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If you’re serious about saltwater spinning there are a few non-negotiables. You need to know what fish you’re targeting, to learn how to find fishy-looking accessible marks and to bring the right tackle. Outside of a rod, a good sea spinning reel is arguably the second most vital tool in your sea fishing tackle arsenal. If you need a little more convincing, check out our guide to choosing a fishing reel.
Yes, you need lure fishing boxes, bags and the like. But a rod and – in this case – a reel are not tools you should scrimp on. If you can afford a good quality reel with unparalleled smoothness, durability and flexibility when it comes to fishing style. Care for it diligently and it will be more than worth the money.
Here’s the list of our favourites we’ve bought or tried over the years with some absolute corkers.
Table of contents
What sea fishing reels do we use?
Having used a number of sea spinning reels over the last few years, the Penn Spinfisher VI and Penn Slammer IV are our go-tos. Both reels are just impeccably smooth and aesthetically look fantastic. The Spinfisher is particularly good value and super durable, whilst the Slammer is a more premium version designed to handle bigger, more powerful fish. Ultimately they’re both fantastic.
What makes a good sea-spinning reel?
A good sea spinning reel should be able to withstand the elements, have enough line capacity for sufficient casting distance(s) and have an ultra-smooth cast and retrieve motion. As such you should look for reels that:
- Are sealed to protect them from saltwater damage
- Have a gear ratio of around 5-7:1
- Have line capacity of around 200 yds for 15 – 20lb braid
- Have max drag of at least 15lb
- Are corrosion-resistant
Gear ratios highlight how many times the spool turns per single rotation of the reel handle. So a ratio of 1:1 would denote that the spool rotates once for every full handle rotation. The typical reel ratio we look for in this case is around 6:1. 6 spool rotations for every full reel handle turn. The higher the ratio, the more responsive and faster the retrieve.
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What is the best saltwater spinning reel?
We think the best all-around saltwater reel for lure fishing is the Penn Spinfisher IV. We have the 3500 version, which is perfect for both saltwater lure fishing and targeting pike, perch and other freshwater predators.
With one of, if not the smoothest casting actions around. With exceptional durability and a more than sufficient power output, it’s a truly outstanding reel. Particularly for the money.
At a glance
The 6 best saltwater lure fishing reels
Penn Spinfisher VI 3500Best all-around sea-spinning reel
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Fishing, Tackle & Bait
- Extremely rugged and resistant to saltwater damage
- Line capacity: 310yd/10lb 270yd/15lb 220yd/20lb
- Gear ratio: 6.2:1 with a max drag of 15lb and a weight of 404g
- Arguably the smoothest reel on the market that is suitable for salt and freshwater
The Penn Spinfisher VI is a simply outstanding saltwater reel. It is our reel of choice for the majority of bass and pollock fishing trips in the UK and has performed equally well fishing in both freshwater and saltwater conditions. The reel’s line capacity for the weight and power output is excellent and the 6.2:1 gear ratio is optimal for targeting UK sea predators. In our opinion, the 3500 series is arguably the best reel for lure fishing for bass in the UK.
And I’m not afraid to admit that our approach to reel care is somewhat lacking. Which, when you’re dealing with saltwater conditions, will take months if not years off the life of your reel. However, Penn’s Spinfisher has remarkable durability and powers and recovery. If you take good care of it the reel will last for a decade or more.
Normally the first sign your reel is suffering thanks to salt degradation is it starts to lock up and its action becomes much less smooth. Make sure you rinse it with freshwater after each session.
Fishing in the Beara Peninsula
Penn Slammer IV 5500Best heavy-duty sea spinning lure
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- Another ultra-smooth, water-repellent reel from Penn
- Line capacity: 500yd/20lb 380yd/30lb 335yd/40lb
- Gear ratio: 5.6:1 with a max drag of 40lb and a weight of 630g
- Hydrophobic line roller bearing and a sealed body and spool design to protect from salt spray
- Instant anti-reverse feature in every Slammer IV
The Penn Slammer IV series is, for the price, the best big saltwater reel we’ve used for serious fishing. For UK-based fishing, you shouldn’t need to go over the 5500 size as the drag and line capacity is more than for anything outside of sharks and tuna in UK waters. Equally, the automatic bail trip feature is only available on the 2500 – 5500 models and that’s something we’d recommend you go for.
