Updated 12/29/2023
The best saltwater baitcasting reels should be tough, corrosion resistant, smooth, and reliable to handle big fish and the challenging conditions of saltwater fishing.
In this article, we take a look at the top saltwater baitcasting reels on the market, considering factors like price, performance, quality, and value.
Whether you are a beginner or an expert angler, these reels are sure to meet your needs and help land your next big catch!
*Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.
Our Top 9 Picks
- Best for the Money: Shimano Curado M
- Best Under $200: Abu Garcia Revo SX
- Best Budget: KastKing Kapstan Elite
- Best for Beginners: KastKing Royale Legend II Baitcasting Reel
- Best Inshore: Daiwa Coastal TW 200
- Best Saltwater Wading: Shimano Tranx
- Best Digital Brake: Shimano Curado DC
- Best Premium: Penn Fathom Low Profile
- Best Conventional: Penn Fathom II Conventional
The 9 Best Baitcasting Reels
Whether you’re a new angler or a grizzled expert, we have you covered. Check out our recommendations for best baitcasting reels by category like best budget, premium, and conventional amongst others!
1. Shimano Curado M
- Gear Ratio: 6.2:1 – 8.5:1
- Max Drag: 12 – 13 lbs
- Ball Bearings: 6+1
- Weight: 7.4 – 7.6 oz
Pros:
- Butter smooth
- Great casting distance
- Marketed for freshwater and saltwater
Our choice for best for they money saltwater baitcasting reel is the Shimano Curado M. We picked it as our top choice because it’s a no-frills, high value proposition reel that’s built to last.
This reel is smooth as butter and feels like you can cast it a mile. It’s built for reliability and durability, rated for both freshwater and saltwater, and is an absolute delight to fish with.
Shimano recently released the Curado M as their flagship replacement for the Curado K. Compared to the Curado 200K, the Curado 200M is 0.2 oz lighter, has 2 lb higher max drag rating, and has Shimano’s MagnumLite (MGL) Spool III that reduces start-up inertia for unparalleled casting performance. Also, they added the SilentTune technology that reduces spool noise during casts.
The Curado M features Shimano’s latest MicroModule gearing they claim as super smooth and efficient. Spoilers, it is.
The Curado M baitcasting reel can do anything you want a baitcaster to do from striper fishing to finesse jigging for flounder.
I could go on and on about this reel. Suffice to say, if you want a smooth, durable, multi-function, long lasting baitcasting reel, the Shimano Curado M is a great choice. I recommend the 200 size Curado M with the 6.2:1 gear ratio for most anglers.
If we had to pick one downside of this reel for saltwater fishing is the limited drag compared to other options on this list. If targeting huge fish, we recommend checking out the competition.
2. Abu Garcia Revo SX
- Gear Ratio: 6.6:1 – 7.3:1
- Max Drag: 24 lbs
- Ball Bearings: 9+1
- Weight: 7.8 oz
Pros:
- Premium features at great value price
- Powerful drag
Our choice for the best saltwater baitcasting reel under $200 is the Abu Garcia Revo SX. This is Abu Garcia’s most popular baitcasting reel for good reason. It’s lightweight, smooth, and a workhorse saltwater (and freshwater) fishing reel.
It includes a number of Abu Garcia’s technologies like the easily adjustable magnetic Infini brake system and ultra-smooth 9+1 ball bearings.
We like that this reel comes with higher drag options that are perfect for targeting large saltwater fish.
The reel comes in both 6.6:1 and 7.3:1 gear ratios. Grab the 6.6:1 for great all-purpose saltwater fishing. Grab the 7.3:1 for burning topwaters or when you need to get a bunch of casts in.
Similar to our top choice, this is a great value option baitcasting reel that will last forever and is a delight to fish with.
3. KastKing Kapstan Elite
- Gear Ratio: 5.4:1
- Max Drag: 35 lb
- Ball Bearings: 8+1
- Weight: 10.8 oz
Pros:
- Heavy duty for budget price
Our choice for the best budget saltwater baitcasting reel is the KastKing Kapstan Elite Casting Reel. This reel is heavy duty with a massive 35 lb drag and large spool capable of holding 230 yards of 60 lb braid. It is a great budget entry point into saltwater baitcasting reels.
This reel weighs more than comparable, higher priced reels on this list. The gear ratio options are limited to 5.4:1. That said, it is heavy duty, saltwater ready, and made to catch big species like stripers, redfish, snook, and speckled trout.
Remember, you don’t need expensive gear to catch fish! Don’t think twice about this as a solid budget entry point for saltwater baitcasters.
