10 Best Carp Reels in 2025: Review

Carp anglers are savvy fishermen. They know the gear they want, and they want nothing but the best gear. That's why Total Fishing Tackle has compiled the top carp reels of 2025. We are not here to waste your time. Trust us—these are the only reels you'll ever need.

A good reel is the fisherman's best friend: strong enough to grab a massive carp, yet nimble enough to navigate that dance between man and fish we love so much.

Amateur or professional, no matter your experience, we've got you covered.

Check out the list, then check out our online store and get excellence delivered to your door!

1) SHIMANO - ULTEGRA 14000 XTD REEL — Best for Beginner Anglers

Check out the reels circling any carp fishing lake, and you're bound to see several Shimano Ultegra 14000s. 

This reel is big enough to cast far but remains well-balanced and unexpectedly lightweight. 

This minimalist Shimano has a spool that is parallel to the rod bank. This precision means your cast remains on target and never falls to the wrong side. 

The Instant Drag feature will blow you out of the water. With the flick of a finger, you can go from spooling line to solid drag. Control your carp, your way. 

For those who like a smaller reel, check out its baby brother, the Ultegra 5500 XTD, all the same features but smaller and more compact.

If you're curious about carp angling and want to dip your toes in, try this Shimano Ultegra. It won't break the bank, but it'll give you an overall sense of how a good carp reel should feel.

Shop Now

2) SHIMANO - BAITRUNNER ST 10000RB — Best Reel for Your Pound

Priced at only £70.00, you won't find a steal like this on any other reel. This streamlined reel turns angling into a game of cat and mouse.

If you're new to the Shimano Baitrunner system, you're in for a treat. The level at the back of the reel allows a controlled free spool. Your fish can take the bait and swim freely with your line. Reengage at the perfect moment. This system completely changes angling. Take charge and win the battle.

You may see the Baitrunner system under different names on other reels. But know that Shimano invented this technology and has continued to hone it to perfection over years of crafting. Trust the original. 

This reel also has a unique double handle to make retrieval balanced and easier.

It's hard to believe a reel this affordable can achieve all it does! This item is not the reel for extreme long casting out in open seas, but for the casual angler looking to fish in their local lake, this should be your go-to option.

Shop Now

3) DAIWA - BASIA 45 SLD QD REEL — Best for Angling Innovation

This refined device hones in all of Daiwa's best qualities. Born from the high standards of Japanese craftsmanship, Daiwa only sells what passes their rigorous vetting program.

Crafted out of Zaion, Daiwa's proprietary material, these reels are 50% lighter than aluminum but even more robust. This product is the perfect marriage of durability and manoeuvrability.

This reel also comes with one of Daiwa's staples: The High Impact Line Clip. The HIP is exclusive to Daiwa, and for a good reason. They don't want their competitors getting a hand on this technology. It is spring-loaded and crafted out of Polyacetal, a thermal plastic that cushions both line impact and line stress on a bite.

This innovative reel tech helps your device stay in tip-top shape for longer. Turn a bumpy ride into a zip line.

So many features may turn some people off, but the experienced angler understands how these benefits can make or break your next catch.

Shop Now

4) SHIMANO - ULTEGRA CI4+ 5500 XTC — Best for Keeping It Light

This Shimano weighs only 400 grams. This ultralight reel consists of high-tech Ci4+ material. This carbon fibre-reinforced graphite is durable, functional, and, most importantly, light as a feather.

The lightweight design leads to ultimate distance when it comes to casting. You won't find Ci4+ from anyone except Shimano.

Shimano's Propulsion Line Management System helps this reel be a cut above the rest. After thousands of real-world tests and countless computer-generated casts, Shimano has made a reel that prevents backlashes and stops wind knots from forming while casting. You can cast with confidence even on the windiest day, knowing your line will end up right back where it belongs.

This alluring reel will make any angler's day. You already carry so much when heading out to the water; every bit you can lighten makes a difference. Carry an Ultegra 55000 XTC, and it’s like you're carrying nothing at all.

Shop Now

5) DAIWA - EMBLEM 45 SCW QD BLACK/RED TT EXCLUSIVE — Best for Going the Distance

The Emblem comes with a 45mm profile — yes, you read that right. Long-distance casting is at your fingertips when you get a hold of the Daiwa Emblem 45.

This new generation also has a reduced oscillation speed called Slow Cross Wrap. This improvement enhances your line lay by reducing total friction, increasing casting distance by 5%!

