The Best Saltwater Spinning Reel : 21 Revolutionary Jackpot


Best-Saltwater-Spinning-Reel

BY David Frisby, January 25, 2021 11:00 AM


Saltwater spinning reels are the most popular equipment used for catching saltwater gamefish. And many anglers consider them as light tackle compared to conventional reels.

If you’re planning to buy spinning reels for saltwater fishing but not sure how to pick one, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered.

In this article, we’ll give you a comprehensive list of options that you can find on the market. We’ll also talk about how to choose the best saltwater spinning reel that you can buy today.


Table Of Contents

But before that, you might want to check our…

Top Picks

Best Inshore Saltwater Spinning Reel

Best Saltwater Spinning Reel Under 100

Best Saltwater Spinning Reel Under 200

Best Saltwater Spinning Reel Under 50

Video of Best Saltwater Spinning Reel

Best Saltwater Spinning Reel Under 200$

Product

Name

Reel Size /

Weight (oz) 

Max. Drag (lb) / 

Gear Ratio

Bearing Count

(BB+RB)

Rating / Check

on Amazon 

1. Penn CFTII7000LC Conflict II

7000 / 21.7

20 / 4.3:1

7+1

2. Penn Spinfisher VI

2500 / 10.7

15 / 6.2:1

5+1

3. Okuma Azores

Z-55S / 17.9

28.6 / 5.8:1

6+1

4. Shimano Baitrunner D

6000 / 20.1

20 / 4.8:1

3+1

5. SHIMANO Stradic FL

2500 / 7.9

20 / 6.0:1

6+1

6. Daiwa BG8000

8000 / 30

33 / 5.3:1

6+1

7. Daiwa BG 2500

2500 / 9.3

13.2 / 5.6:1

6+1

1. Penn CFTII7000LC Conflict II Long Cast Spinning Reel

Key Features:

  • Rigid Resin RR30 body and rotor
  • CNC Gear technology
  • Brass pinion gear on
  • Line Capacity Rings
  • Superline Spool
  • HT-100® carbon fiber drag washers
  • Manual bail trip
  • Leveline oscillation
  • Aluminum main gear
Penn CFTII7000LC Conflict II Long Cast Spinning Reel

The Penn Conflict II spinning reels are ideal for inshore fishing sessions. These reels are excellent to use when you need to throw multiple baits around different spots.

Focused heavily on long-distance casting, the Penn Conflict II Long Cast reels come with the Leveline Oscillation System. This feature ensures that there is always an even line lay on the spool.

Another benefit of this feature is that it prevents friction on the line, which allows the reel to cast longer distances. And while they are bigger than other models, they are still some of the lightest reels around.

Pros

  • Smooth, light, and strong
  • Main parts are made of lightweight carbon graphite
  • Can cast a mile
  • Exceptional line lay
  • Great reel for the price
  • Sealed stainless steel ball bearings
  • Tall and shallow spool allows the line to come out faster
  • Ideal for nearshore or inshore fishing

Cons

  • May only last for 2 months of daily use
  • Not the most versatile reel from Penn
  • Not suitable for medium to large-sized gamefish

2. Penn Spinfisher VI Spinning Saltwater Reel

Key Features:

  • Full metal body
  • Metal side cover
  • Sealed body IPX5
  • Metal rotor
  • Brass gear
  • Protected stainless steel ball bearings
  • Line Capacity Rings
  • HT-100 carbon fiber drag washers
  • Spring-loaded cord clip
  • Superline spool
  • CNC Gear technology
Penn Spinfisher VI Spinning Saltwater Reel

The focus on corrosion resistance by the Penn Spinfisher VI is unmatched by other spinning saltwater reels on the market. For this reason, we consider the Penn Spinfisher VI as the best saltwater spinning reel under $200.

This spinning reel comes with an all-metal body designed to withstand harsh saltwater conditions. The watertight design of the Spinfisher VI seals out sand and water from the drag system and gearbox.