4. KastKing Royale Legend II
- Gear Ratio: 5.4:1 – 7.2:1
- Max Drag: 17.6 lbs
- Ball Bearings: 5+1
- Weight: 7.2 oz
- Mono Capacity (yd/lb): 130/10, 110/12, 90/14
- Braid Capacity (yd/lb): 130/40, 110/50, 90/65
Pros:
- Budget Price
Our choice for the best saltwater baitcasting reel for beginners is the KastKing Royale Legend II. This reel is a great option for anglers on a budget or a no-regrets first try at using a baitcaster.
Beginners shouldn’t be afraid to grab inexpensive freshwater baitcasters to try saltwater fishing. Just be aware that the components will rust and fail much more quickly than a higher-end, sealed reel. Thoroughly rinsing the reel with freshwater after each outing will significantly prolong the life of the reel.
The Royale Legend II features a magnetic spool brake, 5+1 ball bearings, and a surprisingly robust construction for a budget priced reel. As expected with a budget option, the action isn’t as smooth as with pricier reels. That said, you don’t need the most expensive equipment to catch fish.
This is also a great baitcaster for anglers that are budget sensitive. Less than $50 for a solid baitcasting reel is huge value and an awesome way to practice using a casting reel. I would no-shame grab this reel, beat it up practicing, then upgrade to a higher end reel once comfortable with baitcasters.
5. Daiwa Coastal TW
- Gear Ratio: 7.3:1
- Max Drag: 15.4 lbs
- Ball Bearings: 7+1
- Weight: 8.1 oz
Pros:
- Fit for purpose
- High build quality
Our choice for best inshore baitcasting reel is the Daiwa Coastal TW 200 Reel . Daiwa created a perfect, fit-for-purpose inshore baitcasting reel. The 200 sizing, 15.4 lb drag, and 7.3:1 gear ratio are great for the needs of inshore fishing for specks, redfish, flounder, and snook.
This reel is the perfect size to pair with a popping cork, soft plastics, or your favorite inshore bait.
This reel is high strength and built to withstand the stress of fishing in corrosive saltwater conditions. It’s super smooth and an excellent option for saltwater fishing condition.
6. Shimano Tranx
- Gear Ratio: 6.2:1 to 8.5:1
- Max Drag: 13 pounds
- Ball Bearings: 4+1
- Weight: 8.3 oz
Pros:
- CoreProtected reel great for tough wading conditions
- Larger available sizes for targeting big saltwater species
Our choice for the best saltwater wading baitcasting reel is the Shimano Tranx Baitcasting Reel. The Tranx incorporates Shimano’s CoreProtect technology which protects the internal components from the tough saltwater environment. Wade fishing gets anglers closer to corrosive saltwater than any other technique and this extra bit of confidence that your reel can handle the conditions gives great peace of mind.
We like the Shimano Tranx in the 200 size for wade fishing due to it’s durable build and CoreProtected body. Wade fishing requires a balance of portability, reliability, and versatility that the Tranx 200 definitely offers.
We also appreciate the larger 300 and 400 sizes are available for saltwater anglers looking to target the largest fish.
Wade fishing in saltwater is probably the toughest condition to put fishing equipment through and we recommend grabbing a reel that can handle anything you throw at it.
7. Shimano Curado DC
- Gear Ratio: 6.2:1 – 8.5:1
- Max Drag: 11 lbs
- Ball Bearings: 6+1
- Weight: 7.8 – 7.9 oz
Pros:
- Digital Control Brake makes it nearly impossible to backlash
Our choice for best digital brake saltwater baitcasting reel is the Shimano Curado DC. Take our glowing recommendation for the Curado baitcasting reel line, slap a microcomputer controlled digital brake on it, and you have the Curado DC.
The Curado DC includes a digital braking system that utilizes a microcomputer to monitor spool speed at a speed of 1,000 times per second. The computer automatically applies the perfect amount of brake to prevent backlash at superhuman speeds. And what’s more amazing? No batteries required!
Backlash is most anglers’ biggest frustration with baitcasting reels. The Curado DC all-but removes the ability for the reel to backlash when set up properly. Casting into the wind? Light bait? Tried to cast too hard? No problem.
Everything else we’ve said on the Curado reel line still holds true. These reels include high quality components, have butter smooth reeling, and are super reliable.
The Curado DC is an awesome option for a high-end reel. Both beginners and experts alike will appreciate the high build quality and all-but removing the risk of backlash in the heat of the moment.
While we do love the digital brake, do note the max drag is only 11 lbs. If targeting the largest saltwater species, think about grabbing a heavier duty reel.
