A good fishing reel is one of the most important pieces of fishing equipment that you need. If you know where to look, you can find a good deal on a durable ocean-friendly reel with smooth action without breaking the bank. Here we will review the best saltwater fishing reels.
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Best Fishing Reels for Saltwater
- Penn 1338218 Battle II Spinning Reel
- Piscifun Torrent Baitcasting Reel
- KastKing Sharky III Spinning Fishing Reel
- KastKing Rover Round Baitcasting Reel
- SeaKnight Rapid Saltwater Spinning Reel, 4.7:1,6.2:1 High Speed, Max Drag 33Lbs, Smooth Fresh and Saltwater Fishing Reel
1. Penn 1338218 Battle II Spinning Reel
Product Features
Brand Name: Penn
Reel Type: Spinning Reel
Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
Bearings: 6
Weight: 12.3 Ounces
Max Drag: 15 lbs
The first spot on our list goes to the Penn Battle II Spinning Reel. This is a spinning reel weighing 12.3 ounces, with a max drag of 15lbs. These specs are for there 3000 model, but they also offer other reels of different power. The reel has 5 bearing and an instant anti-reverse bearing. The reel has a mono line capacity of 200/8 165/10 120/12 and a braid line capacity of 250/15 180/20 130/30.
This one has everything you expect from a good saltwater reel. It features a full metal body and side plate to withstand corrosion. It’s very smooth, has a powerful drag, and is budget friendly.
2. Piscifun Torrent Baitcasting Reel
Product Features
Brand Name: Piscifun
Reel Type: Baitcasting Reel
Gear Ratio: 7.1:1
Bearings: 5+1
Weight: 8 Ounces
Max Drag: 18 lbs
If you’re shopping for a cheap option, the Piscifun Baitcasting Reel is probably one of the best saltwater friendly reels for the money. This budget-friendly reel weighs a lightweight 8 ounces, has a 7.1:1 gear ratio, and a carbon fiber drag with a max drag of 18lbs. It is designed with corrosion-resistant gears and 5+1 stainless steel bearings. It also has a 0-10 magnetic brake. Overall this is a great affordable reel. It’s durable, can withstand saltwater, casts smooth and has a good drag. It is also available in both right-handed and left-handed versions.
3. KastKing Sharky III Spinning Fishing Reel
Product Features
Brand Name: KastKing
Reel Type: Spinning Reel
Gear Ratio: 5.2:1
Bearings: 10+1
Weight: 10.2 Ounces
Max Drag: 39.5 lbs
The third spot on the list belongs to the KastKing Sharky III Fishing Reel. This powerful spinning reel weighs a lightweight 10.2 ounces while having a smooth triple disc carbon fiber drag with a max drag of 39.5 lbs. It contains 10+1 saltwater grade shielded stainless steel ball bearings making it silky smooth. There is an instant anti-reverse, anti-twist line roller, and has comfortable handles. It’s important to note that the specs we have mentioned here are for the 4000 model. Other reel models have different specs. Overall this is a very reasonably priced spinning reel with powerful smooth performance. It can be used in saltwater and freshwater.
4. KastKing Rover Round Baitcasting Reel
Product Features
Brand Name: KastKing
Reel Type: Baitcasting Reel
Gear Ratio: 5.3:1
Bearings: 6+1
Weight: 11.96 Ounces
Max Drag: 12 lbs
The KastKing Rover Round Baitcasting Reel is our third recommendation. This reel weighs 11.96 ounces, has a gear ratio of 5.3:1 and a max drag of 12 lbs. It contains 6+1 stainless steel shielded bearings which keep the reel running smoothly even in saltwater. The specs we are covering for the 50 model, so keep that in mind. They offer these reels in both right-handed and left-handed versions. Overall this is a well made and easy to reel use at a good price point. It’s smooth and easy to cast, but the drag is a little light, making it better for light fishing.
5. SeaKnight Rapid Saltwater Spinning Reel, 4.7:1,6.2:1 High Speed, Max Drag 33Lbs, Smooth Fresh and Saltwater Fishing Reel
Product Features
Brand Name: SeaKnight
Reel Type: Spinning Reel
Gear Ratio: 4.7:1
Bearings: 10+1
Weight: 13.79 Ounces
Max Drag: 33.07 lbs
The final spot on our list goes to the SeaKnight Rapid Saltwater Spinning Reel. The 6000 model that we are covering weighs 13.97 ounces, has a gear ratio of 4.7:1, and has a powerful carbon fiber drag with a max drag of 33.07 lbs. It features 10+1 shielded stainless steel ball bearings which keep the reel running smoothly. The components feature an anti-corrosion coating that is saltwater tested and it features a comfortable EVA knob handle. Overall this is an excellent performing reel for the money. SeaKnight isn’t a very well known brand in the fishing reel world, but this reel can easily compete with the bigger names and is worth a try.
How To Choose a Saltwater Fishing Reel Guide
When shopping for a good saltwater friendly fishing reel, there are a few different things you want to look for
- Corrosion Resistant
- Type of Reel
- Bearings
- Gear Ratio
- Max Drag
Corrosion Resistant
Saltwater fishing can really wear down a fishing reel compared to freshwater. That is why it’s always important to find one that is saltwater friendly. Most saltwater reels will be made from corrosion-resistant material and have some sort of shielding to protect vital components from degrading.
Type of Reel
There are different types of reels for different kinds of fishing. The reels we have covered here fall into two categories: spinning reels and baitcasting reels. Spinning reels are easy to use and great for those that a newer to fishing. They are better for lighter baits and lures. Baitcasting reels are designed to accurately cast lures. Baitcasting reels have a dialed-in drag resistance and takes more experience to use properly use. Generally spinning reels are better for beginners and most fishing, but baitcasting reels are better for more experienced anglers, and for fishing challenging situations where you need to precisely place your lure in the water.
Bearings
Having a higher number of bearings is generally considered a good thing. These keep your reel running smooth, quiet, and help your reel to be more accurate. The quality of the bearings is important too. Having a low number of bearings isn’t a deal-breaker if they are well made and the reel is well designed.
Gear Ratio
The gear ratio refers to the speed at which a reel picks up line. Baitcasting reels typically have a wide range of gear ratios, whereas most spinning reels have a pretty similar gear ratio.
Max Drag
Generally for bigger fish, you need a higher max drag, but for most fishing, you would never need anything with higher than a 20 to 30lb max drag. For experienced anglers, max drag becomes less important, because using proper technique is equally important. Many experienced anglers nowadays are preferring lighter reels with a lower max drag, and instead relying on better technique when battling large fish.
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Saltwater Conventional Reels
Saltwater Baitcasting Reels
Saltwater Spinning Reels
Saltwater Fly Fishing Reels
