Not all the reels are ‘Reel-ly’ meant for saltwater fishing, are they? This is such a device that legit determines if you will have a glad or bad fish day.
The activity may sound exciting to you but at first, you need to get yourself a nice and decent spinning fishing reel. The best saltwater spinning reels should not upset you. Moreover, we have got 10 best of them that own both durability and performance.
So, let’s scroll the mouth down to know about them!
In case you are busy and don’t want to get into much details, we’ve selected Best Three Reels from our 10 Best Saltwater Spinning Reels based on performance, value, and money.
So if you are looking for Performance over anything else, you can straight go for the reel in our Best Performance section. You want a balance between performance, build quality, and price you can pick the reel from the Best Value section.
And if you are looking to get the best saltwater spinning reel for the money you must the reel in our Best Money section. We filtered these three from our many hours of research!
Fishing For Sport Recommended Best Three
| BEST PERFORMANCE | BEST VALUE | BEST MONEY |
|---|---|---|
 |
 |
 |
| Shimano Stradic HG | Penn Battle II | Okuma Ceymar |
| CHECK PRICE | CHECK PRICE | CHECK PRICE |
Table of Contents
Best Saltwater Spinning Reels – Review
Penn Battle II Spinning Fishing Reel
Its all-metal body makes it the best saltwater spinning reel for fishing. As a result, bail wire, rotor, and side-plate will last longer.
Coming in 5000 size, you’d like to use it for medium fishing such as in rivers, bays, lakes or harbors.
The drag system is great. It comes in HT 100 carbon fiber material that offers powerful drag as well as smooth operation.
The Penn Battle II Spinning Fishing Reel also features fluid cranking and 5 sealed ball bearings made of stainless steel. While the bearings offer smoothness, its anti-reverse offers reliable gear feel.
There will be super-line spool that doesn’t have backward motion.
Coming with 5.6:1 gear ratio makes it great for flipping. The heavyweight can be a small con for you.
Pros
- Durable.
- Smooth drag.
- Great for flipping.
- Ideal for medium fishing.
Cons
- Heavy.
We happen to have a detailed review of this reel!
You can check our Penn Battle II Spinning Fishing Reel Review for in-depth knowledge of this spinning reel.
Penn Fierce II and Fierce III Spinning Reel
Both the models Fierce II and Fierce III are popular for their easy retrieve feature. Hence, you can call it one of the best saltwater spinning reels.
There will be fluid cranking where you will get an instant anti-reverse as well as 4 shielded stainless steel ball bearings.
The super-line spool won’t have back spinning and you will find it braid-ready.
To add more, the drag system made with HT 100 carbon fiber material provides you with powerful drag and smooth operation.
Penn Fierce II and Fierce III Spinning Reel models have used full metal material for the bail wire, side-plate, and rotor.
The rotor is techno-balanced that helps deliver optimal torque and leverage.
Plus, its medium-range gear ratio coming in 6.2:1 makes it perfect for different baits and techniques.
It is one of the best saltwater spinning reels under $100
However, the brand may spool the line unevenly, but you can fix it anyway.
Pros
- Durable.
- Optimal torque and leverage.
- Smooth drag.
- Great for different techniques and baits.
Cons
- Spool lined unevenly.
Okuma Azores Saltwater Spinning Reel review
Its smoothest drag is the main reason why we came up with Okuma Azores Saltwater Spinning Reel review.
The brand has used die-cast aluminum for the body, rotor, and side-plate to add durability to the construction. They have also included dual force drag system for powerful drag.
It can deliver maximum stability and drag alignment due to its stainless-steel, oversized spool shaft with its sleeve and dual anti-reverse system. Plus, it also reduces the risk of electrolysis and rust for having a three-piece mechanical stabilization system.
Furthermore, Okuma Azores features Dual Function Drag (DFD) which is a rotary adjustment control that guarantees you gamefish-stopping drag level for initial trims.
It includes 6 stainless steel high-performance and 1 roller ball bearings that offer smooth spinning.
You can enjoy precise settings with drag adjustment system.
5.4:1 gear-ratio is not very high to let you use different techniques but you can enjoy higher torque.
