Saltwater fishing lines and the whole setup are not like the others. While you will be hunting in the water, you have to be careful enough to choose your weapon as it will not be decayed or damaged in the salty water.
The saltwater reels have to have the property of resisting corrosion and rust. We will mention some of the best reels that are officially eligible to use in the saltwater.
Check out the table of saltwater spinning reels quickly:
What to Look for When Buying Inshore Spinning Reel
You could go straight to the market and choose any of the waterproof reels set and that would be great for lake water and sweetwater.
But as you will be buying a set for catching fishes in the saltwater situation, you must keep in mind that this is not that straightforward to choose. You have to remind yourself of some matters that will vary your experience.
What Materials Have Been Used?
Materials used in making a reel is the first priority because it will define how it will survive the salty water. Most of the metal is sensitive to saltwater.
While fishing on the saltwater shore, you will get splashes and humidity of salt. This will intensify the process of corrosion.
Make sure that it is made of machined aluminum. Even if it is made of aluminum make sure it has a good coating on the outer layer.
This will ensure that no salt water will damage the outer part of the metal. If the gears are well exposed, you can take care of them with disassembling.
Some of the companies also use carbon fiber materials so that it does not react to water. This also helps reduce the overall weight of the reel.
If the bearing system is screwed inside and well protected from water, that can also be good. Make sure you are keeping your safety from saltwater.
Think about the Size Twice
Size matters in this case. The size will define what power this can deliver and also how you will use the rod and reel combo. The heavier the reel will be, the you can pull out powerful drag weight.
Keep in mind that spinning reels are heavier because there are reasons. There is a huge amount of gears inside this reel, which significantly adds bulk to it. These might be great for fast operation, but you will have to add a good amount of weight to your carrying bag.
What Type of Reel it is?
While you are searching for the best reel for you, you will stumble upon three types of reels. The spinning reels are the most advanced and due to the gear ration, you can wrap up fast and also with exceptional anti-slip systems, you can easily fight the bigger and tougher fishes. These are mostly used for long-distance casting and accurate casting.
For the giant fishes like catfishes, sand many other saltwater fishes, you have to use the baitcasting reels. Comparing the size, these are more compact and lightweight reels. When casting or wrapping up, this does take time because of not having proper mechanical advantages.
Spincast reels are always recommended to avoid if you are prone to the professional fishing sets. These are for the beginners. There are barely mechanical advantages. We have not included any of those in our recommendation list.
Drag Weight of the Reel
Drag weight is a certain amount of pull on which the line reacts as if it is going to release or not. If the pulling power exceeds the drag weight, the reel lets the line go. It happens inside the bearing where there is a friction pad. The drag weight can vary from 7 pounds to 20 pounds.
Some of the reels in the market have variable drag weights. if you want yourself to be a versatile angler, you can easily choose one. Most of the reels we have mentioned in this review have the variable drag weight which will come handy.
How much grip can you get from this unit?
The handle can sometimes be annoying to use if you need a lot of pressure on it. If the handle is shallow and flimsy, that can cause cramps and you might not be able to use it for a long time. The handle has to be big enough so that it can be accommodated in your palm.
How Does it Match with the Configuration that You Own?
If you are already an angler who has experience over a few years, you might have a set of rod and reels that have the best fit according to your professional situation. You should maintain the balance of rod weight and the reel weight.
If you have the same reel as you already have, you can always have a spear on that will help you in the long run.
Does it Hold Enough Line?
As you will be fishing on the saltwater shores, you will have to have long enough lines in your spool to reach a good distance. Though you will not be covering more than a hundred or more than two hundred meters, you should have a significant amount of lines for further use. If your fishing line snaps in a fishing session, these will come useful for bad times.
Brand Value Matters a Lot
The brand value can always change the experience of having a reel. If you find a brand that has all the spear parts and servicing around your continent, it will be better to go for that. If you have got an official warranty from that company, that will also be a great deal for the long run.
What Size Reel for Inshore Fishing?
It is all about getting a perfect balance. If you have a very lightweight rod, you most probably should not go over 3000 to 4000. This is the lower range of weight for spinning reels. If you have a medium to a heavy rod, you should reach p to 4000 to 5000. This is a setpoint of nailing the perfect weight configuration.
Overall, the weight should be decided according to what you are used to. The casting performance can be ruined with the heavy reels. Though these heavy reels are going to help you get more drag weight and result in a more successful angling session, you should start with a lightweight reel first.
While you have mastered the technique of Inshore fishing, you might not need a big reel to reach a long distance. Inshore fishing only requires to reach up to 30 to 40 meters according to the shore types.
