There's a lot of debate on whether to use a bait caster or spinning reel (we'll talk more on this later), but a spinning reel allows you to go back to the basics. Both beginners and pro anglers prefer it, and not just because a spinning reel is easy to use, but also because it’s lightweight, affordable, and works well in many unique fishing environments.

We're not saying that a bait caster isn't useful (in fact, most serious anglers have both a bait caster and a spinning reel in their gear collections). A spinning reel is just preferred in certain situations, especially for throwing light tackle since they only need to pull the weight of the line.

Body construction is a major consideration, but it’s not the only reel feature to look into. You’ll also want to consider the spinning reel size, which is ultimately determined by the weight of the line you’ll be using. You shouldn’t go above a 10-lb test line with a spinning reel, but most anglers opt for an 8-lb line. You’ll want to base the size of your reel on the line size you choose.

Gear ratio is another consideration, which refers to the number of times the spool turns each time the handle is turned. A slow-speed gear ratio would be 4:1, 5:1 is medium, and 6:1 and above is considered high-speed. A slow gear ratio is more ideal for reeling in large fish since it provides better torque, but a high ratio is best for fast retrieval. All in all, the gear ratio you choose depends on the type of fish.

A spinning reel's drag system is responsible for applying pressure to a hooked fish. Proper drag lets out the line during a fight between an angler and a fish, and if the drag isn't high in quality, you'll risk broken lines and lost fish. Spinning reel drag should be smooth and non-constrictive with adjustable tension.

When picking the best spinning reel, there are two types of drag to choose from - front and rear. Bass Pro says that "front-drag systems generally feature multiple, large drag washers that offer increased durability and performance in comparison to rear-drag models. Rear-drag controls are easier to access (especially when fighting fish), yet they don't stand up as well to large, hard fighting fish species."

A spinning reel’s ball bearings are placed within the body of the reel to provide support, stability, and smooth operation. A general rule of thumb is that the more ball bearings there are in a reel, the smoother it spins. It doesn’t just depend on the number of ball bearings, but also the material (stainless steel is often the smoothest).

Try to find something with at least 3 or 4 bearings, but keep in mind that a higher-bearing reel will increase the cost. But on the flip side, paying a bit extra for smooth spinning reel operation and better performance is entirely worth it (don't worry, even the best $75 models typically come with 5+ bearings). 

West Marine retail store says that when selecting a spinning reel, "the line capacity of a reel is the maximum length of line that the spool can hold without overloading the reel. The diameter of the fishing line increases along with its strength, which means that a higher test line takes up more space on the spool." The thicker the line, the less of it you'll be able to put on your reel. If you need a thick line for pulling in heavy fish, go for a reel with a high line capacity.

The Okuma Avenger is our top pick, not only for its affordability but also for its durability and smooth performance. This is a bait feeder reel, which is a spinning reel that allows the fishing reel to be released without flipping the bail over as soon as a fish strikes. The line is freed as soon as a fish bites, so all you have to do is start turning the reel handle to engage the line and allow the hook to set.

All Okuma bait feeder reels focus on high-quality design, solid materials, and sturdy construction, and the Avenger ABF is no exception. This reel comes in a variety of sizes, but they’re all designed with optimal performance in mind. The rotor equalizing system is just one feature we love, allowing for “precision balance and eliminates all spool wobble for perfect alignments and smooth cranking.”

Another great feature of the Avenger is its cyclonic flow rotor. This just works to increase the airflow around the reel's rotor, which increases drying time and minimizes corrosion. Every angler knows the importance of keeping a reel dry while in storage, and Okuma is way ahead of the game on this. This feature doesn't just help to keep your reel dry, but to increase its overall lifespan.

The Avenger’s quick-set anti-reverse handles help to engage the reel with rock-solid hook sets, and the even flow roller system works to reduce line twists by allowing the line to roll freely without friction. Oh, and did we mention that this spinning reel comes with 7 ball bearings constructed from high-quality stainless steel? There’s nothing bad to say about the Avenger, but some users find it to be a bit too heavy. This, however, is the sign of durable construction and high-quality materials.

The Pfluger President reel is the perfect choice under $75 for crank baiting. Crankbait fishing is the technique of choice among bass anglers, but it can be used for a variety of fish and fishing environments. This reel isn't just for crank baiting since the 10 stainless steel ball bearings make it the ideal choice for any angler who is looking for a spinning reel with smooth, reliable performance.

