10 Best Saltwater Reels in 2023 [Top Picks]


Saltwater reels are fishing reels designed and built to withstand the corrosive nature of saltwater environments. These reels are typically made of corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, or titanium to prevent rust and corrosion caused by exposure to saltwater.

Best Overall
1
4.9
PENN Pursuit III Spinning Reel - 5 Bearings

PENN Pursuit III Spinning Reel - 5 Bearings

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  • 4+1 stainless steel bearing system
  • Ht-100 carbon fibber drag system for smooth - LONG lasting drag even at extreme drag pressures
  • Lightweight and corrosion-resistant graphite Body
  • Machined and anodized aluminium superliner spool
  • Line capacity rings
Best Runner-Up
2
4.8
Penn Fierce IV Saltwater Spinning Reel

Penn Fierce IV Saltwater Spinning Reel

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  • Designed with a full metal body and side plate, giving the reel superb strength and durability to withstand the rigours of any kind of saltwater angling. As with all Penn reels, the Fierce IV is built to last.
  • Smooth and strong HT-100 carbon fibre drag washers that give anglers precise control over the fight even against the biggest monster predator fish of the sea. They help you play big fish more easily and are extremely resistant to wear.
  • Smooth retrieves every time are guaranteed thanks to the reel's Techno-Balanced rotor. The reel also features a Superline spool, which allows you to tie braid straight onto the spool thanks to a grippy rubber surface – no need for backing.
  • 12 sealed stainless steel ball bearings and an instant anti-reverse bearing give this reel ultra-smooth performance and prevent any rotor back play, increasing your hook-ups and overall control.
  • The reel is available in a wide ranges of sizes from 1000 through to 8000, with the LL models featuring PENN's Live Liner freespool system.
Best Durable Body
3
4.7
PENN Battle III Spinning Reel - Rugged

PENN Battle III Spinning Reel - Rugged

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  • Full Metal Body and sideplate
  • CNC Gear technology
  • HT-100 carbon fiber drag washers
  • 5+1 sealed stainless steel ball bearing system
  • Line Capacity Rings
Best from Seaknight
4
4.6
Seaknight RAPIDII Spinning Reel Saltwater

Seaknight RAPIDII Spinning Reel Saltwater

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  • Anti-corrosive Bearings & Components Allow The Reel Can Used in Both Freshwater & Saltwater.
  • 10 Stainless Ball Bearings + 1 Stainless Anti-Reverse Ball Bearing Provide Smooth Operation.
  • Updated asymmetrical rotor design can achieve lighter but more powerful smoother operation..
  • Super Light CNC Aluminum Spool.
  • Carbon Fiber Drag System Provides Max 33lb Drag Performance.
Best Under-Budget
5
4.5
Ashconfish Fishing Reel

Ashconfish Fishing Reel

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  • MOST STRONG FISHING MACHINE - Ashconfish releases another bomb in fishing reel industry - the CastFan serial of spinning reel. This serial will definitely stand out amongst all spinning reel brands for its unblieveable performance & very reasonable price. The CastFan reel brings you an unique, cool, human engineering design. Every single little accessory of the reel meets the highest standard and is assembled precisely. It will be the best partner of your fishing pole and other fishing tackle.
  • RIGID ALUMINUM SKELETAL FRAME - The Ashconfish CastFan spin fishing reel is built for enormous strength and endless durability. The hollowed-out aluminum design frame is more than a great look! The size and the positon of the holes on frame are all calculated accurately. It helps reduce weight while maintaining the best structure and provides the greatest strength. The CastFan serials are the freshwater & saltwater fishing reels that ensure you win your fights against big fishes.
  • A REEL FOR PRO TOURNAMENT- The CastFan spinning reels provide maximum performance and strength for all tournament anglers looking for victory. The main drive gear is made of durable zinc alloy matched with a pinion gear machined from solid brass. Both deliver rigidity and smoothness needed in building reels ready to tackle tough conditions. Unlike competors' squre line roller, CastFan uses line roller of water-drop shape which ensures fishing line going smoothly. It has an anti-reverse switch.
  • MUCH MORE POWER – Ashconfish CastFan spinning reels are waiting for you to handle the biggest fish. Every CastFan fishing reel features an exceptionally smooth carbon fiber drag system which is upgraded with 3 carbon fiber drag washers that delivers over 17.6 lbs without sacrificing smoothness. Small in size but very powerful
  • FLUID PERFORMANCE - You will be amazed at the dynamics and faultless mechanics of Ashconfish CastFan spinning reels. Each reel features 7 stainless-steel ball bearings and 1 instant anti-reverse bearing provides exceptional line retrieval. Its oversized gear undoubtedly gives it more stability and balance. Tough construction makes it long-lasting. ****** TODAY'S GIFT****** Buy Ashconfish CastFan spinning reel today, you will also get a spool of braided line 109 yds.
Best Dust-Resistant
6
4.4
Sougayilang Carp Spinning Fishing Reels 10000 Series