8. Penn Fathom Low Profile Reel
- Gear Ratio: 6.6:1 – 9.2:1
- Max Drag: 24 – 30 lbs
- Ball Bearings: 6+1
- Weight: 8.1 – 13.9 oz
Pros:
- Available in 200, 300, and 400 sizes for targeting big fish
- High quality materials
Our choice for best premium saltwater baitcasting reel is the Penn Fathom Low Profile Reel. This reel is built with high quality, corrosion-resistant, saltwater rated parts. It’s super smooth and comes in a great range of sizes perfect for heavier duty saltwater fishing.
This reel is perfect for targeting speckled trout, redfish, cobia, striped bass, flounder, and anything else that swims in saltwater. This reel should last a lifetime with it’s durable, high-end build quality.
Grab the 200 series size for inshore fishing. It fits 180 yards of 30 lb braid. Size up to 300 or 400 for nearshore fishing.
It’s also worth noting, this reel is gorgeous. Our recommendations primarily focus on functionality, but it’s worth mentioning how slick the black with gold accents looks.
9. Penn Fathom II Conventional Reel
- Gear Ratio: 4.8:1 to 6.1:1
- Max Drag: 30 pound
- Ball Bearings: 6
- Weight: 16.2 to 20.7 oz
Pros:
- Heavy duty
- High quality
Our pick for the best conventional saltwater baitcaster is the Penn Fathom II Conventional Reel. This reel is super smooth and has a beefy 30 pound drag that is perfect for dealing with larger saltwater fish. This is a great option for anglers looking for a mix of inshore, surf, and offshore fishing.
Conventional reels are known for their comparably high strength. Low profile baitcasters are a great development in the fishing world, but you still can’t beat the raw power of a good conventional reel.
We’re always looking for high quality equipment at a value price point, and the Fathom II delivers. The Fathom II has a full metal body/sideplates, a 6 shielded stainless steel ball bearing system, anti-reverse bearing, and star drag.
Check out our article on the best conventional reels for great additional options.
Conclusion
In conclusion, having the right baitcasting reel is essential for a successful day fishing. There are many great options available, but the Shimano Curado M and Penn Fathom Low Profile Reel stand out as our favorites. These reels offer a balance of performance, durability, and value that make them solid choices for saltwater anglers.
Check out this summary table comparing the key specs of the reels in this article!
| Reel | Weight | Max Drag | Available Gear Ratios | Number of Bearings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shimano Curado M | 7.4 – 7.6 oz | 12 – 13 lbs | 6.2:1 – 8.5:1 | 6+1 |
| Abu Garcia Revo SX | 7.8 oz | 24 lbs | 6.6:1 – 7.3:1 | 9+1 |
| KastKing Kapstan Elite | 10.8 oz | 35 lb | 5.4:1 | 8+1 |
| KastKing Royale Legend II | 7.2 oz | 17.6 lbs | 5.4:1 – 7.2:1 | 5+1 |
| Daiwa Coastal TW 200 | 8.1 oz | 15.4 lbs | 7.3:1 | 7+1 |
| Shimano Tranx | 8.3 oz | 13 pounds | 6.2:1 to 8.5:1 | 4+1 |
| Shimano Curado DC | 7.8 – 7.9 oz | 11 lbs | 6.2:1 – 8.5:1 | 6+1 |
| Penn Fathom Low Profile Reel | 8.1 – 13.9 oz | 24 – 30 lbs | 6.6:1 – 9.2:1 | 6+1 |
Check out our articles for great rods to pair with these reels:
- Best Saltwater Fishing Rods
- Best Saltwater Rod & Reel Combos
- Best Inshore Fishing Rods
- Best Rods for Redfish and Speckled Trout
- Best Flounder Rods
- Best Sheepshead Rods
- Best Surf Fishing Rods
- Best Pier Fishing Rods
Check out our related reel articles:
- Best Saltwater Reels
- Best Inshore Reels
- Best Reels for Redfish and Speckled Trout
- Best Flounder Reels
- Best Surf Fishing Reels
- Best Saltwater Spinning Reels
- Best Conventional Reels
Buying Guide – How to Choose The Best Saltwater Baitcasting Reel For You
Key factors for choosing the best saltwater baitcasting reel include reel size, brake type, build/material quality, and smoothness. Additionally, preferred fishing technique may guide reel choices.
Line Capacity
Line capacity refers to how much fishing line fits on the reel. The total spool capacity is specified by mono vs braid and line strength as pound test. An example line capacity would be “200 yards of 20-pound test braid”.
