Out of all the reels in my arsenal from KastKing and other manufacturers, the spinning reel by far is the most versatile. You can achieve a lot with a spinning reel. The ability to make super long casts, easy to skip soft plastic baits, and most of all, even the youngsters can learn how to use them easily.

Spinning reels need to be part of your tackle, and quality spinning reels are what KastKing has to offer. For this piece, let's focus on three I feel will live up to the test of time, come in a variety of sizes, look great, and will have you landing fish-after-fish every time on the water.

As for the three spinning reels, these three will also give you a good balance in the size department. The smaller—size wise—of the three is the MegaJaws Elite, coming in two sizes: 2000 and 3000. Next up would be the Skeet Reese Icon, which is available in two sizes as well: 2000 and 3000. The last is the newer Royal Legend Pro that covers the gamut from size 1000 to 4000.

Ultimate Tournament Spinning Reel: MegaJaws Elite Spinning Reel

The MegaJaws Elite is the higher-end—price tag wise—in this spinning reel lineup. Coming in at just under $140, the reel is still not overly expensive and gives anglers a precision-made reel for all-day and years of service.

What I really liked was its overall weight. This reel, depending on the size, weighs a full 2 ounces less than the other two. Believe me, when you are tournament fishing and making hundreds of casts a day, 2 ounces means a lot.

The reel offers some solid features seen in reels costing a lot more, but then again, that is KastKing's standard. The aerospace 2014 Digi-cut aluminum main gear with a Rockwell Hardness of 82 is 15% stronger than any zinc-alloy gear. The weightlessness can be attributed partly to the Uni-Frame aerospace aluminum body and carbon rotor. Another feature is its incredible smoothness on the retrieve. This reel is as smooth as a baby's behind.

• Rust-free 6061 aluminum one-piece bail wire
• One-piece Uni-Frame construction provides laser straight alignment of the gears and shafts. 
• 10+1 advanced MaxiDur ultra-smooth stainless-steel bearings, making it a great saltwater fishing reel or freshwater spinning reel
• 6.2:1 gear ratio with maximum 35.5 IPT
• Extremely light overall weight—from 6.8 to 7.0 ounces depending on size

The MegaJaws Elite is a reel you definitely want in your arsenal. Pick one up today—you will not be disappointed.

Best All-Around Bass Spinning Reel: Skeet Reese Icon Spinning Reel

When a well-known professional bass angler endorses a reel, heads turn, and that is exactly what happened when Skeet Reese endorsed and raved about this reel. If this reel is good enough for Skeet to use on tour, where his family's financial needs are met, then I am sure it is one you would want too.

I started using the Icon when it first came out, and it is one of my favorite spinning reels. I utilize the 3000 size to throw every imaginable lure at largemouth bass in Florida. Topwaters, small jigs, swimbaits, and others can be cast a mile, and this reel has had zero flaws in almost three years of service.

I remember when this reel was launched at the ICAST Show in 2023 and picked one up as soon as it was available.

• Aluminum frame and main covers, featuring a robust carbon fiber rotor
• 2000 model is 9 oz., and the 3000 model is 9.3 oz.
• 17.6 pounds of drag
• 10+1 shielded stainless steel ball bearings
• Two-disc carbon fiber drag

The Skeet Reese Icon spinning reel is here to stay and will stand the test of time due to its quality components and great build. If you only grab one of the three, the Skeet would be my choice.

Best Budget Bass Spinning Reel: Royal Legend Pro Spinning Reel

The pretty boy of the bunch—and least expensive—is the Royal Legend Pro. This reel is a sight to behold and was actually chosen by anglers' input. The reel glistens in the sunlight, casting rays of sunshine. Okay, enough with the beauty, as beauty alone is not going to catch me any fish!

I have been using the Royal Legend 4000 size for months at this point. The reel is a little heavier than the previous two, but not heavy enough to warrant not using it. I use the reel when throwing soft plastic jerkbaits, crankbaits, and even topwater with ease.

Depending on what Royal Legend or similar rod you pair it with, this reel will fill the bill. The reel comes in four different sizes, from ultra-light 1000 up to a 4000, which can handle larger lures and bigger fish on the saltwater side if needed.

Another really great feature is its cost. This beauty, which is well-made and durable, only hits the wallet with a $80 price tag. Whether you are just starting or a seasoned pro, savings will aid in replacing those lost lures.

• 10+1 MaxiDur ball bearings
• Lightweight yet high-strength carbon fiber construction
• Digi-cut aluminum main gear with a Rockwell Hardness of 80
• 25 pounds of potential fish-stopping drag
• Celestial-inspired paint scheme—it's a beauty

If you are looking to stay on a tight budget and want a quality-made, great-looking, and functional reel, the Royal Legend Pro has a place in your boat or rod rack waiting to hit the banks.

There you have it—three great KastKing reels that will either add to your already stellar arsenal or begin one of the best arsenals around.
Either way, adding one or all three of these reels is a win-win.
Until next time, tight lines and screaming drags.

Why are spinning reels better for beginners?

A: Spinning reels are widely recommended for beginners because they are easier to use and more forgiving than baitcasting reels. According to Take Me Fishing, spinning reels feature an open-face design that significantly reduces backlash (line tangles), making them ideal for new anglers learning casting control.

They also perform better with lighter lures and lines, which are commonly used in bass fishing techniques such as finesse fishing, drop shots, and small soft plastics. This allows beginners to focus on presentation and fish behavior rather than constantly managing line issues.

What is the difference between a spinning reel and a baitcaster?

A: The primary difference between spinning reels and baitcasting reels lies in spool orientation, casting mechanics, and control.

According to Bass Anglers Sportsman Society:
Spinning reels have a fixed spool and release line in coils, making them easier to cast and better suited for lightweight lures.
Baitcasting reels have a rotating spool, offering greater accuracy, power, and control but requiring more skill to prevent backlash.

Spinning = easier learning curve, finesse techniques
Baitcaster = higher precision, heavier lures, advanced control

When should you use a spinning reel for bass fishing?

A: Spinning reels excel in finesse situations and when fishing pressure is high. Data and technique guidance from Major League Fishing highlight that spinning setups are especially effective when:
Using light line (6–10 lb)
Fishing clear water conditions
Targeting pressured or inactive bass
Presenting finesse baits like drop shots, Ned rigs, or small swimbaits

They are also ideal for skipping docks, making long casts, and handling windy conditions—situations where baitcasters can struggle.

Are spinning reels good for all bass fishing situations?

A: Spinning reels are extremely versatile but not always optimal for every scenario.

For heavy cover, thick vegetation, or large power baits, baitcasting gear is generally preferred due to its stronger drag systems and better control under load. However, many modern anglers use a combination of both setups, with spinning reels covering finesse applications and baitcasters handling power techniques.

About the Author: 

Tom Melton is an outdoor writer and lifelong angler with over 40 years of fishing experience. In 1994, he served as Editor of The Fisherman Magazine on Long Island. He has written more than 5,000 fishing articles and columns and is the author of Fishing the Long Island Coast. Now based in Florida, Tom focuses on freshwater bass fishing as well as saltwater species, sharing practical techniques and gear insights for anglers of all levels.