Saltwater reels are designed to handle the pressure of large fish and the corrosive elements of the salt sea water. There are various factors to consider when choosing saltwater fishing reels to buy. These factors range from angler preferences, targeted fish and fishing location. Among the many kinds of reel actions, some are considerably more suited for certain fish and locations. To purchase saltwater fishing reels, you also have to keep a specific budget in mind, line weight and type of fish.
For beginners and those who go fishing occassionally, it may be better to purchase second hand, good quality saltwater fishing reel (usually, a spinning reel is better suited for the beginners). However, for second hand reels, it is recommended that you check that there is no corrosion and that the reel moves in smooth actions. If you are serious about fishing, you will need a new trolling reel for a saltwater fishing.
The two most important factors to consider when looking for a perfect saltwater reel are:
- Type of Reel
- Construction and Material of Reel
Types of Saltwater Reels
There are three main types of saltwater reels to choose from:
- Saltwater Spinning Reels
- Saltwater Baitcasting Reels
- Saltwater Trolling Reels
Saltwater Spinning Reels
Saltwater spinning reels are best for beginners and they are more suitable for medium sized and small fishes. Though, it is possible to land big fish with a spinning reel but when you exert a prolonged force on the gear, there is a high risk of damaging the reel’s inner mechanism. This is why it is highly recommended to use dedicated, larger spinning reels which are more durable and stronger.
Rank | TOP #1 | TOP #2 | TOP #3 | TOP #4 | TOP #5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Details: | Price & Reviews | Price & Reviews | Price & Reviews | Price & Reviews | Price & Reviews |
| Model | Shimano Baitrunner | Penn Spinfisher V | Okuma Raw II | Shimano Spheros | Daiwa Opus |
| Picture |  |  |  |  |  |
| Budget | $$$ | $$ | $$ | $$ | $ |
Saltwater Baitcasting Reel
These fishing reels are best for saltwater fishing. Baitcasting reels are usually preferred by expert anglers to fish in much deeper waters. These are also better suited for when heavier lures and lines are being used to catch larger fishes. Baitcasting reels are perfect for tiring out and catching larger fishes without damaging any part of the reel.
Rank | TOP #1 | TOP #2 | TOP #3 | TOP #4 | TOP #5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Details: | Price & Reviews | Price & Reviews | Price & Reviews | Price & Reviews | Price & Reviews |
| Model | Shimano Tekota | Abu Garcia Ambassadeur | Shimano Cardiff | Daiwa Lexa | Shimano Caenan |
| Picture |  |  |  |  |  |
| Budget | $$ | $$ | $ | $$ | $ |
Saltwater Trolling Reel
Saltwater trolling reels regularly utilize a lever drag framework rather than a star drag. Thanks to this, fishermen are able to set the max. drag and then adjust the level of pressure with the side lever. These reels additionally convey a great deal of line and have expansive bodies to handle the compelling weight of battling an enormous fish.
Rank | TOP #1 | TOP #2 | TOP #3 | TOP #4 | TOP #5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Details: | Price & Reviews | Price & Reviews | Price & Reviews | Price & Reviews | Price & Reviews |
| Model | Okuma Catalina | Penn Senator | Okuma Cold Water | Okuma Classic Pro XP | Fin-Nor Sportfisher |
| Picture |  |  |  |  |  |
| Budget | $$$ | $$ | $$ | $ | $ |
Construction and Material of Reel
After determining the type of saltwater fishing reel you want to buy, its construction and materials are also factors worth considering. Following are the different options available for saltwater reels:
Spools – These are either aluminum made or graphite made. It is better to opt for aluminum ones as they have a better durability and are corrosion safe. However, these are a bit expansive as compared to the graphite ones.
Frames – These are also made up from aluminum or graphite. Line weight and your budget are important to consider before selecting which frame fishing reel you want.
Line Capacity – This is important thing to consider when chosing your reel from a variety of different saltwater reels. Certain reels have the ability of handling more than 900 yards.
Gear Ratio – Through this fishermen determine how fast the line will be retrieved. The lower the ratio the more power the saltwater reels have to capture the fish in the deep. However, the high ratio of the gear is good when catching a fish much close from the surface.
Ball Bearings – Through ball bearing, the saltwater reels operate smoothly as they support all parts in motion. To make your reel run smoothly, simply add more ball bearings.
Level Winds –Level winds ensure that at the time of reeling the line, it is evenly distributes all over the spool. In the baitcasting reels, level winds direct the line towards the spool after you have cast the line.
Maintenance of Saltwater Reels
All saltwater reels will last longer if they are taken care of properly. This helpful video shows one method to clean your saltwater fishing reel to protect it from corrosion and make it last for years. Even if you use multiple saltwater fishing reels regularly, it’s good to remember to clean each of them after each use.
Leave a Comment