel. This is also my grandfather’s favorite reel who is a brilliant angler. For lightweight and durability, manufacturers opted aluminum to make this reel. We loved how smooth and consistent the drag is in every use, all credits to the advanced Carbon Matrix drag system.

I have used multiple heavy lines with this reel and there were no issues. For example, using 50 lbs. mono line with a mono leader, not only the casting was great but it handled large fish easily. While fishing in Missouri, I tried an 80 lbs. braided line along with a 100 lbs. mono leader. 

The overall casting was tremendous and I was able to catch from big to gigantic catfish. Considering the advanced features of this reel, it could have been used for conventional if the max drag was a bit higher.

Pros

• Superb cranking power
• Great torque with extended handle
• Incredible castability

Cons

• Would be better if max drag was greater 

Verdict 

What else would you want when a reel already offers magnificent, no backlashes, and a large spool size? The Abu Garcia C3 is indeed a winner in every aspect.

2. Shimano Calcutta 400B – Best For Freshwater 

Specifications 

• Gear Ratio: 5.0:1
• Max drag: 17.5 lbs.
• Hand Orientation: Right Hand
• Weight: 0.73 lbs.

Shimano reels are one of their kind and the Calcutta 400B is another great example of it. Being one of the best round baitcasting reels, it offered the right power for the type of heavy fishing I perform. 

For a balanced combo, I paired it with my 7 ft. St. Croix Mojo but I had to adjust the internal brakes to get miles of casting distance. After pairing it with 30 lbs. braided line, I got superb casting accuracy and caught amberjack, muskie, offshore snapper, calico bass, and more. 

The only issue I encountered was when I used it in saltwater. Though I washed and lubed it after every use, there was still some corrosion. You can check the Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C4 Round Reel for a better saltwater experience.

Pros

• Audible bait clicker
• Well-built and smooth 
• Comfortable large rubber grips on the handle
• Excellent variable braking system

Cons

• Doesn’t work well in saltwater

Verdict 

If you are looking for round baitcast reels with bait clicker that has all the right features required to reel in large species, the Calcutta 400B should be the choice. 

3. Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C4 Round Reel – Best Saltwater Round Baitcaster

Specifications 

• Gear Ratio: 6.3:1
• Max drag: 15 lbs.
• Hand Orientation: Right Hand
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.

Abu Garcia never disappoints with its superb reels and the C4 is one of the top examples. Made out of aluminum, it has a decent weight and superb durability. I always find this reel quite smooth, thanks to the 4+1 stainless steel high-quality ball bearings. 

Speaking of the smooth drag, it comes from the Carbon Matrix drag system. Furthermore, the anti-backlash system ensures zero line tangling issues. We caught multiple species using this incredible reel paired with a 7 ft. medium-heavy rod in fresh and salt water. This includes 65+ lbs. King Salmon, 20+ lbs. Catfish, 40+ lbs. Carp, 3 lbs. Perch, and 12 lbs. Striped bass. 

The Ambassadeur C4 only comes in right-hand retrieve only which is why one of my angler friends couldn’t use it. You can check Piscifun Salis X Trolling Reel for saltwater fishing with left-hand orientation.

Pros

• Carbon Matrix drag system for smooth performance
• Extremely efficient braking system
• High power to manage hefty fish

Cons

• Doesn’t come in left-hand retrieve 

Verdict 

If you are looking for a top-quality round profile baitcaster that can manage mighty species in saltwater then, the Ambassadeur C4 would be it. 

4. KastKing Rover Baitcasting Reel – Best For Conventional Fishing

Specifications 

• Gear Ratio: 5.3:1
• Max drag: 30 lbs.
• Hand Orientation: Ambidextrous 
• Weight: 0.88 lbs.

Conventional fishing reels are integrated with lower gear ratios and greater drag power to deal with a variety of species. KasktKing reels are made to last long hence, are worthy enough of the investment. It comes in three reel sizes 40, 60, and 90. 

I used the size 40 whereas, my friend opted for the size 60. Needless to say, both the reels had a solid performance with efficient 2-pin centrifugal brakes that ensured zero backlashes. With the incredible 30 lbs. max drag, I easily won fights against my dream species in the San Antonio lakes. 

