4 Best Spinning Reels For Float Fishing: 2023 Buyers Guide
I have been using spinning reels to float fish for over 30 years, and I have been guiding with spinning reels for 20 years.
The best spinning reels for float fishing are the ones that hold a large amount of line, have a large smooth spool to allow the line to come off freely, and have a good smooth drag system to manage those big fish. For most general river conditions, a spinning reel in the size 30 will be perfect.
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Best Spinning Reels For Float Fishing
I have used a lot of different spinning reels to float fish, but my four best are the Shimano Stradic C14, the Pflueger Supreme XT, the Abu Revo SX, and even the Pflueger President spinning reel.
When float fishing with a spinning reel, one thing you want it to be able to do is have the line come off the reel smoothly as the float drifts down the river.
This allows for long, smooth drifts, and that means more fish.
You can see on this reel in the pictures the taper on the spool, which allows the line to come off easily.
Spinning Reel Sizing
Spinning reels are measured in sizes ranging from 10 to 50 or depending on the company, tit will be listed as a 1000 to 5000 or bigger.
It’s not an exact sizing method since one company’s size 20 might be bigger or smaller than another company’s size 20, but it’s usually close.
Some companies will give their reel a number like a 30, which will likely be close to other companies’ size 3000.
Normally a size 20 is similar to a 2000 and a 40 is similar to a 4000, and so on.
Best Spinning Reels For Trout
The best spinning reel for trout should is usually a size 15 to 20, but your spinning reel should match the size of the trout and the size of the rivers that you fish.
Since trout in small rivers or even in larger rivers don’t get as big as steelhead and salmon do they do not require the same sized spinning reels.
Also, on smaller rivers, you can usually walk or chase a running trout so you won’t require a reel that holds much line which is why a sized 10 to 20 (1000 to 2000 Model) should work.
You also won’t likely be using a 13-foot rod on a creek that’s only 12 feet wide so your spinning reel should also match the rod you are going to be using.
For average-sized trout under 16 inches or on small creeks of 12 feet or less, or where a 6-foot to 9-foot rod is best, I recommend most reels in the size 15 or 20. (1500 or 2000 models)
If you are using a 5 to 6-foot ultralight rod for small streams then a size 10 to 15 should work well.
These same reels will work for lures and for bottom bouncing methods as well.
For trout fishing, I use and guide with the Shimano Stradic FL.
I have also used the Abu Revo or the Pflueger President 20X model which is a great budget reel.
Best OverAll Reel: Shimano Stradic 3000
My favorite reel for steelhead, and a favorite of many anglers is the Shimano Stradic 3000.
This is a reliable and durable reel that will help you land lots of steelhead.
It’s a great reel for steelhead due to its smooth drag system, solid gearing, and the way the line comes off the reel.
Fan Favorite: Abu Garcia Revo SX 30
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Another good option under $200.00 is the Abu Garcia Revo SX 30. I have used the reel for trout, steelhead, salmon, bass, and pike.
This is also my brother’s favorite reel and he claims it’s one of the smoothest reels he owns.
Best Reviewed Reel – Pflueger President XT Spinning Reel
The Pflueger XT 30 is the high-end model, which is the top reel in the above image and is a great option for small and large trout.
These are my President XT reels that I just bought in Jan 2023, and I will use them when guiding clients.
If they work for me, they will work for you.
Best Budget Reel – Pflueger President Spinning Reel
The Pflueger President Spinning Reel runs for about $75.00 and is the best budget reel on my list.
For a budget spinning reel, I would choose the Pflueger President 30X, but don’t go any cheaper than this, or you may find yourself with a reel with lots of problems.
These same reels will work great for lures, and if lure fishing is something you want to know more about, check out my page on the Best Steelhead Lures.
Best Spinning Reels For Steelhead
The best reels for steelhead will have smooth drags, hold plenty of line, and be in the size 30 range. They will also allow the line to come off the reel smoothly for extra-long drifts.