Pros
- Smooth drag.
- No risk of electrolysis.
- Durable.
- Great stability.
Cons
- Not for using different techniques.
Cadence spinning reel review
Another best saltwater fishing reel that earned positive feedbacks for its lightweight is CS5 by Cadence.
The brand constructed it with meta-carbon frame that is stronger and lighter. Plus, they included machined aluminum spool that you will find strong and steady. Albeit, the consistency can be upsetting sometimes but that has been experienced by a few users.
Another reason for these cadence spinning reel reviews are the reel’s smooth drag system and ideal gear ratio range with 6.2:1.
It also comes with 1 rollerball with 8 high-performance ball bearings to provide you with fast casting.
You will also enjoy amazing stopping power due to its carbon drag system so you can handle bigger fish.
Pros
- Lightweight.
- Smooth drag.
- Quick cast.
- Amazing stopping power.
Cons
- Inconsistent performance at times.
Okuma Avenger ABF B Series Baitfeeder Reel
Okuma Avenger ABF B Series Baitfeeder Reels have come up with innovation making it one of the best saltwater spinning reels in the market. With Baitfeeder technology, it serves different benefits.
You can enjoy smooth drag with its multi-disc secondary drag system. Moreover, it also lets fish eat baits without any hindrance.
It also is able to maintain great line control regardless of the applications. Not just that, it also is suitable for different species to catch.
The reel further features on-and-off trip bait-feeding system that is automatic.
The bear as a gear ratio of 5.0:1 that will provide you with hard pull and high torque to try out for flipping.
You may want to expand the size of the handle since it caused inconvenience to some.
Pros
- Baitfeeder technology offers several benefits.
- Lets you pull hard with higher torque.
- Maintains great line control.
- Smooth drag.
Cons
- Small handle causes inconvenience.
Okuma Ceymar Spinning Reel
In this Okuma Ceymar Review, we are going to explain why this Spinning Reel should also deserve to be the best saltwater spinning reel for its design.
The reel’s body has been designed with corrosion-resistant material to make it as solid as possible.
You will also love its drag that is very smooth to fish with it, thanks to its multi-disc drag system.
It also comes with 1 rollerball and 7 ball bearings to give you ultra-smoothness. Not just that, there will also be 2-tone machined spool made of aluminum that you can draw with ease.
The ergo grip handle will also be there to let you grip it and go for fish. It does not only feel grippy to hold but also comfortable.
5.0:1 gear ratio will provide you with higher torque so you can flip or move the fish out of cover easily.
Its heaviness can be a small drawback.
Pros
- Great design.
- Handle is comfortable.
- Smooth drag.
- Easy to draw.
Cons
- Heavyweight.
SHIMANO STRADIC HG, Freshwater Spinning Fishing Reel
Shimano too owns the best saltwater spinning reel that comes in STRADIC HG for its X-Ship technology.
This technology offers added gear durability and removes friction between gear and spool shaft. So, you will love its longer cast and performance.
The brand also boasts it to last long and be strong for its HAGANE body and gearing.
You will get to enjoy its smooth spinning function with its inbuilt Fluidrive II system and Dyna-Balance rotor. Both the features come equipped with the proprietary Propulsion Line Management System.
It also features 1 roller and 6 ball bearings that complement in smoothening the operation.
With gear ratio of 6.0:1, you can use a variety of techniques and baits.
SHIMANO STRADIC HG, Freshwater Spinning Fishing Reel lacks reverse system, so you may encounter issues while changing the drag.
Pros
- Longer cast.
- Durable.
- Smooth spinning.
- Great for using different techniques and baits.
Cons
- Lacks anti-reverse system.
Shimano Baitrunner D Spinning Reel
One of the impressive features of Shimano Baitrunner D Spinning Reel is that its braided line casts great.
Moreover, its graphite material frame and side-plate are another reason why you will find it the best saltwater spinning reel, i.e. for its durability.
The reel also promises you to avoid issues while managing lines with its Propulsion Line Management System.
Plus, you will have 1 roller and 3 S ARB bearings that let you do the fishing with smooth and ease.