I and my friend pulled in 35 lbs. of catfish, big muskies, Northern pike, striped bass, and more. Since it is a heavy model, beginners can find difficulty using it. Lighter models like Shimano Calcutta 400B can however work for novice fishers.

Pros

• Superb carbon fiber drag
• Shielded ball bearings for a smooth retrieve 
• Clicker line out alarm 

Cons

• Quite bulky for new anglers 

Verdict 

From an oversized T handle for comfort to tremendous durability for a longer lifetime, this reel has all the advanced features. Its corrosion-protected frame is safe to use for inshore saltwater fishing too. 

5. Piscifun Chaos XS Round Reel – Best For Trolling 

Specifications 

• Gear Ratio: 5.3:1
• Max drag: 20 lbs.
• Hand Orientation: Ambidextrous
• Weight: 0.76 lbs

Super sturdy and incredible performance for the price, I used this reel mostly for trolling. The aluminum spool is quite big that holds lots of heavy line, making the experience worthwhile. I found the drag consistently smooth during every use, thanks to the corrosion-resistant ball bearings. 

The ergonomic handle offered max comfort and high stopping power for trolling as well as inshore fishing. I used the 20 lbs. Sufix braided line with a 20 lbs. fluoro leader and the casting distance was amazing. With this, I caught a couple of striper, catfish, and walleye while trolling with this reel. 

Speaking of the bait clicker, it is not very noticeable. However, I see it as a tradeoff because using the reel with a fast-action rod solves the issue by sending vibrations for nibbles and bumps. Abu Garcia Ambassadeur Reel however has an amazing bait clicker. 

Pros

• Longer and smoother casting
• Reduced backlash 
• Great value for money 

Cons

• Inaudible bait clicker 

Verdict 

When it comes to buying a low-priced reel that doesn’t compromise on the quality of performance, the Piscifun Chaos XS round reel becomes the number one choice.

6. Lew’s Speed Cast Casting Reel – Best For Casting Distance

Specifications 

• Gear Ratio: 5.3:1
• Max drag: 15 lbs.
• Hand Orientation: Left Hand  
• Weight: 0.73 lbs.

As I saw this reel, all that came to my mind was a heavy line, more power, and massive fish. Luckily, this is exactly everything that this Speed Cast round reel offers. To set up a potent combo, I used the 7 ft. medium-heavy saltwater baitcasting rod and spooled the reel with 80 lbs. super braided line. 

The reel cast a country mile with exceptional accuracy and best baitcaster for casting distance. During my initial casts, I had to adjust the spool, and once done, I only landed on large species. These include 27 in. striped bass, catfish, walleye, snook, redfish, and white bass. 

As a new fisher, my friend encountered some backlashes with heavier rods which can be managed by timely thumbing the spool. 

Pros

• Easy to spool heavy lines
• Can be used in saltwater
• Casts great in windy conditions too 

Cons

• A few backlashes when used with heavy rods

Verdict 

If you work with medium to heavy rods to achieve impeccable casting distances then, this reel is the ideal choice. However, to avoid backlashes, you must have the skill set to adjust the brakes. 

7. Piscifun Salis X Trolling Reel – Best For Inshore Saltwater Fishing

Specifications 

• Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
• Max drag: 37 lbs.
• Hand Orientation: Ambidextrous
• Weight: 1.6 lbs.

You can only expect top-notch features and premium performance from Piscifun reels. As I held this reel, I knew it would do wonders. It is built to catch monster fishes without causing any trouble. The massive 37 lbs. drag results in great power to combat hefty species in the rigorous currents of inshore saltwater. 

One feature that makes this reel stand out is its Japanese Hamai Cut Gearing System which adds to the incredible performance. I caught a couple of striped bass, catfish and hybrid wiper, sturgeon, and more. 

The only downside of this reel is its significant weight which I see as a tradeoff for all the advanced features. If it is an issue for you, Lew’s Speed Cast Casting Reel is among the relatively lightweight round profile baitcasters that you can consider. 

