
A fishing reel is a must-have product to clasp the fishing line in the water and then get back to the angler. From providing assistance in casting to landing, a fishing reel does it all but if you have the best one. This article is an answer to all of your questions related to the best saltwater fishing reel or how to select your favorite big game spinning reel. So let’s start with the fraction of products we have chosen in the category of best saltwater spinning reels in 2022
Top Picks
- Best Budget Saltwater Spinning Reel: Penn Squall Lever Drag 2 Speed
- Top Saltwater Reel: SHIMANO Stradic FL
- Top Rated Saltwater Spinning Reel: KastKing Sharky III
- Saltwater Spinning Reel Under $50: SeaKnight Rapid
- Best in Handling: PENN Pursuit-III
- Best Quality: Penn Battle II Spinning Fishing Reel
- Best for Beginners: KastKing Summer and Centron Spinning Reel
- Best Lightweight Spinning Reel: Pflueger Supreme XT
- Best Budget Reel: Daiwa BG Saltwater
- Heavy Duty Saltwater spinning Reel: Penn Slammer III Spinning Fishing Reel
- Best Baitrunner: Shimano Baitrunner D Spinning Reel
- Best Value Saltwater Fishing Reel: SHIMANO Saragosa SW
Comparison Table
IMAGE | PRODUCT | RATING | PRICE |
---|---|---|---|
EDITOR’S CHOICE ![]() | Penn Squall
| 9.7 | Check on Amazon |
TOP PICK ![]() | SHIMANO Stradic FL
| 9.8 | Check on Amazon |
![]() | KastKing Sharky III
| 9.6 | Check on Amazon |
BEST SELLING ![]() | SeaKnight Rapid
| 9.4 | Check on Amazon |
![]() | PENN Pursuit III
| 9.7 | Check on Amazon |
![]() | Penn Battle II & III
| 9.8 | Check on Amazon |
![]() | KastKing Summer and Centron
| 9.6 | Check on Amazon |
![]() | Pflueger Supreme XT
| 9.6 | Check on Amazon |
![]() | Daiwa Bg
| 9.8 | Check on Amazon |
![]() | Penn Slammer III
| 9.8 | Check on Amazon |
![]() | Shimano Baitrunner D
| 9.6 | Check on Amazon |
![]() | SHIMANO Saragosa SW Saltwater
| 9.6 | Check on Amazon |
12 Best Saltwater Spinning Reels in 2022
Penn Squall Lever Drag

The Penn squall Drag 2 is ranked as best because of the product’s popularity and positive feedback from buyers and reviewers about this speed reel for offshore fishing. It is manufactured by one of the best brands in the reel industry called “Penn ” and the recognition of the brand is just because of their excellence in product quality and efficiency which impressed the buyers. Plus, Penn doesn’t have typically high prices like other brands.
If you are searching for the fishing reel with the best quality so that it stays for a long time, then you are in the right place. This is because the Penn squall reel is a convention reel that is constructed with the best quality materials which contribute to the strength and rigidity of this product. The strength and stiffness of any product are necessary to consider as it contributes to the durability of that product.
The Penn Squall Lever Drag 2 is originally manufactured in a way that it tackles the offshore fish species as stated by producers. The buyers also claimed that this is the best fishing gear for offshore fishing. The Speed Drag 2 is a part of the Squall Lever family by Penn and these series also have some more similar products with some changes in specifications and prices. Moreover, this product is budget-friendly so if you are a budget-conscious person then it would be good news for you. You don’t have to delay more or save your pocket money because it is easily affordable.
- Affordable
- Strong and Rigid
- Good for Offshore Fishing
- Popular and Trendy
- Not easy to handle
Overall, this is a decent fishing reel that favors offshore fishing. It is composed of good quality stainless steel and designing is trendy at an affordable range so that anyone can enjoy fishing with this product.
SHIMANO Stradic FL

