There are many reasons to fish in the sea that are completely different from fishing in rivers and lakes. If you are not using the correct reel for saltwater. They will quickly deteriorate and become unusable.
In the article below I will help you how to choose the best spinning reel for saltwater. Hopefully some of the products I recommend and my suggestions below will help you find the reel that’s right for you. Let’s start!
Best saltwater spinning reels (Quick comparison)
Last update on 2024-05-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Preview Product Rating Price 
PENN 1403982 Slammer III Spinning Black Gold, 3500 2,091 Reviews Buy on Amazon 
Daiwa SALTIST2500 Saltist Spinning Reel, 5.6: 1 Gear Ratio, 9 Bearings, 33.20″ Retrieve Rate, 15 lb… 565 Reviews $229.99 Buy on Amazon 
PENN Battle II Spinning Inshore Fishing Reel, Size 3000 (BTLII3000), HT-100 Front Drag, Max of 15lb,… 4,663 Reviews $151.99 Buy on Amazon 
STRADIC 1000FL HG STRADIC-US 178 Reviews $199.90 Buy on Amazon 
Penn Spinfisher V SSV3500 Spinning Reel 1,266 Reviews Buy on Amazon 
Shimano Baitrunner 12000D; Offshore Saltwater Spinning Reel 520 Reviews $219.99 Buy on Amazon 
PENN Pursuit III Spinning Fishing Reel, Black/Silver, 2500 6,568 Reviews $59.99 Buy on Amazon 
Daiwa BG2500 BG Saltwater Spinning Reel, 2500, 5.6: 1 Gear Ratio, 6+1 Bearings, 33.20″ Retrieve… 770 Reviews $120.54 Buy on Amazon
Top 8 best spinning reel for saltwater
PENN Slammer III - Surf spinning reels
Last update on 2024-05-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API 
The Penn Slammer III was reintroduced in 2016 and features Penn Durer drag, a drag system more on that later, as well as IPX six rating. What is IPX? IPX refers to the international guidance for water ceilings with radium. IPX6, you can take a hose and spray this reel continuously without worrying about introducing grit and grime, and salt inside the reels the reel. You can dunk it in the ocean briefly, and after a long day of use, you can spray it down with no problem.
The Penn Slammer III comes in 10 sizes or the average gear speed being 5.6 to 1 or 5.6 turns of the rotor for every single handle. For the average person, that fish is hard on the surf, and from a boat, this is as good as you’re going to get for the money.
The Penn Slammer 3 is completely made out of an aluminum body, rotor, and spool. The Penn Slammer Three features Penn’s top-of-the-line dura drag system. The line capacity for this reel is huge the 5500 will give you 380 yards of 30-pound braid.
Key Features:
Pros:
- Designed with heavy-duty, strong and durable
- Water-resistant IPX6
- Plenty of line capacity
- Excellent line lay
Cons:
- Quite heavyweight, heavier than normal inshore fishing reels
Daiwa SSaltist - Best offshore spinning reels
Last update on 2024-05-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API 
Mags Sealed line roller and main shaft – The Mag Sealed technology is the highlight of this reel, they help prevent salt water and dirt from entering the reel. Another advantage is “metal oil”, which almost creates an impermeable layer, thus minimizing corrosion.
“HardBodyz” body and side cover: Daiwa uses a metal composite designed to increase durability and provide strength. Besides, they still keep the minimum weight.
8+1 Corrosion-resistant stainless steel ball bearings. The lightweight air rotor design reduces weight by up to 15%, besides they help to dry the spool faster. Tubular stainless steel air bail adds strength while reducing weight, it also helps prevent an unwanted loop. ABS Spool with many outstanding features helps 100% useable line, reducing friction in the casting process.
Key features:
- Magsealed line roller and main shaft
- Lightweight Air Rotor design for smooth
- “HardBodyz” body and side cover effectively resists corrosion
Air Bail–tubular stainless with high durability
Pros:
- The waterproof system and ADT traction system make them almost completely waterproof.
- Lightweight while still maintaining strength and durability, anti-corrosion technology, and in the big fish game
- Long warranty period
Cons:
- Warranty process can take time
PENN Battle II & III - Best saltwater reels
Last update on 2024-05-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API 
The first thing you’ll notice is that Penn Battle III takes its architecture from the Spinfisher and the Slammer. CNC gearing was the main improvement to this thing and those CNC gears go a long way, it’s a very solid feeling reel.
All-aluminum construction aluminum body, aluminum rotor. Penn HT 100 drag system which is their best drag system. Aluminum bail wire nice and thick. Six ball bearings they are stainless steel and sealed. Handle aluminum handle arm feels really good in your hand if you get water on this you get bait on this. You’re not going to slip off. Freshwater or saltwater, beach boat whatever you want to do Penn Battle III can handle it.
