If you buy via a link on this page, we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you.Learn more
Freshwater and saltwater spinning reels are two different tools. Don’t let looks deceive you, as everything is on the inside. Saltwater reels boast a waterproof body that houses corrosion-resistant internals.
But the differences don’t end there. Saltwater spinning reels are also stronger than freshwater models. In short, your freshwater reel won’t cut it. So if you are sure about angling in the ocean, you must lay your hands on one of these.
In a Hurry? Look Below
- 1. PENN Authority: Best Overall
- 2. Daiwa BG4500 Saltwater Spinning Reel
- 3. KastKing Sharky III Saltwater Spinning Reel: Best Budget option
- 4. PENN Fishing Spinfisher VI Saltwater Spinning Reel
- 5. Shimano Saragosa SW: Best for Inshore Fishing
- 6. Daiwa Saltiga: Best for offshore fishing
- 7. PENN Slammer IV Saltwater Reel: Runner-up
Authority Spinning – 6500HS Spin Reel Box
- Authority Spinning – 6500HS SPIN REEL BOX
- Authority Spinning – 6500HS SPIN REEL BOX
- Authority Spinning – 6500HS SPIN REEL BOX
Features:
- Sizes: 2500 to 10500
- 12+1 Stainless steel bearings
- Full metal body
- IPX8 body
- Drag (Pound): 20 to 60
- IPT (Inches): 30 to 50
- Gear ratio: 4.2 to 6.2:1
- Weight (Ounces): 11.9 to 37.3
With a CNC stainless steel pinion and main gear, metal body, and stainless steel ball bearings, the Authority knocks its way up to the top. It is raw power.
There are eight sizes to choose from. I use the 6500. It has enough line capacity for the average gamefish. Plus, it offers enough drag to keep a tight grip on fish. But the best part is that it is smooth.
The casting is buttery smooth. But this is something to expect at this price point. And this is the main drawback. The PENN Authority retails for around 500 bucks, which is somewhere out of the average budget.
Pros:
- Long casting reel, perfect for surf fishing
- Watertight body
- Powerful, smooth drag
Cons:
- Price
- Stiff handle
Daiwa BG4500 Saltwater Spinning Reel
- Made of The highest qualitiy materials
- Fishing reels spinning
- Another quality Daiwa Product
Features:
- 6+1 Stainless steel ball bearings
- Single size: 4500
- Aluminum construction
- Drag (Pound): 22
- Gear ratio: 5.6:1
- IPT (Inches): 43
- Weight (Ounces): 22
The Daiwa BG4500 features a full black anodized aluminum construction. The braid-ready spool already comes with backing for braided lines. Hence, no need for a monofilament fishing line.
The screw-in handle is large and yields enough torque to reel some big saltwater fish. There is no game between the handle and the spool, which is always a good sign.
As expected at his price point, the Daiwa BG saltwater spinning reel packs six stainless steel ball bearings. As a result, the reel stays as smooth as the first day. The anti-reverse system has its own dedicated ball bearing to prevent the adverse rotation of the rotor.
Pros:
- Reliable drag system
- High IPT rating
- Durable aluminum exterior
- The anti-reverse system works like a charm
Cons:
- It is heavy
- Expensive
- Some units come with a defective bail
KastKing Sharky III Saltwater Spinning Reel
- NEXT-GEN – KastKing Sharky III spinning reels look…
- PURE POWER – You will love Sharky III spinning…
- K. I. S. S. – Sharky III spinning reels are sealed…
Features:
- 10+1 Stainless steel ball bearings
- Five sizes: From 1000 to 4000
- Drag (Pound): 33 and 39.5
- Gear ratio: 5.2:1
- IPT (Inches): 27.8 and 33.8
- Weight (Ounces): 7.4 and 10.6
- Carbon drag washers
After three generations, KastKing has managed to create another contender for the best saltwater spinning reel title. This time we will be reviewing Sharky III.