Its handle feels comfortable having made of aluminum that has been designed with Varispeed Oscillation S-Concept Machine.
The reel comes with gear ratio: 4,8:1 that makes it great for techniques like flipping since it offers high torque.
Dartainium drag washer will also be there to offer more degree of drag adjustments with lighter setup. Hence this reel is one of the best Shimano saltwater spinning reels.
A bit heavyweight can upset you anyway.
Pros
- Cast-ability is impressive.
- Comes with more degree of drag adjustments.
- Smooth drag.
- Comfortable handle.
Cons
- Heavy.
Penn Clash Spinning Fishing Reel
Accuracy, smoothness, and durability, Penn Clash Spinning Fishing Reel has all these 3 qualities.
The reel has used metal material to construct the body completely. The gear train comes in fully machined CNC while the bail wire does in aluminum.
Drag system and wave spring is super-smooth with its drag washers that have been constructed with HT-100 carbon fiber.
You will also enjoy effortless retrieve thanks to its techno-balanced rotor and Leveline oscillation system.
There will be 1 anti-reverse and 8 stainless steel ball bearings that will also contribute into offering smooth operation.
Besides, its ideal gear ratio range with 6.2:1 will also be there to let you use it for a wide range of techniques and baits.
However, the quality of gear can be disappointing.
Pros
- Smooth drag.
- Durable.
- Precise spinning.
- Effortless retrieve.
Cons
- Low-quality gearing system.
Abu Garcia Revo Spinning Reel
Almost all the users looked impressed with the gearing system of Abu Garcia Revo Spinning Reel.
Abu Garcia kept their promise of making such user friendly reels with the Revo.
The reel includes Amgearing System that will give precisely machined gears so it can deliver both sturdiness and smoothness. Plus, the brand has designed the gear with computer optimization that makes it so effective to operate stainless-steel shaft.
It also offers durability with its aluminum-alloy body and machined aluminum rotor without adding extra weight.
The Revo features 6 sealed stainless steel and 1 roller bearings through which you can have added corrosion protection.
The drag system has used carbon matrix to offer consistent drag pressure to let you have a smooth drag. We can admit that this reel has it’s place among the best saltwater spinning reels for its well-known durability and lightweight.
The edges on the base might feel uncomfortable to touch, as per users. But that doesn’t make this best saltwater spinning reel a wrong pick.
Pros
- Durable.
- Consistent drag pressure.
- Corrosion protection.
- Lightweight.
Cons
- Uncomfortable edge on the base.
Looks like we’ve reached at the end the best saltwater spinning reels review section. Before you got to the buying guide section we have some fishing gear reviews that you might want to check out first.
One thing you might have noticed that we didn’t put Daiwa BG in our top 10 Best Saltwater Spinning Reels Review. Well, the reason is Penn Battle II and Daiwa BG are similar types of reels so we reviewed one of them.
But we have a detailed Daiwa BG Spinning Reel Review make sure to check it if you are interested.
If you’re planning on Fishing inshore along with rivers and lakes then you need a Reel that is lightweight, fast, and designed for inshore fishing.
Check our 10 Best Inshore Spinning Reels Review and choose one that suits you most.
And if you think spinning reels are not suitable for you, you can always check out other fishing reels as well. We have 10 Best Baitcasting Reels Reviewed in case you want to explore more.
Best saltwater spinning reels – Buying guide
Buying a nice and durable spinning reel is every buyer’s expectation right?
In this buyer’s guide, we’ll try to help you to make decisions based on some simple characteristics of a spinning reel.
Let’s check those properties which make a reel one of the best saltwater spinning reels.
Bearings:
Bearing number has a connection with smooth operation where the reel can spin around smoothly and cast easily. Plus, it also helps lessen the amount of vibration and sound. To make that happen, you must ensure the quality of bearings. And this can come from materials like stainless steel since it will be durable and rust-resistant.
Plus, high-quality bearings also come with higher-grade lubricant extending their durability.
Gear ratio:
Number of revolutions made via spool with single turn of the handle is what gear ratio is. The spool on such reel comes fixed. And as you turn the handle, a bail wraps the line on to the spool. For instance, a reel coming with a 5:1 gear ratio means, there will be 5 revolutions of the spool at every one revolution of the handle. It can affect the speed of the reeling process.
