Best Budget Multiplier Reel

Just like more expensive fly reels on the market, low-cost fly reels should be built for durability, dependability, precision, and ergonomic handling. For their well-rounded designs, the following are some of the best affordable fly reels on the market. Piscifun Aluminum Fly Fishing Reel. A beach caster designed for fishing with a multiplier will usually come equipped with a trigger grip handle for a better and more efficient grip for casting. A multiplier is a reel that the spool is driven directly by its gearing. The reel itself is barrel-shaped and is held and used with the reel facing upwards. However, if the MGXtreme isn’t in your budget, the best ultralight spinning reel for the money award goes to the Shimano Stradic Ci4. The Stradic Ci4 weighs in as low as 5.6 ounces for the 1000 size, and 6.7 ounces for the 2500. As far as the best inshore spinning reels go, the Shimano Stradic Ci4 takes the cake. Best Spinning Reels for Bass.

1. Best Budget Multiplier Reel
2. Best Budget Multiplier Reels
3. Best Multiplier Reel 2019
4. Martin Multiplier Reels
5. Best Multiplier Reels
6. Martin Multiplier Fly Reels
7. Best Cheap Multiplier Reel

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Let’s start this post with a short story. I, the author, am from the UK. We don’t catch many catfish in the UK. I now live in Thailand where there are dozens of species of catfish. You see that picture below and to the right? That’s me. Actually, all the pictures on this page are me. That striped catfish took me an hour to land. I was using a 12 foot Shakespeare Cypry carp rod with a 2.5lb test curve.

A Shakespeare Omni Freespool 60 reel loaded with 20lb Berkley Trilene Big Game mono, straight through to a cage feeder and a size 6 hook. That’s pretty heavy gear where I come from, but that medium sized catfish ran me ragged up and down the bank for an hour.

So when I say that for catching large catfish, you need something more heavy duty than your average big carp or pike tackle, you can believe me. We need to look at some reels that make good catfish reels in this post. And there are actually some pretty good options. I’ll split this post in to two parts. Reels for bottom fishing for big catfish, and reels for lure fishing for big catfish.

Catfish Reels for Bottom Fishing

Shimano Medium Baitrunner CI4 XTR-A Longcast

This is the big daddy of the Shimano Baitrunner freshwater lineup. It might not be much to look at, but there is a reason for this. It’s a very low tech fishing reel. It won’t break under pressure, and it has an extremely powerful drag. Both very important things when thinking about catfish reels.

This baitrunner comes in two smaller sizes, the 8000 and the 6000. Steer clear of those for catfish fishing. The 10000 allows you to load a high yardage of heavy line. Catfish can run 30 to 50 yards if they have the room, and you can’t stop them, you can only wait for them to get tired. That extra yardage can mean the difference between seeing a big catfish on the bank, or an empty spool on your reel. It’s an expensive baitrunner at around $230, buy worth every dollar.

2 pcs. DAM Quick HRX 630 FS (double pack), Baitrunner reel

This is another high capacity, tough freespool reel, this time from DAM. It was included in this list of catfish reels due to the excellent gearing and the very powerful drag.

Best Budget Multiplier Reel

The main shaft is made from stainless steel, so it’s unlikely to warp if a catfish makes a power run, and the drag doesn’t slip soon enough. The rotor has also been completely balanced, which makes it a very smooth reel to use despite its size. Again, this is an expensive reel, coming in at $230, but worth it.

Pro Carp-GBR-F 6PiF – Big Pit Carp

Not every fisherman can afford to pay $200 or more for a catfish reel. So we have included the Pro Carp as a lower budget choice. At just over $100, this is a bargain. It comes with similar features to both the Shimano and the DAM, but at less than half the price.

Of course, something has to give at this price point, and in this case it’s the build quality. That being said, it’s still a very capable freespool reel. Line capacity is also very good with this reel from Pro Carp.

Stingray Tackle Company Aqua 40 Bait Runner Reel

Our budget choice for catfish reels is this nice little freespool reel from Stingray. We especially like the single piece aluminum body with this one. It’s tough and capable. The jumbo crank handle is also a big bonus for catfish.

At less than $100, this might not be the perfect reel for catching catfish on the bottom, but its great value, and entirely capable of getting the job done.

