7 Best Baitcasting Reels For Saltwater 2020 [Saltwater Fishing Reels]

Do you know what is the most important factor that draws a person toward outdoor games or hobbies? Any guess?

To me, it is the THRILL, the passion that pushes that person towards it.

There are hundreds of games out there that will ask for the maximum physical effort and that also maximizes the level of thrill.

But to me, fishing is capable of rendering another whole level of thrill, especially when it is on saltwater. Catching fish while fighting with the waves was always something amazing and exciting to me.

But it is also important to use the right tools and instruments to make sure that the force and labor that you are putting in is not going to go in vain and from that, I felt too important it is to choose the best baitcasting reels for saltwater.

Today I am here to help you to find out the best one for you.

7 Best Baitcasting Reels For Saltwater Comparision

 

RANK	IMAGE	NAME	REEL FOR	GET IN NOW
1		Shimano Torium	Saltwater	Check Now
2		Penn Squall	Saltwater	Check Now
3		Daiwa TWS T	Saltwater	Check Now
4		Shimano Tranx	Saltwater	Check Now
5		Shimano Calcutta	Saltwater	Check Now
6		Burning Shark	Saltwater	Check Now
7		Ambassadeur SX	Saltwater	Check Now

7 Best Saltwater Baitcasting Reels Reviews with Good & Bad

In these Reviews, I have Specifically Mentioned that what I like and don’t like and also the Features one by one. Just keep reading with patience and pick one that is the best match with you.

#1. Shimano Torium Hga – Best Saltwater Baitcasting Reel

Yeah, choosing the right saltwater baitcasting reel is not easy, actually, it never was.

But I can tell you something that might be something that you’ve been looking for so far and that is Shimano Torium HGA.

But before you make a move, let me tell you the features of it that you should know.

Features:

Lightweight: Indeed the weight of the reel has always received utmost importance while fishing as it can influence the performance.

The good news is this one is extremely light and has taken the performance to another level.

High-Efficiency Gearing system: Having the perfect gearing system ultimately perfects your fishing experience along with a better performance.

The High-Efficiency Gearing system of Shimano Torium HGA gets you the required strength and rigidity along with the maximized leverage & power.

Anti-rust bearings: What has made the Shimano Torium HGA a more unique than any other common fishing reels, as one of the good Baitcasting Reel, is its Anti-Rust bearings.

These bearings are 10x more resistant to corrosion than any other regular stainless bearings.

Smoothness: Smoothness for obvious reason, one of the top priorities in the case of fishing reels. It has an amazing smoothness in operation along with the better line flow.

What We Like:

• It has an amazing outlook
• It is extremely lightweight which ensures a better performance.
• Its improved gearing system ensures better strength and rigidity.
• Its anti-rust bearings maximize the corrosion resistance feature 10 times than the regular one.
• It renders extremely smooth operations.

What We Don’t Like:

• When your requirement is of a reel with a gear ratio of more than 6.21, then this one might not serve you the way you want to.
• It has the max drag of 10 kg, so expecting more drag than that might get you the under-performance.

SHIMANO TORIUM HGA has all the required features to be the best saltwater baitcasting reel and I believe you are not going to be disappointed.

 

#2. Penn Squall LevelWind – Best Reels for Saltwater Fishing

When the search is about the reels for saltwater fishing, Penn Squall LevelWind is surely going to be a tough competition for any of the reels in the market.

If you are thinking why I am saying this, then having a glance at the features might change your mind.

Features:

Material: The first thing I’d like to mention about the Penn Squall LevelWind is its quality material.

It has the graphite made frame along with the side plate, that has made the reel really light. Moreover, it has also made it durable at the same time.

Machined High-strength main gear: How much gear matters in fishing are nothing but a rhetorical question.

The Penn Squall LevelWind has the Machined high-strength main gear, which ensures a stronger performance.

