Fishing on freshwater or saltwater is one of the most enjoyable outdoor activities that everyone should try, but it can be more effective and enjoyable if it is backed with the right fishing gear.
If you decided to fish on saltwater, it is advisable to choose high-quality, fully functional, saltwater spinning reel that can withstand the corrosion caused by salt.
Lucky for you these specialized spinning reels for saltwater are widely available in the market.
This article is for those who are new to buying fishing reels and those individuals who may be confused with what they are really looking for – I will share some of the hottest and best spinning reels for saltwater on the market, plus a guide on how to choose one that will definitely help you on your purchasing decision and achieve an effective fishing experience.
Best Pick #1: Penn Spinfisher V
The first one on the list is the Penn Spinfisher V Spinning Reel. This specialized spinning reel for saltwater is your great choice if you want to catch the biggest on the ocean and perfect for heavy baits. Thanks to its Super line spool that is made with machined and anodized aluminum, this spinning reel is highly remarkable for its exceptional durability and quality.
If you’re looking for ocean fishing, this reel is perfectly just for you mainly because of its watertight structure and design, no saltwater can get inside of its construction because of its six seals and case which effectively blocks any liquid when immersed in water. Additionally, you can definitely step up your fishing game with its instant anti-reverse feature that could be perfect for saltwater fishing environments.
The full metal side and body plate keep the spinning reel in the proper alignment that is necessary for smooth operation even when handling of heavy loads or catch and any sudden forces, the structure will keep the overall structure of the gear in the right position and meshed together. The reel is also built to last for years and can perform smoothly even in a long period of time – it really is a great all-around tool for saltwater fishing.
What we like:
- Offers great versatility that can be used in either saltwater and freshwater
- Made up of corrosion-resistant materials specialized for saltwater usage
- The structure is made from solid and durable stainless steel design that can smoothly perform for longer period of time
- No slipping because it doesn’t require mono fluorocarbon backing thanks to its super line rubber gasket
- Great for catching bigger and heavier fishes thanks to its big maximum drag system
- Ensures silky-smooth drag with its sealed HT-100 Slammer drag system with friction trip ramp
What we don’t like:
- Some user reports quality issues
- Made in China, not the USA
#2: Abu Garcia Ambassadeur
Even when you’re not professional angler or fisher, the Abu Garcia Ambassadeur Spinning fishing reel can let you experience enjoyable and fun saltwater or ocean fishing, thanks to its bait casting construction. It also offers exceptional accuracy on your fishing activities because of it’s 5:3:1 gear ratio. In addition, the unit-reverse system of this model can prevent any accidental unwinding of the line.
A centrifugal brake (6 pins) is great for ensuring your fishing experience will continue without any hassle or hitches – all in all, if you want an exceptional power with an excellent yet smooth performance, then this spinning reels is your best bet.
What we like:
- Specially designed for its power and precision that will allow you to cast and catch the big fish with minimum effort
- Offers great versatility that can be used in either saltwater and freshwater with corrosion-resistant capabilities
- Smooth and consistent drag thanks to its carbon matrix drag system
- The extended bent cranking handles as well as the power knob adds more durability and effectiveness of the spinning reel that can give you’re fishing game a boost
- The 1 roller bearing and 3 stainless ball bearing contributes to the spinning reel’s smooth operation
What we don’t like:
- Relatively high in price
- May not be wise choice for freshwater fishing
#3: Abu Garcia Orra Power Finesse
The Abu Garcia Orra Power Finesse spinning reel is great for both amateur and professional anglers mainly because the structure of the spinning reel comes with a 5:8:1 gear ratio that great for both right and left-handed. It offers a great line management as it comes with a fluorocarbon line, smooth dragging system that can withstand any current and weather condition and perfect for catching bigger fishes.
The fluorocarbon spool line is great for a better cast and catches a performance as well as giving you a better fishing experience. When it comes to drag performance, the Abu Garcia Orra Power Finesse spinning reel can definitely provide you the performance and operation that you’re looking for.
What we like:
- Offers great line management
- Made up of materials with excellent durability and light structure
- The structure is made from solid and durable stainless steel design that can smoothly perform for longer period of time
- Higher gear ratio of 5:8:1
- Great for catching bigger and heavier fishes thanks to its smooth drag system
What we don’t like:
- May not be great for saltwater fishing
- Some user reports quality issues
#4: Okuma Trio High-Speed
One of the fastest saltwater spinning fishing reel is the Okuma Trio High-speed spinning reel. The combination of aluminum and graphite in this spinning reel construction and components ensures highly durable materials and usage for a longer period of time. This reel is also designed for that fisher who doesn’t have any know-how skills or experience as they give them a better and easy fishing.
