The lightweight reels aren’t usually that good for large fish. Yet, if you want something versatile, the KastKing Sharky III 5000 would be the best option, as it has the highest drag and is the most reliable.

Well, Daiwa is, indeed, one of the smallest, but I personally prefer the Abu Garcia Revo I mentioned here. It might be a bit more expensive, but in terms of quality it surpasses a general Daiwa by a huge margin, as it’s more ergonomic, powerful and better build.

For a beginner like you, I’d say shoot for the Abu Garcia Revo. I, myself, have been using Revo for a while, and I enjoy every second. If you want a similar but cheaper option, choose Orra SX. Reels are similar but use different materials and mechanics. Orra SX is a bit cheaper, which is great if it’s your first reel, but less smooth.

Good doesn’t mean expensive. If you are just starting off in fishing, plan to make short freshwater fishing trips, and don’t want to spend a fortune on a reel, just $50 will get you a high-performance, reliable reel. Yet, if you are in need of a heavy-duty reel, you might want to save up, cause the price can go up to a $1,000, but that’s a different topic.