Instant Anti-Reverse: No one wants to lose a fish in the sea. This is why the Penn Squall LevelWind has the instant Anti-reverse, which saves you from losing the fish.

Larger handle: Having a larger handle has added extra advantage to the user’s fishing experience. It renders more comfort and along with easing the control.

What We Like:

• It is extremely lightweight.
• It is highly durable.
• Its Machined High-strength main gear ensures strong performance.
• It is comparatively less prone to line twisting.
• Its stainless steel bearing system maximizes the smoothness.

What We Don’t Like:

• Reckless usage may lead it to line twisting under certain circumstances.
• When the gear ratio requirement is more than 4.9:1, you might not get the perfect performance here.

When the best reels for saltwater fishing is what you are looking for, I think Penn Squall LevelWind is also a suitable consideration for so.

 

#3. Daiwa Coastal TWS T- Baitcasting Reels for Saltwater

Which are the reels that you would like to have one the list of the good reels for saltwater?

To me, one of them is the Daiwa Coastal TWS T. This amazing looking fishing reel has all the features that are good enough to draw the attention of any fishing lover.

Features:

8 Bearing system: Just like any of the Baitcasting Reel, Daiwa Coastal TWS T has a focus over its bearing system.

Its 8 bearing system (CRRB + 1RB) has made its overall performance better than any random other fishing reels in the market.

A7075 Aircraft Grade Aluminum spool: Daiwa Coastal TWS T is made in a way, concentrating over having a deep spool with a view to ensure a better performance. It has the A7075 Aircraft Grade Aluminum spool which renders the advantage of shedding the longer line.

T-wing system: For being one of the unique fishing reels, Daiwa Coastal TWS T has included the T-wing system. It ensures the reduced angles and minimization inline friction.

Gear ratio: Among all the good things about the Daiwa Coastal TWS T, its gear ratio is my favorite. It has a gear ratio of 7.3:1 and this is amazingly greater than any other regular fishing reels available in the market.

What We Like:

• Its improved bearing system renders better performance.
• It has a deep spool that gets you the advantage of having long lines.
• Its amazing drag can render a performance up to 15.4 lbs.
• It has an amazing gear ratio of 7.3:1, which is higher than any average other spinning reels.
• Its EVA custom handle provides extra comfort.

What We Don’t Like:

• If the condition requires more than 32.2” line per handle turn, then it may not you the expected performance perfectly.
• In careless usage, it might get scratched.

As one of the Perfect baitcasting reels for saltwater, the Daiwa Coastal TWS T is surely an ideal one for saltwater fishing.

 

#4. Shimano Tranx, Lowprofile – Best Baitcasting Reel

Finding out the Perfect Reel among the hundreds of reels around in the market surely is not an easy task.

But ease it a little bit I’d like to tell you about the SHIMANO TRANX, LowProfile baitcasting fishing reel.

Features:

Hagane Body: One of the best things about the SHIMANO TRANX is the Hagane Hagane body. It renders a higher amount of rigidity. Moreover, it maximizes the required balance along with the prevention of flex.

CoreProtect water-resistant technology: As one of the best beginners baitcaster SHIMANO TRANX has another great aspect that I’d like to tell you about and that is the CoreProtect water-resistant technology.

It ensures the long-lasting performance along with durability, even in adverse environments.

Good Cranking power: Having a good cranking power is undoubtedly one of the biggest advantages of any baitcasting fishing reel.

The good news is capable of generating massive cranking power with help X-ship and HEG technology.

Smoothness: In the case of fishing reels, smoothness is something that takes you closer to perfection. The SHIMANO TRANX has the perfect level of smoothness that ensures effortless retrieval.

What We Like:

• It has an elegant and stylish look
• It is perfectly smooth and contains a higher power.
• Its metal body prevents the flex.
• It maximizes the proper balancing.
• It has a massive cranking power that enhances perfection.

