Updated 12/29/2023

Looking for the best saltwater spinning reels on the market? Look no further. I’ve done the hours of reel research and testing on strength, durability, and material quality so you don’t have to.

In this article, we take a look at the top saltwater spinning reels on the market, considering factors like price, performance, quality, and value.

Whether you are a beginner or an expert angler, these saltwater spinning 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 5 Picks

• Best Saltwater Spinning Reel for the Money: Penn Battle III Spinning Reel
• Best Saltwater Spinning Reel Under $100: KastKing Sharky III Spinning Reel
• Best Saltwater Spinning Reel for Surf Fishing: Penn Spinfisher VI Spinning Reel
• Best Inshore Spinning Reel: Daiwa BG Spinning Reel
• Best Premium Saltwater Spinning Reel: Shimano Stella SW Spinning Reel

The 5 Best Saltwater Spinning Reels

Whether you’re a new angler or a grizzled expert, we have you covered. Check out our recommendations for best overall saltwater spinning reel and other categories like best budget or best premium amongst others!

1. 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 the 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.

2. KastKing Sharky III Spinning Reel

• Reel Sizes: 1000 to 5000
• Gear Ratio: 5.2:1
• Max Drag: 33 to 39.5 pounds
• Ball Bearings: 10+1
• Weight: 7.4 to 10.6 oz

Pros:

• Budget friendly but still fit for purpose

Our choice for the best saltwater spinning reel under $100 is the KastKing Sharky III spinning reel. You don’t need to break the bank for quality equipment. This reel hits above its weight class and gets the job done.

The key factor when picking a budget saltwater spinning reel is to ensure manufacturers build it for saltwater. Saltwater construction means corrosion resistance materials and quality seals for rotating components. The reel is surprisingly smooth for its price point with a 10+1 bearing system.

The Sharky III has some great features like the K.I.S.S. (KastKing Intrusion Shield System) sealing system to improve water resistance for the spool, body, and rotor. The aluminum spool has a rubber backing to allow direct spooling of braided fishing line.

This reel contains most of the features of a high end reel but is priced for value.

While this reel may corrode faster than some of the higher end options on the list, if you take care of your reel with freshwater rinses and routine maintenance it should last quite a long time.

3. Penn Spinfisher VI Spinning Reel

PENN Spinfisher VI Live Liner Spinning Surf/Nearshore Fishing Reel, HT-100 Front Drag, Max of 30lb | 13.6kg, Built with Carbon Fiber Washers, Black Gold

• 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 surf fishing is the Penn Spinfisher VI. The Spinfisher VI has the robust drag, sturdy construction, and reliability to handle the largest surf species. The live-line option is perfect for surf anglers using circle hooks to target bull reds, sharks, and other massive fish.

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. 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!

Check out our article on the best surf fishing reels for other great surf fishing options.

4. Daiwa BG Spinning Reel

• Reel Sizes: 1500 to 8000
• Gear Ratio: 5.3:1 to 5.7:1
• Max Drag: 4.4 to 33
• Ball Bearings: 6+1
• Weight: 8.5 to 30 oz

Pros:

• Great all around reel

Our pick for the best inshore spinning reel is the Daiwa BG Spinning Reel. It’s a solidly constructed, quality reel that is perfect for targeting tailing redfish and speckled trout in the back marshes.

The Daiwa BG spinning reels is a great quality reel at a perfect price point for inshore anglers wanting a reel that can effectively target all inshore species.

The reel includes Daiwa’s Automatic Tournament Drag (ATD) that reduces initial drag start-up inertia to create a smoother drag from initial startup. It also has digitally engineered gears to optimize speed, power, durability, and smoothness. Daiwa claims their tests reveal their reel gear life up to three times longer than competitors reels! We’re always looking for equipment that will last forever and this reel can take a beating.

Also, it doesn’t hurt that this reel just plain looks great with its sleek black anodized machined aluminum housing!

5. Shimano Stella SW Saltwater Spinning Reel

Stella SW 5000HG C

• Reel Sizes: 4000 to 20000
• Gear Ratio: 4.4:1 to 6.2:1
• Max Drag: 24 to 62 pounds
• Ball Bearings: 13+1
• Weight: 14.8 to 34.2 oz

Pros:

• The best money can buy

Our choice for best premium saltwater spinning reel is the Shimano Stella SW Saltwater Spinning Reel. This is a true powerhouse reel featuring the best materials and build quality available on the market. The reel is built with a Hagane body which is a solid metal reel body with high rigidity and impact resistance.

This reel is butter smooth from the 13+1 bearing system. It also includes Shimano’s X-Protect sealing design that all-but makes this reel impenetrable to water intrusion.

The Shimano Stella SW is available in a huge range of sizes perfect for surf fishing for even the biggest of offshore fish species. It isn’t the lightest reel around, but it’s built to perform and built to last.

Reel Comparison Table

Check out our handy comparison table showing key specifications for our top reel choices.

Conclusion

In conclusion, having the right saltwater fishing reel is essential for a successful day fishing. There are many great options available, but the Penn Battle III Spinning Reel stand out as our best overall choice. This reel offers a balance of performance, durability, and value that makes it a great choice for any saltwater angler.

