Updated 12/29/2023
Saltwater fish are targeted with a huge range of techniques like casting artificial baits, jigging, trolling, and fishing live or cut bait rigs. For each technique, it’s important to have the best saltwater reels for the job to maximize the odds of a successful catch.
Fishing for snapper with a heavy knocker rig in 150 feet of water has different considerations from trolling for kingfish or even throwing a popping cork for speckled trout. Reels for these wildly varying styles of fishing have different key design features that make these techniques both easier and more effective.
In this article, we take a look at the best saltwater reels on the market for multiple fishing techniques considering factors like price, performance, quality, and value.
*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 7 Picks
- Best Baitcasting Reel for the Money: Shimano Curado M Baitcasting Reel
- Best Baitcasting Reel Under $200: Abu Garcia Revo SX Baitcasting Reel
- Best Spinning Reel for the Money: Penn Battle III Spinning Reel
- Best for Offshore Fishing: Penn Spinfisher VI Spinning Reel
- Best Conventional Reel for Jigging: Penn Squall II Conventional Reel
- Best Conventional Reel for Trolling: Shimano Tekota Conventional Reel
- Best Conventional Reel for Surf Fishing: Penn Fathom II Conventional Reel
The 7 Best Saltwater Reels
Whether you’re a new angler or a grizzled expert, we have you covered. Check out our recommendations for best saltwater reels by category like best saltwater baitcasting reel, best saltwater spinning reel, and best saltwater conventional reels for different techniques.
1. Shimano Curado M Baitcasting Reel
- 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 saltwater baitcasting reel for the money 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 can do anything you want a baitcaster for saltwater species to do from chucking soft plastics to throwing spoons.
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.
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.
Check out our article on the best saltwater baitcasting reels for other great options.
2. Abu Garcia Revo SX Baitcasting Reel
- 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 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 the Revo SX comes with higher drag options that are perfect for targeting large inshore 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. Penn Battle III Spinning Reel
- Reel Sizes: 1000 to 8000
- Gear Ratio: 4.2:1 to 7.0:1
- Max Drag: 9 to 40 lb
- Ball Bearings: 5+1
- Weight: 7.8 to 38.8 oz
Pros:
- Premium reel features for reasonable price
Our choice for best saltwater spinning reel for the money is the Penn Battle III spinning reel which we feel is that perfect mix of premium quality with a manageable price tag. This reel was the 2020 ICAST Online Best of Category Winner – Saltwater Reel for good reason!
The Battle III includes a 5+1 sealed stainless steel ball bearing system, Penn’s HT-100 carbon fiber drag washers, and a full metal aluminum body and side plate. It is high quality designed for durability and performance and Penn really outdid themselves with the attention to detail. Line capacity rings on the spool make for an easy visual reference to tell how much line you have to spare.
The material choices make for a lightweight reel with great corrosion resistance. Also, the spool is considered a ‘Superline Spool’ or a braid-ready spool. This means there is a little rubber ring on the spool that lets you directly tie braid to the spool without it slipping. A nice touch!
We recently attended a charity inshore fishing tournament in Galveston where we noticed our guide, Jesse, had Penn Battle III reels on all of his rods. When asked about it, Jesse said he fishes 250 days or more a year in saltwater conditions and does next to nothing to maintain these reels. He’s had no problems with them and loves how reliable they are considering how hard he works them. We even caught a 28″ redfish which placed for biggest fish in the tournament and a 25″ speckled trout on that trip with this reel!
No need to overthink it. This is a premium reel priced for value.
Check out our article on the best saltwater spinning reels for other great options.
4. Penn Spinfisher VI Spinning Reel
- Reel Sizes: 2500 to 10500
- Gear Ratio: 4.2:1 to 6.2:1
- Max Drag: 15 to 50 lb
- Ball Bearings: 5+1
- Weight: 10.7 to 38.6 oz
Pros:
- Heavy duty workhorse
- Live line option
Our pick for the best saltwater spinning reel for offshore fishing for huge fish is the Penn Spinfisher VI. This reel has the backbone and features needed to catch hard-fighting medium-sized saltwater species like bull reds, mahi mahi, and snapper.