Pros

• Braid-ready spool
• Noticeable bait clicker
• Extremely powerful
• Comfortable power knob

Cons

• Heaviest of all 

Verdict 

Nothing could be better than investing in one of the best round baitcasting reels that tackle load well. This model from Piscfun enables anglers to have the most memorable inshore fishing experience. 

8. KastKing ReKon Baitcasting Reel – Best For Bass

Specifications 

• Gear Ratio: 5.3:1
• Max drag: 30 lbs.
• Hand Orientation: Ambidextrous 
• Weight: 1.06 lbs.

Forget making assumptions about how much line you have dragged by opting for this KastKing reel with a digital line counter. It lets you stay within the strike zone by showing the distance in feet. Make sure to reset the counter to 000 before you cast the lure so it tells the accurate depth where your baits are running.

While in search of the best round baitcasting reels for bass, I came across this amazing reel and used it for several trips. I took it for kayak fishing, as well as lake fishing, and it worked well. To catch some mighty bass, I paired it up with my Ugly Stik 7’ medium-heavy rod. 

The casting was impressive and I reeled in a couple of striped bass, white bass, and largemouth bass of varying weights. The reel started making a few noises after using in saltwater which I sorted out after plentiful lubing post use. 

Pros

• Highly accurate line counter
• Comfortable double-padded handles
• Massive mono line capacity i.e., 25 lbs./ 320yds.

Cons

• Sometimes noisy under load

Verdict 

All in all, this RecKon round model makes sure that the user it max comfort with the EVA handle grip while providing all the power needed to win a fight against heavy fish.

9. Abu Garcia Ambassadeur Reel – Best Value For Money

Specifications 

• Gear Ratio: 5.3:1
• Max drag: 15 lbs.
• Hand Orientation: Right Hand 
• Weight: 0.88 lbs.

After being a loyal Abu customer, I didn’t hesitate to spend over $200 for this model since I knew it had something special for anglers. Rightly so, I went head-over-heels with the performance of this reel. Its highlight feature is the synchronized Level Wind System. It makes sure that the line is wrapped evenly throughout so that the spool doesn’t spin abnormally. 

This system along with an efficient centrifugal braking system worked hand-in-hand to eliminate backlash. I loved how the bait clicker was quite noticeable and alerted me every time a fish was hooked. Despite being bulky, these were manageable, thanks to the comfortable handle and grip. 

This reel is quite expensive and might not fit the budget of every baitcaster fisher. That said, here are a few pocket-friendly options which similar specs. These include Piscifun Chaos XS Round Reel and KastKing Rover Baitcasting Reel.

Pros

• Rock-solid durability
• Superior casting accuracy 
• Great choice for medium to slightly heavy fish

Cons

• Very expensive 

Verdict 

I loved using this reel for trolling, boat fishing, lake fishing, and more. Its amazing specifications make it a versatile reel for catching plenty of medium-sized species conveniently. 

10. Lew’s Laser XL Casting Reel – Best Under $80

Specifications 

• Gear Ratio: 4.2:1
• Max drag: 15 lbs.
• Hand Orientation: Right Hand
• Weight: 0.74 lbs.

This reel comes with one of the lowest gear ratios but has all the power to combat a variety of species. Since it can hold a generous amount of line, I ran a 25 lbs. mono on it but was not able to horse a trophy fish out. However, after adjusting the carbon fiber drag, the reel cast miles without any issues. 

I used a 7 ft 11 in. rod and pulled in a few 35 to 60 lbs. catfish. I tried this reel for different types of fishing including bank fishing, trolling, boat fishing, and even bumping. To my surprise, I proved to be outstanding in all the techniques.

Considering the price point, you can’t expect superior-grade durability from this round baitcaster. However, it would work best for beginners looking for cheaper baitcasting reels. For rock-solid durability, you can check Abu Garcia C3 Baitcast Round Reel and Abu Garcia Ambassadeur Reel.

Pros

• Affordable 
• Great power to handle large fish
• Speed Lube ensures smooth operation

Cons

• Doubtful durability 

Verdict 

If you are new to baitcasting and looking for a decently-priced reel that doesn’t fall short of a good performance, look no further than the Lew’s Laser XL. 

