Best Saltwater Spinning Reels for the Money

We all know that saltwater fishing can be a lot of fun. The fish you can find out there are simply awesome. Of course, when it comes to fishing in saltwater, you do need the proper gear to get the job done. If you were to use a pure freshwater spinning reel in the ocean, it would not last very long at all.

You need a spinning reel specifically designed for saltwater use. This is why we are here, to look at some of the best saltwater spinning reels for the money. These following options all come with a great mix of good value, durability, and a high level of functionality too.

Burning Shark Saltwater Fishing Reel

When it comes to saltwater fishing reels, this model courtesy of Burning Shark is probably the very best option out there right now. It is certainly one of our favorites, which is true for more than one reason. First off, it might be a little irrelevant, but this thing does look the part. Seriously, we haven’t seen such a beautiful spinning reel in quite some time. This is a 12+1 ball bearing rod, which makes it very smooth, plus it features slow oscillation so it will work with pretty much any kind of line out there.

At any rate, the Burning Shark Saltwater Fishing Reel is made with a stainless steel shaft, a CNC machine-cut handle, and other really high quality components. Durability is a big selling point of this particular reel. Of course, it has been specially treated to be able to withstand the corrosive effects of saltwater. You can use this reel for saltwater fishing, freshwater fishing, and everything in between. The design of this reel does make it extremely versatile.

Going back to the handle, we like how it is both collapsible and interchangeable. This means that you can collapse it down for easy transportation and storage, plus it can be used in a left- or right-handed position. Convenience and versatility are on your side with the Burning Shark Saltwater Fishing Reel. Something else that stands out about this reel is the 5.2:1 gear ratio, which provides a whole lot of reeling power so you can haul in those big catches without expending too much energy.

Pros

• Good overall durability
• Can handle all kinds of line
• High gear ratio for easy reeling
• Collapsible and L/R handle
• Does great in salty conditions
• Slow oscillation
• 12+1 BB

Cons

• Handle is little unbalanced and uncomfortable
• Has some issues with the drag

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Apusale Saltwater Spool Spinning Fishing Reel

Yet another good option to go with, the Apusale Saltwater Spool Spinning Fishing Reel is a 13+1 ball bearing reel. We don’t want to get too much into this right now, but rest assured that it does provide you with some very smooth and constant reeling. The no-gap structure it features helps make it even smoother yet. To help make things even smoother still, this reel also features a good line-lay oscillation system with an anti-twist feature.

We like how the Apusale Saltwater Spool Spinning Fishing Reel is made with a really durable nylon composite (the main body), a CNC metal rocker arm, and a forged aluminum alloy spool. All in all, this particular reel does have a really high level of durability, not to mention that it has been specifically designed and treated to be used in even the saltiest of waters. It can be used for freshwater fishing too, but it really shines in saltwater.

We like how the handle is left-right interchangeable, because, of course, we are not all right handed. Moreover, the handle features a soft touch pad, which makes it a little more comfortable to hold for a prolonged period of time. The 4.7:1 gear ratio which the Apusale Saltwater Spool Spinning Fishing Reel features makes reeling in the big catches a lot easier, which is also true thanks to the very powerful drag system that this thing comes with.

Pros

• Good drag system
• High gear ratio
• Great for saltwater use
• Durable build
• Smooth function
• Fairly comfortable handle – interchangeable position
• CNC rocker arm

Cons

• Quite heavy
• Low clearance – not good for big hands

SeaKnight Rapid Saltwater Spinning Reel

This is definitely a really heavy duty reel. If nothing else, we do have to say that this SeaKnight Rapid Saltwater Spinning Reel is probably the most durable and heavy-duty option out there right now. First off, this model comes with a stainless steel ball bearing carbon fiber drag system for up to 33 pounds of drag. That is very impressive indeed. In fact, this whole reel is built to last and to be able to bring in the big fish.

The SeaKnight Rapid Saltwater Spinning Reel features an extra thick main shaft with a special anti-corrosion finish. Also, the way which the aluminum spool and rotor is designed helps to fight the negative effects of both saltwater and sand. All in all, we have to say that the SeaKnight Rapid Saltwater Spinning Reel is probably the number one most durable option out there at this time.

We also like how this reel comes with a really high gear ratio. The 6.2:1 gear ratio helps you catch those big fish without having to use too much energy. The 10+1 stainless steel ball bearings help keep the reeling motion very smooth and stable. Most people would agree that the SeaKnight Rapid Saltwater Spinning Reel is a really good option for beginners who are just hitting the ocean for the first time.

Pros

• Awesome drag
• Great power ratio
• Stainless steel bearings
• Aluminum shaft and rotor design – combats saltwater and sand
• Thick metal shaft with anti-corrosion coating
• Extremely high level of durability

Cons

• Handle can get a little loose

Conclusion

At the end of the day, all of the above options are extremely good saltwater spinning reels for the money. They are not too expensive, but not so cheap as to compromise quality. When it comes to saltwater fishing, we think that the above reels are by far the best options to consider.

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