Last Updated on March 6, 2024 by Afsar
As an avid enthusiast of saltwater fishing, I’ve always been captivated by the sheer thrill it brings. There’s a unique excitement that comes with saltwater fishing, making it a favored sport among countless anglers worldwide. In this guide, we delve into the realm of saltwater reels, spotlighting the finest options available in 2024. With saltwater fishing’s growing popularity, numerous brands are stepping up, offering an array of saltwater spinning reels designed to enhance your fishing experience. Among the notable names in this field are Okuma, Shimano, and Abu Garcia, each bringing something special to the table.
These top-tier saltwater spinning reels are engineered with diverse specifications and purposes in mind, yet they all share a single, vital goal: to master the art of catching fish in saltwater environments. To assist you in navigating the vast sea of options, we’ve meticulously compiled and reviewed the best saltwater reels currently making waves in the market. Additionally, we’ve prepared an easy-to-follow chart that highlights our top picks, ensuring you can make an informed decision swiftly.
Following our comprehensive review, we’ll provide you with essential tips on selecting the perfect saltwater spinning reel, tailored to meet your needs without any hassle. Embark on this journey with us as we explore the chart and dive deeper into what makes these reels the best companions for your saltwater fishing adventures in 2024.
Table of Contents
KastKing Sharky III Fishing Reel
Embrace the thrill of both saltwater and freshwater fishing with the latest gem in the market – the KastKing Sharky III Fishing Reel. Designed not just for looks but for performance, this reel promises to elevate your fishing game to trophy-worthy levels. Its robust build, combined with lightweight design, courtesy of its high percentage fiber-reinforced graphite body and rotor, makes it your steadfast companion against the fiercest of catches.
Notable Features:
- Next-Generation Durability: The Sharky III doesn’t just look good; it’s constructed to withstand the battles with the giants of the deep and the river monsters, thanks to its tough, lightweight design.
- Unmatched Power: Experience the sheer joy of fishing with up to 39.5LBs of smooth, reliable drag, powered by triple disc carbon fiber and an oversized stainless-steel shaft. The precision mesh manganese brass pinion gears enhance its strength, making it a powerhouse in its class.
- Water-Resistant Design (K.I.S.S.): The KastKing Intrusion Shield System (K.I.S.S.) seals the deal by protecting the spool, body, and rotor from water and dirt, ensuring your reel’s longevity and performance.
- Super Smooth Retrieve: The Sharky III guarantees a quiet, silky-smooth retrieve, further enhanced by the Shark Fin Braid Ready aluminum spool that negates the need for backing line with braid fishing line.
- Affordable Innovation: It packs a punch with over 10+1 high-quality, saltwater-rated double shielded stainless steel ball bearings, instant lock anti-reverse, and increased line capacity, all at a price that won’t break the bank.
- Enhanced Comfort: High-density EVA grips offer complete control even in the wettest conditions, ensuring that the reel stays firmly in your hand during the most critical moments.
- Braid Ready Spool: Say goodbye to the hassle of using backing material, thanks to the exquisite Shark Fin braid-ready spool.
- Anti-Twist Line Roller: Minimize the chances of line tangles and snarls, making your fishing experience as smooth as the reel’s retrieve.
The Sharky III Spinning Reel, now in its third iteration, not only carries on the legacy of its predecessors but improves it. This reel is designed to handle extreme fishing scenarios, whether you are battling river creatures or chasing saltwater giants. The KastKing Sharky III is not just any reel, it is your gateway to unforgettable fishing adventures, providing unparalleled performance and reliability. With the Sharky III, you can cast your line with confidence and watch as it turns your fishing dreams into a reality.
PENN Pursuit IV Spinning Fishing Reel
Embark on your saltwater fishing journey with confidence, thanks to the PENN Pursuit IV Spinning Fishing Reel. A marvel of engineering and design, this reel embodies the quality and innovation that PENN is celebrated for, all at an accessible price point. Whether you’re just beginning your angling adventures or seeking a reliable addition to your gear, the Pursuit IV is designed to exceed expectations.
Key Features:
- Versatile Hand Orientation: With a flexible left/right hand orientation, this reel caters to all anglers, ensuring comfort and ease of use regardless of your preferred hand.
- Sturdy Build: Crafted from high-quality stainless steel and graphite, the Pursuit IV boasts a lightweight yet corrosion-resistant body, perfect for the harsh saltwater environment.
- Advanced Drag System: The reel features the HT-100 carbon fiber drag system, renowned for its smooth performance and durability, even under the most extreme drag pressures.
- Effortless Operation: Thanks to its 4+1 stainless steel bearing system, it offers a remarkably smooth retrieve, making every fishing trip a pleasure.
