Spinning reels are versatile and easy to use tools, but it definitely doesn’t beat the accuracy of the best saltwater baitcaster reels. These are made for the professional angler, an upgrade beginners should invest in once they have mastered the basics and choose to go further.
If you’re thinking of upgrading your usual reel, I understand how confusing it must be among the hundreds of different types and brands of baitcaster reels. So read on as I show you the ultimate purchasing guide and my top ten reviews!
Quick Comparison: Top Saltwater Baitcaster Reels
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Strong and Low-Profile | The Strong and Low-Profile | 1. KastKing Royale Legend GT Baitcasting Reel |
| Check Price |
| The Robust and Simple | The Robust and Simple | 2. Abu Garcia Revo Rocket Low-Profile Baitcast Fishing Reel |
| Check Price |
| The Fast and Multi-Setting | The Fast and Multi-Setting | 3. Lew’s Mach Crush Baitcasting Reel |
| Check Price |
| The Solid and Durable | The Solid and Durable | 4. Daiwa CLTW200HS Coastal TWS Reel |
| Check Price |
| The Smooth and Powerful | The Smooth and Powerful | 5. KastKing Spartacus Baitcasting Fishing Reel |
| Check Price |
| The Seamless and Advanced | The Seamless and Advanced | 6. RUNCL Baitcasting Fishing Reel |
| Check Price |
| The High-Performance and Long-Lasting | The High-Performance and Long-Lasting | 7. Sougayilang Rover Round Baitcasting Reel |
| Check Price |
| The Impressive and Easy-to-Adjust | The Impressive and Easy-to-Adjust | 8. SHIMANO Curado K Baitcast Reel |
| Check Price |
| The Incredible and Comfortable | The Incredible and Comfortable | 9. 13 Fishing Concept A Saltwater Baitcasting Fishing Reel |
| Check Price |
| The Lightweight and Affordable | The Lightweight and Affordable | 10. Diwa Baitcasting Fishing Reel |
| Check Price |
**Below, you’ll find our more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.
The Ten Best Saltwater Baitcaster Reels
What are the best saltwater baitcaster reels available today? Here are my top ten reviews to help narrow down your choices:
1. The Strong and Low-Profile: KastKing Royale Legend GT Baitcasting Reel
The KastKing Royale Legend Baitcaster Reel offers everything an angler needs, whether beginner or advanced. This low-profile reel has the new and improved design made with durable aluminum and a “Grand Touch” feel, thanks to the soft-grip handle for comfort and less fatigue as you fish.
Besides this, the reel offers great braking efficiency with better casting control with up to 17 pounds of drag power to catch average-sized saltwater fish smoothly. From its attractive finish to durable build, this reel is built to last for years of saltwater fishing for small and large fish!
What Makes this Saltwater Baitcaster Reel Stand Out
- Lightweight with a synthetic soft-grip handles for better comfort
- Stainless steel bearings with high-quality stainless steel and metal gears
- Smooth and quick line pickup with minimal chances of snapping
Model and Accessory Specs
- Weight: 7.2 ounces
- Material: Stainless steel and aluminum
- Gear Ratio: 7.2:1
- Bearings: 5+1
- Max Drag: 17.6 lbs
2. The Robust and Simple: Abu Garcia Revo Rocket Low-Profile Baitcast Fishing Reel
While it may be on the pricier side, you get a premium performance made for the professional angler. The Abu Garcia Revo Rocket Low-Profile Baitcast Fishing Reel is one of the well-known and popular reels among skilled anglers because of its Rocket Gear Ratio, high-quality stainless steel bearings, and unique alloy frame to last.
It boasts of one of the smoothest performances as you reel in most types of fish with a good braking system. Furthermore, it’s one of the lightest and reduces stress as I use it.
What Makes this Saltwater Baitcaster Reel Stand Out
- Amazing braking system to prevent tangles and knots
- Small profile for average saltwater fish and lightweight for reduced fatigue
- Excellent speed and torque even when using it on larger fish species
Model and Accessory Specs
- Weight: 11.4 ounces
- Material: X2-Craftic Alloy
- Gear Ratio: 10.1:1
- Bearings: 10+1
- Max Drag: 20 lbs
3. The Fast and Multi-Setting: Lew’s Mach Crush Baitcasting Reel
The Lew’s Mach Crush is strong and lightweight, a super low profile reel that’s still solid enough to catch bigger fish species. It features the machined and anodized aluminum spook with high-quality metal gears and parts, which protects the reel from breaking or rusting in the saltwater.
