How to Choose a Spinning Reel
How to Choose a Spinning Reel

Best Offshore Spinning Reels

Best Offshore Spinning Reels 2021

Best Offshore Spinning Reels – Saltwater spinning reels are great for offshore fishing. The best offshore saltwater spinning reels can be used to cast baits and tail sailfish off the Florida Keys. They also make it possible to pitch live baits to striped marlin off Cabo Santa Lucas, Mexico. Saltwater spinning reels can hold 600 yards of braid of 80 pounds and have a stopping power exceeding 60 pounds.

If you’re serious about landing big fish and want every advantage you can get, you need to know your best options when it comes down to buying your next offshore spinning reel. Don’t worry, we’ve done all the research for you. We’re confident that we have created the most comprehensive list of saltwater fishing reels on the market. This is based on personal experience and the advice of top anglers. These reels are from Shimano, Penn, Shimano, Canyon and Okuma.

A Reel Drag

Offshore Spinner reels –  To be able to cope with the strength and speed of today’s offshore quarry, you need smooth and powerful drags. Most spinning reels that are larger than 40-55 pounds have between 40 and 55 pounds of drag. You will need to have a strong grip on your rod if you want to catch fish that pull more than 30 pounds of pressure.Maximum drag for the Shimano Stella 2000 SW is 55.1 pounds This means that the reel can lift 55 pounds off the ground.Gant says, “In theory yes.” We measure drag by measuring the line from the reel. Then we attach the scale to the line and pull. If the reel can pull 55 lbs, it should be able to hold a 55-pound load.

Gant states that drag is “in theory”, as other factors can also affect it. He laughed and said, “I haven’t tried that kind of test but it sounds fun.”Consider that drag is caused by variables like the line running against the rod guides. It is completely different to lift a fish through the water column from lifting it up on the ground. Anglers can use buoyancy and water displacement to bring fish to their boat.Even if you are able to lift 50 pounds off of the ground, that doesn’t mean your offshore setup should be treated like a crane.

Bail on Your Bails

Spinners that don’t have bails, such as those made by Van Staal and ZeeBaaS, can seem daunting or awkward at first. You’ll learn how to open the bail before you cast.Chris Littau is the director of marketing at Zebco. He explains that bailless reels have many advantages. Bailless reels may not be necessary in every fishing situation, but they are worth considering. This simple design is more durable than other reels and has fewer chances of failure. There are no springs or wires that can break.Littau says that once you know how to use it, it’s much easier than fiddling with a bail. This is great for fishing in the dark and in the surf.

It’s no surprise that bailless reels are very popular among surf fishermen in the Northeast, especially those who use heavy metals and plugs to catch bluefish and striped bass.Littau says that there is no chance of a premature “trip”. Littau says that this is when the bail closes while casting. Many lures costing thousands of dollars are lost in this way every year.

Live-Baiting Success

Anglers who fish in the ocean. live bait fish Numerous reel manufacturers have begun to produce reels that can live-line. The technique, which is known by many different names, allows hooked baitfish to swim free from the boat using the reel with a free-spool.
The handle engages the reel when a fish takes the bait. Only for casting, the bail is never opened or closed. The “hook” method of using copper wire will never be used again. This feature is used to create spinning reels that have a dual drag system. One to increase tension during free-spool, and one to fight fish.
This feature is popular among spinners such as the Penn Spinfisher V Live Liner and Shimano Baitrunner OC.

11 Best Offshore/ Saltwater Spinning Reels 2021

Canyon Reels Salt 7500


Canyon Reels Salt 7500 is an American-made spinning reel. The solid aluminum body and rotor are complemented by stainless steel drive, pinion, and gears. Double ball bearings are used in the spool. The drag washers, made from both carbontex and stainless steel, can deliver more than 66 lbs of stopping pressure. The nine bearings of the Salt 7500 have double-shielded ZZ bearings that will ensure smooth fighting for your next catch.

Specifications
  • Mono Line Capacity (30 lb): 325 yards
  • Braid Line Capacity (60 lb): 500 yards
  • Max Drag: 66 pounds
  • Gear Ratio: 4.4%
  • Line Retrieve Per Crank 42 Inches
  • 9 Ball Bearings
  • 26 ounces
  • Retrieve: Reversible
  • MSRP: $249.99