What We Don’t Like:

• Some of the users think not having a clicker for on/off is a disadvantage, but not a major one.
• For left-handed people, this one might not be a good choice as it doesn’t come in left-handed.

This reel has almost all the required features of the best baitcasting reel, and that’s what makes me think that it’s worth a shot.

 

#5. Shimano Calcutta, Round Baitcasting – Best Beginner Baitcaster

My next favorite as one of the Top Reel is the Shimano Calcutta, Round Baitcasting Reel. This reel doesn’t only come with shining style, but amazing features. Let me tell you something more about it.

Features:

Material: The first thing I’d like to mention about the Shimano Calcutta, Round Baitcasting reel is its material.

It’s aluminum frames and side plates to make sure that the parts of the reel are remaining in their place perfectly along with ensuring the solid rigidity.

Lightweight: if you are regular at fishing, you know what kind of impact the right amount of weight can create.

The SHIMANO Calcutta, Round Baitcasting reel is very light from that aspect which ensures the perfect performance on the water.

Anti-reverse Pawl: The SHIMANO Calcutta, Round Baitcasting Reel has included the Anti-reverse pawl. It is function is basically making sure that you are not losing the fish or letting its getaway.

Anti-rust parts: Rust surely can be a nightmare for anyone who loves fishing. The SHIMANO Calcutta, Round Baitcasting reel is made in a way that minimizes the possibilities of rusting taking place.

What We Like:

• It is very lightweight, which makes it super easy to use.
• Its aluminum made parts makes sure of having a perfect power.
• Its 3-position power grip maximizes the better control over the performance.
• Its parts are anti-rusting, so it is perfectly usable in saltwater.

What We Don’t Like:

• As there are some of the portions are made of plastics, some users might not like it that much.

If you are tired of searching for the awesome reel, then I think this one might be the one that you are looking for.

 

#6. Burning Shark Trolling Reel – Best Baitcasting Reel for Beginners

The Burning Shark Trolling Reel is what I think going to be the perfect one for you. But before you make your mind, let tell you something more about this reel.

Features:

Weight: One of the good things about the Burning Shark Trolling Reel is its weight. If you are wondering how, the weight of the reel is only 640 g (approx.), which is quite lighter in comparison with its size.

Gear ratio: The Burning Shark Trolling Reel has the perfect gear ratio for any newcomer in the world of fishing. Its gear ratio is 4.1:1, which is considered as an ideal ratio for any beginner.

Lower noise level: As one of the Perfect Beginner Baitcaster reels, It has a low noise level. Along with that, it has a good line release lever that eases the operation.

Max Drag: Having the right amount of drag power raises both the acceptability and standard of the reel in the eyes of the users.

The Burning Shark Trolling Reel has the max drag of lbs, which for sure ideal for any beginner even for most of the regular fishers.

What We Like:

• It has a long hand that eases up the catch of bigger fishes.
• It has the ideal gear ratio for the beginners.
• Its stainless steel gears ensure its durability.
• Its oversized cast control knob renders extra ease of controlling the reel.

What We Don’t Like:

• If your fishing style requires a gear ratio of more than 4.1:1, it might not be the one for you.
• This one weighs 640 g (approx.), so in case you need a lighter one, this one may not serve you the way you want.

People often get puzzled while they are trying to choose the best baitcasting reel for beginners, the criteria vary more or less.

So I think, Burning Shark Trolling Reel is something that may help you in the perfect way in this manner.

 

#7. Abu Garcia Ambassadeur SX – Best Fishing Reels for Saltwater

Abu Garcia has always given it their best shot to give us the best fishing reels for saltwater and as another successful attempt to that, they have brought the Abu Garcia Ambassadeur SX.

They included a lot of amazing features in this one. Let me tell you about some of those.

Features:

Multi-disc Drag system: Like most of their amazing fishing reels, Abu Garcia has included the Multi Disc Drag System in this one as well. This has ensured the perfect drag for any of the users with the intention to hunt down bigger fishes.