What makes it unique is its premium bearing system and dural cast control system, which is easy to adjust and control for precise casting and quick reeling.
What Makes this Saltwater Baitcaster Reel Stand Out
- Amazing braking system to prevent tangles and knots
- Small profile for average saltwater fish and lightweight for reduced fatigue
- Excellent speed and torque even when using it on larger fish species
Model and Accessory Specs
- Weight: 7.3 ounces
- Material: Stainless steel and aluminum
- Gear Ratio: 7.5:1
- Bearings: 9+1
- Max Drag: 20 lbs
4. The Solid and Durable: Daiwa CLTW200HS Coastal TWS Reel
The Daiwa Coastal TWS Reel is made with robust aircraft-grade aluminum and high-strength gearing material for durability and protection against the salt water and other conditions. I like that it has a soft grip and lighter weight for less fatigue as I reel in small to average-sized fish.
Furthermore, it features an 8-bearing system, which is enough to reel in the fish smoothly. Plus, it has excellent line capacity for further casting without risks of tangling and line damage.
What Makes this Saltwater Baitcaster Reel Stand Out
- Features custom EVA handle knobs for better cranking power
- Has corrosion-resistant ball bearings and frame to keep saltwater out
- Smooth casting that can achieve far casting distances
Model and Accessory Specs
- Weight: 8.2 ounces
- Material: Aircraft-grade aluminum
- Gear Ratio: 7.3:1
- Bearings: 7+1
- Max Drag: 15.40 lbs
5. The Smooth and Powerful: KastKing Spartacus Baitcasting Fishing Reel
The KastKing Spartacus Baitcaster Fishing Reel differs from the Royale Legend based on its dynamic and new features to make it a WARRIOR, hence the name.
It has the extra power and amazing braking system, using dual centrifugal and magnetic brakes with the 17.5 lbs stopping power to compete and fight aggressive fish. Furthermore, it has the premium 11+1 corrosion-resistant ball bearings and aluminum spool to cast smoothly and accurately. From its fast gear ratio down to its strong construction, you won’t miss much fish with this reel.
What Makes this Saltwater Baitcaster Reel Stand Out
- Dual braking system with fantastic stopping power
- Strong graphite body that’s long-lasting and easy to clean
- You can reel in fighting fish smoothly with minimal chances of damage
Model and Accessory Specs
- Weight: 8.1 ounces
- Material: Aluminum and graphite
- Gear Ratio: 6.3:1
- Bearings: 11+1
- Max Drag: 17.6 lbs
6. The Seamless and Advanced: RUNCL Baitcasting Fishing Reel
If you want something comfortable, attractive, and heavy-duty, the RUNCL Baitcasting Fishing Reel is for you. It is also one of the lightest baitcasting reels that still packs a punch.
It has a seamless magnetic brake system and smooth ball bearing system, both of which made with corrosion-protection and high-quality metals for added control and stability as you take your cast.
What Makes this Saltwater Baitcaster Reel Stand Out
- Ergonomic lengthened handle to save effort and improve grip
- Lightweight aluminum alloy spool to spread your fishing line
- Versatile enough to use for small and large fish and lures with 17.6 lbs drag power
Model and Accessory Specs
- Weight: 6.82 ounces
- Material: Aluminum alloy and stainless steel
- Gear Ratio: 7.5:1
- Bearings: 10+1
- Max Drag: 17.6 lbs
7. The High-Performance and Long-Lasting: Sougayilang Rover Round Baitcasting Reel
The Sougayilang Baitcaster Reel is one of the more affordable choices that doesn’t scrimp on quality. This round bait cast reel is made for catching catfish with its bearing system and powerful drag system for smoothness and consistency as you cast and reel.
However, I recommend this more for beginners still trying new techniques and for lighter saltwater fish species. Professional anglers can still take advantage of its strong features, but be wary when reeling in heavy, aggressive fish!