Related Guides

• Best Baitcasting Reels Under $100
• 10 Best Baitcaster Under 200 Reviews In 2024
• Best Baitcasting Reels for Beginners 2024
• 10 Best Saltwater Baitcasting Reel 2024
• Best Baitcaster For Casting Distance
• Smallest Baitcasting Reel

Buying Guide

As you enter the market, you will be overwhelmed with the plethora of options to choose from. The key to best round baitcasting reels is the following right set of specifications that fulfills your fishing requirements. 

1. Gear Ratio

Gear ratio impacts the retrieve rate of a baitcaster by determining the number of times the spool turns with one complete handle rotation. Higher gear ratios account for faster retrieval however, these vary from reel to reel. Lower gear ratios will work fine for small-sized species whereas higher ones would manage mighty fish conveniently. 

The gear ratios are generally represented as x:1 where x is the number of times a spool will spin and 1 is the complete handle crank. The value of x is different for each reel which you can choose according to your preference. 

For example, a 5.3:1 reel offers a decent retrieve and is used for casting lures. However, for applications like surfcasting, reels with higher ratios are suggested. Similarly, for bank fishing or trolling, don’t go for anything extravagant, low gear ratios would do the job perfectly.  

2. Ball Bearings

When it comes to the smoothness of a reel, that’s where ball bearings play a major role. There is a common misconception about ball bearings that higher numbers result in better performance. Well, it does make sense but it’s not the case here. In baitcasters, quality is preferred over quantity. 

Imagine having a reel with 10 ball bearings but of poor quality, you can’t get the best performance out of it. Similarly, a reel with half that number but the tremendous quality will definitely make a huge difference in performance. Usually, anglers prefer sealed or double-shielded ball bearings. This keeps the reel from damage caused by friction and also makes it suitable for saltwater fishing. 

4. Spool Size

It determines the amount of line a reel can hold. Typically, smaller spools are used to load lighter lines that work fine for small to medium-sized fish. Whilst, larger spool sizes are preferred by professional anglers that fish massive species and use heavier lines. 

5. Drag Power

Generally, the best round baitcasting reels are exceptionally powerful to withstand load under pressure. Despite having lower gear ratios as compared to low-profile models, round baitcasters have a lot more power. It is determined by the maximum drag power of a reel. Higher drag power allows the anglers to fight against mighty species without breaking the line. 

6. Braking System

Round profile baitcasters are known for superb casting distances because of the free spool rotation. On the other hand, this same feature becomes a challenge for anglers especially newer ones if not handled appropriately. It is essential to slow down the spool while casting because a slight miss can cause the spool to spin abnormally. 

This ends up the line all tangled and accumulated on the reel, resulting in backlash. For convenient control, most baitcasting reels now come with braking systems. These are of two types. The magnetic braking system utilizes magnets to slow down the spool speed. Whereas, the centrifugal braking system does the same job with the help of pins. 

Learn More >> Baitcaster Brakes

FAQs

1. Round baitcast reels vs low profile: What is the difference?

A round profile reel is used to catch hefty fish whereas low profile baitcasters are designed for relatively lighter species. Moreover, round baitcasters offer impeccable casting distance and power but have lower gear ratios as compared to low-profile models. 

2. What is the best line for round baitcaster reels?

Generally, round baitcaster reels are compatible with both mono and braided lines which you can choose as per your preference. According to my experience, the Berkley Trilene XL Monofilament Line is the overall best option for round baitcasting reels. 

3. What is the best baitcasting reel for the money?

As per my experience, I absolutely loved the performance of the Piscifun Chaos XS Round Reel for the affordable price it comes at. It offers great and smooth drag, longer casting distances, enough power to reel in massive fish, and so much more. 

Conclusion 

From looking for the key considerations to checking the round baitcasting reel reviews, you must gather all the important information before the final purchase. These reels are made to last a lifetime and come with a power-packed performance that every expert angler seeks. However, one slight mistake in choosing the best round baitcasting reels, and you would never experience what it actually feels like using round baitcasters. 

That said, don’t always go for what the priciest product is for the sake of superiority. Keep an eye on what the reel has to offer and if it will meet your desired fishing requirements or not. Currently, one of the best round baitcasting reels for all-around use is the Abu Garcia C3 Baitcaster.