6 pin Centrifugal Brake: It has taken the care of the brake portion of the reel perfectly. They have included the 6 pin Centrifugal Brake to enhance the fishing experience of the users.

Recessed Reel Foot: As one of Abu Garcia’s smart moves on this reel I’d like to mention the recessed reel foot on this reel. It helps the reel to stay low on the rod, which eases it up to palm and cast.

3 stainless steel ball bearings + 1 roller bearing: It has the 3 stainless steel ball bearings + 1 roller bearing. This improved bearing system ensures strong and quality drag along with the smoothness.

What We Like:

• It comes in both right-handed and left-handed.
• Its compact bent handle and star makes it easy to operate.
• Its multi-disc drag system maximizes the drag pressure of 12.5 pounds.
• Its recessed reel foot ensures the ease of palm and cast.
• Its improved bearing system ensures the smooth drag.

What We Don’t Like:

• If you require the drag pressure more than 12.5 pounds, this might not serve you perfectly.
• If the species you want to grab need a gear ratio of more than 5.3:1, then you better look for one with a higher gear ratio.

Abu Garcia has always played it up to the mark while making fishing reels and they have added this one to the list of the best fishing reels for saltwater.

I think getting this one is not going to make you regret it.

 

 

Buying Guide: How to Choose The Best Reels for Saltwater Fishing

Now comes the most difficult and challenging part of the purchase cycle of the saltwater fishing reel and that is choosing the right one.

If you are thinking what is the challenge over here, then let me tell you that once you miss choosing the right one for you, you will get nothing but a bump in your pocket and you, for sure, are not going to like it.

Understand your task: Does the reel match to your task?

In the cycle of finding out the Reel, Choosing the long cast reel is not always the best option.

Because you may not need all of the features that they are offering you. There might be some unnecessary features and you don’t need to pay for them if they are not going to serve the reasons that you are buying for.

Check the features carefully and check if the features within are what matches your requirement. Here, by requirements, I meant where you are going fishing, what you are fishing and how you are going to get it done.

You need to make your final decision on the basis of these things.

But it is not always that you are never going to need one with long casting.

In case you have a plan to do so as well, you should choose one that can perform perfectly in both areas.

This aspect should also be prioritized when you are looking for the best beginner baitcaster.

Good Drag: If the drag is not good, it’s not a good one at all

The role- of drag is always prioritized with the line length. Having a good drag power is considered as prime criteria for reel to be on the list of best baitcasting reels for saltwater.

So, while you are thinking to get about fishing reel for saltwater fishing, at the time of checking the reels with a view to make your final buying decision, make sure the one you are finalizing has enough drag power to hunt down your desired species and do it before swiping the card.

What happens when you get any random fishing reel considering that it will do fine and it doesn’t contain the required amount of drag power, you will start to lose the fish and who are regular in fishing knows that how much it actually hurts.

So, know how much drag power you need, compare it with the available options, and make the purchase of the perfect one and be sure of that this is going to be the best saltwater baitcasting reel you were looking for.

Noise Level: Too much noise never is or was good for your concentration

Suppose you are on your yacht and trying to catch a fish with total concentration and by gathering all of your patience.

Suddenly you’ve got a pull on the bait and pulling it back to you. But at the time of cranking it is making the noise that you think was the most unpleasant sound that can ever come to your ears at that time.

For sure, at that time you won’t feel like you are holding the Excellent Saltwater Baitcasting Reel.

So, when you are going to get a fishing reel, make sure the one you are choosing doesn’t create the noise that is enough to break your concentration.

Though some of the people don’t consider it as any major disadvantage at the time of fishing as there are sounds of waves around while one is fishing in the ocean.

But yet, if you have the chance to choose a silent one is better because you might need to use this one in freshwater fishing as well and there any higher amount of sound might scare the fish away, which ultimately will deprive you of the hunt.