What Makes this Saltwater Baitcaster Reel Stand Out
- All metal body with anodized parts to withstand saltwater conditions
- Affordable price that still has great stopping and drag power
- Extended cranking handles for more torque to catch aggressive fish
Model and Accessory Specs
- Weight: 12.78 ounces
- Material: Aluminum and stainless steel
- Gear Ratio: 5.3:1
- Bearings: 6+1
- Max Drag: 22 lbs
8. The Impressive and Easy-to-Adjust: SHIMANO Curado K Baitcast Reel
I love the SHIMANO Curado K Baitcast reel because of its simple and attractive design made with the strongest construction. Thought it has a lighter dragging system, you can easily catch fighting fish because of its quick gear ratio and powerful drag power.
With all that in mind, it’s still light enough to handle well, even after hours in the water. If you have the extra budget, I recommend investing in a reputable fishing equipment brand like SHIMANO.
What Makes this Saltwater Baitcaster Reel Stand Out
- Unique SVS Infinity feature for consistent spool control and braking system
- Has a strong and durable body that doesn’t flex under pressure
- Micro Module Gear System for smoother retrieve and good casting
Model and Accessory Specs
- Weight: 7.6 ounces
- Material: HAGANE all-metal reel body
- Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
- Bearings: 6+1
- Max Drag: 11 lbs
9. The Incredible and Comfortable: 13 Fishing Concept A Saltwater Baitcasting Fishing Reel
My favorite feature about the 13 Fishing Concept A Baitcaster Reel is its centrifugal braking system and amazing drag power. The 6-way braking system ensures that you can reel in your catch and easily cast without the line breaking or snapping as you do so.
Furthermore, it’s very versatile, being used for most fishing conditions with the Ocean Armor Saltwater protection and corrosion-resistant parts. I can see that it’s comfortable and allows more control from its premium gears, making it suitable for beginner and professional anglers alike.
What Makes this Saltwater Baitcaster Reel Stand Out
- Sleek look with cork knobs for comfort
- Extra protection for all water conditions
- Amazing braking system and bearing system for smoothness and consistency
Model and Accessory Specs
- Weight: 6.9 ounces
- Material: All-metal body
- Gear Ratio: 7.3:1
- Bearings: 3+3+1
- Max Drag: 22 lbs
10. The Lightweight and Affordable: Diwa Baitcasting Fishing Reel
If you’re focusing more on lighter baitcaster reels on a budget, then you’ll appreciate the Diwa Baitcaster Fishing Reel. This saltwater baitcaster weighs less than seven ounces, almost featherweight, and very comfortable to use. I don’t experience any fatigue as I carry and use the reel and rod for hours!
Furthermore, it still provides excellent performance with its fast gear ratio and strong frame. At its price, you get more than what you pay for!
What Makes this Saltwater Baitcaster Reel Stand Out
- Offers the powerful and smooth drag with high-quality bearings
- High-speed gear ratio to quickly reel in average-sized fish without snapping
- Very lightweight with a durable and solid frame to last for years of saltwater fishing
Model and Accessory Specs
- Weight: 6.7 ounces
- Material: Stainless steel and aluminum
- Gear Ratio: 6.3:1
- Bearings: 12+1
- Max Drag: 18 lbs
How to Buy the Best Saltwater Baitcaster Reels
Beyond learning about the best saltwater baitcaster reels, you should also look into other crucial factors. Here are important things to consider for you to select the best one from my reviews:
The Size
The size of the reel depends on the type of baitcaster reel you choose.
For low-profile reels, the sizes range between 100 to 400, which are lighter. They can weigh between 5 to 80 lunches, with a line capacity ranging from 100 to 190 yards using 12 to 20-pound test monofilament lines.
Depending on the size, it is best suited for medium-sized fish, catfish, or as big as muskies and other larger predatory fish.
Traditional and large baitcaster reels have sizes between 400 to 700 and above. They are a bit heavier, weighing between 8 to 23 ounces. These can tackle heavier predatory fish and have a higher line capacity between 150 to over 250 yards for lines with a 12 to 20-pound test.
Fishing Conditions and Technique
Next up, you’ll need to consider the conditions and weather in the area you plan to fish in.