Catfish Reels for Lure Fishing

Best Budget Multiplier Reels

DAM Quick Royal FD – Big Pit and Catfish

This is our only open faced spinning reel included in the lure fishing category. But for good reason, this is an absolute monster of a spinning reel. For just over $200 this reel is equally at home lure fishing for big catfish or casting floating bread for shy carp.

10 bearings make this an extremely smooth fixed spool spinning reel, even at this size. We also like the styling of this reel, it simply looks great. The only thing we could ask for is a larger bail roller. The current one might be prone to line jump under extreme pressure.

Abu Garcia 6500 C3 Catfish Special Round Reel

This is probably the best value of all the catfish reels we have looked at in this post. Abu Garcia have done something special with this $129 baitcaster. Its retro design screams power. It looks more like a trolling multiplier than a lure fishing reel!

The carbon limited drag is both powerful and smooth, and this offers some great benefits for catching large catfish, as the feedback through this reel will be excellent. Add to this a centrifugal brake, and you have a long casting baitrunner with enough power to handle even the largest catfish.

Best Multiplier Reel 2019

Ming Yang CL60L Orange Baitcast Conventional Fishing Reel Lefthanded Left Catfish

We included this reel on the list, simply because it offers many of the features of the Abu Garcia 6500, but at half the price. Of course, the build quality is not going to be as good, but unless you are going to be fishing every day, then it should last quite some time.

Not much else to say about this catfish reel from Ming Yang, its dirt cheap and will do the job well, but likely not forever.

Daiwa Round Profile Millionaire Classic Baitcast Reel

Another beefy, heavy duty baitcaster reel, this time from Daiwa. Despite the looks, this is actually one of the most popular baitcaster reels with professional fishermen, and there is a good reason for this. It is durable and dependable. Just what we need for large catfish.

It is actually a very versatile baitcaster, it’s rated all the way up to heavy use for freshwater fishing, which is why it made our list of reels for catching large catfish in the first place. It’s also rated up to medium use for sea fishing, so in theory it could even be used as a light boat reel.

That’s it, that’s our list of good catfish reels, for both bottom fishing and lure fishing. There should be something on this list to suit everybody’s budget, and help them to land those big catfish.

Best multiplier reel beach casting at a Glance:

1. Abu Garcia Pro Max LP – Best professional baitcasting reel for the money.
2. SHIMANO CITICA 201I – Top rated, best balance of cost and performance.
3. Daiwa Steez – Best multiplier reel at premium segment.

Best multiplier reel for boat fishing at a Glance:

1. Shimano Corvalus 301 – Best multiplier reel for boat fishing.
2. Daiwa Accudepth Plus 27lc – Best budget multiplier reel with line counter.
3. Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C3 – Top rated, Best choice for boat fishing.

Best multiplier reel for beginners at a Glance:

1. SHIMANO CITICA 201I – Best beach casting multiplier reel for beginners.
2. Shimano Corvalus 301 – Best trolling reel for beginners.

What is a multiplier reel?

The multiplier reel enables with a single handle turn to lead to multiple reel reverses/turns. And, probably, you have already heard that the range of throwing with its use does not depend on the line or rather – its thickness. Also, this reel can boast its huge pulling power and sensitivity. And if you want to understand in details fishing with the use of multiplier reels and select the right model, then this article is for you.

The multiplier reel should be chosen:
• for a specific rod to get a good balance in weight,
• for a specific way and technique of fishing,
• for a specific jig weight.

The main characteristic of the multiplier is the gear ratio, which for freshwater bodies is usually 4.7-5.2. The power of multiple reel depends on this ratio.

Fishing methods and techniques with the use of multiple reels:

• jerk fishing;
• heavy jig;
• twitching technique of large minnows;
• lake and river trolling.

All these types of fishing involve heavy jigs to catch large predators. The power of the multiplier and their ability to work with rough gear is just indispensable, and other types of reels cannot be compared to them.

Types of multiplier reels

All multiplier reels can be divided into large groups by purpose and design.

