Baitcasting is an excellent fishing method for the largest offshore game, down to the smaller inshore fish. Keep reading for more on the best baitcasting reel for saltwater.
Another interesting thing is, fishing techniques, fish species and locations are nearly limitless when it comes to saltwater fishing but you can’t use the same old fishing setup to achieve outstanding fishing results when it comes to inshore fishing.
Why baitcasting reels for inshore fishing?
Inshore fishing requires thicker lines, bigger reels and more advanced drag systems than freshwater poles. Baitcasting reels for inshore or saltwater fishing
Baitcasting reels are designed for effectively landing larger fish and handling extended line lengths in deep water and they have well engineered drag and braking systems to preserve line and prevent backlash and tangling.
The reels on the other hand have comparatively heavier duty construction than spinning reels.
Therefore, if you’re an angler that has not yet had the pressure of casting a line into the sea or ocean, then a baitcasting reel for inshore fishing will help you achieve amazing results when you finally do.
We have done the leg work to bring you the best baitcasting reels for saltwater fishing in addition to a buying guide to further helping you in making an informed purchasing decision.
Let’s dive in!
Read: Best Baitcasting Reel Under $50
Reviews Of The Best Baitcasting Reel For Salt Water 2022
Abu Garcia Revo Inshore Low Profile
This is an excellent baitcasting reel for fishing in coastal inlets. It features the X2-Craftic frame which protects the reel from corrosion.
The Abu Garcia Revo Inshore Low Profile comes with corrosion resistant and high performance bearings. It features 6 stainless steel ball bearings. With this baitcasting reel, anglers can go fishing in the toughest conditions as it is designed not to corrode.
Thanks to the Gull Wing side plate, anglers can easily access the spool and the braking systems. This baitcasting reel comes with a spool which has an Infini IITM design. This feature allows smooth fishing and extended casting ability.
The extended bent handle increases the cranking power while the flat EVA knobs offer greater durability.
The Abu Garcia Revo is very easy to set up and in addition to the powerful drag and the reels move smoothly and easily.
[i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-o-up” cons_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-o-down” show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”true” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” link_text=”View On Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/3lmXkwI” ][i2pros]Suitable for saltwater fishing
Very durable
Offers a lot comfort
User friendly
[/i2pros][i2cons]Some anglers find the brake setup difficult to use[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C3
This baitcasting reel is designed with the angler’s convenience in mind. It is uniquely designed in style and strength to deliver top notch performance and maximum efficiency.
This baitcasting reel comes with the 6 pin centrifugal blade system. This system helps to boost break consistently especially when pressure is applied.
With this baitcasting reel, anglers will enjoy a smooth drag regardless of the size of fish that gets hooked. This is because, it features an extended bent cracking handle which provides it with an even reeling action and provides it with strength.
When it comes to the build of this baitcasting reel, it is made with an anti-corrosive material-carbon. This is to ensure that the reel doesn’t get destroyed by the harshness of the saltwater.
[i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-o-up” cons_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-o-down” show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”true” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” link_text=”View On Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/3lrJvwE” ][i2pros]Anti-corrosive and durable
Smooth and powerful drag system
Double bearings-roller and stainless ball bearings
Capable of catching big and heavy fish
[/i2pros][i2cons]Comes with only right-hand orientation
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
KastKing Royale Legend/Whitemax Low Profile
For anglers who want to try out baitcasting on a budget, this baitcasting reel is of a high quality and at a relatively low price.
This is a very versatile baitcasting reel which can be useful for both saltwater and freshwater types of fishing. The KastKing Royale Legend reel also features a carbon drag system and brass gears.
The KastKing Royale Legend baitcasting reel comes with a high gear ratio and a dual braking system. This is to assist with fast retrieval and smooth casting.
It will only take some practice and this reel will cast as much more as expensive reels. This because it comes with the ten bearing system which is very smooth.
This is a great option for anglers who want to try out saltwater fishing.