The construction and weight of this spinning reel are made up of pretty lightweight materials which give this reel a plus on any reels on the list. So if you’re planning to enjoy an ocean fishing with your friends or family, the Okuma Trio High-speed spinning reel can definitely help you achieve a big lure and angling.
What we like:
- Specially designed for its power and precision that will allow you to cast and catch the big fish with minimum effort
- Offers great versatility that can be used on either saltwater and freshwater with corrosion-resistant capabilities that prevent rusts
- Great hybrid construction, stamped aluminum stem, and two graphite side plate which makes it extremely durable and great for longer use
- Great dragging system with dual force that provides tension on the spool
- Smooth and excellent drag chamber that is great for big game fishes
- Double rotor for long-lasting and effective performance
What we don’t like:
- The spools are not braided friendly
- Some user report quality issues on the arm plate because it can prone to breakage
#5: Abu Garcia REVO2MGX30 Revo MGX
Another high quality and best spinning reel for saltwater from Abu Garcia are the REVO2MGX30 Revo MGX Spinning Reel. This reel is made up of aluminum construction that makes it more extremely durable and great for long-lasting use. The materials used are also ultra-lightweight, carefully aligned and engineered. The 1 roller bearing and 11 stainless steel bearing ensure a smooth performance and operation that will truly give you an exciting, effective, and fun fishing experience.
The accuracy of the REVO2MGX30 Revo MGX Spinning reel from Abu Garcia can definitely meet all the fishing application with its rocket line management system and long-range castability and versatility as well.
What we like:
- Specially designed for its power and precision that will allow you to cast and catch the big fish with minimum effort
- Offers great versatility that can be used in either saltwater and freshwater
- Great hybrid construction, X-mag alloy gearbox and C6 carbon construction which makes it extremely durable and great for longer use
- Rocket line management for long range accuracy
- Smooth and excellent drag chamber that is great for big game fishes
- Ultra-lightweight and extremely durable materials
What we don’t like:
- Pricey and might not be a wise choice for freshwater fishing
- Some user report quality issues
KastKing Spinning Reels
KastKing has designed one of the most cost-efficient spinning reels out there – good looking design, great quality, and a totally affordable price.
The unit weighs around half a pound, making it suitable for light and ice fishing. It has a drag system power of 17.5 pounds.
The reel has a graphite design and a hard metal main shaft. The pinion gear is precision machined – no issues with the performance, without altering how smooth it feels.
Other than that, there are nine ball bearings in the design and an instant stop one-way anti reverse bearing.
What we like
- Smooth operation
- Good looking
- Available in more styles
- Super lightweight
What we don’t like:
- A bit heavier than other reels in this range
All in all, this spinning reel will not disappoint – definitely worth the money and able to provide an excellent experience.
Daiwa BG2500
Daiwa is one of the most trustworthy names on the market, and its spinning reels are made to deliver. This unit comes with a black anodized machined housing made of aluminum and the Digigear system.
The handle is solid and screwed in. You also have an aluminum ABS spool, as well as the modern air rotor. There is a waterproof drag system too.
The spinning reel comes with six ball bearings and one for reverse applications. It can provide just over 13 pounds in terms of drag power.
Other than that, the reel is made for right hand uses and has a black and gold design. It weighs just over nine ounces.
What We Like
- Superior Digigear system
- Good drag power
- Based on quality materials
- Braided line ready spool
What we don’t like:
- Heavier than similar reels, but the quality is never lightweight
In the end, this spinning reel is likely to become your primary choice for numerous applications. Maintenance and long term durability are worth some attention too.
Penn Pursuit III
Whether you get Pursuit III or Pursuit IV, expect some high quality standards based on this brand’s reputation. There are plenty of different sizes to choose from – it depends on your needs.
These reels are quite simplistic, but they get the job done perfectly – no bells and whistles. You have a carbon fiber drag system that will not disappoint.
Then, the body is based on graphite. Not only is it lightweight, but it is also corrosion resistant. It will last for ages and provide an eye-catching appearance.
Finally, consider the machined aluminum spool – just the right materials, regardless of your fishing needs. Pursuit IV has pretty much the same characteristics.
What We Like
- High quality materials
- Made to last
- Extraordinary value for money
- Carbon fiber drag
What we don’t like:
- Line is not perfectly even
In conclusion, Penn’s reels are reliable and can provide a top notch experience – they are incredibly cheap too, so do not expect any fancy bells and whistles.
KastKing Megatron
This is one of the most powerful spinning reels on the market and for some good reasons. It is heavy, durable and made to take a good beating without showing any signs of wear and tear.