Featuring an IPX5 sealed body and spool, full metal body/side plates, and a 5+1 sealed stainless steel bearing system, the Spinfisher VI has great durability and strength at a fair price point. The larger models have incredible max drag capabilities of up to 50 pounds which is more than enough for the largest saltwater species.
Just like with the Penn Battle III, the Spinfisher VI’s spool has the nice touches of a rubber backing superline spool that is ready for braid plus the line capacity rings for quick visual reference for how much line is left on the spool.
We like that the Spinfisher VI comes in a wide variety of sizes plus styles. Specifically, the live-line version is great for surf fishing or deeper offshore fishing. The live-line version has an additional switch on the reel that, once toggled, allows the spool to free-spool without flipping the bail. A great additional feature for saltwater anglers that fish with cut bait and circle hooks!
5. Penn Squall II Star Drag Conventional Reel
- Gear Ratio: 6.1:1
- Max Drag: 20 to 25 lb
- Drag Type: Star Drag
- Line Counter: On select models
- Ball Bearings: 6+1
- Weight: 15.3 to 19.2 oz
Pros:
- 15CS model has premium casting features
- High quality for reasonable price
- Line counter & level wind great for jigging for medium-sized species
Our pick for the best conventional saltwater reel for jigging is the Penn Squall II which comes with star drag and options for level wind and a line counter. This is a great, balanced reel that is built from high quality components, priced reasonably, and includes the right features for prudent surf or nearshore/offshore anglers.
It comes in 5 sizes, from 12 to 40. We recommend the 15CS for anglers that need the best casting control. The ‘CS’ model includes upgraded spool bearings and a knob mag dial that improve casting control.
This reel has a star drag which we recommend for targeting fish under 30 lbs because we like the versatility of the star drag and its slightly better casting capabilities. If focusing on castability, we recommend this version without a level-wind.
We recommend the level wind, line counter version of the Squall II reel as a premium jigging conventional reel for medium sized fish because it has all the best features needed in a jigging reel. This is a great setup for bull reds, flounder, pompano, snapper, and smaller grouper.
If you prefer a lever drag reel, you can go with the original Penn Squall lever drag conventional reel as an excellent option.
For targeting the most massive species, like big sharks or grouper, think about going with a reel with a lever drag and no level wind. Big fish can pull so hard they bind the level wind mechanism and a lever drag is generally preferred in those situations.
Check out our article on the best conventional reels for other great options.
6. Shimano Tekota Conventional Reel
- Gear Ratio: 3.9:1 or 6.3:1
- Max Drag: 24 to 35 lb
- Drag Type: Star Drag
- Line Counter: Available on select models
- Ball Bearings: 3+1 or 4+1
- Weight: 15.5 to 30.7
Pros:
- Perfect trolling reel features
Our pick for the best conventional saltwater trolling reel is the Shimano Tekota Line Counter Conventional Reel. This is a perfect reel for trolling setups targeting salmon, striper, kingfish, wahoo, mahi, and tuna. The line counter is excellent for conveniently getting baits to the proper depths.
The reel features Shimano’s CoreProtect for increased corrosion resistance and an oversized ergonomic handle to easily grip while reeling in big fish. The reel has a loud clicker which is great for detecting strikes while trolling.
This reel is built from high quality components and is an awesome choice for a conventional trolling reel.
Check out our article on the best trolling reels for additional reading.
7. Penn Fathom II Conventional Reel
- Gear Ratio: 4.8:1 to 6.1:1
- Max Drag: 30 pound
- Drag Type: Star Drag
- Line Counter: Available on select models
- Ball Bearings: 6
- Weight: 16.2 to 20.7 oz
Pros:
- Heavy duty
- High quality
Our pick for the best saltwater conventional reel for surf fishing 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. We prefer the version that does not have a level wind because this allows for anglers to maximize casting distance while surf fishing.