Consequently, we found its Sealed body IPX5 feature excellent at keeping the reel in good running condition. This feature allows you to clean your reel by spraying it down with a hose without worrying about salt, sand, and dirt getting into the gears.

Pros

  • Corrosion-resistant
  • Braided line reel
  • Powerful braking system
  • Waterproof case design
  • Improved gear ratio
  • Line capacity rings

Cons

  • A slight creak may appear over time
  • Bail arm can loosen over time
  • Not a completely waterproof watertight design

3. Okuma Azores Saltwater Aluminum Construction Saltwater Spinning Reel

Key Features:

  • Rigid diecast aluminum body, side plate, and rotor
  • Corrosion-resistant coating process
  • Corrosion-resistant, High-density gearing
  • Machined aluminum, 2-tone anodized spool with LCS lip
  • Hydro Block watertight drag seal
  • Machined aluminum handle arm for added strength
  • Carbon Mechanical Stabilizing System
  • Precision machine cut brass pinion gear
  • Dual anti-reverse system for maximum security
  • Quick-Set anti-reverse roller bearing plus ratchet system
  • Precision Dual Force Drag system
  • Multi-disc, Carbonite, and felt drag washers for DFD
Okuma Azores Saltwater Aluminum Construction Saltwater Spinning Reel

While many anglers see it as a bad thing, rigidity is essential when you’re fighting a large fish that can put so much strain on the reel. The solid construction of the Okuma Azores consists of an all-aluminum body and brass pinion gear.

In terms of reel strength, the drag system generates a maximum drag power of up to 44 lbs. Alongside the drag system is the double anti-reverse system that is powerful as well. Again, the strength and rigidity of the Okuma Azores are the reasons why we consider it as one of the best saltwater spinning reels under $200.

Pros

  • Watertight and corrosion resistant
  • Dual force drag system and dual anti-reverse system
  • Smooth drag
  • Great stability
  • Reasonable price

Cons

  • Not fully sealed
  • Heavier than other reels
  • Feels a little clunky

4. Shimano Baitrunner D Spinning Reel

Key Features:

  • Graphite frame and side plate
  • Floating shaft
  • Shielded A-RB ball bearings
  • Machined aluminum handle
  • Super Stopper instant anti-reverse
  • Improved Dartainium dual drag
  • Fluidrive II gearing
  • Varispeed oscillation
  • Graphite frame with cold-forged aluminum spool
  • Left- or right-hand retrieve
  • Shimano's Propulsion Line Management System
Shimano-Baitrunner-D-Spinning-Reel

The Shimano Baitrunner “D” line represents a huge improvement on the baitrunner’s ability to free-spool with the bail closed.

But what we appreciate the most is its dual drag system that allows you to have a main drag and a secondary one. You can use the main drag when you want to set the hook and start to play the fish. The secondary or lower drag can be used as you live line or drift bait.

Another great feature is the auto-return system that allows you to switch from the secondary drag to the main drag. This feature comes in handy when you’re live lining on the secondary drag setting and you need to strike to firmly set the hook.

Pros

  • Extremely durable
  • Minimal line backlash
  • Smooth action
  • Tough handles

Cons

  • Not braid-ready
  • Max drag and line capacity low
  • Heavy

5. SHIMANO Stradic FL Spinning Fishing Reel

Key Features:

  • MicroModule Gear II
  • X-Ship for improved gear durability
  • Hagane Body and Gear
  • G Free Body technology
  • Silent Drive design
  • X-Protect water-repellent coating
  • Long-stroke spool
  • One-piece bail
  • Waterproof drag system
  • Propulsion line management system
  • Aero Wrap II dual-speed oscillation system
SHIMANO Stradic FL Spinning Fishing Reel

As devoted anglers, we fish a lot. Thus, we always put the SHIMANO Stradic FL Spinning Fishing Reel through a beating every time we went out. This reel gets a lot of saltwater on it every time we fish but it has survived and keeps on performing well.

