Best Saltwater Spinning Reel: Five Best Reviews of 2018
For those seeking the big fish, the anglers are often faced with the realities of having the essential tools to remain in the game. If you want to catch marlin, sails, or tuna, you need to have the best saltwater spinning reel on board, otherwise, catching the deadliest catch in the ocean might be easier said than done.
Whether you’re into fishing as a hobby or you want to haul in the meatiest one for dinner, a trusty spinning reel is a must. It is undeniable that the industry is flooded with different types of tools and arsenals to help fishing enthusiasts in catching their biggest fish.
The demand to catch bigger types of fish led to the development of more tools and innovations and one of these tools is the spinning reel. Dive into the industry of spinning reels and you’ll also see a multitude amount of different brands of saltwater spinning reel and finding the best one can seem like a daunting task.
What You Need To Know About This Item
Just to give you a brief background of saltwater spinning reel, a spinning reel contains a design of a fixed pool in which the line wraps around the spool in a loop. It has been a vital gear for anglers and fishers all across the globe.
It is considered as the supreme fishing tool of all time. The gear itself is composed of four segments. The first part is designed to be the housing or known as the outer case. The spool is the part that keeps the line together or the element that holds the line in place.
Another part is the metal bail that secures the line on the spool, while the handle is designed to retrieve the line when the need arises.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Saltwater Spinning Reel
1. Location and Type of Water
Where you fish matters. The type of fishing ground or water location is often taken for granted. However, you need to know that depending on the type of water, the fishing gears may react differently.
As an example, the saltwater is not kind to metals. It has a corroding effect of the gears that have metals on its surfaces. Each water environment requires its own preference. Respecting the effect of water is essential so that you can choose the ideal and fitting reel for your fishing needs.
2. Type of Reel and its Durability
Sturdy, robust and durable are the primary features that you should look for when buying a spinning reel. The reel must be tough enough to deal with the strong shocks and the heavy loads as well.
If you wanted to catch a saltwater fish or a freshwater fish, you should expect that the fish would weigh more. Some fish caught in these types of waters weigh more than a hundred pound. Due to that, the type of spinning reel must be strong and high quality.
Moreover, the materials being used on the reel must be good and reliable as well.
Other needed features that a spinning reel should have include resistant to corrosion, perfect measurement, accurate engineering, high standard, and the presence of internal seals with quality.
The reel must have the capacity to hold 600 yards of 80-pound braid or it should have a stopping power that is over 60 pounds of drag. In addition, it must be capable of handling the big runs as well as having the drag to catch a storming billfish.
3. Gear Ratio
Fishing is a sport, but it is a demanding one and needs the appropriate gears to enjoy the hobby to its fullest.
One way to make it happen is to understand the elements regarding the fishing and the materials needed. For the anglers, it is critical that you know and understands the concept of the gear ratio.
This detail is quite important before you buy the spinning reel. Even the manufacturers are fully aware of its importance. The gear ratio is basically the number of times that a bail can spin on one rotation of the handle.
Here are some of the figures such as the average slow ratio is set to 4:1, 5:1 is the medium while and fast one set to 6:1. This data is significant for anglers because it pinpoints the retrieval speed, particularly if you are trying to catch a fish with lures.
This implies that the higher the ratio or the number, the faster retrieval of the line back to the pool is expected. The problem that anglers have detected with the low ratio is the limitation of the functionality of the rod and even the reel combo.
4. Line Capacity and User-Friendly
Fishing rods with spinning reels set up on holder
Knowing the line capacity is important before choosing the best saltwater spinning reel. Moreover, the weight and the size of the reel should easy to use. The spinning reel that promotes comfort and is user-friendly is the ideal one to opt for.
Sometimes, casting the gear may require multiple tries which is why the gear must promote comfort and ease at all times.
Useful Techniques
Of course, this guide will not be handy enough without listing off techniques you jay find useful in fishing or as an angler. Read away for the different types of methods you ought to know:
1. Bottom Bouncing
There's one thing you need to fulfill in order to be able to do this: you need to be along the water. In other words, you need to get a boat because you would have to fish along with the current.
Use a bait and throw it along the current and let it bounce back. As it carries along mud, a sound will be made which will serve as an attractor. Make sure to react faster as to lure out easily.
2. Jigging
Probably the most common technique used in saltwater—jigging allows you to capture a wide range of species just through differentiating rigs to get the visuals such as color and shape suited and by altering movement of your rod.
Throw the jig and as it reaches the bottom, lower the tip of your rod after creating a quick hop. Just be sure not to do it too high as you won't be able to hook easily once the fish is on.
3. Live Lining
Three criteria for you to be able to do it: one is a boat; second is an anchor; last is a live bait. You need to anchor your boat in order for water to flow naturally.
Let your bait get to the bottom then get it back by allowing the bait and fish to do it on their own. Just be sure it is at the bottom to allow it to reach all possible places where fishes can be hiding.