- Enhanced Durability: The machined and anodized aluminum superliner spool provides added strength and resistance against wear, ensuring your reel lasts through many fishing seasons.
- Designed for All: Available in sizes ranging from 2500 to 8000, there’s a Pursuit IV model to suit any saltwater fishing situation, from inshore to offshore.
The PENN Pursuit IV Spinning Fishing Reel is more than just a tool; it’s a testament to PENN’s legacy of crafting reels that are dependable, durable, and designed to perform. The incorporation of a lightweight, corrosion-resistant body, alongside the advanced HT-100 carbon fiber drag system, ensures that this reel can take on large saltwater fish with ease. The shielded stainless-steel ball bearings contribute to its smooth operation, while the line capacity rings are a thoughtful touch that keeps you informed of your line usage.
Designed to bring PENN’s renowned performance to every angler, the Pursuit IV is an excellent choice for those entering the realm of saltwater fishing, as well as seasoned anglers looking for a reliable reel. Its smooth gear system, durability, and range of sizes make it versatile for various fishing techniques and environments.
PENN Spinfisher V Spinning Reel
Best Saltwater spinning reel: PENN Sinfisher V Spinning reel is an excellent spinning reel for saltwater use. Penn has a lot of popular spinning reels in the market, and this is one of the most loved of them. Penn is a trusted name in the fishing world so you can trust their brand. This spinning reel has a full metal body and offers high durability for the long run. The sideplate and the construction allow you to reel big-sized fish without any trouble. It offers a watertight design to protect it from the water. Thus, if you accidentally dip it into the water, you don’t have to worry. It’s perfectly safe to use it on saltwater.
The Slammer Drag System offers a sealed drag system with 3 HT-100 drag washers. This ensures that you can use this reel on saltwater without any problem.
Best Saltwater spinning reel in our review.
It uses 5 stainless steel bearings that provide smooth performance. It makes sure you get excellent performance for a long time. This device uses a rubber gasket to keep the superline from slipping. As a result, filling the spool is a quick and easy thing to do.
Notable Features:
- Its full metal body and side plate can handle a heavy load
- High durability
- The watertight design makes it an excellent saltwater spinning reel
- 5 stainless steel bearings
- Sealed HT-100 Slammer Drag System
- Line capacity rings to notice how much line is left on the spool
Daiwa DF100A Giant Spinning Fishing Reel
Another great cheap saltwater spinning reel for people who don’t want to break the bank. Even though the price is low, it manages to offer corrosion resistance against salt water. You get a good saltwater spinning reel at a low price. This saltwater reel comes with a durable and ergonomic design. The multi-disc drag with a powerful gear ratio offers smooth casting and reeling which every angler wants. The gear ratio of this spinning reel is 3:4:1. This reel can handle heavy lines and large fishes. The sturdy aluminum spool and stainless steel main shaft allow you to reel big fishes easily.
Notable Features:
- Excellent value for the price
- Durable and ergonomic design
- Gear ratio 3:4:1
- Smooth casting and reeling
- Corrosion resistance material for saltwater use
Abu Garcia Ambassador C3
Abu Garcia is another good fishing gear manufacturer serving the community for a long time. Abu Garcia Classic Baitcast reel features a Carbon Matrix Drag system which provides premium performance with smooth reeling. This matrix drag system features 3 ball bearings. Note that the three-bearing system comes with an instant anti-reverse feature.
This classic baitcasting reel comes in three different sizes. These are made of high-quality components for better performance. It uses a six-pin centrifugal brake. The brake provides consistent brake pressure throughout the cast. The gear ratio is 5:3:1. For better and more detailed specs of all the sizes, you better check the product listing. Long story short, this is a great baitcasting reel with a sturdy material that can withstand saltwater conditions.
Notable Features:
- Right hand retrieve reel
- Six-pin centrifugal brake
- Sturdy construction
- Smooth casting and reeling
- Premium performance
- Carbon Matrix drag system with three bearing system
Shimano Thunnus CI4 Spinning Reel
Another awesome saltwater spinning reel from Shimano. This reel comes in four different sizes. Despite the lightweight factor, it is capable of offering excellent performance to the users. It has enough power to stop big fish. Shimano Thunnus CI4 uses six S-SUS bearings and one roller bearing. Carbon materials are used to make this saltwater spinning reel. Due to the carbon materials, it can handle high-impact situations. Thunnus CI4 uses a revamped drag system for the main drag and baitrunner drag for efficient performance. You get a reel with great smooth stopping power when you grab it.
