3 Best Catfish Reels - Under $90

This article is an in-depth review of the Three (3) Best Catfish Reels that just so happen to retail under $90! I own and use these 3 Baitcast Fishing Reels so my review will be based on my personal experience and, of course, opinion!

The below features are important considerations when purchasing a Baitcast Reels:

1. The Drag System should be rated 10 lb or more.

2. The Brake should be Centrifugal or Magnetic.

3. The Spool should hold at least 200 yards for Drift Fishing and Big Fish Runs.

4. The Handle should be 100mm minimum for additional Torque.

5. The Gears should be made of Metal and Capable of Handling the unforgiving stress of Braid.

6. The Bait Clicker should be Audible and Easy to Operate.

7. They should possess components with minimal tolerances for Smoothness.

I am listing the Reels in alphabetical order by Manufacturer.

DAIWA MILLIONAIRE CLASSIC UTD 250 $89.99

The Millionaire Classic made its' debut with Daiwa years ago and has passed all the tests. Daiwa has made several updated improvements, one being their Carbon "Ultimate Tournament Drag" system, hence '"UTD". This system is capable of 11 pounds of drag pressure and is extremely smooth. Other features of the Daiwa Millionaire Classic UTD are the Machined Aluminum Spool, Alloy Gears compatible with today's Braided Lines, and the 100mm Swept Handle with "Soft Touch" Over-Sized Knobs. I have found the Knobs to be slip-resistant with wet hands! With its 3 Bearing System, 4-pin Centrifugal Brake system, 5.1:1 Gear Ratio, and available in Right and Left Hand Models, the Daiwa Millionaire Classic is loaded with Fishing Attributes.

Drag - Carbon "Ultimate Tournament Drag" (11 lb)

Brake - 4-Pin Centrifugal

Spool - Machined Aluminum supported by 2 Bearings

Line Capacity - Mono 12/280, 14/230, 17/180. Braid 30/330, 40/220

Handle - 100mm Swept Handle with "Soft Touch" Knobs

Gear Ratio - 5.1:1

Bait Clicker - Yes, Slide type located on top of the "Non-Handle" Side Plate

Smoothness - I give it a 9 out of 10 (10 being the Smoothest)

Purchase from "Tackle Direct"

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LEW'S LASER LXLC 60 $79.99

The Lew's Laser LXLC 60 Baitcast Reel is the Largest of the 3 reviewed in this Article. The Anodized Aluminum Spool will hold 330 yards of 20-pound Monofilament Line making it a good fit for Drifting. Another feature of the Lew's Laser LXLC 60 is the Carbon Fiber Drag System capable of 15 pounds of Drag Power. This Smooth Drag System coupled with its 100mm Handle can handle a pretty good fight. Additional features include a Chrome Plated Brass Frame, Adjustable Centrifugal Braking System, 4 Bearing System, Brass Main Gear and Crankshaft, and a Bait Clicker. At 11.9 oz the Laser is the Heaviest of the 3 Reels reviewed but is Solid and should last a Lifetime of Fishing.

Drag - Carbon Fiber (15 lb)

Brake - Adjustable Centrifugal System

Spool - Anodized Aluminum supported by 2 Bearings

Line Capacity - Mono 20pt/330yd. Braid 80/330

Handle - 100mm Anodized Aluminum with EVA Knobs

Gear Ratio - 4.2:1

Bait Clicker - Yes, Buttom type located on the side of the Plate

Smoothness - I give it an 8 out of 10 (10 being the Smoothest)

Purchase at "Optics Planet"

Piscifun is a fairly new Contender in the Fishing Tackle industry and their products are packed with Quality Features. The Piscifun Chaos XS 40 possesses a 6+1 Stainless Steel Bearing System and an extremely Smooth Carbon Fiber Drag System capable of 18 pounds of stopping power. I spend a lot of time picking out "Bird Nest" on other reels, but I have yet to Backlash the 6-Pin Centrifugal Brake System on the Chaos XS. This Baitcast Reel sports a 5.3:1 Gear Ratio and a Japanese Haimai-Cut Brass Main Gear for a smooth Retrieve. The Linkage Line Wind System keeps the Level Wind running true for even Line Lay on the Spool. Don't let the price fool you, the Piscifun Chaos XS 40 is packed with Quality Components and is by far the Smoothest Baitcast Fishing Reel I've used for Catfishing.

Drag - Carbon Fiber (18 lb)

Brake - 6-Pin Centrifugal

Spool - Anti-Line Skip Aluminum supported by 2 Bearings

Line Capacity - Mono 14pt/180yd. Braid 30/220

Handle - 100mm Handle with flat "Non-Slip" Knobs

Gear Ratio - 5.3:1

Bait Clicker - Yes, Slide Type located on the side of the Plate

Smoothness - I give it a 10 out of 10 (10 being the Smoothest)

Get yours at "Piscifun Tackle"

Final Remarks

All 3 of these Baitcast Fishing Reels possess their unique features and as a bonus....are Under $90!

I hope this article has been informative and will help you in choosing a Catfish Fishing Reel.

God Bless

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