The SHIMANO Stradic FL spinning reel has shielded bearings on both sides, which reduces the chances of debris, sand, and salt from getting inside the reel.

Moreover, the Stradic FL saltwater spinning reel’s Hagane Body is made of solid, rigid metal. The stiffness of the reel eliminates body flex, which increases cranking power, boosting efficiency and performance.

Pros

  • Lighter than other reels in this price range
  • Has a taller spool that can cast a farther
  • Durable, rigid body
  • Smooth casting performance

Cons

  • Pricey
  • Drag can sometimes get a little sticky
  • Drag washers may need occasional regreasing

6. Daiwa BG8000 Saltwater Spinning Reel

Key Features:

  • Black Anodized Machined Aluminum Frame
  • Waterproof Drag System
  • Dynamic Cut Aluminum ABS Spool
  • Braided Line Ready Spool
  • Carbon Automatic Tournament Drag (ATD)
  • Over-sized Digigear
  • Machined Aluminum Screw In Handle
  • Solid Screw-In Handle
  • Air Rotor
  • Infinite Dual Anti-Reverse System
Daiwa-BG2500-BG-Saltwater-Spinning-Reel

The Daiwa Black Gold (BG) saltwater spinning reel has an aluminum housing that makes it a solid, lightweight, corrosion-resistant fishing reel. In addition, the rotor is designed to provide comfort throughout extended periods of use as well as making the reel more lightweight. Moreover, the waterproof housing that encases the drag system provides protection against the effects of saltwater.

But one of the features we loved about the Daiwa BG spinning reel is how well its screw-in handle performed against the “through handle” design. Using this handle design ensures that there’s no play between the main gear and handle arm.

Pros

  • Strong anodized body
  • Powerful drag
  • Smooth reeling action
  • Accommodates braided lines
  • Great price to performance ratio

Cons

  • Spool is painted, not anodized
  • If not properly maintained, the painted spool is susceptible to corrosion
  • Heavy, compared to pricier reels
  • Bearing are not sealed

7. Daiwa BG2500 BG Saltwater Spinning Reel

Key Features:

  • Black Anodized Machined Aluminum Housing
  • Over-sized Digigear
  • Machined Aluminum Screw In Handle
  • Dynamic Cut Aluminum ABS Spool
  • Braided Line Ready Spool
  • Carbon ATD
  • Waterproof Drag System
  • Air Rotor
  • Solid Screw-In Handle
  • Infinite Anti-Reverse System
Daiwa BG Saltwater Spinning Reel

We’ve used many saltwater spinning reels from other top brands for years of inshore fishing. And nothing held up as well as the Daiwa BG Saltwater Spinning Reel.

This reel has taken some dive many times and has also been in some rain showers. Surprisingly, the Daiwa BG spinning reel is still buttery smooth and fully operational.

It has a reliable drag system that you can adjust while battling a fish. And so, if you’re looking for the best inshore saltwater spinning reel for the money, the Daiwa BG2500 BG Saltwater Spinning Reel is a great option.

Pros

  • Handle cold conditions well
  • Hard anodized body
  • Easy to use
  • Powerful and steady
  • Good line lay

Cons

  • Heavier than most competing brands
  • Paint finish on the spool - it’s not anodized
  • Bail needs to be closed manually

Best Saltwater Spinning Reels Under 100$

Product

Name

Reel Size /

Weight (oz) 

Max. Drag (lb) / 

Gear Ratio

Bearing Count

(BB+RB)

Rating / Check

on Amazon 

8. RUNCL Titan II

4000 / 12.6

44 / 5.1:1

9+1

9. Cadence CS7 Strong

3000 / 8.7

19 / 6.2:1

9+1

10. Pflueger Supreme

30 / 7.5

10 / 6.2:1

9

11. Dr.Fish Saltwater

10000 / 26

40 / 3.9:1

13+1

12. Cadence CS8 

1000 / 6.3

11 / 5.2:1

9+1