In general, this saltwater jigging reel by Shimano manufacturers is a beating market competitor that covers the maximum audience with optimistic reviews as it offers multiple positive specifications. So let’s discuss it in detail!
As the name indicates it is a spinning fishing reel that comes with the bearings attached to it. The process followed by these bearings is similar to that of A – RB bearings, however, these bearings are shielded or protected from two sides so that there is zero chance of salt or sand particles getting in it and inhibiting the rotation. This feature facilitates a long time and better rotating ability of the fishing reel.
The producers state that this fishing reel is based on the G – Free Body advanced technology that is designed to transfer the center of Gravity from the reel towards the rod. This mechanism helps in getting your hand in the best possible angle that facilitates better fishing. Plus, the G Free Body also assists in reducing pain or fatigue by providing you with an extra level of comfort than typical reels. Thus, this product is best for those who do a lot of fishing. The Body of this fishing reel is composed of metal that provides greater rigidity and stiffness to the product. The strength also impacts the efficiency of the fishing reel as it contributes to getting perfect angle actions by resisting flexibility or unwanted moves. Moreover, the quality of the product makes it stay for long and add friction and support against heavy loads.
- Durable
- Provide Comfortability
- Smooth to Handle
- Perfect Rotation
- Low Drag
In conclusion, this largest fishing reel is worth buying as it is manufactured with durable metal that provides enough strength to tackle the heavyweight. The complaints about the stickiness of the reel would get resolved by greasing it. So this is one of our best saltwater spinning reels in 2022.
KastKing Sharky III Fishing Reel

The KastKing Sharky III fishing reel was manufactured in 2018 but it is still trendy in the fishing reel market as one of the best saltwater spinning reels in 2022. The company has designed this product very beautifully that will make your fishing fun double by its extraordinary features and specifications. The Sharky III is a modified and updated model of KastKing Sharky II that is better for fishing efficiently. The manufacturers said that the charm of fishing will be triple with this 3rd version of the Sharky series.
This fishing reel is constructed with good quality materials that are protected or shielded with KISS protection called KastKing Intrusion Shield System. This is a very unique and exclusive shielding system that is owned by KastKing and claimed to keep the body and spool of the reel sheltered by providing water resistance and protection from dust particles or sand etc. This will enhance the longevity of the fishing reel.
The Sharky III is a modernly designed product that is smoother and more durable than other market competitors and will facilitate you with a comfortable fishing environment. It is not an area-specific fishing reel so you can have it for offshore fishing as well as for streamside or casting off a land. So you don’t need to worry about that because it is really a compatible and portable product.
This is a spinning reel with the ball bearings attached to assist the reel in rotation. The bearings are constructed with the best quality stainless steel that provides a double shield to the bearings against water, corrosion, dust, and sand particles so that they won’t get blocked. All this design leads to an ultra-smooth and comfortable performance of this fishing reel that will effortlessly lead to a greater fishing environment.
- Comfortable
- Made of High-Quality Material
- Affordable
- Corrosion-Free
- Line Retrieval is Less Smooth
Overall, this affordable fishing reel comes with a durable and strong body that is water and corrosion resistive and can be used in any fishing area easily.
SeaKnight Rapid

There are different preferences and choices of every angler or fisherman so it is very important to consider a particular fishing reel that offers great spinning and the best angles. In this regard, the biggest fishing reel brand “Sea Knight” produced a Rapid Saltwater spinning-fishing reel that is designed to be perfectly suited for all anglers and maintain a proficient fishing environment.
This saltwater fishing reel is based on advanced technology and constructed to facilitate young fishermen with new angles and styles, even beginners can easily try it out. All this is offered at an affordable price that grabs more audience towards this product.
Moreover, it is a powerful saltwater spinning reel that is manufactured with good quality material so that it will not get corrosion coating over it. It is strong enough to tackle obstacles while fishing in saltwater. However, the review concluded that this fishing reel is best suited for the fishing of smaller sea species.
The ball bearings attached in this spinning fishing reel are made up of the best quality stainless steel and are protected with a steel layer so that the salt, water or sand particles will not be able to accumulate into its sides. The bearings are smooth like butter and provide you with relaxed fishing even if you are a beginner and don’t know much about reel handling.
This product is available in different variants depending upon the size of the spool and the length of the reel. The models are following: 2000; 3000; 4000; 5000 or 6000. The gear ratio of the first three models is kept as 6:2: While the other two comes in a ratio of 4:7:1.
- Size variants available
- Smooth
- Made of stainless steel
- Anti-corrosive
- No spare spool
You can get this big game spinning reel according to your preference in regard to the size of the spool or length. It is the best angler rotating fishing reel that is best for beginners as well as experts.
PENN Pursuit-III