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 Mahi Mahi Rods
• Best Flounder Rods
• Best Sheepshead Rods
• Best Surf Fishing Rods
• Best Pier Fishing Rods
• Best Trolling Rods

Check out our related reel articles:

• Best Saltwater Reels
• Best Inshore Reels
• Best Reels for Redfish and Speckled Trout
• Best Surf Fishing Reels
• Best Saltwater Baitcasting Reels
• Best Conventional Reels

Buying Guide – How to Choose The Best Saltwater Spinning Reel For You

Key factors for choosing the best saltwater spinning reel include reel size, line capacity, build/material quality. Saltwater reels are built with corrosion resistant materials and are bigger than other reels because of the long casting distances and larger target fish species.

Reel Size

Saltwater spinning reels come in a wide variety of sizes. The general rule of thumb is the larger the target species, the larger reel should be. The larger the reel, the higher the line capacity and the higher the drag rating.

Spinning reel sizes are usually represented as 1000, 2500, 5000, etc. 1000 size reels are considered ultralight and can only handle small fish. 2500 to 4000 reels are medium-duty size reels and are great for fish like speckled trout, slot redfish, sheepshead, and most other saltwater species. Reels 10000 size or higher are usually meant for massive surf and offshore fish like tuna, sharks, or bull reds.

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.

Since saltwater fishing can require long casting distances and large diameter line, line capacity is an important consideration. For surf fishing or offshore fishing, anglers should pick a reel with 150 to 200 yards of capacity of a high-strength line. This usually puts surf and offshore anglers in the 3500 to 10000 size reel class.

For inshore fishing, 150 yards of line capacity is plenty. Inshore anglers can target most inshore species with a spinning reel between 2500 and 4000 size.

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 tight enough 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.

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 7:1. Many medium size reels are around 6.2:1 gear ratio which is a great for most applications. For surf or pier fishing that requires reeling long distances, a higher gear ratio is better.

Material Quality

Material quality is an important consideration for picking a saltwater spinning reel. Saltwater 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.

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 two main types of brakes on fishing reels: centrifugal brakes and magnetic brakes.

Centrifugal Brakes

Centrifugal brakes work by using a series of small weights that are pushed outward by centrifugal forces when the spool beings to spin. This increase resistances 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.

Saltwater Spinning Reel Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of reel is best for saltwater fishing?

Spinning reels are the best choice for saltwater fishing for most people because spinning reels are easy to use, and are effective for nearly all popular fishing techniques. They also tend to be more sandproof and waterproof. Anglers that want to use artificial baits that require frequent casts may look into baitcasting reels because baitcasting reels are easier to cast accurately and are more comfortable to cast all day long when compared to spinning reels.

What size reel is best for saltwater fishing?

The best reel for saltwater fishing is a saltwater rated spinning reel in the 3000 to 5000 size range. These reels have strong enough drag to handle big saltwater fish species and can hold enough line to allow anglers to cast long distances or let a big fish make a long run before tiring out.

For fishing closer to shore or for smaller fish, size down closer to a 3000 series. If targeting huge fish like bull reds or sharks, a 6000 to 7000 series reel is a better choice.

What rod to pair with saltwater reel?

The best rod for saltwater fishing for most people is a 7 foot saltwater rated rod with medium to medium-heavy power and moderate to fast action. This type of rod is highly versatile, has enough backbone to reel in big saltwater species, and enough sensitivity to target most fish in the ocean. Check out our article on best saltwater fishing rods for a deeper analysis on the best saltwater rods available.

How do you care for saltwater spinning reels?

Caring for a saltwater spinning reel is important to ensure it performs its best and lasts a long time. Here are a few tips to take care of your reel:

1. Rinse the reel with freshwater after each use to remove any salt, sand, or dirt
2. Periodically lubricate the moving parts
3. Store the reel properly in a dry protected place when not in use

Saltwater fishing conditions can be tough on fishing reels. Try to keep your reel out of the sand and saltwater so it performs at its best for many fishing trips to come.

What strength fishing line for saltwater fishing?

20 to 40 pound line is best for saltwater fishing. You want line that is strong enough to handle big saltwater fish species but not so heavy duty you can’t fit enough on your spool. Also, heavier line has higher diameter and can be pushed around more in the wind and waves, creating frustrating fishing conditions.

How many yards of line do you need for a saltwater spinning reel?

Saltwater spinning reels should have around 150 yards of line to allow for long casts or for strong fish to make a long run without running out of line on the spool. Swapping from mono to braid can help with fitting more line on the spool because braid has a smaller diameter than mono.

Is mono or braid better for saltwater fishing?

Braided fishing line is preferable for saltwater fishing. Braided line has significantly smaller diameter for the same strength line when compared to mono. This can be key while saltwater fishing, because wind and waves will constantly be pulling at your line. The smaller diameter means less effect from the elements. Additionally, you can fit more braided line on the reel spool which is important for the long casting distances needed while saltwater fishing.

What type of fish can you catch saltwater fishing?

Popular saltwater fishing species include redfish, black drum, speckled trout, flounder, pompano, sharks, sheepshead, and striped bass.

How to switch reel from right to left handed?

Most saltwater spinning reels are swappable from from right to left handed and vice versa. Unscrew the handle by rotating it backwards while holding the bail to stop it from rotating. Remove the dust cover on the backside of the handle connection. Insert the handle on the opposite side and tighten. Be careful not to drop any small parts!

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