The composite construction features a reinforced graphite body and rotor paired with a hard-anodized aluminum spool. It doesn’t hold that much line. Therefore, it might not be the best option for deep fishing. Fortunately, the spool already has a rubberized coating, so no need for adding monofilament backing.
Thanks to KastKing’s seal, neither water nor sand will find a way inside the Sharky III. Therefore, nothing will mess with the brass pinion gear, zinc alloy drive gear, and ball-bearing movement. Needless to say, this increases endurance and long-term performance.
On the other hand, the multi-disk carbon drag system delivers up to 39.5 pounds of power. This is more than enough for most saltwater gamefish.
Pros:
- Versatile reel
- Durable and light construction
- Impressive maximum drag
- Braid-ready spool
Cons:
- Poor line capacity
- Short handle; not enough torque
- It is hard to set the drag right
PENN Fishing Spinfisher VI Spinning Reel
- IPX5 SEALED ALUMINUM REEL SPOOL: Successfully…
- PRECISION CNC GEAR TECHNOLOGY: Durable, precise…
- 6 TOTAL BEARINGS: The Spinfisher VI features 5…
Features:
- 5+1 Stainless steel ball bearings
- Nine sizes: From 2500 to 10500
- Full aluminum body
- Drag (Pound): From 15 to 50
- Gear ratio: 4.2, 4.7, 5.6, and 6.2:1
- Weight (Ounces): 10.7 to 21.8
- IPT (Inches): From 33 to 42
- Carbon fiber drag system
Do you want a saltwater spinning reel with an insane drag? Here, the PENN Spinfisher 10500 with 50 pounds of drag is undoubtedly one of the kings. Plus, it has a buttery smooth performance.
The Spinfisher VI has a full aluminum body with an IPX5 rating. Therefore, the interior will remain as clean and dry as the first day. In other words, both ball bearings and CNC gears will maintain their sweet operations for the years to come.
The anodized aluminum spool needs no backing for the braided fishing line. It holds up to 490 yards of monofilament fishing line. Of course, this will change drastically according to the line thickness. Still, it is more than enough for most anglers.
Pros:
- Superb drag
- The spool is braid-ready
- Sealed interior
- Impressive line capacity
- Smooth internals
Cons:
- The cheapest model retails for around 150 bucks
- It gets noisy under heavy load
- Difficult maintenance
Shimano Saragosa SW
- SARAGOSA 14000SW BFC XG A
- SARAGOSA 14000SW BFC XG A
- SARAGOSA 14000SW BFC XG A
Features:
- Size: 14000
- HAGENE Body
- Drag (Pound): 33
- Gear ratio: 6.2:1
- Weight (Ounces): 24.7
- IPT (Inches): 53
- Carbon fiber drag system
Strong and reliable, the Saragosa SW is another suitable choice for the inshore fishing enthusiast. The reel has an IPX8 dust and waterproof rating, which means that neither water nor dust will find its way inside the reel.
The gear, pinion, and ball bearings are highly resistant to corrosion. Plus, the body offers two support points for the main shaft. Consequently, reeling is as smooth as you would expect. But this also improves durability as there is no flex in the main shaft.
The carbon drag washers yield smooth performance. It is also enough for inshore fishing. However, I wouldn’t recommend going offshore with it.
Pros:
- Buttery smooth retrieve
- High retrieval rate
- Sealed ball bearing
Cons:
- Low line capacity
- Not suitable for offshore fishing
Daiwa Saltiga
- “TOUGH & TECHNICAL” explore the new era of SW…
- Gear ratio: 5.7 / Winding length: 39.8 inches (101…
- Drag Force: 3.3 lbs (15 kg) / Weight: 14.1 oz (400…
Features:
- Five sizes: 8000 to 20000
- Single-piece metallic body
- Drag (Pound): 55 and 66
- Gear ratio: 5.8 and 6.5:1
- Weight (Ounces): Up to 31.4
- IPT (Inches): Up to 56.6
Although Daiwa is known for making affordable products, this is not the case. However, it is a great investment for those looking for a reliable offshore spinning reel.