For their intended purpose they are provisionally are broken up into:

• Casting reels, designed for fishing in cast.
• Trolling reels used in marine, river and lake fishing (weight of jig from 40 to 200 grams)
• Reels for steep fishing (jig weight up to 600 grams)
• Heavy Duty Multipliers (for very large jigs and large fish)

Multiplier reels for casting are lighter, simplier and cheaper. They should not be as powerful as the ones for trolling. Some trolling reels are equipped with a line counter.

By design the multiplicators are divided into:

• round fishing reels;
• low profile reel.

Round reels are heavier and more powerful, have impressive pulling and general power. Mostly all models of such multipliers are used in power fishing. They are used in trolling and heavy spinning, have cylindrical form.

Low-profile reels are designed for light and medium weight jigs as well as for fishing in cast. They are applied in spinning – jig, twitching, other ways and techniques, where the use of multiplier is justified. They are rarely used in sea fishing, have a thinner friction and are less large-format.

Multiplier reels also are divided into left-side and right-side ones. Left-side ones are good when moving from traditional spinning reels. The right-side ones are considered to be classic. The quality or working parameters of left-side multiplier are no different from right-side ones.

Low profile Multiplier reels

Low profile multiplier is the leader among light weight ones. The low profile insures a smaller angle of the line inflection, which reduces the line friction when passing it through the rings, this affects the flying distance.

Martin Multiplier Reels

• The lightweight low-torque spool, which can be made of magnesium alloy, has fast overclocking.
• This reduces the rod amplitude which is relevant in limited space.
• Almost perfect brake system provides an excellent cast of light jigs.
• In other words, the design features of such a reel do not allow to make it powerful.

Most of low profile multipliers cost at least 50 dollars and are designed for jigs with the weighing from 1 to 30 grams – with a cord 4 – 15Lb. That means, if you need to catch using light gigs – set up low profile reels.

Round Baitcasting Reels

Classic barrel-shaped lightweight models, work in a heavier range of 7-60 grams with 8-20 Lb cord.

Shooting “classic” is the type of reels which are in terms of production volumes inferior to the mighty models for Big Game but are well suited for our conditions.
These are medium class reels designed for jigs weighing 15 – 80 grams.
They are quite powerful and can throw heavy jigs over long distances.

After all, bearings in such models are not the most high-speed. Taking account of the mechanism simplicity it is easier with settings at medium speed.

Reel construction

The multiplier reel is much easier to use, but this product is equipped with certain systems ensuring its reliability and balanced operation. Let’s list the main basic units and systems.

• ACS or magnetic brake. (ACS ADJUSTABLE CENTRIFUGAL SYSTEM — adjustable centrifugal system.) There is a regulator on the end of the product body under which there are centrifugal magnetic cargoes – regulators. The regulator rotation according to the scale indicated on it brings the magnets closer or removes the magnets to the end of the rotating spool. Due to the forces arising between these two elements, braking is increased or weakened.
• Baseband transmission gears. The gear ratio of the multiplier reel depends on this unit or rather on the number of teeth on its gears. And as you know, this parameter affects the traction and speed characteristics of the product. The smaller the gear ratio is the slower and more powerful is MR. If the gear ratio increases the fishing gear becomes less tractional but faster.
• Mechanical brake. This is a rotation regulator which creates a certain pressure on the shaft underneath. In its turn, the shaft creates a pressing force on the spool due to which it begins to rotate with greater efforts.
• Brake of friction mechanism. A star regulator located on the axis of spool rotation. It enables to change easily and smoothly the pressure force on the control washers of the friction mechanism. With its assistance the multiplier reel is adjusted according to the level of effort on the line created by the caught fish, after exceeding which the line will begin to be removed from the spool.
• Uniform synchronized winder. The operation of this mechanism is based on the worm gear functioning. Uniform line laying from one spool side to another is executed at a variety of load levels. The mechanism of the line paver moves synchronously with the spool rotation which ensures smooth laying and absence of failures.

Braking Systems — Magnetic and Centrifugal

The reel braking system is crucial.
Setting up of the multiplier reel starts with adjustment of the friction brake.

All multipliers are equipped with two types of friction mechanisms:

• mechanical (axial);
• centrifugal (magnetic).

Setting up of the first one is necessary for a cardinal jig change with different weight, sailing and size. The second friction is necessary when braking the fishing line during casting. It does not require frequent outfit and is usually adjusted immediately after purchase or during the first fishing. Then it is not adjusted for a long time.