How Much Drag do you Need for Inshore Fishing?
As we have the expansion if changing the drag weight of your fishing reel, you will face the consequences of setting it on the right point. The drag weight of a reel will depend only on the breaking point of your fishing line.
Every line on the market has its tearing weight. You should set the drag weight of your reel up to 20 or 30 percent. This might sound very strange but this has all the reasons. The main reason is to keep it safe.
When you have caught up with a big fish, it will increase the tension on the line which will result in tearing of the line is not released from the reel.
if the drag weight is not set properly and the line gets torn in between, you might not have a second chance. If you are inshore fishing, the lines tearing weight might be up to 10 pounds. In this case, you can set the drag weight between three to 4 pounds.
Can a freshwater reel be used in saltwater?
It has not been recommended for the anglers to use a versatile reel for both saltwater and freshwater angling. It is highly suggested that you get a separate set for freshwater angling.
As saltwater has more minerals in it and the salt in the water has the high possibility of damaging your bearing and the metal. The salt in the water accelerates the corrosion. This is why you should always keep your reel free of water.
As the freshwater reels have the aluminum built which might not be suitable for saltwater. Most of the saltwater reels have a coating on the outer layer of the aluminum body. This makes it more durable and long-lasting in the saltwater condition. the saltwater does not reach the inner metal part that prevents rust and corrosion to build up quickly.
Reviews of the Best Inshore Saltwater Spinning Reels in 2021
The value and the money you are going to spend have to be on the same page and these units offer the best for you. Let us dive into the review.
Shimano Stradic Ci4+ 4000 XG FB Spinning Fishing Reel
If you have been in to angling, you already know about the reputation of Shimano. they make the best gears and accessories for sports. The chrome finish on the Ci4+ 4000 XG looks fantastic and it feels smooth in hand and while operating.
While designing and making this reel, Shimano used the latest technology. They have their research on the parts and gears and implemented the best to make sure the action and mechanism are smooth enough. The spool and gears feel super stiff yet have enough smoothness. They have mentioned this as X-ship. Due to smooth and slippy casting, you get a longer range reaching the bigger fishes. It has a balanced rotor system that provided better line management.
To give your sporty inner self an extra push, this reel has a maximum drag of 7lbs. Though the drag is low compared to most of the reels it is because of the super high gear ratio. You can literally give it a spin and you will see a lot of lines getting managed at once.
Pros
- Better line management system with smooth reel action
- A fast winding system with a superior gear ratio
- Super tough built quality to last longer than the expensive ones
Cons
- The handle seems stiff while dragging slowly
Penn Clash & Clash II Spinning Fishing Reel
if you want a set of reels that has been constructed specially for the battles, this is it. In a stealthy black look, you can assume the aggression this can put in. The matte black body paint feels smooth and high quality. This has been proved to last long and prevent any corrosion due to the salt in the water.
If you want it to be installed on a minimal rod, it has the lightest reel feet that do not occupy a lot of space and leave the room to get a better grip.
After you get your hands on this unit, you will see that it has several parts that have carbon fiber builts. This makes it a lightweight and stronger unit that most of the expensive ones. The weight has also been compromised by using the vents on the reel handle.
Almost all of the parts and joints have the ultimate amount of metal in it and these are not those that will be decayed off in saltwater.
Pros
- Stealth black color with the superior built quality
- A lightweight package which is super easy to carry around
- All accurate and smooth casting system
Cons
- The grip and handle seem smaller than regular ones and slips off while fighting big fishes
Shimano Baitrunner 4000OC Saltwater Fishing Reel
Shimano Baitrunner 4000OC is one of those that gets the job done in a very minimal and the only necessary setup. The line spoon, drag adjustment system, and the bail has a very smooth chrome finish. This allows the fishing line to glide and wrap on the spool easily.
Just like the most of the flagship Shimano reels, this also offers the Dyna-balance feature. With this, you will find fewer wiggles and vibration while using the reel. All of the parts on this reel is made of CNC curved aluminum.
The wrapping system is a bit advanced. You can wrap up a large amount of line while increasing the retrieve speed. You will get a better result at eliminating as many knots as possible. For the best resistance and better line management, 4000OC has a one-way gear mechanism.
To stop the reel from getting pulled by the monster fishes, you can use the easy to pull the stopper and fight with your full potential. There is almost no delay between the pull and the line from stopping.