Key features:
- HT-100 . carbon fiber drag washer
- 5 sealed stainless steel ball bearings
- Instant anti-reverse bearings
- Heavy duty aluminum braided ring
- Superline Spool
- Increase wire turns on spool, increase wire capacity
- Body, sides and rotor are made of stainless steel
Pros:
- Quite compact
- Solid feel and quality
- Smooth traction system
- Loop marking capacity for remaining line lengths
- Anti-reverse
Cons:
- Quite heavy for the size
- Wind knot
Not completely sealed
STRADIC FL - Best inshore spinning reel
Last update on 2024-05-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API 
This reel has been improved for smoother casting and increased durability. It features Silent Drive, Micromodule Gear II, and a Long Stroke Spool for better casting distance. X-Protect waterproof technology. All these technologies make the Stradic FL a strong, durable and reliable coil.
This is a reel that can handle many different types of fishing. Crafted to increase your fishing time, making them better than ever.
My overall opinion about the reel is highly recommended very strong very durable very saltwater resistant. I have been using this from my kayak I fished and it’s always exposed to saltwater getting splashed on it and having had pretty much zero issues with it.
Key features:
- Hagane Gear
- Hagane body
- The long stroke spool
- G Free body technology
- Drag washer selection
Pros:
- A taller spool helps to increase casting distance
- Lighter weight than many reels of the same type
- Durable, waterproof, good anti-corrosion
- Smooth and light
Cons:
- This is a rather expensive reel and requires regular maintenance
Spinfisher V
Last update on 2024-05-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API 
Introducing the fifth generation of the Penn Spinfisher – the Spinfisher V. It starts with a full metal body inside a plate constructed with a deeper analyzation for corrosion protection in saltwater conditions. They added seals in key locations to prevent saltwater from contacting valuable internal components giving the new Spinfisher V a watertight design.
They’ve moved the new slammer drag system under the spool and added oversized HT 100 carbon fiber washers for more drag pressure essentially doubling the maximum drag pressure because you fish in harsh conditions. Penn sealed the slammer drag system preventing moisture from entering and ensuring performance.
The bail wire is now far thicker and stronger for a difference you can feel the updated gear ratios were built for the perfect combination of power and speed. A high strength alloy main gear and stainless steel main shaft transfer needed power when bearing down on hard fighting fish.
Key Features:
- Works well in water and sand environments
- Durable metal body construction, side plate, and techno balanced rotor. Bail is made of aluminum with good strength.
- Powerful, smooth HT-100 towing system
- Fluid cranking with 5 shielded stainless steel ball bearings, anti-reverse
- Superline spool
Pros:
- Perfect water resistance
- Traction system HT-100 brand
- Great line lay, quality is perfect
- Excellent braking
Cons:
- Water resistance and corrosion resistance may be affected if used for a long time
Shimano Baitrunner D
Last update on 2024-05-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The brand-new Shimano D not only superb styling but also a host of technological advances that are exclusive to Shimano. Develop for all matching course efficient applications this really is the perfect all-round tool. The list of features is endless 5s ARB ball bearings aids super smooth performance. Immense power is generated by the 4.8 to one retrieve ratio.
And with Shimano’s patented power roller line twist is a thing of the past. Shimano Baitrunner D is considered one of the best line lay systems in the world. It provides super uniform line Lake which ensures that minimal energy is lost during the cast the Shimano X arrow. ARC spool a patented feature that not only helps to reduce tangles but also helps the line to leave the school effortlessly.
Larger spool size also allows much more powerful drag disk to be used. Combine this with Shimano’s waterproof drag system and you’ve got a reel that is a match for even the biggest fish in the most demanding of fishing situations.
For all styles of feeder fishing and especially method feeder fishing I can’t think of a better reel.
Key features:
- Super Stopper instant anti-reverse
- Propulsion Line
- Management System
- Full S Concept design
- Shielded A-RB ball bearings
- Secondary drag system
Pros:
- Dual pull system works well
- Smooth retrieve
- Designed for both saltwater and fresh water
- Good fight with big fish
Cons:
- Slower retrieve rate
- Some parts may wear out after long time use
Penn Pursuit III & Pursuit IV
Last update on 2024-05-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API 
The Pursuit III is the third generation in the Pursuit line and they’ve added some extra features to it to make it the best value in the Penn lineup. It have a corrosion resistant graphite body and rotor. With a metal side plate to ensure the gears stay in precise alignment. It have a four plus one bearing system it have two bearings on the main gear two bearings on the pinion gear
The Pursuit III have a double anodized pinion gear. It have a double anodized spool with line capacity rings and some spool with line capacity rings and some of the exciting new features. They have are the HT 100 carbon fiber drag washers as well as the super line Gasparian. The super line gasket gasket allows you to do is tie braid directly onto the Arbor of the spool. So that you don’t have lines slipping on there.