Braid is smaller diameter than mono at the same line strength which means you can fit more braid on a reel. Also, higher pound test line is larger diameter and will take up more space on the reel spool.
Line capacity is usually less of a determining factor for baitcasting reels. Most reels in the 100 to 150 size can hold 150-200 yrds of 30 lb braid which is more than enough for most saltwater fishing applications. That said, many folks like to size up to 200, 300, or even 400 sized baitcasting reels if they want to use heavy duty (higher diameter) fishing line. If you want to use 40 or 50 pound braid to target bull reds, massive black drum, or other huge saltwater species, definitely look at the larger sizes available.
Ball Bearings
Ball bearings in fishing reels are small, spherical bearings that reduce friction and increase smoothness of a reel’s operation. They are located within the internal mechanism of the reel and allow the reel’s moving parts to rotate smoothly against each other.
Most quality reels have at least four ball bearings. More ball bearings is usually better because the higher the number of ball bearings, the more friction is reduced and less wear and tear on the internal reel components. That said, ball bearing quality and material choice is also important. I would rather have four high-quality ball bearings than ten low quality bearings.
Most ball bearings are stainless steel but can also be ceramic. Many reels list something like “5+1 bearings” – this reel would be five ball bearings plus one roller bearing.
Drag System
Drag systems on fishing reels provide resistance to the spool as line is retrieved. A loose drag makes it easier for the spool to spin freely and a tight drag makes it difficult to rotate the spool.
Drag systems work using a series of washers or disks pressed together by a drag knob or level (usually on the top of spinning reels). As the drag is tightened, the drag washers are pressed together which increases resistance on the spool. Drag should be set to match the strength and size of the target fish species.
Setting the drag properly is an art. You want the drag tight enough to reel in the fish, but not too tight to where a strong pull could snap your line or cause your fishing knot to fail. When the drag is properly set, a strong pull from a fish should be able to pull some line from your reel.
A drag rating around 10 pounds is plenty for most inshore applications. For targeting larger fish or offshore, think of upsizing to 20 or 30 pound drag rated reels.
Gear Ratio
The gear ratio on a fishing reel refers to the relationship between the number of turns on the spool for every turn of the handle. For example, a gear ratio of 5:1 means the spool rotates five times for every turn of the handle.
Gear ratio is an important consideration when selecting a fishing reel because it affects the speed at which you can retrieve your line. A higher gear ratio is better for situations where you need to reel long distances or require fast bait presentations. A lower gear ratio is preferred for situations where a lower retrieval rate is desired, like when using finesse techniques.
Most reels have a gear ratio between 4:1 to 9.2:1. Many medium size reels are around 6.2:1 gear ratio which is great for most applications. For saltwater fishing, faster gear ratios like 7.1:1 are great for burning topwaters or quickly retrieving spinner baits. Slower presentation, like crankbaits, are better with lower gear ratios like 5.4:1.
Level Wind
A level wind is the mechanism that evenly distributes line on the spool as the angler reels in. Most low-profile baitcasting reels having a built-in level wind system. Conventional reels can come with or without.
Level wind reels have pros and cons for conventional reels. The advantages of having a level wind reel is they are easier for beginners because the angler doesn’t have to manually distribute the line on the reel. The cons are, level wind systems can bind when reeling in massive fish and tend to have shorter casting distances than their non-level wind counterparts because of the friction caused through the level-wind mechanism. Also, when casting long rods like 10-15′ surf rods, the best practice is to “bundle” line evenly on the reel because it will come off the spool smoother when high-speed casts quickly rip line off the reel. Birds nests also tend to be worse on level wind reels than on non-level wind reels.
Material Quality
Material quality is an important consideration for picking a baitcasting reel. Fishing reels are typically made of a combination of metal, rubber, and plastic parts. The body of the reel is usually made of aluminum or another type of metal to provide strength and durability. Plastic is used for many of the peripheral parts like the handle or drag knob because it is lightweight and corrosion-resistant.
Rubber seals may be used to protect against water, dirt, and sand ingress. High-end reels may have ceramic bearings or higher quality metal components.
Look for reels made of high-quality materials with solid, durable construction. Be careful bringing freshwater-only rated baitcasting reels to saltwater applications because the materials will corrode quickly. Always rinse with freshwater after saltwater trips.
Reel Brakes
Baitcasting reels have reel brakes. When you make a cast with a baitcasting reel, the momentum of the bait pulls line off of the spool. The spool rotates fastest at the beginning of the cast when forces are the highest. The reel brake slows down rotation of the spool to keep the fishing line tight on the spool and stop a backlash mess.
Brakes are important because if the spool rotates faster than the speed your bait is pulling out line, your reel will become a huge backlash mess.