Like the Spinfisher, Penn’s Slammer is an ultra-durable reel whose full metal body and side plate are completely sealed from seas and spray, protecting the internal components. This is such a key feature for saltwater reels, particularly if the reel itself is designed to be ultra-smooth (why would it not be???).
The 40lb max drag on the 5000 model makes for a serious reel. But equally, the 2500 – 4500 are excellent reels we would highly recommend. The 5500 just has more flexibility when it comes to casting distance and targeting huge fish both in and near shore. Just make sure you pair it with one of the best lure fishing rods.
Shimano Vanford 4000XG ReelBest lightweight sea fishing reel
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- Water-resistant, incredibly lightweight reel that utilises a lip and grease system that is (almost) impenetrable
- Line capacity: 230yd/15lb 180yd/30lb 120yd/50lb
- Gear ratio: 6.2:1 with a max drag of 23lb and a weight of 216g
- Smooth and built with a triple lip structure that prevents water from entering the body
- Line recovery of 102cm per turn, which is superb for the weight
Shimano’s Vanford 4000XG is the best reel on the market when it comes to power potential vs weight. 23lb of drag for a reel that weighs as little as 216g is an extraordinary feat of engineering and – much like the Spinfisher – has what we believe to be the perfect gear ratio for UK sea spinning.
Shimano has a stellar history when it comes to producing excellent quality saltwater lure fishing reels for under £200. The Shimano Stradic C14 and FB reels were prior favourites of ours and the Vanford range is this line’s replacement. For £200 there are very few, if any, better quality reels on the market.
Thanks to its incredibly lightweight nature the Vanford is the best reel on the market for finesse casting. Its supremely smooth, lightweight nature and sensitivity make for a top-of-the-range inshore spinning reel.
One of the key elements that set Shimano reels apart is the brand’s use of cold forging technology. A process that uses compressive force at room temperature is known for creating ultra-tolerant components with a high-quality finish.
The drive gear set on this reel is smoother, stronger and lighter than traditional die-cast machined gears.
Daiwa BG 3000Best value saltwater reel series
- An incredibly good value series of reels for the UK market with an anodized body and body cover to mitigate corrosion
- Line capacity: 280yd/15lb 240yd/20lb 200yd/25lb
- Gear ratio: 5.6:1 with a max drag of 15lb and a weight of 306g
- Daiwa’s new Digigear system increases gear contact points, power output and lifespan
Arguably the most versatile series of reels on the market, the Daiwa BG series starts with the 2500 model weighing just 263g going all the way up to the 8000 model which weighs 850g. A really good value set of reels that have extraordinarily good versatility and superb line capacity. Something that really supports the reel’s versatility.
The 2500 / 3000 versions of the BG series have an auto-bail mechanism, whereas the larger 4000 and up versions have manual bail settings and no anti-reverse. All are designed to increase power output and mechanical strength.
The reel’s gear ratio and weight are slightly less than the Spinfisher, which was why we plumped for the Penn Spinfisher. The durability and retrieval speed slightly won us over. But this Daiwa range of reels is truly excellent value and if you’re in the market for a fresh and saltwater combo, this Daiwa’s an excellent choice.
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Shimano Stradic FLBest finesse fishing reel
- The Stradic Shimano series has a superb history and are fantastic bass fishing reels for the UK market
- Line capacity: 200yd/10lb 140yd/20lb 105yd/40lb
- Gear ratio: 6.4:1 with a max drag of 20lb and a weight of 225g
- Water penetration prevention utilising water channelling and a labyrinth construction
The Shimano Stradic has had a reputation for being one of the very best reels on the market. It’s always been smooth, reliable and – for the cost – almost impeccable quality. And the newer FL version (successor to the FK model) has increased smoothness, gear strength and casting distance.