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 best surf fishing reels for additional surf fishing reel recommendations.
Reel Comparison Table
Check out our handy comparison table showing key specifications for our top reel choices.
| Reel Name | Gear Ratio | Max Drag | Ball Bearings | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shimano Curado M Baitcasting Reel | 6.2:1 – 8.5:1 | 12 – 13 lbs | 6+1 | 7.4 – 7.6 oz |
| Abu Garcia Revo SX Baitcasting Reel | 6.6:1 – 7.3:1 | 24 lbs | 9+1 | 7.8 oz |
| Penn Battle III Spinning Reel | 4.2:1 to 7.0:1 | 9 to 40 lb | 5+1 | 7.8 to 38.8 oz |
| Penn Spinfisher VI Spinning Reel | 4.2:1 to 6.2:1 | 15 to 50 lb | 5+1 | 10.7 to 38.6 oz |
| Penn Squall II Star Drag Conventional Reel | 6.1:1 | 20 to 25 lb | 6+1 | 15.3 to 19.2 oz |
| Shimano Tekota Conventional Reel | 3.9:1 or 6.3:1 | 24 to 35 lb | 3+1 or 4+1 | 15.5 to 30.7 oz |
| Penn Fathom II Conventional Reel | 4.8:1 to 6.1:1 | 30 pound | 6 | 16.2 to 20.7 oz |
Conclusion
In conclusion, having the right reel is essential for a successful day fishing. There are many great options available, but the Shimano Curado M stands out as our favorite saltwater baitcasting option, the Penn Battle III is our favorite saltwater spinning reel option, and the Penn Squall II stands out as our favorite conventional saltwater reel. These reels offer a balance of performance, durability, and value that make them solid choices for saltwater anglers.
Shoutout to Sharky over at Out Cast Fishin Charters out of Galveston, Texas for getting us hooked on some of the gear on this list. Check them out if you’re in the Galveston area and want a top notch fishing charter experience.
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
- Best Trolling Rods
Check out our related reel articles:
- Best Inshore Reels
- Best Reels for Redfish and Speckled Trout
- Best Flounder Reels
- Best Surf Fishing Reels
- Best Saltwater Spinning Reels
- Best Conventional Reels
- Best Trolling Reels
Buying Guide – How to Choose The Best Saltwater Reel For You
Key factors for choosing the best saltwater reel include reel type, reel size, brake type, build/material quality, and smoothness.
Baitcasting Reel vs Spinning Reel vs Conventional Reel
Saltwater fishing may be best performed with baitcasting reels, spinning reels, or conventional reels, depending on the target fish species and fishing technique.
Most techniques for targeting smaller saltwater fish can be done with either spinning or casting setups. Spinning reels are better for beginners because they can’t backlash like baitcasting setups. Spinning reels are generally preferred for bottom rig fishing live bait or super light setups. Baitcasting setups allow for more accurate casting and improved casting comfort but can be more difficult to use.
If getting one reel to do everything, we recommend a spinning setup to start. If grabbing an additional rod and reel to cast lures, soft plastics, or about anything that requires frequent casts, we recommend baitcasting reels.
For surf fishing, trolling, or heavy-duty offshore fishing, conventional reels are a great option because they have the largest spool capacities, highest drag ratings, and features to catch huge fish.
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 inshore saltwater fishing applications.
For offshore saltwater fishing, line capacity can be a huge consideration. Many offshore saltwater species are caught in water depths between 100 to 1500 feet deep. It’s important to pick a reel that has enough spool capacity to get baits to the appropriate depth with strong enough line to handle big fish.
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.
Ball bearings tie into smoothness of retrieve. Better quality reels will have butter-smooth, silent retrieves. Lower quality reels will have higher resistance and/or make noise when reeling. If shopping in-store, make sure to give the reel a few turns to feel how smooth the retrieve is.
