KastKing Spartacus II Baitcasting Fishing Reel, 6oz Ultralight Baitcaster Reel, Super Smooth with 17.6 LB Carbon Fiber Drag, 7.2:1 Gear Ratio, 39mm Palm Perfect Lower Profile Design

I know, a $400 reel just screams durability and ability to catch whales. But I like these Kastking reels. I especially like this one. This is her husband by the way, my wife doesn't fish. Eats Mcdonalds fish, but wouldn't fish if her life depended on it. These reels are sturdy, INEXPENSIVE, and when you get the hang of of it, all bait casters are fun to use at the beginning, they work just like any other casting reel. I caught a 6 pound Bass on one and he wasn't any harder to land on this reel as he would have been easy to land on a $400 reel. Normally Kastking installs audible spool tension knobs, this one is quiet. No tick tick when you turn it. It also has a spring loaded brake cover knob which makes removing the cover a bit more challenging. My others have the down for off, up for latched. But this one allows me to throw lighter baits a bit easier without all the backlash issues.

Smooth and fantastic reel

Not the best kastking casting reel ive owned but it is priced fair. I only use it for river jiggin and suits me weĺ

For the money, this reel is a 10/10. I got the right handed version and I’ve landed well over 100 smallmouth this fall using this reel, including my pb, over 5 pounds. Drag works well, it casts a mile once you get it set up for the lure you’re using, and it’s smooth. Fighting dozens of 3+ pounds smallmouth, there’s no sound or roughness in the reel. I own a few expensive reels, and they all work great, but this one has been my go-to for months. It’s light, doesn’t backlash even with braid, and it still works like it’s brand new. I’m genuinely impressed with kastking’s quality with this one.

The ad I saw on tiktok said you COULD NOT backlash this reel. It really is a decent little reel for the money, but I promise you beyond all doubt, its not hard to backlash. On a scale of 1 to 10, my baitcaster skills might be a 3 or 4 at best. If you are really good with one, you will probably like this one FOR THE PRICE. But with that said, I have a Shimano that is much more gentle on a beginner like me.