At under £200, this reel gives you the same power and distance found in much more expensive models.

A bigger spool size provides more rotations for every turn of the handle. This Daiwa clocks in at a ratio of 4.9:1, which is great for reeling in all sizes fast and efficiently. 

If you’re after those carp way out in the middle of the lake, this Daiwa can get you there.

Shop Now

6) FOX - EOS 10000 FREESPOOL REEL — Best for Smoothest Drag

Fox engineered this reel to take the friction out of the angling equation. Typically, reels pick up speed and rub against all components. But to keep everything moving smoothly, this reel has five ball bearings to ensure smooth operation. These bearings also prevent the reel from wearing down over a long period of use.

A ribbed handle helps you grab on and retrieve for all your worth without ever risking a slip.

The free-spool auto feature contributes to the smooth and gentle reel. The fish will pull the line without ever feeling a thing, and you can wait for the right second to start pulling in your catch. It’s smooth for you and a surprise for the fish.

The 100000 is the powerhouse necessary for the angler who is after the biggest carp. You won't have success with larger fish unless you can reel it in like hot butter.

Shop Now

7) DAIWA - 20 TOURNAMENT BASIA 45 SCW QD — Best for Turning Angler's Heads

This reel is full to the brim with features and details that any angler would drool over.

It's in the name — this Daiwa Tournament is for professionals who need a reel that can keep up their needs.

If you aren't using the Infinite Anti-Reverse system, you aren't angling. This system from Daiwa prevents rearward back-play handle movement to nearly 0. With no shock to the reel and no slap-back on hooksets, it feels like fishing in the clouds.

When you get caught on the water with this Daiwa, you're going to get plenty of attention from your fellow anglers. Those stares aren't just from the shining black finish with red highlights. Top anglers will see just how clean your angling is and need to know what gear you've decked yourself out in for a day on the riverbank!

Shop Now

8) DAIWA - DCR2 BASIA CUSTOM REEL - BLACK BODY TWILIGHT/ RED SPOOL — Best for a Comfortable Grip

Daiwa outdid themselves with an ergonomically focused reel. The shock absorption capabilities mean taking in a 12-pounder will feel like half the size. The i-shaped knob also lets this item fit comfortably in your hands.

This quality is thanks to the patented Daiwa AirBail design. A hollow steel bail provides strength without additional weight. The line comes down the bail onto the line roller without getting snagged or caught up on the wrong component.

The red and black spool gives this device an extra sparkle, and the glistening design fits the excellence of the machine. If you are ready to shell out a hefty sum on a top-notch reel, consider this Daiwa, as you'll get your worth for every quid.

Shop Now

9) FOX - EOS 12000 REEL — Best for Packing a Punch

After the overwhelming success of the EOS 10000, Fox decided to up the ante and released the much-requested 12000 reel.

But it's not just bigger; it’s smarter too. Entirely fashioned out of graphite, this reel maintains rigidity without adding weight. The gear system features Mesh-Tech, which helps the gears stay smooth and in place even when you've got a big squirmer on your line.

The Pro Cast spool lip puts you over the edge to achieve those extra few centimetres so that you can place your line exactly where you want it.

120000 EOS technology means you're getting seven ball bearings. That's an unprecedented level of smoothness.

Like all Fox reels, this guy looks great. A matte black finish and metallic alloy stand out and make a statement on the lake. 

All this for just a little over £100, and that's a steal no matter how you cut it.

If you want to bring home those 25lb catches, pick up this FOX. But if you are just getting started or interested in smaller catches you can find a better match.

Shop Now

10) DAIWA - TOURNAMENT S 5000T BLACK REEL — Best for Looking Great

This sworn-by classic recently got a stunning matte-black finish, and with the beautiful wooden handle, this reel belongs in a museum.

Reliable and rugged, this Daiwa may have an understated appearance but has Super Duralumin Gears and a Super Metal rotor. These features aren't just for show — they guarantee your line won't get caught when reeling in a big one.

Five ball bearings mean your cast and retrieve are always smooth, no matter your catch. 

The Daiwa Tournament S 5000T works hard and looks great doing it. Refined, elegant, and chic — you'll be adding these words to your angling vocabulary when you take this reel out for a spin.

Shop Now

Conclusion 

Find all your angling needs at Total Fishing Tackle. Get outfitted with carp fishing reels available from the top fishing experts in the UK. Alternatively, check out our full range of fishing reels. 

Check out all we have to offer today and hit the water like a pro tomorrow!