Daiwa Saltiga Dogfight 8000

Daiwa’s Saltiga Dogfight features are engineered for maximum reliability. Daiwa’s Mag Seal technology was used in the redesign of the Dogfight. It uses a thin layer of magnetic oil to prevent saltwater and other debris from getting into the reel’s bearing. It also provides significantly less winding friction. There are 14 total ball bearings on the reel, including three Mag Sealed and two corrosion-resistant bearings. The Saltiga Dogfight has other features such as a manual bail trip that eliminates bail spring problems, and a brake to stop the rotor moving during casting. It is only 30 ounces in weight, but packs a punch at 66 pounds.
Specifications
  • Mono Line Capacity (30 lb): 510 yards
  • Braid Line Capacity (80 lb): 600 yards
  • Line Retrieve Per Crank 56.7 inches
  • Max Drag: 66 pounds
  • Gear Ratio: 5.8:1
  • Ball Bearings: 13
  • Weight: 30 ounces
  • Retrieve: Reversible
  • MSRP: $1.099.95

Daiwa Isla 7000 Bull

Daiwa’s Isla 7000 Bull saltwater spinning reel is rugged and high-performance. It benefits from the same advanced design concepts as the Saltiga series. It features a waterproof body, Zaion composite carbon air rotors, soft touch grip handle, and a forged aluminium spool. The reel is lightweight at 29.4 ounces and has 66 pounds drag.
Specifications
  • Mono Line Capacity (30 lb): 470 yards
  • Braid Line Capacity (80 lb): 550 yards
  • Line Retrieve Per Crank 54.7 inches
  • Max Drag: 66 pounds
  • Gear Ratio:
  • Ball Bearings: 10
  • 29.4 oz
  • Retrieve: Reversible
  • MSRP: $899.95

Okuma Makaira MK3000LS

Okuma’s Makaira series reels feature forged aluminum bodies with side plates and rotors. The main gears are made of 17-4 stainless steel for strength. The reels are built with Okuma’s 4D design concept: design drive drag durability and drive. This spinning reel is ideal for small mahimahi and small marlins due to its low weight (less than 40 ounces) as well as the high gear ratio (5.8 – 1).
Specifications
  • Mono Line Capacity (40 lb): 490 yards
  • Braid Line Capacity (80 lb): 700 yards
  • Line Retrieve Per Crank 65.7 Inches
  • Max Drag: 66 pounds
  • Gear Ratio 5.8:1
  • Ball Bearings: 10
  • Weight: 36.7 ounces
  • Retrieved from: Left or Right
  • MSRP: $879.99

Okuma Cedros CJ-14000

Okuma’s Makaira series reels feature a precision dual force drag system and multi-disc Japanese-oiled felt drag system. They also have 4HPB + 1RB stainless-steel-steel ball bearings that are corrosion-resistant. Quick-set antireverse roller bearings. Precision machine-cut brass pinion gears. This spinning reel is ideal for small mahi-mahi and small marlins due to its light weight (22.9 ounces), high gear ratio (5.4-1), and corrosion-resistant coating process.
Specifications
  • Mono Line Capacity (20 lb): 380 yards
  • Line Retrieve Per Crank: 45.8 Inches
  • Max Drag: 44 pounds
  • Gear Ratio: 5.4:1
  • Ball Bearings: 4HPB +1RB
  • 23 ounces in weight
  • Retrieve: Reversible
  • MSRP: $179.99

Penn Slammer III 10500

Penn Reels has been the standard for bluewater enthusiasts for decades. Penn’s Slammer III reels feature the IPX6 Sealed System, which keeps water completely out of the gear box and drag system, making the reels incredibly durable. The Slammer III has a new Dura-Drag material. This makes them one of the most smooth spinning reels on the market. An oversized handle makes regaining line a breeze, too.
Specifications
  • Mono Line Capacity (30 lb): 435 yards
  • Braid Line Capacity (80 lb): 540 yards
  • Line Retrieve Per Crank: 43 Inches
  • Max Drag: 60 pounds
  • Gear Ratio: 2.2%
  • Ball Bearings 7
  • 43.1 oz
  • Retrieve: Reversible
  • MSRP: $349.95

Penn Spinfisher VI 10500

The PENN Spinfisher VI features IPX5 sealing to prevent saltwater getting into the gearbox or drag system. The CNC Gear System is kept in alignment by a Full Metal Body and sideplate under heavy loads. Additional features include HT100 carbon fiber drag washers, and 5+1 sealed stainless-steel ball bearing system.
Specifications
  • Mono Line Capacity (30 lb): 435 yards
  • Braid Line Capacity (80 lb): 540 yards
  • Line Retrieve Per Crank: 43 Inches
  • Max Drag: 50 pounds
  • Gear Ratio: 2.2%
  • 6 Ball Bearings
  • Weight: 43.1 ounces
  • Retrieve: Reversible
  • MSRP: $249.95

