8 Best Saltwater Baitcaster Reels in 2021

Whether you’re a new angler or a professional angler, you can’t just use old fishing gear; you have to own the right gear so that your fishing experience will be fun and interesting. Baitcasting requires you to have bigger reels, an advanced drag system, and thicker lines; because of this, they tend to be more expensive than regular fishing reels, but if you know what you need, you’ll be able to find a saltwater baitcasting reel that won’t need you to break the bank.

When fishing in saltwater, you have to pay attention to the equipment you need because saltwater can easily cause corrosion, leading to damage to your gear over an extended period.

WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN PURCHASING A SALTWATER REEL

In order to choose the best saltwater baitcasting reel, you need to know what you’re fishing for, the kind of saltwater fishing you plan on.

Baitcasting is a whole different ballgame when it comes to fishing. The extra weight of the live baits and the massive jigs and lures completely change the kind of equipment anglers need and what they need from their equipment. One of the most important pieces of equipment that has to be carefully chosen is the reel.

Baitcaster reels are able to hold more lines and provide a smoother drag compared to traditional reels, and they are the only option for deep-sea fishing where longer and stronger lines are needed.

Whether you’re purchasing a baitcasting reel for the first time or not, you need to make sure you get the best product, as it will make a difference to your performance and fishing experience. Below are some of the factors you have to take into consideration when selecting a saltwater baitcasting reel.

Drag System

The term drag refers to the ability of the reel to let line out of the spool without putting too much stress on the line itself. This comes in handy when you’re battling with a fish in the ocean because you need a line that won’t snap due to tension. Good quality baitcasting reels are made with easily adjustable drag systems that can be simply adjusted by turning a knob on the reel. This allows the user to make real-time decisions on the drag ratio that’s needed to reel in the fish.

When it comes to how loud a reel should be, the drag system plays a key role. Some anglers prefer using louder reels as a way of judging how much line is being released, and this is the main reason why reels make a clicking sound. But, you can get a baitcasting reel that’s more silent if that’s what you prefer.

Gear Ratio

The gear ratio of the baitcasting reel you choose is one of the most important factors determining how it will perform with various types of fishing. Due to this, it has become one of the most advertised features you see when looking at an online product description.

In simple terms, the gear ratio is a measure of the amount of line that it retrieves for each complete revolution of the reels handle. A low gear ratio will retrieve less line per revolution, and a high gear ratio will retrieve more lines per revolution.

High gear ratio rods allow the user to retrieve more lines in a short amount of time, which is quite important when struggling with a big fish in the deep ocean and having to bring them in as quickly as you can.

Reels with a lower gear ratio range from 3:1 to 4:1, but reels with these gear ratios will be useful in any kind of saltwater fishing. The minimum gear ratio you can use for saltwater fishing is 6:1.

Line Capacity

The deeper the body of water, the more line you would need to reel in your catch. That is why any kind of saltwater fishing needs longer reels than creek fishing and lake fishing. Due to this, the reels are larger, heavier, and mostly more complicated than other smaller reels, but all that is worth it when you take into consideration the extra line you would get in return.

Having a large line capacity is preferred for saltwater fishing because you will be covered even if you have a line break situation. If the line left on the spool is still enough, then you would be able to quickly get the entire line re-rigged if the line snaps while something is on the hook.

Profile

When it comes to baitcasting reels, there are two profiles you can choose from, either low profile and round profile reels.

Low profile baitcasting reels are made for fishermen who prefer having control over their bait line for smaller fishes, fishes you would usually find when fishing off a pier or the shore.

Round profile baitcasting reels are best suited for offshore fishing and for catching larger species of fish. A round profile reel provides the user with more leverage over the rod and better control to catch larger fishes. In general, round profile reels have greater line capacity, which is why they are mainly used for offshore fishing.

Strength And Durability

Think of the time and money that would go into replacing a part anytime your reel fails you, plus the frustration you would feel from finding out that your equipment is ineffective while you’re using it and then having to return home early.

With that in mind, ensure you pay attention to the durability and longevity of the model you shoes before buying it, especially if you intend to do a lot of fishing or intend to catch larger fishes.

Corrosion Resistance

When it concerns saltwater fishing, you have to know that corrosion resistance is an important feature when choosing a baitcasting reel.

If you use non-specialized equipment in saltwater, it will rust and deteriorate quickly. Still, if the equipment is of high quality and is designed for saltwater fishing, then it would be able to withstand the harsh, saline conditions.

Before you start your saltwater fishing, make sure you check with the manufacturers to make sure that the model you chose is corrosion resistant, or you would be needing a replacement in a short period.

Ensure that the reel you choose is made out of corrosion resistant materials such as aluminum, brass, graphite, carbon fiber, and stainless steel.

Specie Of Fish You’ll Be Targeting

You also have to consider the kind of fish you intend on catching. Different fishes are found during various seasons, and they come in different sizes, so you have to get the right equipment to help you catch the specific fish you want.

If you would like to catch big fishes such as bass or a large catfish, you’ll need a baitcasting reel that will be strong enough to do the job. This means you have to focus on features such as rigidity and strength, which will provide you with a strong core foundation to catch whatever fish you want.

If you are more interested in smaller catches, then a lighter and more streamlined model would be suitable for your needs as it will be less tiring even after being used after an extended period.

Experience Level

You have to remember to keep your experience level in mind. If you are a beginner, it may be better for you to go for simpler designs with minor fancy features so that you can get used to using a reel without having to learn about different new features.

But if you are an experienced professional looking for a challenge, you would be more satisfied with trying out new and more fancy features usually found in the more innovative models.

Using Braid

Braid is the most used line these days, especially when it comes to baitcasting because it will increase your casting accuracy and distance. However, not every reel is made with braid-ready spools, and if the model you get isn’t, it may cause issues when you fill your reel.

Weight

If the weight of your reel is too much, it will slow you down. Casting for an entire day is tiring enough; you do not need to add extra weight to the equation. It will make your fishing experience less fun.

Braking And Backlash

A good quality brake will allow you to adjust the spool tension for casting. Being able to adjust the tension will provide you with a long and accurate cast without any backlash. It is important to have a good brake system. If the brake on your baitcasting reel is difficult to set or it fails, you would spend most of your time untangling the line instead of fishing.

Budget

It is a known fact that your budget will play a big role in what baicaster you choose. Even if you intend to spend less, you have to consider that quality and durability will be linked to the price. In simpler words, going for a cheaper model may cost you more money in the long run as you would have to buy another reel sooner or later.

If you spend more at the beginning, you’ll make sure you get a high-quality, durable and robust option that will save you money in the long run. Except you have an unlimited budget, the best thing is to go for any option that’s a compromise between quality and price. Thankfully, most mid-ranged baitcasters are equipped for durability and high performance. Examples of great medium-range baicasters are the Abu Garcia Ambassadeur S and the KastKing Rover Round Baitcasting reel.

When you’re fishing in saltwater, you won’t only be dealing with large fishes, but you would also have to deal with the harsh environment. The reel you choose has to be able to withstand anything that the sea throws its way while still being able to handle large fishes. Choosing the right reel might be difficult because of the large range of products you have to choose from.

But you do not have to worry, we performed our research, and we have provided you with a guide and a list of the best saltwater baitcasting reels. It will make it easier for you to choose the right saltwater baitcasting reel for your needs. Let us check out the list.

Below is the list of the best saltwater baitcasting reels, along with their specifications, key features, pros, and cons. Having all this information will allow you to make an intelligent decision when selecting the best reel for your needs.