If you’re shoreline fishing, you just need the regular baitcaster reel, using your thumb to adjust and manage the line as it regulates your spool speed and cuts off the cast.
If you are deep-sea fishing or doing so from a boat, you’ll need an offshore baitcaster reel. These are made for heavier targets located in deep ocean waters. They are durable and you’re able to mount them to our boat, also giving you more stability as you reel your catch.
What’s Your Combo?
The combination is also an important factor, as just like putting together a high-quality car with excellent parts, you also want to mix and match your rod and line with a good baitcaster reel.
When selecting your baitcaster reel, it should also pick out the rod and line suitable for it, and vice versa. Look into the existing rod and line you use and make sure that the reel not only matches it but that all parts can withstand the conditions you will fish in.
You WILL need a casting rod for a baitcaster reel, which I will explain in the next section.
Read more: 8 Best Baitcaster Combo Under $100
Low or Round Profile?
Baitcaster reels come in two common styles:
- Low-Profile baitcaster reels, known as in-shore or bass-style reels
- Traditional large-spool baitcaster reels
The two differ in their braking power, castability, and line capacity. What you need will depend on your fishing conditions and the type of fish you’re targeting.
The traditional reel is bulkier and less agile compared to the low-profile. However, they have excellent drag power and spool size, having room for bigger gears, long spools, and harder drag discs.
Low-profile baitcaster reels may not have the bigger spools or heavier drag, but they are lighter and are easier to cast with accuracy and precision.
The Drag System
The drag power is the maximum amount of stopping power your baitcaster reel produces. The drag is made by the discus in the reel, rubbing together to form adjustable friction.
Saltwater fish are usually larger, thus pulling drag on lighter reels. For saltwater anglers, you will need more drag compared to when you fish in freshwater.
For in-shore fishing, you can make do with 20 to 30 pounds of drag. However, if you want to get even bigger fish species, you’ll need more than that!
Consider your fishing line as well when selecting the drag system. Lines are usually rated for half of the reel’s drag system, so for instance, when you use a 60-80 pound line, you should get a reel with 30 pounds of drag.
Your Line Capacity and Retrieve
The line retrieve is the amount of line taken up for every turn of the spool. It can range from 23 inches or 31 inches and more.
For those using swimsuits and catching in-shore trout, you’ll need both a fast retrieve and high gear ration. But for bottom dragging on flats, you need something slower with more power.
As for the maximum line capacity, this refers to how much line fits the spool. For those who want to cast far and catch fish known to take long runs, you need more line capacity.
A good rule of thumb is to get a reel that can hold more than 200 yards of a heavy line, though it depends on the line you’ll use, its size, as well as the casting you’ll do and the fish you’ll be catching.
Braking Systems
Baitcaster reels have braking systems, which control the speed of your spool’s rotation as you release the line when casting, or when your spool turns freely. This prevents the line from backlashes and tangling.
Make sure that you get an efficient braking system to keep your spool from turning too quickly, which ensures efficient and accurate casting.
The overall reel itself should be easy to adjust, especially the tension knob of the braking system. I also recommend getting mechanical systems over magnetic ones, which are known to be more efficient in preventing tangles and backlashes.
Gear Ratio
All fishing reels have specified gear ratios, which is the relationship between turning your handle and spool. For reels with gear ratios of 5:1, it means that every turn of your handle will have the spool go through five full revolutions.
High gear ratios allow you to reel your lure in faster, while low gear ratios can produce more torque.
High gear ratio reels are recommended for covering distance and to pull your line in quickly, catching up to fish, and reeling them in faster.
However, low gear ratio reels offer even more power to pull in big and aggressive fish that can put up a fight! For a saltwater baitcaster reel, you will need a balance of both speed and torque, focusing more on the latter as you may be aiming for larger fish in saltwater.
What’s It Made Of?
Baitcaster reels are made of three main materials, which are graphite or carbon, aluminum, and plastic.
Cheap baitcasters are made with plastic, which I strongly do NOT recommend getting, as they break easily and will flex, causing poor performance.
Modern baitcaster reels use carbon or graphite, used in their drag systems, frames, and other parts of your reel. Graphite is lighter, though not as sturdy compared to aluminum.