Sougayilang Carp Spinning Fishing Reels 10000 Series

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  • SUPPER POWER：Sougayilang DYL spinning graphite body enhanced stainless steel shaft, CNC aluminum spool and interchangeable right or left handle, deliver a reliable reel for years of big game fishing. 4.7:1 Gear Ratio is designed for fighting against monster catching, enabling confidence to land the biggest saltwater fish out there.
  • SUPER SMOOTH：10+1 precision dust-resistant stainless ball bearings ensure smooth function, consistent fighting and retrieve. Water-sealed rotors and side plates keep every tiny part in place neatly and minimum the harm to the internal structure.
  • DURABLE：The Sougayilang surf fishing reels are built strong and corrosion resistant to be able to withstand the abuse by strong fish, pounding waves, jagged rocks, saltwater corrosion, and wind-blown sand present in a marine environment and last long time without losing their efficiency. They are also equipped with powerful and smooth drag systems, larger line capacities and quality bearings in order to cast long distance and easily handle large fish that put up a big fight.
  • LARGE SPOOL: The large-capacity line cup can wind more fishing lines, allowing you to catch fish in farther waters.​ Carp, Tuna, shark, yellow tails, striper bass, king fish, mackerel, all big ones are within expectation of a challenge.
  • GREAT SERVICE: We Are Proud To Present You The Worry-free 2 Years Service! If there is any problem, please Contact Us Firstly and Customer Service will Solve It for You soon.
Best Lightweight Reel
7
4.3
PENN Warfare Level Wind Conventional Fishing Reel

PENN Warfare Level Wind Conventional Fishing Reel

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  • LIGHTWEIGHT AND DURABLE: The PENN Warfare Level Wind Reel sports a corrosion-resistant graphite frame with graphite sideplates, plus a forged and machined aluminum spool with Line Capacity Rings.
  • MACHINED BRASS MAIN AND PINION GEARS: Recovers at the rate of 27” | 69cm with every turn of the crank. Gear ratio of 3.9:1.
  • INSTANT ANTI-REVERSE BALL BEARING: The Warfare features 1 instant anti-reverse bearing to provide smooth and predictable operation when the going gets tough.
  • HT-100 STAR DRAG DRAG SYSTEM: Built with carbon fiber washers for a max drag of 15lb | 6.8kg, this system will exhaust the fish without wearing you down. Level wind system keeps lines from piling up, tangling or snagging.
  • LINE CAPACITY: Mono Capacity yd/lb: 455/25 370/30 285/40. Braid Capacity 1020/30 710/50 590/65. Left handle position.
Best Sleek Design
8
4.2
PENN Pursuit IV Saltwater Sea Spinning Reel - Spin Fishing, Jig, Lure Reel for All-Round Use, Boat, Kayak, Shore

PENN Pursuit IV Saltwater Sea Spinning Reel - Spin Fishing, Jig, Lure Reel for All-Round Use, Boat, Kayak, Shore

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  • The powerful sealed HT-100 multi-disk carbon drag system in the front of the reel ensures a smooth line take even while fighting big saltwater predators.
  • The Pursuit IV has an ultra lightweight corrosion-resistance graphite body construction, machined and anodized aluminium spool and powerful sealed HT-100 drag system which makes this reel perfectly saltwater resistant and ready for your saltwater fishing adventures.
  • The 4 quality sealed stainless steel ball bearings make the reel rotate smooth as butter, while the instant anti-reverse bearing eliminates even the slightest rotor back play for instant hook-ups every time.
  • The Line Capacity Rings on the spool let you know how much line you have left when fighting a fish. Perfect indicator when to apply the brakes!
  • Comes in sizes 2500-8000 with gear ratio's 6.2:1, 5.6:1 and 4.7:1 depending on the size of the reel. The drag power sits between 4.5kg and 11.3kg, also depending on the size of the reel.
Easy to Use
9
4.1
PENN Pursuit IV

PENN Pursuit IV

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  • The powerful sealed HT-100 multi-disk carbon drag system in the front of the reel ensures a smooth line take even while fighting big saltwater predators.
  • The Pursuit IV has an ultra lightweight corrosion-resistance graphite body construction, machined and anodized aluminium spool and powerful sealed HT-100 drag system which makes this reel perfectly saltwater resistant and ready for your saltwater fishing adventures.
  • The 4 quality sealed stainless steel ball bearings make the reel rotate smooth as butter, while the instant anti-reverse bearing eliminates even the slightest rotor back play for instant hook-ups every time.
  • The Line Capacity Rings on the spool let you know how much line you have left when fighting a fish. Perfect indicator when to apply the brakes!
  • Comes in sizes 2500-8000 with gear ratio's 6.2:1, 5.6:1 and 4.7:1 depending on the size of the reel. The drag power sits between 4.5kg and 11.3kg, also depending on the size of the reel.
Cheapest Option
10
4
Diwa Baitcasting Fishing Reels Saltwater

Diwa Baitcasting Fishing Reels Saltwater

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  • Powerful - You will love the magnetic brakes and tournament ready carbon fiber drag with 18 LBs of trophy fish stopping power, that make the Diwa LP204 bait casting reel a strong contender.
  • Smooth - A Diwa LP200 baitcasting reel has: superior shielded stainless steel 12 + 1 corrosion resisting ball bearings, CNC machined aluminum spool for smooth casting, powerful precision matched brass gears, instant stop anti-reverse for devastating hook sets, and braid line ready ceramic line guide insert.
  • PERFORMANCE - - A Diwa LP200 baitcaster fishing reel with super silent high speed versatile 6.3:5 gear ratio create an exceptional baitcasting weapon in your fishing tackle collection that will save you money and bring you years of fishing pleasure.
  • Game Changer - This phenomenal, yet affordable new for Diwa LP200 baitcasting reel is smoother and more powerful than other brand baitcasters in its price range.
  • Featherweight - Weighs only 6.70 ounces, premium carbon fiber frame, side plates and handle provides significant weight reduction without sacrificing strength and durability.

She has contributed to Perseus Promos, Hazlitt, Rolling Stone, New Republic, Atlantic, GQ, Racked, VICE and The New Inquiry.

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