The Best Saltwater Spinning Reels of 2020 (Buying Guide)

The drag system of the KastKing Sharky III is engineered for power from every front. The reel’s combination of triple disc carbon fiber clutches, oversized stainless-steel main shaft, and precision mesh manganese brass pinion gears should make the perfect combination for taking on trophy size fishes everywhere.

Another noteworthy characteristic of the KastKing Sharky III is its unique Shark Fin Braid Ready aluminum spool. This spool allows anglers to fit the KastKing Sharky III with braided lines, without the use of backing line, as is a characteristic of many other reels on the market. This is something that many anglers will appreciate, as it saves them the time and trouble of dealing with the intricacies of spooling braid, leaving more time for fishing.

Perhaps most notable about this is the fact that this powerhouse of a reel can be purchased for little more than the cost of a tank of gas.

The KastKing Megatron features an astounding 30+ pounds of total drag, further adding to its ruggedness. The reel’s drag system uses a series of carbon fiber discs to provide uniform line control and prevent binding.

The Megatron Spinning Reel also features 7+1 MaxiDur double-shielded stainless-steel ball bearings, which should make for an incredibly smooth operation under a near-infinite number of circumstances. This is perfect when attempting to boat sizable game fish that have no intention of being caught.

Also included is an instant anti-reverse feature, which allows for rapid hooksets. This is a feature that bass fishermen will absolutely love as more often than not, the difference between a successful day of bass fishing and a day spent missing bites ultimately comes down to the speed of one’s hookset.

The Sougayilang Spinning Reels have a complex and well thought out rotational configuration. With a greater total number of ball bearings than the total of reels on this list, its operation is guaranteed to be silky smooth. This is great for anglers who prefer a cast and wind method of fishing, such as when working a buzzbait or crankbait.

Its S-curve oscillation system slightly slows its spooling in a bid to minimize line twist and kinking. It also features a drag system that is quite similar to those found on many higher-dollar reels. This system uses quality carbon discs, which are sealed from dust and other environmental contaminants, for anglers to maintain a better control over the fight at hand.

Of all the features mentioned above, anglers will most likely find the most favor in the Penn Fishing Spinfisher VI’s sealed design, as it prevents highly corrosive saltwater from invading the reel’s bearings and in turn, extends the unit’s service life indefinitely. In fact, the Penn Fishing Spinfisher VI carries an IPX5 ingress rating, which serves as the industry standard in element resistance.

The Penn Fishing Spinfisher VI also features a set of CNC machined gears, which offers smooth and seamless operation, while also providing next-level durability. CNC machined gears tend to mesh with high accuracy, which prevents premature wear and maximizes longevity. This is ideal for anglers who fish extensively and often put their reels under strenuous circumstances.

Another notable feature of the Penn Fishing Spinfisher VI is the unit’s HT-100 drag system. This drag system uses carbon fiber clutch discs, which provide consistent line metering and even resistance throughout its operational range. This feature is sure to become an instant classic among anglers who pursue larger species of gamefish, such as amberjack, snapper, mackerel, mahi-mahi, and striped bass.

The SeaKnight Rapid is constructed in a manner that allows for smooth, consistent use that’s free of any excess friction, even when subject to a load. This is a feature that should not only make using this reel highly enjoyable, but will also provide enhanced efficiency when winching a sizable game fish from the depths below. When friction is reduced, so is the effort that needs to be expended to boat the fish at the end of your line.

Anglers will also find immense favor in the SeaKnight Rapid’s heavy-duty drag system. This system features a 33 pound operational capacity, which is terrific for landing sizable, hard fighting game fish of nearly any variety. This should be well-received by those who find vast enjoyment in the pursuit of trophy caliber fish.

Also of note is the SeaKnight Rapid’s sealed aluminum spool and rotor structure, which wards off the effects of saltwater and sand ingress. Saltwater is highly corrosive to metal surfaces, while sand is extremely abrasive on bearings and other machined surfaces. The SeaKnight Rapid has been engineered to resist the intrusion of both substances, which should lead to prolonged service life and years of tireless service.