There are three main types of brakes on fishing reels: centrifugal brakes, magnetic brakes, and digitally controlled brakes.
Centrifugal Brakes
Centrifugal brakes work by using a series of small weights that are pushed outward by centrifugal forces when the spool begins to spin. This increases resistance on the spool. To adjust centrifugal brakes, the side plate must be removed.
Magnetic Brakes
Magnetic brakes work by using a series of magnets to create resistance on the spool. They are considered more precise and higher quality than centrifugal brakes. Magnetic brakes are adjusted by a small dial on the side of the reel and can be fine tuned to adjust the resistance that is applied to the spool.
Digitally Controlled Brakes
Digitally controlled braking system utilize a microcomputer to monitor spool speed. The computer automatically applies the perfect amount of brake at superhuman speeds to prevent backlash. Digitally controlled brakes all but remove the ability for the reel to backlash.
Saltwater Baitcasting Reel Frequently Asked Questions
Are baitcasters good for saltwater?
Baitcasters are great for saltwater. Try to find baitcasters that are marketed as saltwater rated because they will be constructed with more corrosion resistant components. Freshwater baitcasters can be used for saltwater fishing but will corrode more quickly. Rinsing fishing equipment with freshwater after fishing in saltwater is a great way to increase longevity of baitcasting reels.
What size reel is best for saltwater baitcasting?
Baitcasting reels have different size standards between manufacturers. The most common sizing is 100 which is a great all-around size for finesse fishing or fishing with smaller baits. 150 to 200 sizes are great for inshore fishing. Sizes up to 300 and 400 are the heaviest duty and only for the largest saltwater fish.
What rod to pair with baitcasting reel?
Saltwater baitcasting reels should be paired with saltwater rated casting rods. Casting rods around 7 feet long with medium power and fast action are a perfect all around choice for a saltwater fishing rod. Check out our article on the best saltwater fishing rods available for further reading.
How do you care for saltwater baitcasting reels?
Caring for baitcasting reels is important to ensure they perform their best and last a long time. Here are a few tips to take care of your reel:
- Rinse the reel with freshwater after each use to remove any salt, sand, or dirt
- Periodically lubricate the moving parts
- Store the reel properly in a dry protected place when not in use
What strength fishing line for saltwater baitcasting reels?
Saltwater baitcasting reels can use a wide range of fishing line strengths. 20 pound braid is great for finesse applications. Anglers targeting huge bull reds may increase to 50-65 pound braid . 20 to 30 lb braid is a great all-around option for most saltwater species.
Is mono or braid better for saltwater baitcasting reels?
Braided fishing line is preferable for saltwater baitcasting reels. Braided line has significantly smaller diameter for the same strength line when compared to mono. This can be key for all kinds of fishing, because wind and current will constantly be pulling at your line. The smaller diameter means less effect from the elements. Additionally, you can fit more braided line than mono on the reel spool.
How to prevent backlash on saltwater baitcasting reel?
There are four keys to minimizing backlash on saltwater baitcasting reels:
- Set the spool tension knob properly. The spool should be loose enough that the weight of the bait will freely pull line in air. When the bait hits the water, the tension knob should be set so the bait stops pulling line.
- Don’t overdo it with casting power. Trying to whip the bait as hard and as far as possible will increase the likelihood of a backlash.
- Be careful casting light baits into the wind. Strong headwind or crosswind increases likelihood of backlashes
- Use your thumb to moderate the reel speed during the cast
How to switch reel from right to left handed?
Unlike most spinning reels, baitcasting reels are not designed to switch from right to left handed and vice-versa. Baitcasting reels are ordered either right or left handed from the manufacturer.
Low profile baitcasting reel vs conventional reel
When anglers think of baitcasting reels, they usually think of low profile reels. These are versatile, compact reels that are perfect for repeated casts on a long day fishing.
Baitcasting reels also include what are called conventional reels, or round reels, that are rounder in shape and used more for huge baits and trolling in either saltwater or larger lake fishing. Conventional reels are heavier duty and generally have much higher drag and line capacities than low profile baitcasting reels.
Written By: Andrew Juran
Andrew is a seasoned angler with over 25 years of experience, more recently specializing in redfish, speckled trout, and flounder fishing along the Texas coast. He has caught hundreds of saltwater fish using various techniques and mentored many in the art of inshore fishing. An advocate for sustainable fishing, Andrew is an active member of the Coastal Conservation Association, an organization committed to marine conservation.
For frequent fishing tips, behind-the-scenes looks, and real-time catches, connect with Andrew on Instagram
