Gone are the days of limited reel choices and hefty price tags, with some of the best fishing reels under £75 offering exceptional value and quality, whatever style of angling you enjoy. Today's market is a treasure trove for anglers on a budget, from the seasoned pro to the occasional angler, there's a perfect reel out there waiting to upgrade your current setup.
Best reels under £75 at a glance
•Best Feeder Fishing Reel Under £75: Matrix Ethos XR Reel - View offer on Total Fishing Tackle
•Best Float Fishing Reel Under £75: Shimano Aero BB Reel - View offer on Total Fishing Tackle
•Best Freespool Reel Under £75: Shimano DL 2500 FB - View offer on Total Fishing Tackle
•Best Carp Reel Under £75: Avid AV 8000 Reel - View offer on Total Fishing Tackle
Thanks to increased competition, you can now snag high-performance reels without breaking the bank. With careful consideration, you can find a reel that not only fits your budget but also delivers exceptional performance and durability. Let's dive in and explore our top picks for the best fishing reels under £75.
nullnullnullnullnullnullnullnullnullnullWhat to look for in a reel under £75
Don't let a limited budget restrict your angling ambitions. There are plenty of exceptional fishing reels under £75 that deliver impressive performance. To make the most of your investment, consider these key factors when selecting your next reel:
The size of your reel significantly impacts its performance. For float fishing, a 3000-sized reel is generally ideal, offering a perfect balance of size, weight, and line capacity. If you're targeting larger species or using feeder tactics, a 4000-sized reel or larger will provide the necessary power and line capacity. Carp and spod reels typically range from 7000 to 10,000 in size, with larger reels offering more power and performance.
Look for reels equipped with features that suit your style of angling. For example, a freespool system is particularly useful if you're targeting carp or other large fish, as it allows the line to run freely when a fish takes the bait, preventing your rod from disappearing into the water. Additionally, consider the reel's line capacity—a larger capacity is beneficial for long-range casting and fighting powerful fish.
While price is a factor, don't compromise on quality. Seek out reels constructed from durable materials with smooth gear systems. A good reel should cast effortlessly and retrieve line smoothly and the best reels under £75 will do that.
Glossary
Drag/clutch:An adjustable tensioning system that allows a hard-fighting fish to pull an additional line from the reel instead of breaking the line.
Freespool:Similar to a clutch but working at far lower tensions. The Freespool will allow a running fish to take line, preventing a rod on a rest from being pulled in. Once the rod is picked up and the reel handle turned, it will disengage, putting the reel back into 'fish playing' mode with the drag working as normal.
Spool:The cylinder at the front of a reel which holds the line.
Big pit:A reel with a long spool designed for extreme long-range casting by reducing the resistance of the line.
Line clip:A small clip on the spool that line can be placed under, stopping it from leaving the reel. Originally designed to stop lines from falling off in transit, they are now commonly used to repeatedly cast a set distance.
Line twist:Casting, retrieving and using the freespool and clutch adds twist to your line, which can weaken it and reduces casting distance. In extreme cases, the line will bounce off the spool and ball up as it untwists. More expensive reels incorporate various technologies to minimise line twists.
Cranking power: This is the reel's ability to wind under pressure, the better the cranking power the more powerful the reel is.
Frequently asked questions on fishing reels under £75
Can I use one reel for multiple tactics?
Yes, as long as the size is suitable, as too big a reel for waggler fishing, for example, makes a lightweight rod feel clumsy, whilst too small a reel for feeder fishing will restrict casting distance and reduce the winding power needed to retrieve heavy feeders. This is where spare spools become useful. On a 4000-sized reel, one could be loaded with 3lb line for waggler fishing, whilst a second could be loaded with 6lb for the feeder work.
Should I use a Baitrunner reel for barbel fishing? {#block-42face75-4956-4fbd-859f-ffef11148d91}
If you are going to be watching the rod and roving the river, perhaps rolling baits, then a Baitrunner is not essential. However, if you are an angler who likes to sit back and relax, a Baitrunner reel is essential to stop your rod being dragged in on the take. A barbel bite is typically far more savage than anything any other fish will give. {#block-f850a42b-6539-4169-bbb0-d282c459f78e}
How can I clean my reel?
A damp cloth and warm water should be enough. Although reels are designed to be as watertight as possible, keep their exposure minimal, as any that gets inside will rinse lubricants from the reel, ultimately effecting performance and longevity. An old toothbrush can be useful too.
Author Jonathan Longden, is an experienced angler. With over 20 years experience in the tackle trade specialising in match and coarse fishing he has an extensive practical knowledge of the latest equipment and the specific needs of anglers. He currently occupies the role of digital content writer at Angling Times.