You can choose between five sizes. However, all of them enjoy the same premium features. For instance, it boasts a single-piece metallic body threaded side plate, which maximizes internal space. As a result, Daiwa has managed to place thicker, more powerful gear.
The drag is one of my favorite features. It uses Daiwa’s ATD tech. In a nutshell, the spool gives more support to the drag washer, which translates into a smoother performance.
My only complaint is line capacity. The spool, as you will see, is smaller than the reels from the competition. Still, it is worth your while.
Pros:
- Strong and smooth drag
- Smooth operation, great for long casts
- Water and dustproof interior
Cons:
- Low line capacity
- Price
- Expensive maintenance
PENN Slammer IV Saltwater Reel
- Strong, Tough and Durable – The fourth generation…
- IPX6 Sealed Body and Spool – The most saltwater…
- Slammer Dura Drag System – Completely redesigned…
Features:
- Sizes: 2500 to 10500
- Single-piece metallic body
- Drag (Pound): Up to 60
- Gear ratio: 4.7 to 7:1
- Weight (Ounces): up to 42.9
- IPT (Inches): Up to 43
Is the Authority too expensive for you? If so, the Slammer IV is a good alternative. But don’t get your hopes too high. You still have to pay a hefty sum for it.
For around 350 bucks, you will be getting a full metal body with brass gears. This means that the reel is sturdy and will handle heavy fish with ease. On the other hand, it is IPX6 water and dustproof. It is watertight, but it doesn’t compare with the Authority.
The front drag yields 60 pounds of pressure, which is more than enough to handle big saltwater gamefish. If this is too overkill for you, there are other models with a lesser drag.
Because the Slammer IV is meant to be used against heavy fish, the reel itself is not light. I don’t advise using it for surf fishing.
Pros:
- Sturdy frame
- Big spool
- Oversized handle
Cons:
- It is heavy
- Stiff bail wire
Finding the Best Saltwater Spinning Reel: What to Look For
Are there any differences between a saltwater and freshwater spinning reel? What should I look for when searching for a saltwater spinning reel? How do features affect performance? We know that your head is full of questions. Don’t worry. We will address these and more in the following lines. So, bear a little longer and learn how to find the best saltwater spinning reel for you.
Can I Use a Freshwater Spinning Reel in Saltwater?
Before we start talking about construction, and features, let us answer this question. While nothing stops you from using a freshwater reel in saltwater, it is not the brightest of ideas.
First, most freshwater spinning reels don’t have an anti-corrosion coating. Hence, they will get more affected by it than saltwater spinning reels. In other words, they will corrode more rapidly whether you rinse them or not.
Additionally, some high-end saltwater spinning reels feature a sealed interior. Having such a feature provides an extra layer of security against the harmful effects of saltwater and sand. In conclusion, you can use a freshwater spinning reel in saltwater. But it is not recommended.
Line Capacity
Depending on the spool size, the reel will hold more or less line. Naturally, you can wrap more fishing lines into larger spools. But, how much of a line is enough? It depends, of course, on the fish you are after. Massive, aggressive, and fast swimmers require more lines.
Thickness is another factor that affects line capacity. For example, thicker lines require more space. Therefore, you won’t be able to spool that much line. In short, you must check two things. First, the reel must be compatible with the line test strength, or in other words, thickness. Then, see how many yards of that line the spool holds. Remember, the more, the better.
If your budget allows it, go for a braid-ready spool. You will need to add a monofilament backing otherwise. Needless to say, this reduces the number of effective yards of line.
Drag
Having a saltwater spinning reel with enough drag is as crucial as having one with sufficient line capacity. Like before, larger and more aggressive spices require more drag. But, what is it?
Simply put, the drag is the amount of pressure the reel puts into the line to keep it from getting out of the spool. The higher the drag, the harder the fish must fight to get some line out.