Pros
- Stealthy chrome and black finish
- A super-strong metal handle which is strong enough to fight like a pro
- The instant locking anti-reverse system is super effective for sports
Cons
A few plastics have been used on the bail arm; this might show wearing quickly
ABU GARCIA AMBASSADEUR C3 ROUND REEL
You can rarely find a better reel that has this small size and power combined. Withing four inches of width, this gives you the power to fight the big beasts.
As we have already known that this unit is super small in size, it has a thin spool. You can accommodate miles long lines on it. The mechanism is basic and classic so that you don’t have to get used to the set as it is hard to master.
Three stainless ball bearing keeps everything enclosed together and also stabilizes the winding mechanism. After using the unit for a while, you can feel the smooth and consistent drag. the rail is super smooth in design and the finishing on it does not let the line decay off.
The most interesting parts are the double handle on it. You can now jump on the handle and start winding faster. While fighting the big fishes, you can not only use the thumb button, you can also hold the rails for better control.
Pros
- Specially made for large fish fighting
- Rigid built quality in a very small form factor
- Double handle enhances the usability
- Hand the built quality and mechanical advantage to fight the big fishes
Cons
- This unit is a bit pricy
Abu Garcia Revo Inshore Spinning Reel
If you want to spend a little;e more on the reel to complete your perfect setup for inshore fishing, this is the one for you. The overall built quality tells all about it. The combination of carbon fiber and the metal elements, it has become the perfect weapon of choice.
The drag system has been designed with a combination of carbon. The drag system has perfect resistance. This will be very nice on sudden pulls and the toughest fights. Abu Garcia has claimed that the mechanism and the gear mechanism has been well designed and researched.
This is why it is super simple to operate and pinpoint accurate. The rotor and some of the other elements inside are made of carbon fiber. This is how the weight has been put in control. If you want to install this on your lightweight rod, it will be well optimized for inshore fishing.
Abu Garcia used black and blue color combinations which is super sporty. the design has been well thought and all the necessary cuts and perks are there in place.
Pros
- The Black and the blue color combination is super cool for sports
- Carbon fiber and metal combination makes it feel lightweight
- The carbon matrix drag system feels well put together and smooth
Cons
- You have to have a high range budget for this set
Daiwa Saltist Back Bay LT Spinning Reels
If you are looking for an army-grade fishing reel, Daiwa Saltist Black bay is one of those considerations. This unit has been specially designed for inshore saltwater fishing. The weight and the heft of this unit make sense and it is highly recommended for the people who are looking for an ultimate solution.
It comes in all black color which looks stunning and the stealthy design on it provides a secured system. If you compare the bail that line runs on, it is a thicker and more robust solution. This is made fo stainless steel which has no chances of rust or corrosion. You can see the rotating gear on the handle.
This has a large diametric outer layer. This provides a tough and robust built quality. Even the drag weight exceeds and the line releases, you will barely feel any vibration. For smooth operation, they have used magnetic oil inside.
The handle will provide a wholesome grip on your palm. During long sessions, you will not feel any cramps or any sudden pain.
Pros
- Super powerful built quality with superior heft
- Air rotor design gives it a more balanced spin
- Magnetic fluid oil provides consistent fluid motion
Cons
- This unit is a bit heavyweight that might be hard to master for the beginners
Zebco Smoke 30SZ 6.2:1 PT Spinning Reel
Zebco Smoke 30SZ has an awesome value for the money that most of the flagship products have failed to provide. You will not only get a rugged built quality to it, but you will also get a lightweight body that can be used on any type of rod.
The most interesting part of this reel is that this can be used on both hands. You can swap the handle from left to right. Thus, this can be called the most versatile set for professional anglers.
Most of the solid parts have used only aluminum and with the perfect coating, you don’t get any corrosion or rust even after using it for a while. The drag weight can be set as high as 20lbs. You can literally catch fishes up to 15 pounds and with the perfect braking, you can also boost up the fish size.
The line capacity is beyond expectations. You can completely accommodate 150 yards of line on it.
Pros
- Adjustable drag weight up to 20 pounds
- A very inexpensive option for the professionals
- The swappable handle is a nice addition for Ambidextrous people
- Has spacious vents for reducing weight
Cons
- The color combination is slightly off from the professional range
Conclusion
We now know what to avoid and what to look for. You will not have to accommodate a huge budget for the best reels. It will always be wise to get a set that does not have a lot of exposed metal parts. It is because of the saltwater reaction on metal.
The slight addition of carbon fiber can enhance usability and reduce weight to several notches. Always keep in mind that the best reel also needs great care. Try not to get a unit that weighs a lot and serves all the functionalities.
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