Notable Features:
- Right hand Retrieve
- Six S-SUS Bearings and One Roller Bearings
- Carbon material used for high impact situations
- Lighter than predecessors
- Gear Ratio 4:8:1 (please check different sizes gear ratio on the product listing page)
- Max Drag: 20 lbs (8000 size)
- Reel weight: 19.4 oz (please check different sizes’ weights on the product listing page)
Okuma Avenger ABF Graphite Bait Feeder Reel
Another best reel for saltwater use: Okuma is a very popular name when we think about saltwater spinning reels. This saltwater spinning reel is popular for its Baitfeeding stem which allows disengagement of the spool and free-running having to open the bail. You can adjust the tension of the free spool by the rear adjustment. Its fantastic bait feeding system will allow the fish to pick up the bait, but while running away, it won’t feel the drag of the reel.
This ultra-smooth and precision-crafted reel feature six sealed ball bearings to offer smooth performance. You can easily access the lever on the backside of the handle. The multi-disk drag system with the Japanese oiled felt drag washers makes it more amazing. What’s more, it is made of corrosion-resistant materials to provide high durability. At a decent price, this is undoubtedly one of the best saltwater spinning reels on the market.
Notable Features
- Baitfeeding system
- Corrosion-resistant material used
- Graphite body is corrosion resistant
- High durability
- Perfectly works at saltwater
- Six ball bearing
- One quick set anti-reverse roller bearing
- Watertight drag seal
Okuma Trio High-Speed Spinning Reel
Best Cheap Saltwater Spinning Reel: Usually, a good saltwater spinning reel will cost a lot. Okuma Trio high-speed spinning reel is a decent saltwater spinning reel at a very competitive price. Okuma Spinning Reel comes in three different sizes- Trio-30S, Tri-40S, Tro-55S. All of these sizes come at a decent price tag. This reel has a Hybrid spool design with a graphite arbor and aluminum lip. The crossover aluminum construction platform and graphite hybrid body make it very sturdy. The DFD dual force drag system offers great stability and smoothness while reeling the line. It provides tension on the spool from the top and bottom. It uses ten stainless steel ball bearings and an anti-reverse roller bearing. In a nutshell, this best inshore saltwater spinning reel is perfect for both newbies and professionals.
Notable Features:
- DFD Dual Force Drag System
- Sturdy design for high durability
- Good stability and smoothness when reeling the line
- 10 stainless steel bearings
Shimano Baitcasting Reel
Shimano is another great company to provides marvelous spinning reels. Shimano Curado is a great baitcasting reel for saltwater use. This baitcasting reel weighs only 10.5 ounces, thanks to the aluminum frame. This device features 5 bearings for smooth reeling.
1S A-RB ball bearings with single roller clutch bearing offer smooth and better performance. The gear ratio of Shimano Curado is 6:2:1. What’s more, the right retrieve is there to offer better retrieval speed. In a nutshell, this is baitcasting reel with a powerful drag system that makes it easy to haul faster than usual.
Notable Features:
- Aluminum frame
- Gear Ratio: 6:2:1
- 5 Bearings
- 1 S A-RB Ball Bearing
Penn Fishing FRC8000 Fierce
Fierce is another impressive saltwater spinning reel from Penn. Like other fishing reels from Penn, this one also has a sturdy design and great performance. The best part of this spinning reel is available at a low price. This spinning reel has a full metal body for high durability. Thus, you can use it in saltwater. The precise gear alignment allows it to handle heavy loads.
This fierce spinning reel uses stainless steel main shaft and 4 ball bearings. The 4+1 ball bearing system allows it to be used in tough saltwater conditions. What’s more, the aluminum handle has a soft touch knob. You get to snatch this saltwater spinning reel at a very reasonable price. Moreover, casting and reeling are smooth. Getting this type of reel at such a decent price is tough.
Notable Features:
- Full metal body
- 4 Stainless steel ball bearings
- Aluminum handle with soft-touch knob
- Excellent value for the price
- 4+1 ball bearing system for tough saltwater conditions
- Precise gear alignment to handle big fish
Daiwa STT6500H Saltist Saltwater Spinning Reel
As the name suggests, you can understand this spinning reel is specially made to withstand harsh saltwater conditions. Daiwa STT6500H Saltist is made using high-quality raw materials. The aluminum frame and side plate make it sturdy. Thus, no matter how harsh the saltwater environment is, it will offer great service and performance to the user.
It uses 5 corrosion-resistant ball bearings + 1 Roller Bearing. The gear ratio is 6:2:1. The power handle and the anti-reverse function make it even better. This reel can handle a heavy load without any trouble. What’s more, it comes with a competitive price.