Since the bearings are constructed from stainless steel, they're incredibly resistant to corrosion. The rest of the reel body and rotor is made from graphite; a lot of anglers prefer graphite to stainless steel since it's much lighter in weight, making it more comfortable to use for long periods. The sealed drag system comes with slow oscillation gearing, which works to minimize line twisting.

On the Plueger site, you’ll find a simple description of the President reel, and even though it’s short, this statement says it all:

If you're looking for amazing value in your next spinning reel, you'll love the Daiwa Revros. This reel performs like a top of the range model, but it still falls within the $75 budget. It comes with hefty winding power, optimized speed and durability, and reduced weight due to its unique shape. The Daiwa company says that the "new Revros spinning reel is a great value-priced reel...you simply can't find a better deal."

Penn has always been a well-respected name among anglers, especially when it comes to the company's Fierce Live Liner reel. This reel is built with a full metal body and side plate for precise gear alignment, even under heavy loads. The rotor is balanced for smooth retrieval, it comes with an instant anti-reverse bearing, and it's available in multiple sizes. What more could you ask for?

Just like Penn, Shimano is a name that most anglers are at least familiar with. The company specializes in high-end fishing gear, but they also offer a selection of products (mainly spinning and baitcasting reels) at the low-end price point. One of these products is the Sedona Fl, and even though it’s one of the more affordable Shimano reels, it still compares to many high-end reels on the market.

Choosing between spinning and baitcasting reels is a tough one - each reel type comes with pros and cons. The main thing to remember is that spinning reels are the ideal choice for beginners, so if you’re a newcomer to angling, the decision is already made for you (opt for a spinning reel).

The reason that this is the better choice for beginners is that they’re much simpler to learn with. Because of their ease of use and versatility, many anglers start with spinning reels and prefer them even decades down the road. However, not all anglers stick with spinning reels. The reel you choose to use ultimately depends on the bait you’re using, the fish you’re pursuing, and your overall preference.

Bass Pro says that "line size probably plays the most important role in tackle selection...Baitcast reels can handle heavier line and actually allow for longer casts than spinning gear in the same size range. A small spinning reel has a smaller, more narrow spool, which has a hard time with large diameter lines. Small bait cast reels can handle these lines and provide greater casting distance."

Similar to choosing between spinning vs. baitcasting, the gear ratio you choose depends on your specific angling situation. In the past, there weren't nearly as many gear ratios to choose from, but now things aren't as simple nowadays. The main thing you need to remember is that the lower the ratio, the slower the line will spin on the reel.

The main factor in deciding on reel size is the type of line you plan on using (lighter line requires a smaller reel), but this isn’t the only thing to consider. You’ll also want to think about where you intend to fish (a still lake or a fast-moving river?) as well as what you’ll be fishing for (large grouper or small trout?). To keep things simple, we've broken down the common reel sizes into small, medium, and large:

Since spinning reels are the best choice for beginners, let’s go over some fishing tips for angling newcomers. The most important thing to remember is that safety comes first. Protect yourself from the sun, wear the proper safety gear, bring a first aid kit, and always stay hydrated. 

Aside from "safety first," another phrase to remember while fishing is "patience is a virtue." Yes, it's a bit of a cliche, but learning how to be patient is a major challenge for beginners. This can be a time-consuming process, but the good news is that the more you practice and build on your technique, the more fish you’ll end up catching.

To extend the lifespan of your reel, you must regularly clean it and undergo the proper maintenance, like oiling the reel every so often. After each fishing trip, you’ll want to clean the exterior of the reel with fresh water (especially if you’ve been fishing in saltwater conditions). Then, remove the spool and spray the interior with WD-40 or another lubricating spray.

You can pop into your local outdoor gear store to buy a spinning reel, but the more convenient shopping method is to buy online. Amazon has a huge selection of products, all at the best prices. In addition to finding the best spinning reels under $75, Amazon offers everything you could possibly need for your next fishing trip, including fish finders, apparel, and fishing rods.  

Out of all the best spinning reels under $75, the Okuma Avenger is still our #1 choice. It's rare to find such a high-end reel for a price so low, so take advantage of it while you can.

Okuma has gone above and beyond any angler's wildest expectations with this bait feeder in terms of performance, lifespan, and cost. It's not the only under-$75 option, though - you can't go wrong with any of the models on our list.