It is necessary to set up multiplier reels with maximally exposed centrifugal weights. Then, as necessary, you can switch off one pair by another one choosing the optimal operation of the friction. It is necessary to achieve that after the splashdown the multiplier itself stopped spinning. But it is required not to “overpull” the friction mechanism when the line will become slack with effort.

Best multiplier reel for beginners

We recommend these multiplier reels for beginners:

#	Preview	Model	Gear ratio	Weight	Price
1	SHIMANO CITICA 201I The best beach casting multiplier reel for beginners	7.2:1 6.3:1	7.5 oz	$$
2	SHIMANO CORVALUS 301 Top rated multiplier reel for boat fishing Best multiplier reel for beginners	5.2:1	10.9 oz	$$

What is the right way to adjust the brake for a beginner?

Put the magnetic one (or centrifugal) on exactly a half the braking force: magnetic one (10 point scale) on 5-6, in centrifugal split a half of brake disks. Mechanical one is adjusted so that when you hold the spinning parallel to the water, the jig slowly descends to its surface. Further, you just tuning the brake force under the conditions of catching using “thin” brake but without touching “thick” one. However, soon you will realize that you can throw without a “thick” brake.

Disadvantages of multiplier reels

• Difficulty in the development of casting and wiring jigs. It is difficult for beginners to adapt immediately to catching with casting gear.
• During each subsequent fishing or even with a radical change of jig, it is necessary to reconfigure the friction. Competent adjustment of the multiplier reel requires some experience, skills and previous knowledge of the fisherman.
• At the initial stages of cast development by the multiplier the appearance of beards, which often repels beginners spinningers is inevitable.
• Substantial weight of the fishing gear. This creates certain difficulties and inconveniences when fishing for long periods, especially when fishing from the shore or fishing with jerk jigs.

Advantages of best multiplier reels

• Impressive power indicators. No fixed-spool reel is comparable to the multiplier on the developed pulling force.
• Possibility to use very large and heavy jigs.
• Possibility to make shots at the right distance and apply different techniques of animation to carry out the most attractive wiring.
• The casting of the multiplier reel, its range and accuracy do not depend on the thickness of the line used. The quality of the throw depends on the technique of its performance.
• It does not twist the line and this fact favorably differs it from the fixed-spool reel.
• High sensitivity to sluggish and barely noticeable bites is ensured by placing the multiplier on the rod and a grip on the tackle, in which the cord is clamped between the index and the thumb.

The multiplier reel is durable and wear-resistant. It works confidently under extreme loads, withstands increased loads and is suitable for complicated fishing conditions. For example, when holding in the supports, the multiplier enables you to force playing in order to prevent tackle tangling and breaking, when the cut predator can hide under the snags or flooded tree.

TOP-3, Best multiplier reel beach casting 2019

#	Preview	Model	Gear ratio	Weight	Price
1	Abu Garcia Pro Max LP Top rated professional baitcasting reel for the money Best lightweight multiplier reel beach casting	7.1:1	7.9 ounces	$$$
2	SHIMANO CITICA 201I Best balance of cost and performance	7.2:1 6.3:1	7.5 ounces	$$$
3	Daiwa Steez EX 100HSL Best casting multiplier reel at premium segment	7.1:1	5.8 ounces	$$$$$

Abu Garcia Pro Max LP Review

Let’s be honest: Abu Garcia Pro Max LP is not the most technologically advanced and efficient multiplier reel recommended for casting at the moment. However, it does much more, insuring consumers a balance of value and quality. In addition to excellent customization the model is equipped with an aluminum spool and a reliable graphite body, inside which there is a gears with a gear ratio of 7.1:1. There are seven corrosion-resistant rolling bearings with a decent warranty life, as well as one standard roller.

The weight of Abu Garcia Pro Max LP is only 207 grams — not a huge increase to the total rod weight and, as a result, low level of fisher fatigue from periodic bait casting. In the end, we get an impeccable model, the cost of which is fully justified by the catchment and all operational aspects.

The best distance casting multiplier reel

Pros:

• average cost; $
• low weight (207 g);
• high quality of component parts;
• good for professional fisherman;
• very good reel for the price.