Notable Features:
- High durability
- Made using high-quality components
- Can withstand the harsh saltwater environment
- Infinite anti-reverse
- 6:2:1 Gear Ratio
- Can handle heavy loads
Daiwa Opus Saltwater Spinning Reel
Daiwa Opus is another awesome, nice saltwater spinning reel from Daiwa. This reel can be used in freshwater and saltwater without any problem. It can withstand harsh saltwater conditions. It comes in four different sizes. Usually, the gear ratio is 4:6:1, but different sizes have different ratios.
Made of high-quality components this saltwater offers excellent durability and performance. I have already mentioned multiple spinning reels from Daiwa for their durability. This reel uses corrosion-resistant materials to make it the best saltwater spinning reel. What’s more, Both left and right-handed people can use this spinning reel. The infinite anti-reverse feature, smooth multi-disc drag, ABS composite spool, and excellent performance make it one of the best spinning reels.
Notable Features:
- Corrosion-resistant material used for harsh saltwater conditions
- The high-quality component offers great durability
- Both left and right-handed anglers can use this reel
- Infinite anti-reverse
- ABS Composite spool
- Smooth multi-disc drag
How To Choose Best Saltwater Reels?
These are several factors to check before getting the saltwater reel for your fishing journey. Once you review these factors, you will be able to pick the right saltwater spinning reels for yourself. If you are totally new or don’t want to spend much time then you can be assured that all the listed spinning reels have the ability to withstand the saltwater condition. We have mentioned durable, smooth functioning reels for better performance.
Durability
One of the most important factors to check is the durability of the spinning reel. Usually, saltwater spinning reels are made to be used for an extended period of time. You don’t want to pay for a reel that breaks the month after your purchase, right? We all want a spinning reel that will serve us for a long time.
Normally, fishes in saltwater are large and powerful. This is why you need a sturdy spinning reel that allows you to stow that big fish in your fish bag. A good spinning reel will be able to withstand rough environments.
Types of Material
Since we are talking about saltwater spinning reels it is very important to check the material first. Please note that we listed only the saltwater compatible spinning reels.
Aluminum: Aluminium spinning reels are great to be used on saltwater. They are lightweight, sturdy, and work for a long time without any trouble.
Hybrid Construction: manufacturers like Okuma uses hybrid construction on some of their saltwater fishing reel like Okuma Trio high speed. They use graphite and aluminum components to make them durable and corrosion-resistant.
Coated material: Some of the manufacturers uses specially coated material to protect the reels from getting damaged in saltwater.
Magnesium: Do not buy rods that have magnesium components. Once Magnesium comes in contact with salt water, the corrosion will start. A lot of fishing reels use magnesium for their lightweight factor, but these are not suitable to be used on saltwater. Note that none of the listed reels are made of magnesium.
Size of the reel
The size of the reel plays an important role in choosing the size of the line. If you are fishing inshore, you need a medium to large-sized reel. Since you are fishing in-shore, you don’t need large line capacity, and thus medium to large size reel will suffice your need. If you are fishing in deep water, you need to have better reel capacity to fish properly. Thus, in deep water, you need a large spinning reel.
You may wonder how to label a reel as a medium to large. There is no rule of thumb, but experience and assumption. Follow the bullet points to decide easily
- Small: 10/100/1000 – 35/350/3500
- Medium: 40/400/4000 – 55/550/5500
- Large: 60/600/6000 and above
Frame
While getting a saltwater reel, you need to check the sturdiness of the frame. You may get away with small to medium-sized fish with a normal frame, but not with a heavy fish. To handle a heavy load, the frame of your reel needs to be strong.
Spool
A good spool will use materials that will not corrode. Usually, saltwater reel spools are made of aluminum and graphite. If your reel’s spool is made of these two materials, it won’t corrode.
Final Verdict
If you attentively read the factors first, you will be able to grab the best saltwater spinning reel for your next fishing trip. However, we have mentioned only the top and best saltwater spinning reels from the top manufacturers. Thus, if you grab these spinning reels, you will be able to get top-notch performance.
I know that some of you don’t want to or may not be ready to spend a lot on a saltwater spinning reel or baitcasting reel. For them, we have mentioned some cheap best saltwater reels on the list. However, if you felt like you are satisfied with another saltwater reel, you can comment on them in the comments section below.
Afsar is an avid kayak blogger born near the coast. He has a passion for kayaking and started as a child. He has paddled in various conditions and locations and promotes responsible kayaking. Afsar’s blog is widely read, and they are a respected voice in the kayaking community, offering valuable content on kayaking trips, gear, tips, and tricks. Afsar collaborates with other bloggers and brands and continues to inspire others through their writing and social media.