Distance casting is quickly becoming one of the most favoured ways to fish, but do you know which carp fishing reel you should be using? If you aren't sure, then you're in the right place.
We have compiled a list of ten of our favourites for you to review. In the end, you will have no doubt where you should put your money.
All of our selections are from DAIWA and Shimano, both reputable brands that know a thing or two about distance casting. We're confident you'll find what you need, so let's get into it!
1. DAIWA - 20 Tournament Basia 45 SCW QD - The Best for Experienced Anglers and Tournament Competitors
The Daiwa 20 Tournament Basia is designed with professionals in mind, as its name suggests. It features a magsealed body and a 45mm long cast spool, making it ideal for veteran fishers that want their throw to go further. When it comes to distance casting, this is an important feature.
The high-impact line clip makes it durable and capable of withstanding even the roughest of conditions. The aluminium digigear reinforces the impressive durability of this carp reel, so you know you're investing in quality.
There is additionally a spare spool supplied with your original purchase, so even after extensive use, you have something to fall back on. The price point may make it a little steep for beginners, but if you've been looking to improve your distance casting, this could be the one for you.
PROS
- 45mm, perfect for distance casting
- High impact clip to increase durability
- Additional spool included in the box
CONS
- Steep price point, especially for beginners
- Heavier than similar reels, weighing 520 grams
2. Shimano - Aero Technium 14000 XTC - The Best for Lightweight Durability
As the forerunner model of Shimano's big pit carp reel range, the Aero Technium 14000 aims to please and largely succeeds. It features a line capacity spanning 0.35-550/0.40-400/0.45-300 and has a reasonable weight of 485 grams; functionality is a crucial element of the Aero Technium. It is easy to use, even for relative beginners and performs at a high level right out of the box.
The gear ratio sits at 4.3:1, with a total line retrieve of 103cm, making it a strong contender for long-distance casting! Just like the Daiwa above, this reel comes with a spare spool in the box. With a magnesium body supporting the aluminium components, it's clear that Shimano emphasised durability and usability with this design.
It is highly lightweight, but don't let that fool you into thinking this reel isn't suited for adverse weather. It is resistant to both water and dust with military specifications in mind.
Entirely waterproof and suited for long-cast fishing, be on the lookout for the Aero Technium.
PROS
- Both waterproof and dust resistant
- Lightweight at just 485 grams
- Long line retrieve of 103cm, perfect for distance casting
CONS
- May not be suitable for beginners
- Lay has been reported to get stuck
3. DAIWA - Basia 45 SLD QD Carp Reel - The Best for Lightweight Yet High-Performance
The second reel from DAIWA on our list, the Basia 45, brings something different to the table. Beyond being more affordable than other additions from this brand, it is also more lightweight and streamlined than its peers.
The magnesium body profile ensures the lighter weight you know while still providing increased spool depth.
Why is this significant? Because it allows your casts to go further, designed explicitly for super long-distance performance. With the Basia 45, you can go further, without having to bulk up your reel. The opposite is true. It is comparatively smaller than many long-distance reels.
Enhancements to the shaft and gearing have helped to increase the toughness of the Basia 45. However, classic features such as the quick drag and high impact line remain staples of DAIWA.
PROS
- More affordable than previous DAIWA releases
- Lightweight and streamlined in design and feel
- Specially designed for long-distance casts
CONS
- May be too small for more heavy-duty angling
- No spare spool
4. Shimano - Ultegra C14+ 14000 XTC - The Best for Customisation With Multiple Line Capacities
As the upgrade to one of Shimano's best selling reels, the Ultegra C14+ has a lot to live up to. Thankfully, it succeeded. It still possesses everything that Shimano fans have come to love, but numerous new improvements separate this reel from its predecessors.
The parallel spool design works towards improving your casting performance. This is especially true for covering longer distances.
This particular reel is unique because of the two complete sets of line reducers included in the box. This gives you complete customisation capabilities over the size of your spool, with 3000, 6000, and 10000 line capacities. If you like to add some variety to your long-distance casting, this is the reel for you.
PROS
- All the features that make Shimano so popular, with improvements in all the right areas
- The Ci4 carbon polymer body provides durability and toughness
- Arrives with two complete sets of line reducers in the box for full spool customisation
CONS
- On the heavier side
- Some customers reported issues with the bale arm not automatically clipping when winding
5. Shimano — Power Aero 14000 XTB - The Best for Accurate Long-Distance Casts
If style is a priority of yours, the Shimano Power Aero is a winner. Arriving in either dark or silver design, it's one of the sleekest reels available. The functionality is there, too, with both Hagane gear and body, one-piece bail, and X-Protect; this reel will stand the test of time.
The first thing you will notice about the Shimano Power Aero is how compact it feels. It's lightweight and has a comparatively small body compared to other long-distance cast reels. This is all enhanced by the Parallel Body feature, allowing for increased casting distance and accuracy.
Accuracy is enhanced by the Super Slow 5 system, which means you will have total control over where your shot lands with every cast. The line guard system prevents spool breakage, in addition to ensuring that the line going behind your spool is an outdated problem.
The Power Aero has a lot to offer, in the right hands!