Penn Torque II TRQ9500S

The Torque TRQ9500S from Penn is a rugged spinning reel for heavy-duty saltwater fishing and is constructed on a one-piece aluminum frame. Fully sealed gearbox with HT-100 Versa Drag system allow you to concentrate on fighting the fish and not the reel’s performance. The reel can also stop at up to 60 pounds. To eliminate back play during hook sets, the Torque II has an integral clutch sleeve that provides instant anti-reverse. An innovative system on the underside allows anglers to select between manual or automatic trip of the bail to suit their fishing needs.
Specifications
  • Mono Line Capacity (30 lb): 330 yards
  • Braid Line Capacity (80 lb): 490 yards
  • Line Retrieve Per Crank: 50 Inches
  • Max Drag: 60 pounds
  • Gear Ratio: 5.1%
  • Ball Bearings: 10
  • Weight: 27.8 oz
  • Retrieve: Reversible
  • MSRP: $799.95

Shimano Saragosa SW 25000

The Saragosa SW line of spinning reels from Shimano are made to be durable with their cam oscillation system as well as the X-Shield and X-Protect technology to fight saltwater intrusion. The Saragosa SW 25000 reels are designed for blue-water anglers and the species they target. They have up to 44 pounds drag with a twin-drag, cross-carbon design. Anglers can quickly get to the fish with the speed and power required to subdue large pelagic game fish thanks to the 4.4:1 gear ratio, 45 inches of retrieval, and the 45 inch maximum retrieve.
Specifications
  • Mono Line Capacity (30 lb): 360 yards
  • Braid Line Capacity (80 lb): 520 yards
  • Line Retrieve Per Crank: 45 Inches
  • Max Drag: 44 pounds
  • Gear Ratio: 4.4%
  • 6 shielded antirust ball bearings
  • Weight: 34.2 ounces
  • Retrieve: Reversible
  • MSRP: $409.99

Shimano Stella SW 30000

Shimano’s Stella series has proved to be incredibly popular with anglers around the world. The SW 30000 is the largest model in the line and can put more than 40 pounds of drag pressure onto tough game fish. This reel sets the standard in many ways. It has 14 ball bearings that are class-leading, and it is lightweight at 34.9 ounces.
Specifications
  • Mono Line Capacity (40 lb): 340 yards
  • Braid Line Capacity (80 lb): 700 yards
  • Line Retrieve Per Crank 52 Inches
  • Max Drag: 44 pounds
  • Gear Ratio: 4.4%
  • Ball Bearings: 14
  • Weight: 34.9 ounces
  • Retrieve: Reversible
  • MSRP: $1.419.99

Shimano Twin Power SW 14000

The Shimano Twin Power SW blends power, durability and reliability. The Hagane gear and body design of Shimano allows anglers the ability to tackle powerful species like sailfish. X-Ship and X-Shield are some of the features. X Aero Wrap II, X Rigid Motor, 11 bearings and a variety of other proprietary technologies are also available. The 14000 model features a 6.2-to-1 gear ratio and 55 pounds in a lightweight reel that weighs 22.9 ounces.
Specifications
  • Monoline Capacity (30 Pounds): 260 Yards
  • Braid Line Capacity (80 Pounds): 240 Yards
  • Line Retrieve Per Crank 53 Inches
  • Max Drag: 55 pounds
  • Gear Ratio: 6.2.1
  • Ball Bearings 10+1
  • Weight: 22.9 ounces
  • Retrieve: Reversible
  • MSRP $619.99

The Best Saltwater Spinning Reels: Factors to Consider

Let’s now talk about the important things to remember when looking for saltwater spinning reels. Remember that many anglers prefer to use the best baitcasting reels for this type of fishing because the design and functionality better suits this fishing style. This doesn’t mean that you should follow it. There are many spinning reels that can be used in saltwater. You just need to know what you are buying and how you intend to use it.

WHERE CAN YOU FISH?

It is important to think about where you fish. For example, if you fish in the Florida and South Carolina coasts, you won’t want to use a Penn Battle II 6000 model because it is too large for this purpose. We need to know which reels are best for each situation.

You could use the smaller model, such as a 3000, for both inshore and offshore fishing. But you wouldn’t be able to handle anything too large.

There are many options, such as the Shimano Stradic, that offer the greatest flexibility for fishing both inshore or offshore. They also have a lightweight and easy-to-use reel.

If I am referring to inshore bass anglers, there is a whole other topic. These reels might not be right for you. You may want to go specifically for an inshore spinning reel because they’ll be lighter with faster gear ratios intended for lighter monofilament lines. If you are fishing for bass, you don’t have to bring a 25-ounce reel.

What are you fishing for?

Another important thing to think about is the purpose of your fishing. While this is related to the previous point, it’s important to separate the two. Which type of fish do you want? Do you want to catch red snapper or a variety of other fish? You might be interested in the Shimano Stradic, or the Penn Battle II.

However, if you want to hunt marlin or tuna, you will need something stronger like the Saltiga, or a Penn Battle II.

Technical Considerations

Next, let’s break down some specifications you might look for in your ideal saltwater spinning reel. Keep in mind that these are my opinions and shouldn’t be taken as fact. They’re based on years of experience and hours of research and networking with others.

