Saltwater Fishing Reels

This page shows a variety of articles and videos covering specific reels for targeting our favorite saltwater fish.

To see the all-encompassing review that explains which reel is the best overall value based on performance (without any influence from reel manufacturers),  go to this page:

Master reel review post for Insider Club Members

Note: This Master Reel Review page is for Insider Club members only.

Full List OF Fishing Reel Reviews & Experiments:

[memb_set_prohibited_action action=show]

PENN Fierce IV Review: Did It Finally Change My Mind?

I’ll admit it. I’ve never really been a PENN guy. For years I leaned toward other reels for inshore fishing and mostly avoided PENN altogether....
See Full post
48 comments

How Much Drag Do You ACTUALLY Need on a Spinning Reel?

Have you noticed how spinning reels keep advertising bigger and bigger max drag numbers? Eighteen pounds. Twenty-two pounds. Even twenty-five pounds on reels meant for...
See Full post
69 comments

Quantum Merit Review: Is This The Most Affordable Saltwater Tough Reel?

Quantum’s new saltwater reel called the Merit caught my attention at ICAST this year given that it appears to be the most affordable reel that...
See Full post
38 comments

When Reel Maintenance Does More Harm Than Good

If your spinning reels keep failing earlier than they should, it might not be the reel itself. Most anglers damage perfectly good gear through UNINTENTIONAL...
See Full post
59 comments

Two Identical Reels. One Difference. Wildly Different Casts.

You might be cutting your casting distance short without realizing it. Everyone talks about lures, tides, and spots, but almost nobody pays attention to a detail...
See Full post
40 comments

The Case for Lighter Reels: 3 HIDDEN Advantages Most Anglers Miss

If you’ve been choosing reels based on drag, bearings, or whatever the box brags about… there’s a detail hiding in plain sight that matters SO much...
See Full post
53 comments

Quick Review Of New Ballistic MQ Spinning Reel [Premium Reel]

The video below will show you a quick review of the new Ballistic MQ spinning reel which is an upgrade to a popular reel from...
See Full post
26 comments

The Best Lightweight Reel On The Market? (New Product Review)

If you fish with artificial lures all day like I do, weight matters… shedding just a fraction of an ounce can make a big difference...
See Full post
22 comments

The 5 Most Important Spots to Oil on Your Reel

Keeping your spinning reel running smooth and quiet isn’t complicated, but a lot of anglers skip over key maintenance steps—especially when it comes to oiling...
See Full post
53 comments

STOP! Don’t Replace Your Noisy Reel Until You Try This

Is your spinning reel making noise? A common culprit is the line roller or roller bearing. Corrosion or damage can cause friction, weird sounds, and...
See Full post
14 comments

Why This NEW Baitcaster Might Be Your Next Favorite Reel

When it comes to saltwater fishing gear, few things get me more excited than finding a reel that can handle the abuse we throw at...
See Full post
23 comments

LIGHTEST Spinning Reel Ever? Luke’s First Impressions

Let’s face it: we anglers are always on the lookout for gear that makes fishing easier, smoother, and just flat-out more fun. That’s exactly what...
See Full post
21 comments

Daiwa Coastal TW 80 H Baitcasting Reel Review

Is the Daiwa Coastal TW 80 H baitcasting reel just another freshwater reel with a paint job? Check out our review to see for yourself!
See Full post
27 comments

Daiwa Saltist MQ Spinning Reel Review (Pros & Cons)

The Daiwa Saltist MQ spinning reel is a quality investment for anglers who desire a top-tier reel with specific advantages.
See Full post
83 comments

Casting Contest: Baitcasting vs Spinning Reels (Using Light Lures!)

When casting light lures, what wins: Baitcasting vs Spinning Reels? I set out to test a theory of mine - baitcasting reels have caught up...
See Full post
17 comments
1 2 … 8

Choose a Category:

Editor's Picks

Species

Reviews

Get Instant Access To “The Inshore Fishing Manifesto” PDF Now

You’ll automatically be emailed a private link to download your PDF, plus you’ll be added to the Salt Strong Newsletter.
(Please double-check your email below to ensure delivery.)
  • Your information is safe with us and will not be shared with any third party.