Cons: lacks a little in power.

Shimano Citica 201 Review

Another representative of Shimano in the ranking is Shimano Citica 201I multiplier reel, which has been widely used in casting fishing. Under the lightweight aluminum body, which has a spectacular shape and silver-orange colour, there is a simple but very high quality mechanism with X-SHIP gears, Star Drag brake and implemented cast control system . Friction brake can withstand the force of 5.5 kilograms — good result for a reel designed to catch a predator in small reservoirs.

Since the model was presented to the general public in 2016, the anglers managed to conduct a number of real “stress tests”, the results of which were very positive. The main portion of praise was to the accuracy of Shimano Citica 201I action and its “charge” on the fight, which is called, to the last. It is a pity but not everyone can afford this reel.

The best beach casting multiplier reel

Pros:

• excellent appearance;
• durability;
• low weight (212 g);
• friction is designed for 5.5 kilograms of load;
• very affordable multiplier reel.

Cons: does not cast very far.

Daiwa Steez EX Review, best casting multiplier reel

This premium segment fishing gear is actively used in sports competitions as it is suitable for various types of jigs and fishing. This super lightweight and easy to use bytester is placed in a steel case. There is nothing better than this! Its weigh is only 155 grams, placed in a steel frame of magnesium and steel sidewall, so it seems like you have just air in your hands! Super compact housing and full-size gearbox protection, plus incredible 12-bearing system (11 ball bearings + 1 Infinite Anti-Reverse roller bearing system (instant brake back) enables the ultra light dural reel to work exceptionally perfectly.

The design of the “curved” handle and the “asterisk” brake give a perfect start to worm gear and insure unmatched power. Add to this innovative MagforceV braking system, with the help of which the fisherman achieves an unrivaled throw without fear of “anti-reverse”.

Combining super-precision elements made of magnesium and titanium, Steez offers uncompromising quality and performance.

• INFINITE ANTI REVERSE is an instantaneous “infinite” rotor breverse stop.
• Touch magnetic brake – MAGFORCE V (ANTI-BACKLASH CONTROL).
• Magforce-V Automatic (Magnetic Brakes) – Revolutionary magnetic spool braking system combines the best aspects of modern magnetic and centrifugal braking systems, providing long-range and light cast.
• Magforce-Z Automatic – The magnetic brake always has a number of advantages over the classic centrifugal, especially in settings and functionality. MAGFORCE-Z is the latest generation of magnetic braking system of the spool combining the best technological aspects of modern magnetic ones.
• Free Floating Spool – Unlike other multiplier reels where the spool rotates on the axis in constant interaction with the drive mechanism, Daiwa has developed a unique system of Free Floating Spool, insuring independent spool spinning on precision bearings.
• Super Drag – This precise and smooth friction adjustment system enables not only to handle trophy specimens easily, but also to use light gear and thin fishing lines, as well as to prevent annoying fish catches with strong jerks.
• Infinite Anti Reverse – Instant reverse stop. Its role in modern DAIWA spinning reels and multiplier reels is performed by high-quality roller bearing.
• Air Metal – Ultralight magnesium alloy with the best ratio of strength and lightness.
• Engine Plate − These are plates set up on both sides of the reel frame, enabling to fix rigidly the support bearings and to center the internal mechanism relatively the reel axis.

The best multiplier reel for lure fishing

Pros:

• light weight;
• super compact frame;
• hyper speed baitcast;
• unsurpassed power.

Cons: price.

Top-3, Best multiplier reel for boat fishing 2019

Best round baitcasting reels for trolling (boat fishing).

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Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C3 Round Reel Review

The famous series of reels from Swedish manufacturer has a logical continuation in the form Ambassadeur C3 – an outstanding model of multiplier reel, created taking into account the developments and enormous experience of Abu Garcia engineers. Shining from the outside, the model conceals its true potential in the structural part, where the advanced mechanism and as many as seven ball bearings (+ one roller) are located. The Carbon Matrix system, consisting of six-beam centrifuge brake with a switch mechanism, is responsible for the braking effect and smoothness of adjustment.