PROS
- Stylish, sleek design available in both black and silver
- Parallel Body and Super Slow 5 systems allow for enhanced accuracy on long-distance casts
- Improved line guard system prevents spool breakage
CONS
- You might find the return to be too slow due to the low coils
- Compact size could be too small in some hands
6. DAIWA - Emblem 45 SCW QD Black/Red (TFT Exclusive) - The Best For a Stable Cast
With a 45mm profile, the DAIWA Emblem 45 is only available from Total Fishing Tackle. It’s considered the perfect spool size for long-distance casting. The reduced oscillation speed on the cast creates a more accurate shot, all thanks to the Slow Cross Wrap design.
This ultimately results in less energy consumption during line release, making every cast more stable to ensure it lands where you intend. Combined with the double lip profile of the LC spool, this can increase your casting distance by 5%.
The retrieval ratio is slightly lower than similar reels, sitting at 4.9:1, but can still retrieve up to 104cm per single handle turn, more than enough to perform an effective recall on a distant cast. The soft-touch handle knob also prioritises comfort, which is excellent for those long fishing sessions.
PROS
- 45mm profile, perfect for long-distance casting
- Reduced oscillation speed to create more accurate casts
- Double lip profile of the LC spool can improve casting distance by 5%
CONS
- Retrieval ratio of 4.9:1 may be low for experienced casters
- Will wear faster in salt water
7. DAIWA - Emblem 45 SCW - Gold Spool - The Best For Style and Finish
The 'gold spool' release of the Emblem 45 features everything that made the original so popular, with some unique additions thrown in for good measure.
The One Touch handle is a finishing detail that we especially appreciate, but the Slow Cross Wrap helps this Daiwa reel stand out. Enhanced line lay and lower energy consumption are staples of the Emblem series, and the Gold Spool continues this.
The golden spool adds something special to the appearance of this cast, but it isn't all just for show! It is also a highly functional reel with a double lip profile that can increase your casting distance by over 5%. That's an improvement on the previous emblem series releases!
PROS
- Unique gold colouration along the spool
- Double lip profile for increased cast distance
- Classic One Touch handle
CONS
- Heavy, weighing in at 654 grams
- Retrieval is lower than comparative reels
8. Shimano - Ultegra 14000 XTD Reel - The Best For a High Number of Coils On Return
A standout among Shimano's Ultegra range, the 14000 XTD reel possesses numerous modifications that give it an extra edge. A considerable part of its appeal is its exceedingly reasonable price, especially given the quality of the product. You could end up spending hundreds more on a reel that's potentially worse!
Matte black throughout, this reel is sleek and stylish, designer with the modern angler in mind. It doesn't just look good; it is also highly functional thanks to its new and improved line guard. The magnesium reels also provide 100 coils per return, which is double what the previous XTD could offer.
Tied together with a parallel body that is perfectly suited to long-distance casting, and you have a reel worthy of attention. If you're looking for something new without having to break the bank, this is a solid choice.
PROS
- Affordable, despite a wide array of modifications on offer
- Matte black, sleek design
- Magnesium reel provides a return of 100 coils
CONS
- Some customer's dispute the claim that this reel had slow oscillation
- A bit on the heavier side of Shimanos
9. DAIWA - Crosscast 45 SCW 5000C QD Black Gold TT - (TFT Exclusive) - The Best For Unique Design, Both In Style and Function
Numerous long-distance cast reel manufacturers have embraced the iconic 45mm profile as the gold standard, and the Crosscast is no different. This reel is exclusive to Total Fishing Tackle and benefits from the Slow Cross wrap, allowing you to achieve a line lay with greater accuracy every time. This works by lowering the energy consumption needed during the cast, making for a more stable line.
The box contains a 5000C spool, so you're ready to go immediately. The double lip profile of the high impact clip increases how far your cast will travel without hindering control. The aluminium handle is machine cut and easy to use, while the soft touch handle knob means maximum comfort for extended periods.
PROS
- 45mm profile considered one of the best in the industry
- Slow Cross wrap allows for greater cast accuracy
- Arrives with 5000C spool
CONS
- Some customers reported that the bail arm doesn't click back immediately, making for complex use
- Experienced anglers will get the most out of this reel
10. DAIWA - Crosscast 45 Scw QD Reel - The Best For Optional Spool Depths
Last on our list, but certainly not least, is the DAIWA Crosscast 45. The Slow Cross Wrap that has made other Crosscast additions so famous appears again with this release, this time assisted by reduced oscillation. This means your line will lay precisely where you cast it every time, with the reduced energy consumption during line release.
This is all emphasised by the friction-reducing double lip profile of the LC spool. Your casting distance will go up by as much as 5%. This Crosscast release also offers a shallow C or spare deep LD spool, so you have customisation over how you cast. Even at the shallow end, the C edition can be filled with three spools of 1000m.
PROS
- Slow Cross Wrap for greater cast accuracy
- Reduced oscillation on release
- Friction-reducing double lip of the LC spool
CONS
- Very similar to other Crosscast releases, so if you already own one, you may not need this version
- Bulky to carry around all day
Final Thoughts
And that concludes our top 10!
Found something you like? We thought you might.
The best reel for you is entirely down to personal preference. Do your research before parting with any cash, then go out and enjoy that newly enhanced cast!