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.
Redfish are known as one of the toughest fighting fish out there and a big speckled trout can also give you a run for your money! Flounder, black drum, and sheepshead aren’t the toughest fishing fish but if you hook into a big one they can still make a strong run. A drag rating around 10 pounds is plenty for most inshore saltwater applications. For targeting larger fish or for offshore fishing, think of upsizing to 15, 20, or even much higher pound drag rated reels.
The two popular types of drag are lever drag and star drag.
Lever Drag
Lever drag reels use a lever on the side of the reel to the drag. These reels have preset drag positions that usually include free spool, bait, strike, and max settings but also allow for micro adjustments to really dial-in the drag. Lever drags are best used when targeting the largest fish, 30 lbs or larger, because drag settings can quickly be set for each phase of the catch. The common wisdom is the strike drag setting should be one third of the strength of the line. For example, 60-lb line should have a 20 lb strike setting.
Star Drag
Star drag reels can be identified by the star-shaped drag adjustment wheel just inside of the handle. They allow for on-they-fly adjustment and are a good option when it’s possible to hook into a variety of fish sizes that require different drag settings. Star drag reels are considered to cast slightly better than lever drags, but that’s usually not a big issue on high-quality reels. If targeting smaller fish, under 30 lbs, with a conventional reel, we recommend leaning towards a star drag. One downside of star drag reels is you can’t tell what the drag setting is just by glancing at the reel like you can with lever drag.
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 inshore 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 conventional reel is a reel that has a 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. 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.
Line Counters
Many conventional reels come with built-in line counters. Line counters allow the angler to precisely determine how much line has been paid out the spool which helps accurately set depths for both trolling and jigging. Anglers that need precise depth control should think about getting a conventional reel with a line counter.
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.
Best Saltwater Reel Frequently Asked Questions
What type of reel is best saltwater fishing?
The best type of reel for saltwater fishing depends on the target fish species and fishing technique. Conventional reels are considered best for trolling, surf fishing, and offshore fishing for larger species like tuna, kingfish, sharks, and red snapper where spool capacity and drag rating are important. Spinning reels are best for small to medium sized saltwater fishing because spinning reels are beginner friendly and great for most fishing techniques. Low-profile baitcasting reels are best for targeting smaller saltwater species like redfish, flounder, and speckled trout with techniques that require frequent, accurate casts like fishing soft plastics on jig heads.
What size reel is best for saltwater fishing?
Baitcasting reels between 150 to 200 sizes and spinning reels between 3000 and 4000 sizes are best for inshore saltwater fishing. These size reels have enough spool capacity to handle appropriate sized line for targeting inshore species and will have a beefy enough drag to properly fight these fish. For offshore fish like snapper and mahi mahi, spinning reels between 4000 and 6000 and conventional reels in the 40 size are great options.
What rod to pair with a saltwater reel?
Saltwater reels should be matched with high-quality saltwater rods of the same type. Spinning reels should be matched with spinning rods, baitcasting reels should be matched with casting rods, and conventional reels should be matched with conventional rods. It is recommended to pick rods rated for saltwater because the components will not rust as quickly.
How do you care for saltwater reels?
Caring for saltwater 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 reels?
Twenty pound braid is the best all-around line for inshore saltwater fishing. This strength line is a good balance of strength to minimize chances to break off when fighting these rowdy inshore fish and small diameter to reduce effect of wind and waves on bait presentation. Offshore fishing techniques may require fishing line rated from 20 pounds all the way up to 150 pounds depending on the target species.
Is mono or braid better for saltwater reels?
Braided fishing line is preferable for saltwater 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.
For huge conventional reels targeting the largest offshore species, many anglers use mono because it is less expensive and has more stretch than braid.
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
Written By: Andrew Juran
Andrew is a seasoned angler with over 25 years of experience fishing across the United States. He has caught hundreds of saltwater fish using various techniques and mentored many in the art of 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