The Yongzhi spinning reel also features a highly-durable graphite frame, which should easily withstand the rigors placed on it by years of relentless use. This can be especially helpful when fishing extensively in coastal waters, as saltwater is naturally corrosive and can quickly render subpar reels inoperable after only minimal use.

Another feature that’s of value is the Yongzhi spinning reel’s robust composition, which is comprised of a hardened metal main shaft, precision brass gears, and a triple carbon disc drag system, all of which should provide enhanced durability, even when used extensively in less than hospitable conditions. This attribute would be of significant worth to those who find themselves on the water at every available opportunity.

The Yongzhi spinning reel also features multiple features that are primarily concerned with the angler’s comfort. This includes ergonomic EVA handle knobs, which serve as superior grips when amid a fight. This reel is also compact in design, which will help alleviate hand and arm fatigue.

Another feature that many anglers will find great value in is the Plusinno Spinning Reel’s Ultra-light CNC aluminum spool that is engineered to allow for the use of braided lines without any form of backing. Instead of having to use a monofilament backing, as is the case with most spinning reels, an angler can simply spool the Plusinno Spinning Reel with their favorite braided line, saving both time and effort.

The Plusinno spinning reel also features a reliable 19.8 pound drag system, which is more than capable when fighting fish of any species, both in fresh and saltwater. This system makes use of a triple-disc carbon fiber configuration that is resistant to wear and excessive heat build-up.

This reel also looks just as good as it should perform, with its beautiful matte-black exterior finish and gold-colored inlay. This composition compliments the Plusinno’s sporty graphite frame and presents a significant level of eye appeal.

The Diwa Spinning Reel has a unique first-class 55-pound maximum drag capacity. This capacity is double that of many similar reels available on today’s market and is perfect for pursuing large, trophy-size game fish. This is especially helpful if you routinely fish in deeper coastal waters where many sizable fish species are encountered often.

When engineering their saltwater series of spinning reels, Diwa kept the angler’s comfort in mind. That’s why this reel uses an aluminum-alloy body, which is subdued in weight, but not in rigidity. It only weighs 9.87 ounces, which effectively reduces hand and arm fatigue. This keeps you on the water longer and should provide you with greater odds of success.

Anglers are safe to purchase with confidence, as Diwa has a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty against all defects. If you run into any difficulty, you can simply contact Diwa for assistance. This naturally offers peace of mind to prospective consumers, as Diwa’s customer service is renowned as one of the best in the industry.

Don’t be fooled by the reel’s size, as despite how compact it is, it was built in a manner conducive to longevity and extensive power. The Joyday Spinning Reel features an incredible 39.5 pounds of drag capacity, which is more than enough to tangle with any species of saltwater game fish, no matter their size.

To aid overall durability, the Joyday Spinning Reel is fitted with a hardened metal main shaft, precision machined brass gears, and a CNC machined aluminum spool. It also features a 12+1 stainless steel bearing system that guarantees smooth rotational operation under any load. The culmination of these robust components assists Joyday in providing anglers with years of trouble-free service.

Most anglers will be pleased to discover that the Joyday Spinning Reel is affordable on almost any budget. In fact, this reel can be purchased for less than what most will spend on a tank of gas before striking out for the lake.

KastKing Valiant Eagle II also has a one-piece bail. This bail is built to eliminate any risk of rusting and should circumvent any issues related to line snag. As line snag is reduced, casting distances are then increased. This is good news for those who frequently find themselves in need of additional casting range.

The combination of the KastKing Valiant Eagle II’s 22-pound drag system and 10+1 shielded stainless-steel bearing arrangement supplies you with ample fighting power to pull sizable fish from the depths of the waters. These features also offer the added benefit of a completely smooth, seamless operation, no matter the conditions and circumstances.

The KastKing Valiant Eagle II also features an ultra-fast 6.2:1 gear ratio. This pronounced line speed would be a substantial benefit to anglers looking to achieve a lightning-quick retrieve and in turn, entice a reactionary strike from predatory saltwater species.