Five Best Reviews of Saltwater Spinning Reel
Product | Quality | Price | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
A+ | $$ | ||
A+ | $ | ||
A+ | $$$$$ | ||
A | $$$ | ||
A | $$$$ |
**Below, you will find more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices and read customer reviews on Amazon.
#1 - Okuma Ceymar Lightweight Spinning Reel
Via Amazon.com
This type of spinning reel is designed to catch fish such as the catfish, a walleye, or a steelhead. It is also suited to catch a bass or carp. One great thing about this gear is the fast spinning power.
The handle is also comfortable to use. Another stellar feature is the size because it was reduced to add more comfort and ease. With this tool on board, anglers will find this tool irreplaceable.
What We Like:
- Has a multi-drag system that anglers could utilize
- The product is light weight
- Has a drilled spool
- Has a thick bail wire
- The design is sleek
- The spool is aluminum type
- Has an aluminum handle for full control and ease
What We Didn’t Like:
- The design of the reel is not a traditional one
- Not long lasting
#2 - Pflueger Supreme XT Spinning Reel
Via Amazon.com
The Pflueger is a quality gear that offers high performance. The gear is made up of materials such as magnesium that makes it ultra light and promotes balance. It also has a carbon composite to keep it resilient and light.
Anglers will find that the gear has a superb aura and feel. It has a smooth casting feature owing to its sealed carbon fiber drag. It is ideal for those anglers that are always on the search for climatic fishing grounds and heavy duty fishing.
What We Like:
- Corrosion resistant feature
- The carbon handle is light
- Easy to use
- The spool is braid-ready
- Has a smooth drag feature
What We Didn’t Like:
- The magnesium could be a problem when used many times in a saltwater environment
- Not ideal for surf fishing because of its size
#3 - Penn Spinfisher V Spinning Fishing Reel
Via Amazon.com
The Penn spinning reel is considered a titan in this field. Known for its supreme features and reliability, the product has gained the respect of the anglers from different regions.
This gear is designed to work its magic in a saltwater environment. The tool also boasts of being waterproof and resilient to handle the threat of corrosion.
The gear is made up of 6 seals and has a strong protective gear that keeps the water away from your drag system.
What We Like:
- Durable for use
- Has a full body metal and a side plate
- Has a good sealing feature that most anglers will find useful
- Features rotor with techno-balance technology
- Has an anti-reverse feature
What We Didn’t Like:
- Difficulty with control and use
- Not so smooth for use
#4 - KastKing Sharky II Spinning Reel, Carbon Fiber Drag, Brass Gears, Stainless Steel Components
Via Amazon.com
The product has a ball bearing of 10+1 with a gear ratio of 5.2:1. In terms of its drag, it has a max drag of11 lbs. The product is also light and easy to use along with a more improved line capacity.
It also boasts of anti-corrosion feature for longer use. Given the stunning features, the value of the product is pretty attainable, in comparison to the other top brands released on the market today.
The brass gears and the stainless components integrated on the gear makes it even more worth it.
What We Like:
- Has a nine-ball bearing system
- The spool design is advanced
- Features a dual drag feature
- Quite to use
- Easy to use
- Has an anti-reverse feature
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not durable as expected
#5 - Okuma Trio High Speed Spinning Reel, Black/Orange
Via Amazon.com
This model is ideal for small to medium saltwater fish. It is a hybrid fishing gear that should not be taken lightly.
Even though the value of this gear is set to an average, the features of the Okuma is something to be reckoned with because it incorporates the stunning features found in other highly priced models.
Moreover, the product promotes a sense of comfort with its nine-ball bearing system.
What We Like:
- Features a nine-ball bearing system to promote lowered reduction
- The spool design is advanced and a hybrid one
- Has an aluminum lip and a graphite arbor
- Has a dual force drag system for maximum drag pressure
- Smooth and has an anti-reverse feature
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not so durable than expected
- Not ideal for long term use
Conclusion
Knowing the best saltwater spinning reel will aid you in buying the best one. The pros and cons are given to give you a heads-up on the types of products, the stellar features and the setbacks about these products as well.
The spinning reel is vital gear for the fishing enthusiasts. It must carry the task without any setbacks and it must be durable to handle the heaviness of the big runs and ensure that the line is strong and sturdy.
Always look for the product that does not corrode easily and could work well in saltwater or brackish waters.
Also, consider the materials being used, the toughness of the product to handle harsh conditions and it must have the right gear ratio, along with the capability to handle shocks.
Learning more about Okuma Ceymar Lightweight Spinning Reel could reduce the confusion and will give you chance to buy the latest spinning reel with the state of the art innovations.
Fishing is a good sport, and with the right tools and equipment, you are on your way to catching the deadliest fish in the water. Choose the right gear and choose the right spinning reel that matches your preference and your need.
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