This is another spinning fishing reel by the famous brand “Penn” which is famous for its excellent quality reels. The pursuit series include fishing reels that offer high-end specifications with modifications and advancements in new models. The Penn Pursuit III is the latest yet affordable fishing reel which is a very lightweight and beautifully designed product.
This sea fishing reel is constructed with materials of premium quality. The body of the reel is constructed with graphite material while the side plate attached has metal finishing with a graphite rotor. The graphite material provides a shield against radiation and manufacturers also categorized this product is corrosion resistant. Thus, it would be a long-lasting fishing reel for you.
Plus, if you are running low on budget then there is nothing to worry about because you can get this reel at a very cheap price range. This product is available in different variants so you can have yours as per your preference on the size and weight of the fishing reel.
- Durable
- Cheaper
- Provide shield from Radiations
- Corrosion-resistant
- Not luxury
Overall, this budget-friendly deal is worth buying if you really want to enjoy fishing. It is designed in a good way with durable materials so you don’t have to practice again and again with new products.
Penn Battle II Spinning Fishing Reel

If you are fond of fishing then you already know that having the best fishing reel is very important. In order to facilitate you with the best fishing experience, the “Penn manufacturers” designed a series of fishing reels called Battle fishing reels. The Battle II fishing reel is an advanced yet beautiful product of this series which is reviewed as follow:
The Penn Battle II is not only known for its best performance but it also has a visually appealing structure. It is constructed with metal that is smooth below high pressure. The side plate and rotor of the reel are also made of metal attached with aluminum wire. The design and color are really elegant but the overall structure is heavier as compared to other fishing reels. However, the heavy structure of the Penn Battle II gives high durability to the product.
In Penn Battle II high technology is installed called HT 100 Carbon fiber drag that offers high power and energy in the operation of the fishing reel. This technology also results in a rise of drag pressure (estimated as 20%). Plus, this edition also makes this fishing reel more long-lasting.
There are hundreds of fishing reels produced by the same company but of course, there must be a difference. In the Penn Battle II, you will get the best performance and quality at an affordable price, unlike other Penn products which are not worth buying.
- Best in performance
- Highly durable
- Elegant design
- Powerful
- Heavy
The high duty saltwater inshore fishing reels by Penn is an elegantly designed product that offers carbon-fiber technology. It has a metal finishing body which makes it more durable and smooth.
KastKing Summer and Centron

The KastKing Summer and Centron fishing reel is a dreamer reel, especially for anglers. This product is loaded with extraordinary performance and amazing features at a very affordable price. The buyers suggest that this KastKing fishing reel is best for turning anglers like a pro.
The weight of a spinning reel is an important factor to consider because it determines the amount of effort you need to put in while turning or changing the cable of a fishing reel. This KastKing Centron fishing reel is a lightweight product that is framed with a balancing system that helps the user in handling it. The compact spinning installed in this fishing reel facilitates you with high performance.
Not only performance, but the construction of the reel is also appreciable. The main body is made up of graphite material and comes in a combination of two colors, with nine ball bearings attached to it. The ball bearings are manufactured with good quality material and are smooth in texture so you won’t have to feel any distraction or resistance in fishing.
- Best Performance
- Inexpensive
- Light in Weight
- Sleek Design
- Could be Smoother
Overall, this fishing reel is best suited for beginners as well as professionals and it is mainly recommended for anglers. This is an affordable model and very light in weight that making it easy to use and handle.
Pflueger Supreme XT Spinning Reel

