10 Reviews: Best Fishing Reels for Saltwater (Jun 2023)

The Shimano Sedona FI comes with an updated design and cold-forged HAGANE gears; this spinning reel offers several significant performance improvements at an affordable value. Additionally, the reel provides rugged, long-lasting performance and smoothness, giving anglers strength for both onshore and offshore action. Moreover, it features dual anodized machine-cut rolls to increase line capacity while keeping the body compact.

On top of that, this reel is equipped with a Propulsion Path Management System, which provides a longer casting distance while preventing backlash and wind knots. Thus, if you’re looking for the best fishing reels for saltwater, this one is really worth it!

"Strong, lightweight real that pairs beautifully with an ultra light set up. It’s incredibly smooth."

by Michael W Cooper

The Daiwa Bg Spinning Reel comes with a strong black Anodized Machined Aluminum Housing and a faster grip, so the reel is very stiff. Consequently, it features an aluminum frame and features Digigear technology. However, this reel has 40% larger gears, giving the gears significantly longer life and durability than competitive reels.

Moreover, it has a reputation for being robust, smooth, and highly reliable across a wide spectrum of uses, from surfing to onshore to offshore. Hence, if you are on a tight budget but have a few more bucks to spend, Daiwa BG is a great choice.

"Great smooth reel! Just a little heavy compared to a few other quality reels of the same size. Still a darn good reel."

by Jerry F. Furr

The PENN Fierce III Spinning Fishing Reel has a well-deserved reputation as a reliable and moderately tough budget reel that performs well from the beach, boat, or kayak. Additionally, it’s line-ready and available in various sizes to suit any need.

On the other hand, this reel is available in various sizes, from 1000 to 8000. Also, it can handle anything on or near the beach, due to the full metal body and side plates, along with the carbon fiber drag washers. After that, a shielded 4+1 stainless steel ball bearing system ensures smooth pick-up while heavy-duty aluminum bail wire and super line spools allow for easy line management.

"My husband says it a very nice reel!"

by Renee

The Penn Spinfisher VI comes with an IPX5 sealing feature, so whether it hits the waves or you leave it in the spray all the way home, you don’t have to worry about saltwater getting into the gearbox or drag system. Moreover, the PENN HT-100 drag washer is housed in a hermetically sealed reel to provide the stopping power required for large saltwater fish.

In addition, the whole metal body and side plates keep the CNC gear system in precise alignment under heavy loads. In addition, the reels are all meta, have multiple water seals and a robust drag system, and are available in several sizes. Hence, if you’re looking for the best fishing reels for saltwater, this one is worth a go!

"Sturdy as expected from Penn, but not too heavy. Happy with the smooth drag and comfortable handle."

by Ben Tycko

The Shimano Saragosa SW, A Saltwater Spinning Reel, comes with the capabilities and features to dominate the saltwater world. Additionally, the reel features Infinity Drive Technology and increases reel torque under load by up to 30% compared to its predecessor. Thus, it gives anglers a distinct advantage over hard-fighting game fish.

Moreover, the reel is also equipped with IPX8, and X-Protect rated waterproof Cross Carbon drag for a high level of water resistance to create long-lasting durability without sacrificing performance. Thus, it provides excellent fishing performance in salt water.

"Great reel for surf fish in Florida. Extremely smooth Well worth your investment."

by John

Lightweight and extremely strong, the Daiwa BG MQ Spinning Reel allows strength and weight to be achieved without the expense and corrosion problems of other metals. Consequently, these reels use a drag-enhanced lubricant that exhibits a low viscosity at rest but becomes more viscous soon after drag starts up.

Furthermore, the reel is digitally engineered, ensuring the perfect blend of ultra-tough alloy drive gears and marine bronze pinion gears for optimized speed, power, durability, and smoothness.

"This reel is exactly as advertised. It will handle big fish inshore and offshore. The gears hold and the drag will bear down to give you the power."

by Roy

The Okuma Makaira features an aluminum frame, side plates, and 6061-T6 engine spool for maximum durability and strength. After that, this reel comes with a corrosion-resistant coating, which is a corrosion-resistant coating process that penetrates and binds to metal to help significantly towards long-term protection.

On top of that, this reel also dials it in with two 2-speed gearing, which combines two sets of main gears and stainless steel pinions, allowing anglers the choice of a high-speed gear ratio or a strong low-speed gear ratio for power and maximum torque. This reel is recommended if you’re looking for the best fishing reels for saltwater.

"This is the 6th one on the boat and they all perform excellently here in Baja California Sur. Handles everything we have, marlin, tuna, and dorado smoothly and with great drags."

by breese

If you’re planning to get the best fishing reels for saltwater, this Shimano Baitrunner D Spinning Reel is perfect for you. It has 3 S ARB ball bearings, one roller bearing, and excellent quality handles that give you comfort and control of your cast. Also, this reel features sufficient line capacity and drag to handle most of the fish species you will find on the shoreline.

Furthermore, this classic live bait reel features a secondary drag system that allows free reeling with a closed guarantee and allows your bait to move naturally. In addition, its Dyna-balance technology helps eliminate shake during capture by balancing the rotor for increased sensitivity and smoothness.

"You can feel the quality. Works great. Drag indicator is loud. perfect to alert you when the fish is running with your bait."

by Aletchir

The KastKing Sharky III Fishing Reel comes with a new design built tough for landing trophy fish in all fishing conditions. This reel is an exceptional lightweight fishing reel made with a high percentage of fiber reinforced graphite body and rotor. Also, it has smooth and reliable triple disc carbon fiber drag, so it can accommodate up to 39.5LBs / 18KG.

Moreover, this reel has many features, including high quality, saltwater double-shielded stainless steel ball bearing, anti-reverse instant lock, stainless steel hardware, aluminum handle, and more line capacity than other brands.

"The first delivery was stole by a man and my camera caught his face and I reported it to local police department. Amazon sent the second package to me. What can I say. Appreciate it. Good service. Good quality fishing reel."

by Lance

Not only is it smooth and durable, but the Penn Slammer III Fishing Reel also has the most powerful drag system. In addition, it is equipped with 7+1 stainless steel ball bearings. As a result, the full metal body and IPX6 sealed body and spool guarantee a long-lasting roll. The full metal body means no body parts are made of plastic, resulting in a stronger role.

Moreover, this reel features IPX6 protection, so if you spray it with a high-pressure hose, no water will enter the reel. Hence, it is good enough to bring the possibility of corrosion to zero.

"Very well made and smooth. A little heavy but worth it for the ruggedness."

by Eric Henry