CAPACITY OF LINE

When we talk about saltwater fishing, your line capacity will always be an important factor. It’s like talking about the difference between an ice fishing reel and a deep sea trolling reel. The one requires high line capacity, while the other almost requires none.

The reel’s line capacity refers to the amount of line that you can put on it to give the fish enough space to move around. The bigger the fish is, the more line you will need. Line capacity is why I consider it one of the most important aspects when buying a saltwater spinning rod.

A spinning reel that can carry at least 200 yards braided line is a good choice. You might need to fish offshore for mahi mahi or other aggressive species so you can double the line capacity to 400. However, there is no standard on how much you should use. This is simply a matter of experience and knowledge about the waters in which you are fishing.

BRAID-READY

When I refer to a reel being braid-ready, what I mean is that it has been set up to spool braided lines directly to the arbor. Because it is a big step, reels that are specifically designed for offshore saltwater fishing can allow you to do this. You will need a monofilament backing if your reel isn’t designed for braided lines.

Other features such as pins or indicators are also available on reels. These indicate how many lines you should have depending on the target. While this is not a deal-breaker, it’s something you should be aware of.

GEAR RATIO

Whatever reel you are talking about, the gear ratio will always be an issue. The gear ratio is the number of revolutions that the spool makes each time the handle is turned. A gear ratio of 5.4 to 1 means that the spool will move around 5.4 times each time you turn it. A higher gear ratio is generally better as it requires less cranking, and eventually reduces fatigue.

This is a reasonable assumption when it comes to freshwater fishermanship. Saltwater fishing is a different story. There are many other factors to consider.

First, it’s not possible to just crank the handle and hope to catch anything. You’ll either snap your line, grind up your internals, and tear down the bearings. Our drag is here to help.

Your gear ratio is determined by how you work with the drag. To target large game fish, a lower gear ratio is best. To avoid snapped lines or damaged gears, you need to slow down.

BEARINGS

Many people don’t understand bearings, but think they do. It’s a common misconception that more is better, but it is not always true. Daiwa Saltiga is a case in point. They have invested a lot of technology into the product. They didn’t add more bearings just for the sake.

A smoother cast and retrieval is generally achieved by using more bearings. However, it is the quality of the bearings as well as the rigidity of the body that can make a difference. You won’t have a smooth retrieve if your reel has too much flex. This is because your internals will grind on your teeth, making it harder to bring in the fish.

You don’t need to worry about the bearings. Instead, focus on the quality reel and only shop for brands that you trust.

CORROSION-RESISTANCE

You will notice that I have a lot of product reviews that talk about sealed bodies, magnetic oils, and all metal frames. These features are designed to limit the amount of junk that can enter your reel and cause it’s to fail. These aren’t features you’ll find on any ultralight spinning reel, they’re dedicated to saltwater reels to prevent corrosion.

The reel could easily fail without these parts after a few trips to water.

Keep in mind that the more you spend, the better the features you get. This is why some premium reels such as the Saltiga are so expensive. It might be more expensive than $1,000 but you get as many features as possible packed into one reel, making maintenance and care much easier.

Although I wouldn’t say no to the Shimano Stradic reel, it is in this area that this reel falls short. It’s lightweight and versatile, so it’s not just for saltwater. They had to divert some of their resources from saltwater protection in order to use them elsewhere.

Make sure to be aware of the features on your reel and how they protect it from being clogged with salt and sand.

WEIGHT

Let’s not forget about the weight. Your reel’s weight is directly related to the number of power-packed features it has. A lightweight reel will not be able to handle large fish without breaking down the internals.

A 30 ounce reel will make fishing offshore much more enjoyable, but it can be tiring if you try to finesse cast for bass with it.

Although there is no way to know what the “right” weight is, I suggest keeping all of these factors in your mind and using weight as one part of the puzzle.

A reel such as the Shimano Stradic, which is extremely lightweight for this guide, could be an option. But remember what you are sacrificing and what risk you are taking. Fishing lighter tackle is better as you won’t be able to catch anything too big.

Most of the reels in this guide are suitable for offshore fishing, as well as inshore fishing. You can also choose from many different sizes depending on your fishing style.

Last Thoughts

Did you understand all that? You need to be able to see what saltwater can do to your reel before you buy one. It will corrode a normal reel in a matter of days if you don’t maintain it properly. All reels need maintenance, no matter how advanced the technology or fancy terminology.

The best saltwater spinning reel can only be as good as the angler that uses it. These five reels would make me happy, no matter if I was fishing in South Florida or offshore in the Gulf. Have fun and good luck!

Lewis Mark is a vastly experienced fly fisher. His encyclopedic knowledge of fly tying has led to start blog on fishing. He also review Fishing equipment based on his knowledge and experience.