The Pflueger Supreme XT fishing reel is a lot of multiple features that have promised to facilitate you for years. This fishing reel comes with a sleek and attractive body made of magnesium. The rotor is constructed with sealed carbon material which offers a good drag system. Overall, this solid structure is smooth and feels light to your hands so that you can enjoy fishing with less effort.
The spool with the fishing reel is constructed with the best quality aluminum that is double ionized in order to offer high resistance against corrosion. The machine also comes with sidewalls which are ported to decrease the total weight of the fishing reel. In conclusion, with this structure and layout, Pflueger gives you entire strength along with high durability.
Not only the main body, but the side handles, knobs, and spool are also prior things that you will notice in the Pflueger fishing reel. The handles of the fishing reel are based on Carbon fiber technology that gives a good grip and durability. The spool offers the lightest drag that assists in fishing, especially along with saltwater. The knobs have a compact design and are easily adjustable which is good for cold days.
- Lightweight
- Smooth
- Affordable
- Durable
- Complex cleaning
In summary, the Pflueger fishing reel is constructed in a premium manner and facilitates you with multiple features with the best performance. The carbon-fiber technology and body of the product make it stand out.
Daiwa BG Saltwater Spinning Reel

The BG saltwater spinning fishing reel by the “Daiwa” brand is an amazing product that is composed of good quality synthetic materials. The purpose of recommending this product is that it is highly durable and gives a high-end performance at a very affordable price. The product comes in black and gold color with an aluminum coating. It is categorized as a braided type of fishing line that gives it breaking strength and durability.
The body of the BF saltwater spinning fishing reel is composed of premium quality aluminum that is hard and shiny in appearance. The upper layer of the body is ionized through a mechanical system in order to make it resistant to corrosion. The side cover also comes with a reel that is also made of hard aluminum and ensures protection. There are multiple variants available under this product which are categorized on the basis of line capacity in terms of Lb. Test/Yards: 4 / 155; 6 / 100; and 8 / 80. The maximum drag value is 4.4 and the weight is 0.8 pounds.
- Solid-Body
- Good Dragging Value
- Variants Available
- Not premium in design
Overall, this is a top-rated saltwater spinning reel that comes with multiple specifications. The best thing which is praised by most of the buyers is its dragging ability.
Penn Slammer III Saltwater Fishing Reel

The third generation of the Slammer series by Penn was introduced four years back but it is still the best spinning fishing reel in the market. It is one of the most used and trendy spinning reels, especially by anglers, and is known best because of its high-end performance and durability.
The looks and appearance are never a prior consideration while having a spinning reel because it has nothing to do with its performance. However, stylish and good-looking products are nice to have when you have a trendy taste. The Slammer III is a catchy and aesthetic product that comes in a combination of black and gold colors. It is composed of a shiny steel material that gives a metal finishing to it.
The best thing about Slammer III is that it doesn’t feel unstable because it snaps under a certain amount of pressure that keeps it to a place. This is impressive that the reel does not twist under external pressure or circumstances so can improve your fishing game. Along with that, it is very smooth and installed with the Dura Dragging system which is a premium system even better than HT 100 Drag. So overall the chemistry of the mechanism leads to the best performance of fishing even for beginners.
Coupled with the Dura-Drag system, there is another mechanism installed in Slammer III which is called CNC gear technology. This computer-controlled technology is adopted by Penn manufacturers in their spinning reels to bring an incredible performance by delivering maximum power.
- Best in Performance
- Powerful
- Dragging power is Good
- Durable
- Not light in Weight
Overall, the Slammer III is a stylish yet high-speed spinning reel in which the best gear and dragging technologies are installed by Penn. It is best suited for anglers especially beginners because of the stability of the product.
Shimano Baitrunner D Spinning Reel

The Baitrunner D Spinning Reel (4.8:1) is another outclass product developed under the brand name. The tool is characterized by incredibly smooth drag power. The drag extends to about 20 pounds. Therefore, providing enough strength to capture different prey effortlessly.
Additionally, great casting distance and remarkable winding support enhance product performance. Firstly, the amplified casting distance allows consumers to catch fish that are far away from them. Secondly, the strong winding support enhances the capturing ability of the gadget.
Hence, together both these features enhance the performance and quality of the tool. Moreover, the fishing reel provides a smooth line and dragging power to the consumers that enables them to fish conveniently.
Furthermore, the anti-reversing feature maintains the equilibrium of the system. Hence, distributing the stress equally among various parts of equipment. The product is lightweight and displays graphite frames.
Along with this, the rotor and side cast are also constructed using graphite. Therefore, providing compactness to the whole product. The appliance’s overall weight adds up to only 1.7 pounds. Thus, it is not at all difficult to move the tool from one place to another. In addition to this, the gear and ball bearings are completely sealed.
This feature protects them from erosion in seawater. The ball bearings show stainless steel and graphite erection and are also extremely sturdy. The product is certified and is ideal for saltwater fishing.
- Durable Graphite Body
- Smooth Dragging Abilities
- Exceptional Anti-Reversal Effect
- The reel is Wind Protected
- Below Average Casting Distance
- Expensive
SHIMANO Saragosa SW Fishing Reel