Since steelhead can make long, fast runs, and are often found in bigger rivers, you will need a good drag system and one that works well in cold weather.
I can’t stress the importance of a smooth drag. Sticky, uneven drags, are horrible on a fish like steelhead and will cause break-offs or hooks tearing out of the fish’s mouth.
Spinning reels for steelhead should hold a large amount of line in the 8 to 12-pound range since sometimes you will make very long drifts, and sometimes the fish will run 300 feet or more.
Best Salmon Spinning Reel
The best salmon spinning reels will be bigger and hold a lot of line for those long, powerful runs.
Reels for float fishing for salmon will also need to have a great drag system, which is why I use the exact same reels that I do for steelhead.
Different brand sizes will determine if I’m Ok using the size 30 or 3000 size. Normally for bigger rivers, I may upsize to the 35/3500 or the 40/4000 model.
On smaller salmon rivers like the one in the picture, I will run the size 30, the same size reel I use for steelhead.
I recommend the Shimano Stradic FL 3000 or 4000 or the Shimano Stradic FL 3000 or 4000 for all your salmon fishing. This reel has solid gears for big fish and holds enough line. It also has one of the smoothest drags I have seen on a reel. The Stradic has been a very popular reel for river anglers for many years.
If you are looking for a less expensive reel for salmon, you need to be careful because the cheaper reels often can’t handle these giant fish. Should you want to try a less expensive reel, then try the Abu Garcia Revo SX 30 or SX40 spinning reel or the Pflueger President XT Spinning reel in size 40.
Best Float Rods For Spinning Reels
The best float fishing rod for spinning reels depends on the size of the river and the size of the fish.
For Steelhead I use my Centerpin rods with the sliding rings, and it works great. These rods are usually 12 to 14 feet long and are designed for float fishing.
There are also float rods in the 9 to 11-foot range with reel seats that are meant for spinning reels.
There are a few good float fishing rods that I recommend and use on my Best Float Fishing Rods page.
Best Line For Float Fishing
For float fishing, you want a line that is thin, lightweight, and more buoyant.
Check out my page, The Best Float Fishing Lines for what I recommend and what other anglers are having success with.
Also, If you really want to improve your float fishing game, be sure to check out my page, Float Fishing: Tips From River Guides.
It’s a good idea to use appropriately sized reels for the species you want to target, which is why I have articles for the Best Reels For Trout Fishing, Best Reels For Steelhead Fishing, and Best Reels Salmon Fishing.
Tight Lines!
Graham
Do you have any suggestions on bait casters for float fishing salmon and steelhead?
I mostly fish in SW Washington and the S rivers closer to Seattle.
If you want a premium reel like the One I use, try the Shimano Curado 200K.
Some guys like the pop can style of the Shimano Calcutta D 300 or 400 or the Abu Garcia C3 5500/6500.
Good Luck,
Graham,
Hi! Has your stance on spinning reel recommendations changed? I noticed the suggestions have been crossed out above. Lost my Presidential reel in an Ohio river so I need to replace and was thinking of all the options. Thanks in advance!
Hey Chris,
The crossed-out links were a system error, they should be fixed now. FYI, I just bought two new President reels so they are still good reels to use.
Graham
What gear ratio would you suggest using a bait caster floating for Salmon and Steelhead? 7.1:1 or 8.1:1
The advantage to the higher gear ratio is you can get the line in quicker after very long drifts which is nice, however, I would go with the lower gear ratio for more power getting in those big steelhead and salmon.
If your fish are all under 5 pounds then the higher gear ratio should be fine.
Good Luck,
Graham
How do you deal with freezing eyelets and frozen reel line when float fishing with spinning reel in sub-freezing temperatures for trout in rivers?
Thank you for devoting your time to sharing knowledge accumulated over decades spent on the river.
Hey Ivo,
I have some great tips for clearing out icy guides. Check them out on my article on Winter Fishing. https://troutandsteelhead.net/fishing-in-the-winter/
Graham