Key features:
- HT 100 Drag Technology
- The Graphite Body
- Gear Speed
- New Reel Size
- Instant Anti-Reverse
- Stainless Steel 4+1 Bearing System
- Super Line Gasket
Pros:
- This is an extremely durable reel
- Powerful HT-100 towing system
- Works well in saltwater environments
- Suitable for many types of fishing
Cons:
- Pulling out the line will make some sound
Daiwa BG - Best saltwater spinning reels under $100
Last update on 2024-05-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API 
The Daiwa BG, I heard nothing but good things about it, that reel was around for thirty plus years in saltwater and it stood the test of time. I’ve had to play with it and have it in my hands it really is a sexy-looking reel just the way the spool is it’s all CNC machined so it’s the my new details are absolutely phenomenal. It’s just a really overall good-looking reel. Up to 33lbs of drag. Available sizes BG 1500 – 8000.
Full aluminum body keeping gears in precise alignment. ABS II spool system helps cast further, catch more fish. Digigear smoother more durable. The waterproof ATD drag system makes it work well in both saltwater and freshwater environments. Machine cut handle strong and rigid.
Key features:
- “Hard Bodyz” Body & Side Cover
- Over-sized digigear (Digigear system)
- Solid Screw-In Handle
- Air roto
- ABS spool
Pros:
- Works well with braided lines
- Smooth and durable with both fresh and salt water
- Strong traction, suitable for many types of fishing
- For the price, the quality is excellent
Cons:
- Some anti-reverse failures
How to choose best fishing reels for saltwater - Buying guide
Things to consider when purchasing saltwater spinning fishing reels:
- Line capacity
The line capacity is the maximum amount of line the spool can hold without overloading the reel. The thicker the diameter of the lines, the higher their intensity. It should be strong enough to act against the force. And with that, they take up more spool space.
Braided line capacity is higher than monofilament. It should also come with enough length. At least about 300 meters go with the prey pull. So, depending on the type of fish you want to fight, you should accordingly choose a line’s capacity.
2. Braided line compatibility:
A braided line, I think, is the best line for saltwater fishing. They have a smaller diameter than other types, have excellent corrosion resistance and anti-elongation, and are stronger. It can be cast further and easily spooled up to a 20-pound line.
However, they also have the disadvantage of being visible in the water and may cause line-shy fish to stay clear of the hook. You should find a spinning reel for saltwater that includes lesser slips.
3. Drag system:
The drag system is the factor you need to pay attention to when buying a spinning reel for saltwater. It is an essential factor to reflect the quality of the reel. Simply put, it is a part that helps support your traction when you pull the fish out of the water.
If the drag is too big, you won’t notice the smaller fish when they bite. If the drag is small, likely, you will not have enough power to fight with large fish. In general, the drag should be between 1/5 – 1/3 of the total strength of the lines so that they don’t break and the system works properly.
4. Handles and Cranks:
Most saltwater reels are equipped with a single handle, the purpose of which is for ease of use and optimum traction. A reel with a light handle will make your fishing more fun. You can use a larger knob for the handle, acting as a lever. It would be best if you used a suitable type to keep your fingers from getting sore and tired.
5.Corrosion-resistant:
Of course, this is a must with a saltwater reel. Includes salt-resistant materials and the salt-resistant technology they possess. Normally, they are constructed of aluminum and stainless steel. In addition, they are also covered with an anti-corrosion layer. You can refer to this article for more information: What Is A Saltwater Spinning Reel?
The above are the main factors that you need to consider when choosing any type of spinning reel for saltwater. They can help keep your reel in the ocean for as long as possible. And, of course, no reel can last forever. You should know how to maintain and clean them. You can refer to them on my website or externally. I would be happy if I could help you.
How to clean a spinning reel
I already have an article on this topic, you can read more here: How To Clean A Spinning Reel
- Take the reel apart. You can use masking tape to number each part to make it easier to reassemble later. Use tweezers to handle the pieces of line and springs. Remove the line from the spool.
- Strip or tape the line. Separate the fishing line from the spool or secure it with tape before removing the spool. The line will get stuck between the spool and the frame if you skip this step.
- Rinse. Rinse the entire reel with clean water before you begin cleaning the spool.
- Use a toothbrush or small paintbrush to scrub. Thoroughly rinse with running water after cleaning.
- Make sure to rinse all the cleaner. You can first dry with a soft towel, then blow dry with a hair dryer to ensure no moisture remains.
- Thoroughly dry to prevent rust.
- Apply grease and oil.
- Reassemble. Use the numbering system you laid out in the beginning to put your reels together. Check to make sure all parts are working the way they should.
Questions & Anwers
Conclusion
Above is the article “best spinning reel for saltwater”. I hope this article has helped you find your favorite reel or have some more options for your fishing session. See you again in the next posts. Good luck!
See more articles about fishing at: Fishingworldpt.com