Price: Make sure you are not paying over

Now comes the second most vital part of the purchase decision and that is the price.

When you have decided to get the reels for saltwater fishing, don’t get convinced to pay on the basis of the outlook or features that you are getting but pay for the ones you need.

Feeling confused, right? Okay, then let me explain.

Suppose you are getting a reel that has amazing features and it is surely one of the good reels that you’ve ever seen.

But the features it is offering, two-thirds of it is something you don’t need. In that case, do you think you should pay the high price for it?

I think you shouldn’t. Instead of that, try to get something that fits your requirement perfectly instead of choosing one with unnecessary features.

So, pay for what you need, not for what you are being offered.

Ball Bearings: Smoothness matter more than you can imagine

The quality of Ball bearings is the ultimate key to the smoothness of the reel. One of the major aspects that you will notice in any Baitcasting Reel is it contains the quality ball bearing that maximizes the smoothness of the operation.

In the case of fishing, smoothness can raise the success ratio to a greater extent.

Frames: A strong frame for the perfect rigidity

There are two things related to the frames and they are rigidity & durability.

If you are regular at fishing then you surely will know how much these two things matter. Along with that, it also influences the weight of the reel, which has a direct impact on the ease of usage.

So, when your search is about the saltwater fishing reel, make sure that the one you are choosing has a strong frame with better material.

Durability: The longer it serves, the better it serves

Nobody wants a reel that breaks down all of a sudden, especially when it was on the top of the list of your ‘Least expected’.

This is why durability is something that needs to be prioritized more than anything else at the time of choosing the right reels for saltwater fishing.

For that, make sure that the reel that is on the top of your priority list, is made with better material and also make sure that it has higher durability.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Does material on the handle can influence the performance of the baitcasting reels?

Answer: Material indeed matters in case of making a reel for beginners or professionals, it doesn’t matter which portion you are talking about. But the question of material is prioritized, often on the basis of durability.

Because the better the material is, the longer it is going to serve you. But in case of the material of the handle, it doesn’t influence the performance too much, but a little discomfort can be caused if the material used on the handle is not comfortable to grab on. But performance can be influenced if the size of the handle is not long enough.

Does material on the handle can influence the performance of the baitcasting reels?

Answer: Saltwater fishing is different than freshwater fishing for some obvious reasons that includes the species, water condition, atmosphere, etc. Unlike freshwater fishing, it is important to concentrate more on the reel capacity as it is different in the case of saltwater fishing. As you are going to be fishing in a comparative bigger space, so choose a reel that is capable of covering more than 300 yards and choose it not the basis of your species criteria basis. That’s what is going to be one of the best reels for saltwater fishing for you.

Should one focus more on weight for ease and flexibility?

Answer: The ease and flexibility depend on two different things. Ease depends on how much compatible the reel is with you, which includes the weight, smoothness, drag power, etc. On the other hand, the flexibility depends on the gearing system, quality of bearings. So, if you are thinking that weight has equal influence over these two at a time, then, unfortunately, you are wrong.

What is the gear ratio that can be considered as ideal for baitcasting reels?

Answer: There are reels with the gear ratio of 4.1:1, 5.4:1, 6.4:1, and 7.1:1. The ideal ratio. I can’t say will actually be ideal for everyone because the requirement varies on the basis of several criteria. But if we consider the gear ratios on average, the ideal one should be of 6.4:1. So, if you are thinking about getting the Amazing Baitcasting Reel for you, choosing on with this ratio is not going to disappoint

Conclusion

Picking up the right tools can make your task easier than ever.

The same thing can be said in the case of fishing as well and fishing reel is definitely one of those tools, that are capable of getting you the best of the fishing experience along with maximizing your efficiency and success rate.

So, why choosing the best baitcasting reels for saltwater is so important, you can easily understand.

I hope my article has represented you an idea that how to choose the perfect reel for yourself and get your fishing experience to another level.