Aluminum, though lighter compared to other metals, is the heaviest of all materials mentioned. With that in mind, they are very strong and solid, not flexing as you set hooks, fight, or even crank heavy fish.
I highly recommend aluminum over other materials, though it depends on your budget. You can also get brass or stainless steel, which are both more popular for the reel’s internal gears and frame, as it is corrosion-resistant and protect your reel from saltwater.
The Bearings
The bearing system reduces friction, stabilize, and support your reel’s moving parts. The spool and crank arms usually have bearings in it, coming in different types. The most common type of ball bearings is made of stainless steel.
Some people say that the more bearings, the better performance. However, that isn’t always the case! It depends more on the overall build and quality of your reel and its bearings over the number.
But with that said, a good rule of thumb is to get a reel with at least five ball bearings and an anti-reverse system.
Frequently Asked Questions
These baitcaster reels allow anglers to cast lured precisely, stopping it from catching bad casts and to prevent lures from running.
Now that you know all about how to the best saltwater baitcaster reels and how to choose one, what else is there to learn about them? Here are frequently asked questions about this important fishing equipment:
1. What’s the difference between spinning and baitcaster reels?
Baitcaster reels can handle heavier lines and allow anglers to cast lured precisely and from longer distances, stopping it from catching bad casts and to prevent lures from running. Spinning reels have a smaller and narrower spool, so it can’t take larger diameter lines. They each have their own pros and cons, depending on preference and skill level.
2. How does the baitcaster reel benefit me?
A baitcaster offers more control and accuracy compared to a spinning reel, and they can handle heavier and stronger fishing lines. This is beneficial to skilled anglers who aim to target bigger and aggressive fish. It can also help anglers reel other fish that stay within thick covers.
3. Can I use spinning rods with baitcaster reels?
You’re able to use baitcaster reels on spinning rods, but I don’t recommend that you do this. Casting rods own smaller guides compared to spinning rods and if you were to place a spinning reel on casting rods, the line would interfere with its guides. The same would happen if you were to use baitcaster reels on a spinning rod.
4. Can I trout fish using a baitcaster reel?
When you lure fish for trout, whether in lakes or streams, you’ll need a light line and lure. It IS possible to use a baitcaster when fishing for trout, and you can actually catch a lot of it with the light lure and proper techniques. Make sure your rod powers the cast and use it when fishing in streams.
5. What lines should I use on these reels?
If you’re a beginner, I recommend that you use monofilament lines, as they are much easier to cat with compared to braid or fluorocarbon. However, the casting performance may be reduced, which is why intermediate anglers use fluorocarbon or braid, especially when catching bigger fish. Remember, casting reels require you to control your cast using your thumbs.
6. How do I spool baitcaster reels?
When spooling a baitcaster reel, you’ll need a pencil, your line, the reel, and your rod. Attach your reel to the rod and feed the line to your rod’s first eyelet, then attach it to the reel spool.
Wrap the line on your spoon and use the overhand knot to tie your spool around the line, finishing the knot by tugging and tightening it. Once you trimmed the tag’s end, spool your reel right away.
Read more: How To Spool A Baitcaster With Braid – Simpler Than You Think
7. How can I prevent any backlash with a baitcaster reel?
A baitcaster reel would have a braking system to reduce the risk of backlash, so you won’t have to worry about it happening as long as you use it correctly. However, you have to make sure that you select a reel that comes with a mechanical braking system, rather than magnetic brakes.
8. How many times should I oil my bail caster reel?
Oiling your baitcaster reel is important, but you shouldn’t overdo it and add too much oil or lubricate it too many times. Only lubricate your reel’s bearings once every two to three weeks to maintain a smooth condition and performance. And only add a small amount of oil when doing so.
Do you need to learn more about using baitcasting reels and want more help? Here’s a helpful video to guide you:
Wrapping It Up
If you’re looking to upgrade your equipment, you can’t go wrong with a high-quality saltwater baitcaster reel. This is a solid upgrade to help you reel in both small or large fish in most types of waters. With all its benefits, you can amp up your skills and set higher goals as an angler.
I hope that my purchasing guide on the best saltwater baitcaster reels helped you out. So don’t wait any longer and look into investing in any of these products now. Good luck on your next fishing trip!