One thing here, you must always set a drag lower than the line’s test strength. The line will snap if you do otherwise. So, let’s say that you are using a 15-pound test line. The drag should be set around 10 pounds or less. Keep in mind that the drag is not there to keep the fish from escaping. It is something that you use to tire the fish out so you can reel it without too much trouble. This is the theory, at least.
Most saltwater spinning packs either felt or carbon drag washers. The first is not as reliable as the latter. It isn’t as smooth and typically wears out faster. However, it is not as expensive as carbon drag washers. In the end, the ultimate decision depends on your budget.
Handle Size
Handle size is one of those things that people often overlook. You must not do the same. Why? Well, the bigger the handle, the more leverage effect it yields. Therefore, the less power you need to apply. Reels with large power handles are more suitable for large saltwater fish.
Typically most saltwater fishing reel features an aluminum handle.
Ball Bearings: Quality Vs Quantity
When it comes down to ball bearings, some anglers say that the more, the merrier. However, this is not always true. It is crucial to know what these things do to understand why.
Ball bearings are small concentrical rings with several tiny balls in between them. Their main task, as you might have guessed, is to reduce friction and transfer movement. Typically, most spinning reels feature stainless steel ball bearings. Although you might find some high-end models with ceramic ones.
Now, while more ball bearings enhance smoothness, if they are of poor quality, they will eventually break down. In conclusion, look for shielded or sealed ball bearings, as these are the most durable.
Gear Ratio: Is It Important?
Have you ever wondered what 5.0:1 or 4.6:1 mean? It shows how many times the spool rotates per crank handle. For instance, the spool spins five times each time you crank the handle in a 5.0:1 spinning reel.
Higher gear ratios mean that the reel is faster, at the expense of power. Conversely, low gear ratios mean more power. Thus, low ratios are more suitable for gamefish, whereas higher gear ratios are better for smaller fish. So yes, the gear ratio is quite an important feature to consider.
Line Retrieval Rate or IPT
Also known as inches per turn, it is the amount of line, in inches, that the spool takes each time you turn the handle. A higher IPT translated into a faster retrieval.
Which Saltwater Reel is Best?
What is best for me might not be the best option for you. The best saltwater spinning reel is the one that suits your needs. But you can’t go wrong with the PENN Authority if you want a good overall option.
Who Makes the Best Sea Fishing Reels?
The competition is tough. PENN, SHIMANO, and Daiwa are the ones that I recommend. I’ve used several of their saltwater reels, and although some performed better than others, they all get the job done.
What Size Reel is Best for Beach Fishing?
The fish you will encounter are small to medium in size. Therefore, a medium-sized reel such as 4000 to 6000 is the most suitable for the job.
Are Spinning Reels Good for Saltwater?
Saltwater spinning reels are sturdier and corrosion-resistant. They’ve evolved so fast that now you can use them for catching saltwater gamefish. I’ve seen anglers catch sailfish and tuna using nothing but spinning reels!
Should I Rinse My Reel After Saltwater Fishing?
Although saltwater spinning reels are corrosion-resistant, you should rinse them with fresh water. It takes a couple of minutes, and you will be keeping your gear in optimal condition.
I also recommend oiling your reel after a couple of trips.
Can I Use a Freshwater Reel in Saltwater?
Nothing stops you. But I would advise against it. Freshwater reels lack corrosion-resistant gears and shafts. Thus, they will corrode over time. On the other hand, most of them don’t have a metallic body, which is key to handling saltwater gamefish.
Best Saltwater Spinning Reels: Our Opinion
There is no better feeling than knowing your gear has your back while you concentrate on catching fish. That’s why you shouldn’t settle for a cheap reel for saltwater fishing.
My PENN Authority and I have landed several striped bass and Albacore. It is the best saltwater spinning reel that you can find in the market. However, it might be too expensive for some. You can go for the PENN Slammer IV or KastKing Sharky III if you have a tight budget.
For the inshore fishing aficionados, the Shimano Saragosa is the best option. It is light but packs a punch for large fish.
So tell us, which one did you pick?
