7 Best Saltwater Spinning Reel (2024 Picks)

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A saltwater spinning reel is a type of fishing reel that is designed for use in saltwater environments. Saltwater spinning reels are typically made from materials that can withstand the corrosive effects of saltwater, such as stainless steel or anodized aluminium.

Moreover, Saltwater spinning reels are designed to handle the larger and more powerful fish that are found in saltwater environments. They typically have a larger spool than freshwater spinning reels, which allows them to hold more lines. Saltwater spinning reels also have stronger drag systems to handle the heavier fish.

Top 7 Spinning Reels for Saltwater Fishing Compared

ImageProductFeaturesPrice
Premium Saltwater Spinning Reel
Shimano Fishing Stella Sw C

Shimano Fishing Stella Sw C

  • IPX8 Waterproof Body
  • Shimano Heatsink Drag
  • Infinity Drive Technology
  • Platinum Premier Service Plan
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Medium Heavy Saltwater Fishing
Daiwa BG

Daiwa BG

  • Carbon ATD
  • Waterproof Drag System
  • Solid Screw-In Handle
  • Dynamic Cut Aluminum ABS Spool
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Best Overall
Shimano Saragosa Sw A

Shimano Saragosa Sw A

  • Infinity Drive Technology
  • IPX8-Rated Waterproof Body
  • Waterproof Cross Carbon Drag
  • Quick Line Retrieve HG Ratio Reel
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Best for Inshore Fishing
Lew's Custom

Lew's Custom

  • Carbon Fiber Drag System
  • S-Curve Oscillation System
  • Durable Aluminum Construction
  • Durable Stainless Steel Main Shaft
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OKUMA Cedros

OKUMA Cedros

  • Dual Anti-Reverse
  • Manual Bail Trip Function
  • Multi-Disc Drag Adjustment
  • Precision Dual Force Drag System
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Perfect for Freshwater & Saltwater 
PENN Slammer III

PENN Slammer III

  • Instant Anti-Reverse
  • IPX6 Sealed System
  • Slammer Drag System
  • CNC Gear Technology
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Cheapest Saltwater Reel
PENN Pursuit IV

PENN Pursuit IV

  • Smooth Gear System
  • Instant Anti-Reverse Bearing
  • Powerful HT-100 Drag System
  • Corrosion-Resistant Graphite Body
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Learn More : What is the most durable Spinning Reel ? 

1. Shimano Stella Sw C – Premium Saltwater Spinning Reel

Specifications

  • Material: Metal
  • Max Drag: 55lb
  • Weight: 23.8oz
  • Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
  • Ball Bearing: 13+1

The Shimano Stella SW C Saltwater Spinning Reel is a premium saltwater spinning reel. It is perfectly designed for saltwater fishing. The reel features a corrosion-resistant body and a drag system that is designed to handle the tough conditions of saltwater fishing. The Stella SW C is a high-performance reel that is built to last.

The new Stella SW is the latest saltwater fishing reel from Shimano. Featuring a HAGANE Body for The Stella SW is the latest fishing reel from Shimano. It has a HAGANE Body that is stronger and won’t flex as much. The gears are cold-forged for lasting durability and smoothness. Infinity Drive Technology offers an improved winding experience. SilentDrive further improves smoothness by eliminating worm shaft and drive gear play. The new Stella SW also features a Shimano Heatsink Drag to improve performance by transferring heat away from the spool. X-Protect and X-Shield make sure it doesn’t get ruined in a saltwater environment.

Key Features

  • HAGANE Body for improved impact resistance and less body flex
  • HAGANE Gears for lasting durability and smoothness
  • SilentDrive for further smoothness
  • X-Protect and X-Shield for protection against the harsh elements
  • Lighter, more powerful and more reliable
  • X-Rigid Gear

2. Daiwa BG – Medium Heavy Saltwater Fishing

Specifications

  • Material : Synthetic
  • Max Drag : 17.6lb
  • Weight : 14.3oz
  • Gear Ratio : 5.7:1
  • Ball Bearing : 6+1

The Daiwa BG Spinning Reel is great for medium to heavy saltwater fishing. This reel is designed for saltwater fishing and features a durable construction that can handle the elements. The Daiwa BG Spinning Reel is a great choice for anglers who want a reliable reel that can handle saltwater fishing.