5.1:1 through 5.4:1 is a slower gear ratio range. It’s perfect for baits that can pull hard. For instance, diving crankbaits or swimbaits. It also offers high-torque output making it great for flipping and moving fish out of cover.
6.1:1 through 6.4:11 is a medium and safe range of gear ratio. You can use a variety of techniques and baits starting from worms, jigs to topwater.
7.1:1 through 7.4:1 is quicker gear ratio range. It’s perfect for techniques like burning buzz baits. Plus, it’s also great for fishing toads or top-waters.
Spool:
It refers to a cylindrical device that comes affixed to the rod so you can use it to wind and unwind the line as needed. The main job is to hold the line of fishing.
Spool comes in different materials like aluminum, graphite, stainless steel and plastic. It also is available in different sizes.
The more the length, the deeper, the spool can reach, hence, the better the benefit you get to fish heavy line. The shorter, the length, the better it is for flipping and pitching.
Drag system:
The pressure applied to a hooked fish is caused by the drag. It lets out line during the fight. There is a big chance of the lines snapping out and resulting in lost fish if you don’t get yourself a solid and smooth drag.
You will find 2 kinds of drag system: front and rear.
Front drag system comes with bigger and several drag washers so you can enjoy added performance and resilience. Meanwhile, rear one provides you will control that is easy to access during fish fights unless it’s big.
Anti-reverse handle:
It comes with a function that keeps the handle from back spinning to make the hook-sets precise and powerful.
So, make sure that the reel doesn’t have backward motion. Plus, also check that the reel comes with bigger sized knob and arm. It’s because such size will let you find the handle quick. Not just that, it will also provide you with a firm grip, and there will be lesser chance of slippage as well.
Size:
Make sure to determine size banking on the fishing line size you would like to use. If the line weighs lighter, you will need smaller sized reel.
Check if the strength and diameter of the reel comes in 10lbs. test line.
Body:
The material used for the body of the reel comes in 2 types of metals mostly: graphite and aluminum.
Aluminum is a great pick for rotor. Plus, it is also a strong material coming with lesser flex. Graphite is another favored material for frame since it is a lighter option.
Video: Spinning Reels A to Z Explained
This is an excellent video about how spinning reels work. This should help you choose your best saltwater spinning reels quite effectively. Thanks to the great YouTuber Informative Fisherman for explaining spinning reels.
FAQ
What is the best spinning reel for saltwater fishing?
It’s important to note that the best spinning reel for saltwater fishing will depend on your individual needs and preferences, as well as the specific conditions and type of fishing you plan to do. It’s always a good idea to do some research, read reviews from other anglers, and consult with local experts or a knowledgeable tackle shop before making a purchase.
Some of the best spinning reel we have already covered on this review, you can check those out.
What size reel is best for inshore spinning?
In general, a reel in the 2500 to 4000 size range is a good choice for most inshore fishing applications.
A 2500 size reel is a good choice for targeting smaller species such as trout, flounder, and redfish, and can handle light to medium-weight lures and lines.
A 3000 size reel is a good all-around size for inshore fishing and can handle a wider range of lures and lines, while still being small enough to cast easily.
A 4000 size reel is a good choice for larger species such as snook, tarpon, and cobia, and can handle heavier lures and lines.
So It comes to your choice of fish when deciding a reel size.
Are spinning reels good for saltwater?
Spinning reels are excellent option for saltwater fishing. Many experienced anglers uses them.
Last Thoughts
We all know a successful catch depends on many aspects starting with your gear, proper bait, the right spot, weather condition, etc. That’s why it is really important that you bring a trustworthy reel along yourself. A decent reel means one massive advantage in the game of fishing and fewer worries to think about.
All the reels we reviewed in this article are extremely durable and well-featured ones.
Each real has its own specialty and characteristics.
So we suggest you pick one that suits you most from our 10 best saltwater spinning reels.
Finally, we hope you enjoyed reading this review as we always focus to add value to your fishing experience. Don’t forget to tell us your opinion in the comment section below.