Although the reel isn’t actually designed for the saltwater market it is both sealed and extremely reliable. The 20lb drag belies the reel’s paltry 225g weight. Upgrades to this model include improved waterproof drag and the Micro Module Gear II system designed for a smoother gearing process.
Whilst its ultra-lightweight nature may not be suitable for targeting serious fish it is equally at home finesse fishing for trout on smaller rivers as it is targeting inshore bass. All of the above combine to make a high-spec, good-value salt-resistant reel.
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Abu Garcia Revo SXBest for casting accuracy
- A super lightweight, slow oscillating reel designed for casting distance and accuracy
- Line capacity: 190yd/20lb 140yd/30lb 100yd/50lb
- Gear ratio: 6.6:1 with a max drag of 20lb and a weight of 222g
- Carbon moulded one-piece body designed for ultra durability
- Custom Carbon Matrix Hybrid Drag system
The Revo is the third in Abu Garcia’s excellent series of saltwater reels following on from the Ambassadeur and the Cardinal. Over the last 20 years or more these Abu Garcia spinning reels have made a name for themselves based on their durability, rigidity, smoothness and lack of structural issues.
The Revo SX is a slow oscillating reel that is by far the lightest model in the series. Significantly so. Both of these make for extremely accurate casting – from both a distance and accuracy perspective. Reducing the speed line travels up and down the spool decreases friction and drag on the lead. All of which makes this reel supremely accurate
Finally, if you’re someone – like me – who dies a little inside whenever your line gets tangled, fear no more. The Revo has a Rocket Spool Lip designed to mitigate any potential tangles. Perfectly designed for a reel with a higher-than-average gear ratio and lighter weight.
Whilst rigidity seems like an odd plus-point for a reel because the Revo SX is created in one piece, it ensures there are no weak points or unnecessary vibrations. Great for power dispersion and helps mitigate false strikes from your end.
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FAQs
Do you need a special type of reel for saltwater spinning?
Any type of spinning reel will work when it comes to saltwater spinning. At least in the short term. Ideally, what you should look for when it comes to saltwater spinning reels are sealed, waterproof, salt-resistant reels that prioritise durability.
Freshwater-specific reels will corrode when the salt works its way in as the majority of them aren’t sealed. At least not to the same extent.
What type of reel is best for sea spinning?
The best type of reel for sea spinning is a fixed spool, sealed, salt-proof typically size 2500 – 4500 reel with a gear ratio of around 5-6:1. The larger the reel the more line it can handle and the more powerful the retrieve. So if it’s big fish you’re after you should go up in size up in size.
What size reel is best for saltwater spinning?
Typically a 2500 – 4500 size reel is perfect for inshore saltwater spinning and lure fishing. Anything higher than that and you lose some of the finesse and casting accuracy associated with smaller, lighter-weight reels.
But if you’re targeting bigger fish offshore then there’s no reason why you wouldn’t need a 5500 plus. The bigger the fish you’re targeting the more power and line capacity you will need.
Who makes the best sea spinning reels?
We believe that Penn, Shimano, Daiwa and Abu Garcia make the best all-around sea spinning reels. The Penn Spinfisher IV is a personal favourite and almost any Shimano designed for saltwater lure fishing around the £200 mark is likely to be excellent. Both Daiwa and Abu Garcia tend to provide superb value for money too.
What is the difference between freshwater and saltwater spinning reels?
Whilst the mechanics of a spinning reel doesn’t really differentiate between fresh and saltwater spinning, saltwater reels are more at risk of corrosion and long-term damage than freshwater. The salt can corrode the mechanism and ruin the reel’s action and retrieval style.
As such saltwater-specific reels tend to be sealed from such elements and have a greater line capacity, power output and casting distance. Although the best saltwater reels (like the Penn Spinfisher or Slammer) are just as effective in freshwater.
Harry
Hi, I'm Harry. A keen, albeit exceedingly average fisherman. I've spent the last few years trawling London's waterways with - if I'm being kind - varied success and would love to help you avoid the mistakes I have made.