The BG series of fishing reels are designed for a variety of different fishing applications, ranging from ultralight freshwater fishing to heavy big game saltwater fishing. The reels feature a strong black Anodized Machined Aluminum Housing and a solid screw-in handle for extra rigidity. The BG series also uses Digigear technology, which gives the gears larger tooth patterns and a longer gear life than competitive reels. The line capacity on the BG series is 10/300, 12/260, or 14/210 depending on the model, and the reels have a maximum drag of 17.6 pounds.

Key Features

  • Anodized Machined Aluminum Housing (“Hard Bodyz” Body & Side Cover)
  • Over-sized Digigear (Digigear System)
  • Air Rotor
  • Braided Line Ready Spool
  • Line Per Handle Turn: 39.9″
  • Manual Return Bail (4500 and Larger)

3. Shimano Saragosa SW A – Best Overall

Specifications

  • Retrieve Per Crank (IN) : 45
  • Max Drag : 44lb
  • Weight : 33.9oz
  • Gear Ratio : 4.4:1
  • Ball Bearing : 6+1

The Shimano Saragosa SW A Saltwater Spinning Reel is the best overall reel for saltwater spinning. It is built tough to handle the rigors of saltwater fishing, and it has all the features that anglers need to be successful. The reel is also very affordable, making it a great option for budget-minded anglers.

The Saragosa SW is a versatile saltwater spinning reel that is built to last. Featuring Infinity Drive Technology and a Hagane Body, this reel is designed for anglers who demand the best in terms of performance and durability. The Saragosa SW also features a waterproof Cross Carbon drag and X-Protect for high-level water resistance, making it a perfect choice for those who fish in saltwater conditions.

Key Features

  • Rigid HAGANE Body for strength and durability
  • HAGANE Gear for smooth reeling
  • X-Protect for high-level water resistance
  • Smooth and light rotor rotation
  • Wide range of drag settings
  • Shimano’s best drag performance

4. Lew’s Custom Inshore Spinning Reel – Best for Inshore Fishing

Specifications

  • Material : Aluminum
  • Max Drag : 24lb
  • Weight : 10.2oz
  • Gear Ratio : 6.2:1
  • Ball Bearing : 6+1

The Lew’s Custom Inshore Speed Spin Spinning Reel is one of the most powerful inshore fishing reels on the market. It’s built for saltwater fishing and can handle any type of fish you’re likely to encounter. The reel is also very easy to use, making it an excellent choice for beginner anglers.

The Lew’s Custom Inshore Speed Spin is a high-quality fishing reel that is built to withstand the challenges of inshore fishing. The reel features a durable aluminium frame, premium stainless steel bearings, and a precision-cut gear system that is treated for corrosion resistance. Additionally, the reel has a flush and drain port that allows you to quickly flush water and sand from the reel after it has been submerged. The reel’s strong drag system can generate up to 24lbs of drag, making it a powerful tool for fighting against big fish.

Key Features

  • 7-bearing system for smooth operation
  • Flush and drain port for easy maintenance
  • Lightweight and strong C60 carbon skeletal speed rotor
  • Anodized knurled machined aluminium spool for durability
  • High strength Speed Gears for smooth operation
  • Bearings for smooth reeling action
  • Max drag of 24 lbs. for big fish
  • Line capacity of 190/12 for long-lasting use

5. Okuma Cedros Spinning Reel

Specifications

  • Material : Aluminum & Stainless Steel
  • Max Drag : 44lb
  • Weight : 22.9oz
  • Gear Ratio : 5.4:1
  • Ball Bearing : 6+1

If you’re looking for a top-quality saltwater spinning reel, the Okuma Cedros is a great option. This reel is built to withstand the rigors of saltwater fishing, and it’s packed with features that will help you land big fish. The Cedros has a strong drag system that can handle big fish, and it’s equipped with a durable gear system that will stand up to the elements. This reel also has smooth retrieves, making it a great choice for anglers who want to fish at a fast pace.

The Cedros spinning reels feature Okuma’s LITECAST® construction design, which is 15% lighter than former Azores reels while maintaining maximum strength and durability. The reels also feature the Dual Force Drag System for extreme stopping power, as well as the proprietary High Density Gearing with a special corrosion resistant coating. These features combine to make the Cedros one of the best saltwater jig fishing reels on the market.