The Saragosa SW Saltwater Spinning Sea Fishing Reel is one of the longest casting freshwater spinning reels. Not only this, but the product is also one of the inexpensive, reasonable price reels available in the market. The tool is highly suitable for saltwater due to its extraordinary drag system and durable nature.
The dragging force of the fishing reel ranges between 22 to 41 pounds. The Hagane body equips the appliance to fight against stubborn large fish. Hence, safeguarding the gadget against any sort of damage.
Along with this, X-ship technology is also present in the system to support pinion gear. These gear are present alongside ball bearings. This feature also enhances the torque of the system, making fishing an easier task.
Another prominent feature of the product is anti-rust ball bearings. These ball bearings display stainless steel erection and are highly suitable for saltwater fishing.
- Waterproof Appliance
- Reasonable Price
- Smooth Drag
- Durable and Lightweight
- Balanced Stress and Efficient performance
- Not full metal Construction
- Leakage of Saltwater in Gear
Saragosa SW Saltwater Spinning Sea Fishing Reel is a perfect fishing reel for saltwater. The product is durable and lightweight. Additionally, the appliance provides a smooth dragging force. Last but not least, it is also cost-efficient. Thus, it is suitable for the majority of consumers.
Buyer’s Guide
Quality Of Fishing Reel
The quality of building material used in the construction of a fishing reel is very important because it helps the reel to tackle or face obstacles and fight with them. It is possible that the reel could come in contact with rocks, boats, seaweeds, etc. so if it is made of low-quality materials then it won’t be able to stand against that. Thus, it is recommended to always have a product that is manufactured with high duty materials like graphite, stainless steel, aluminum, ceramic, and carbon fiber.
Resistance Against Corrosion
The saltwater is corrosive, punitive, and damaging on the metal and plastic material. So it will cause the body or gear parts of your reel to rust or rot. In order to get rid of that, you should buy products which are able to cope with corrosion and calcification. There are products mentioned in this article that have gone through the ionization process through machines and are corrosion resistant.
Size Of Reel
The saltwater spinning reels come in multiple sizes depending upon their weight or suitability so it is important to pick one that is in accordance with your preference. The size of the reel also depends upon the size or weight of fish you will want to catch. As usual, the 3000 and 4000 spinning reel is perfect for fishing in saltwater.
Weight Of Fishing Reel
The density of salt water is high so a fishing reel with low weight or mass is recommended for smooth and comfortable fishing. The lightweight reels are easy to handle and could travel over long distances. On the other hand, the heavier fishing reels are difficult to handle, and even changing angles with that would be challenging.
Dragging System Of Reel
The drag system is very important to secure your target especially when you are likely to catch a large fish. It should be designed in a way that it could bear the strain. With little drag, it will be hard to reel and resultantly you can break the line. So by keeping in mind all these circumstances it is recommended to focus on the drag system of the fishing reel. For your convenience, this article also sums up the best spinning reel that offers an advanced drag system.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, we must say that handling the caught fish or tackling it is not easy at all especially when you are fishing in saltwater because of various obstacles. In this context, the best saltwater spinning reels are manufactured to provide you with an ease and comfort level while fishing.
This article brings the ten best products but for your convenience, we have mentioned the three of our most favorite picks below:
Our Top-Three Picks From The List Are
- SeaKnight Rapid Saltwater Spinning Fishing Reel is made with premium quality material that is coated with a corrosion-resistant shield that accounts for its durability.
- Pflueger Supreme XT Spinning Fishing Reel is based on the carbon fiber technology that makes the product smoother and long-lasting.
- Penn Slammer III Spinning Fishing Reel has a coupling mechanism of Dura dragging system and CNC gear technology which brings incredible power and performance.
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