Best Multiplier Reels

If you consider this model from the point of view of ergonomics, in general, you cannot be distinguished anything with a negative comment. As noted by fishermen, the reel is perfect for trolling on river reservoirs, since neither forest capacity nor friction brake is suitable for “attempt” on marine inhabitants.

Best trolling multiplier reel

Pros:

• high catchability in river trolling;
• heir to the popular series;
• mechanisms components of the highest quality;

Cons: price.

Shimano Corvalus 301 Review

If Shimano Corvalus 301 is slightly behind the main opponent in terms of the design and the applied mechanisms, the parameters of design and appearance can get the most laudable feedback. Fortunately, fishermen love it not just for this: for river trolling such a reel will be perfect.

The main factors influencing the choice of this model is the extreme working resource. All people who are not indifferent to fishing are aware of the fact that Shimano produces high-quality fishing equipment, putting into it not the largest list of parts and miniature units. In this case, only four ball bearings are used in friction pairs — as tests show, to ensure the proper characteristics no more is not required. The spool of the multiplier reel is designed for 240 meters of 0.3-mm line — insufficient for sea fishing but quite acceptable for river fishing.

Based on the results of a brief review, we can conclude that SHIMANO CORVALUS 301 will be a really good purchase, especially taking into account its low cost.

Best multiplier reel for boat fishing

Pros:

• smooth running and no backlash even with four rolling supports;
• awesome reel and a great price;
• line capacity of spool (240 m);
• nice design;

Cons: basic casting reel.

Daiwa Accudepth Plus 27lc Review

In pursuit of the championship in the category of fishing reels, DAIWA often goes far beyond the main opponents. However, such measures become either redundant or useful, but not accepted by a wide (and unprepared) audience. In the case of DAIWA Accudepth Plus 27LCBW the role of such “excess” is played by the line counter set up on the multiplier — an interesting but very stupid thing for the fisherman, giving nothing more than rapidity.

Abstracting from trifles, we can say that constructively the reel is made to be rather reliable.

For sea fishing it, of course, is not enough, but for perch and pike fishing on a wide river it is perfectly suitable. Unfortunately, additional “envelopes” added to the cost of Accudepth Plus 27LCBW some money, which in some way pushed away even true company adherents. However, objectively, the reel puts out of business the majority of models which are in this market segment.

The best multiplier reel for boat fishing with line counter

Pros:

Martin Multiplier Fly Reels

• the presence of a line counter;
• corporate quality;
• smooth drag system
• high construction reliability;
• smooth, looks good, and the price is great.

Best Cheap Multiplier Reel

Cons: line counter accuracy and more heavy.

Best Multiplier reel brands

Below there are TOP-5 brands of multiplier reels:

• Abu Garcia (Sweden). The beginning of activity — 1921. It owns 58 percent of the world’s fishery products. The company gained worldwide fame after the release of the “Ambassador” coil, which later reproduced a huge number of varieties. This reel still is the most popular among fishermen all over the world. And the first copies of it has taken an honorable place on the collectors shelves. (abu multiplier reels / abu multiplier /)
• Shimano (Japan). It was also registered in 1921. Originally produced bicycle parts. Fishing accessories have been produced since 1970. The record range cast is set with its “Aero” reel. (shimano multiplier)
• Daiwa (Japan). Year of establishment is 1945. It started with the production of fishing accessories, which have been produced until now. Daiwa multipliers are primarily Daiwa Steez, Daiwa TD Zillion and Smak. “Classics” — Daiwa Millionaire, Bayard and TD-Luna. (daiwa multiplier reels)
• Banax (South Korea). Year of foundation is 1973. It started as a joint venture with Daiwa. Than it separated in 1996. The production is aimed at maximizing the quality and this attracts the attention of fishermen.
• Okuma multiplier reels. Okuma presents a high-tech range of multipliers. Among Okuma multiplier reels models for spinning there are all types of fishing: trolling, fishing in a cast or in a plumb.
• Penn multiplier reels (USA). Works since 1932. It is distinguished by the variety of products offered. Its assortment includes more than 280 items. The development of reels is focused on both elite and democratic buyers with equal quality for both. penn multiplier reel / penn multiplier
  When choosing a multiplier reel, you can safely trust any of these 5 brands. Whether it’s a low-profile, classic or trolling reel, it will definitely last for a long time.