Suitable for both saltwater and freshwater, the reel has a bionic engineering design. It is built like a robot. It has a skeletal design frame based on aerospace aluminum alloy, as well as zinc main drive alloy.
The pinion gear is made of solid brass, while the spool has an exclusive design made on the same type of aerospace aluminum. Whether you think about durability or smoothness, you will be surprised.
The performance is fluid and smooth, while the drag power exceeds 30 pounds – carbon. The ball bearing system covers 7+1 ball bearings.
What We Like
- Lasts for a lifetime
- Great for both freshwater and saltwater
- Based on durable materials
- Good ball bearing system
What we don’t like:
- Saltwater uses require some maintenance
This is the ultimate spinning reel if you want something that will last for a lifetime and give you a unique experience.
Topline Tackle Spinning Reel
Available in a few different sizes – 2500 to 5500, you can tell this spinning reel is made to deliver the moment you touch it. It is solid and feels well put together – quality is never light, after all.
It has a stunning appearance that will look great on most fishing rods out there. A metallic mix of purple and a pattern will underline your preferences in terms of quality.
In terms of design, you have a zinc alloy main drive gear, as well as a gear machined pinion – solid brass. There are no issues in terms of durability and design – plus, they feel smooth and ready to take a beating.
Featuring 12 ball bearings, this spinning reel is made for saltwater and comes with an ergonomic CNC aluminum handle.
What We Like
- Made to last
- Quality materials
- Eye catching design
- Incredibly smooth
What we don’t like:
- Only available in one color
Bottom line, this spinning reel offers excellent value for money and a top-notch experience.
What are the things to consider before purchasing saltwater spinning reel?
With all the different models of spinning reel available in the market right now, it can be difficult to find and choose the best one with excellent durability, quality materials, and top-notched overall functionality – so to take a look at some of the important things to look for before buying a spinning reel.
Type of materials and components used
The type of spinning reel will largely depend on the where you’ll decide to fish in this case salt water. Keep in mind that when fishing in saltwater, your fishing gear such as rods and reels will be prone to breakage which is why it is also very important to keep the all your gear maintained and in the proper condition.
When deciding to purchase a spinning reel in the market, opt for the one with an extreme durability with high corrosion-resistant components to protect your gear from the harsh environment in saltwater.
Opt for the one with good sealing
When choosing the spinning reel with great durability, opt for a reel with good seals that will block the liquid inside the components which can lead to damage.
Go for the one with smooth and strong dragging system
The main purpose of a good spinning reel is to provide you a better and easy fishing experience which is why go for the one that can provide you a strong and smooth dragging operation more specifically go for the one with a carbon fiber washer stacks for effortless engagement.
Check the spool type
If you’re planning to fish on saltwater, check for the reel’s spool type. The braided line could be your best choice as they have machined and carefully engineered grooves that a designed to prevent any unwanted unwinding of the line or slippage.
Look out for its line capacity
When it comes to line capacity, be cautious on choosing one mainly because the line needed to successfully catch a bigger and heavier fish will largely depend on the size of the fish. So opt for a bigger reel that usually comes with a higher line capacity.
Anti-reverse handle and Body
Most spinning reel models in the market comes with a bail that rotates in a way it can prevent any snarls. So choose the best one with an anti-reverse handle, this interesting feature is essential and necessary for preventing the handle from going back as well as it prevents the slipping away of the line.
Conclusion:
Have you chosen the suited and high-quality saltwater spinning reel for your fishing needs? If so, then let us know by commenting below.
Which one is the best? – All of the items and models reviewed offer different interesting and essential features but one fishing reel has gained our attention and that is the Abu Garcia Ambassadeur Spinning fishing reel, here’s why.
The Abu Garcia Ambassadeur Spinning fishing reel is perfectly designed for saltwater fishing with power and precision. This spinning reel is your best choice if you’re planning to catch bigger and heavier fish in the ocean without any hitches and at ease. The well-suited smooth operation and performance of this reel are great for both amateur and professional ocean angler – this choice really is your best bet that will surely make your fishing game effective and enjoyable – to go to your market not and get this saltwater spinning reel now if I were you.
When purchasing the fully functional spinning reel and other fishing gears can play a vital role in keeping your fishing experience with your family and friends effective and fun.
My name Is Larry Noel, the voice behind BoatCrunch.
I’m a boating enthusiast that loves nothing more than being out on the water. So much so that I’ve acquired a Degree in Marine Biology (MB) as well as a degree in Ocean Engineering (OE).
I’m very familiar with a wide range of different boats and I’ve owned a variety of different boats myself however I have a particular obsession with Pontoon boats. I’ve lived all across the United States and always kept company in the form of boats and now my loving family.