Key Features

  • Rigid and corrosion resistant LITECAST® construction
  • CRC: Corrosion resistant coating process
  • 6HPB + 1RB corrosion resistant stainless steel bearings
  • HDGII: Corrosion resistant, High density gearing
  • Precision machine cut brass pinion gear
  • Machined aluminum, screw-in handle arm

6. PENN Slammer III – Perfect for Freshwater and Saltwater 

Specifications

  • Material : Synthetic
  • Max Drag : 30lb
  • Weight : 14.7oz
  • Gear Ratio : 6.2:1
  • Ball Bearing : 6+1

The PENN Slammer III Spinning Fishing Reel is perfect for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. This saltwater spinning reel is packed with features that make it an excellent choice for anglers of all skill levels.

The PENN Slammer III is a versatile and durable fishing reel that can be used for both boat and shore fishing. It features our new IPX6 Sealed System, which keeps water out of the gearbox and drag system, and our updated Slammer Drag System, which now utilizes our proprietary Dura-Drag material. This reel also has a 6+1 stainless steel bearing system and a retrieve rate of 39″/99cm.

Key Features

  • Heavy-duty fishing reel
  • Ambidextrous
  • Stainless steel construction
  • Saltwater resistant
  • Smooth drag operation
  • Large line capacity

7. Penn Pursuit IV – Cheapest Saltwater Reel

Specifications

  • Material : Aluminum
  • Max Drag : 15lb
  • Weight : 12.4oz
  • Gear Ratio : 6.2:1
  • Ball Bearing : 5

The Penn Pursuit IV Spinning Fishing Reel is the cheapest saltwater reel on the market. It is a great choice for saltwater fishing and can be used in both fresh and saltwater. This reel is made of high-quality materials designed for durability and long-term use.

The PENN Pursuit IV features a durable construction and the smooth gear system anglers expect from PENN. This reel features an ultra-lightweight, corrosion-resistant graphite body and powerful HT-100 drag system making the Pursuit IV a great value for the money for saltwater anglers. Available in six sizes from 2500 to 8000, the Pursuit IV has a reel for most fisheries. The Instant Anti-Reverse bearing eliminates even the slightest rotor back play for instant hook-ups every time, while the 4 sealed stainless steel ball bearings provide smooth retrieves.

Key Features

  • Ultra lightweight
  • Available in six sizes
  • 4 sealed stainless steel ball bearings
  • Machined and anodized aluminum spool
  • Line capacity rings
  • Ambidextrous hand orientation
  • Black silver color

Buyer’s Guide

A good quality saltwater spinning reel is a great investment for any serious fisherman. They are built to withstand the tough conditions that are often encountered when fishing in saltwater. Here are a few things to look for when purchasing a saltwater spinning reel:

Construction

Look for a reel that is constructed from high-quality materials. This will ensure that it can withstand the elements and will last for many years.

Ball Bearings

Choose a reel with high-quality ball bearings. This will ensure smooth operation and reduce the risk of corrosion.

Drag System

A good drag system is essential for saltwater fishing. It should be smooth and adjustable so that you can control the amount of line that is being released.

Line Capacity

Choose a reel with a high line capacity. This will allow you to fish for larger fish without having to constantly change your line.

Gear Ratio

A higher gear ratio is better for saltwater fishing. This will allow you to retrieve your line faster and put more pressure on the fish.

Weight

A heavier reel is better for saltwater fishing because it will provide more power and torque. However, it can be more difficult to handle.

Material

The material of the reel is also important. A reel that is made from graphite or other lightweight materials is a good choice for saltwater fishing. This will help to reduce the overall weight of the reel.

Price

Choose a reel that is priced within your budget. There is no need to spend a lot of money on a reel if you are only going to use it occasionally.

Warranty

Choose a reel that comes with a good warranty. This will protect your investment and ensure that you can get repairs or replacements if necessary.

These are just a few things to keep in mind when purchasing a saltwater spinning reel. With so many different models and brands on the market, it is important to do your research to find the best reel for your needs.

Frequently Asked Question

Q. What are the benefits of using a saltwater spinning reel?

A. Saltwater spinning reels offer a number of benefits over other types of fishing reels. They’re incredibly versatile and can be used for a variety of different fishing styles. They’re also very durable, making them ideal for saltwater fishing.

Q. What are some of the things I need to know about saltwater spinning reels?

A. There are a few things you should know about saltwater spinning reels before you purchase one. First, you’ll need to choose a reel that’s designed for saltwater fishing. Second, you’ll need to be aware of the different features that are available. And third, you’ll need to know how to properly care for your reel.

Final Verdict

A saltwater spinning reel is a type of fishing reel that is designed for use in saltwater environments. It is a specialized reel that is built to withstand the corrosive effects of saltwater, and it typically features a number of design elements that make it ideal for fishing in saltwater conditions.

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