[i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-o-up” cons_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-o-down” show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”true” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” link_text=”View On Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/3G4LdOk” ][i2pros]Very smooth retrieval
Good breaking system
Little to no backlash
Great for saltwater fishing
Beginner friendly[/i2pros][i2cons]Regular attention is required to preserve tension adjustment[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Daiwa Coastal TWS
This baitcasting reel is mainly designed for inshore saltwater fishing but also suitable for all freshwater fishing types as well.
When it comes to its construction, this baitcasting reel is well designed with an aluminium frame to resist saltwater corrosion. This helps to provide a greater line capacity than many low profile designs.
The Daiwa Coastal TWS features the TWS T-Wing system
Anglers who do not have ensign experience working with baitcasting reels do not have to worry about consistency when using this baitcasting reel as the Daiwa Coastal features the T-Wing System which specifically assists in achieving casting consistency.
This baitcasting reel is suitable for all sorts of inshore fishing and all freshwater fishing types as well. This is a great option from all-round inshore fishing for anglers who are looking into learning baitcasting.
[i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-o-up” cons_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-o-down” show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”true” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” link_text=”View On Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/3PGmiVN” ][i2pros]Efficient casting
Advance jigging techniques
Durable
Great for saltwater fishing[/i2pros][i2cons]Low profile steel not suitable for offshore fishing[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Abu Garcia Black Max Low Profile
This baitcasting reel is constructed to make it stand out in terms of design and durability.
The graphite construction makes it highly resistant to corrosion. It’s important to note that graphite construction mostly means comfortable casting and fishing.
Anglers would not have to worry about a long day on the water casting, retrieving, rowing and landing fish as this baitcasting reel is lightweight and very easy to use. This baitcasting reel features a magnetic braking system which promotes smooth and consistent casting for small boats.
Without constant attention, anglers of all levels can consistently cast from small craft thanks to the Abu Garcia tension knob. The drag system of this reel makes for safe and exciting fights with larger fish from a small boat.
The Abu Garcia Black Max Low Profile baitcasting reel is effective at inshore jigging and pier fishing for medium to small sized species from kayaks and other small boats. In addition to this, it is also well suited for a variety of saltwater fishing methods.
[i2pc pros_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-o-up” cons_icon=”icon icon-thumbs-o-down” show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”true” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” link_text=”View On Amazon” link=”https://amzn.to/3lmWlfR” ][i2pros]Pocket friendly
Very durable
Ergonomic design
Impressive performance[/i2pros][i2cons]Warranty of 1 year is comparatively less[/i2cons][/i2pc]
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Best Saltwater Baitcasting Reels – Buyer’s Guide
Saltwater is corrosive and bound to attack equipment that are not designed to withstand the salt, grit and chemicals that come with it.
Most saltwater anglers go in for either baitcasting or spinning reels. In this guide, we will focus on baitcasting reels.
Baitcasting reels are more suited for all types of saltwater fishing and they are generally considered to be the most heavy duty reel type, excellent for casting and deep water fishing as well as able to withstand the harsh conditions of saltwater.
How do you know what to look out for when choosing the best baitcasting reel for saltwater fishing? This is what this section is all about.
Profile
Baitcasting reels are basically designed for 2 types of profiles; low and round profiles.
For anglers who like to hold the reel in their palm for jigging and for controlling bait, low profiles are ergonomically designed to meet their needs. The larger low profile baitcasting reels are excellent choices for saltwater fishing.
On the other hand, round profile baitcasting reels are perfect for heavyweight fishing for larger saltwater species and also for offshore applications.
With round baitcasters, anglers hold the rods above the reel while retrieving line. This gives additional leverage over larger fish.
Read: Best Beginner Baitcasting Reel
Drag Systems
The drag system is what allows larger fish to take the line off of the reel without placing any stress on the reel, rod and the line.
An angler with a properly set drag system will be able to catch fish that far exceed the test weight of the line they are using.
It’s important that you pay close attention to the quality of a reels drag system especially when the purpose is to use it in saltwater.
Line Capacity
Saltwater fishing usually requires large capacity baitcasting reels that will allow for more heavy lines to be used. This is because most saltwater fishing techniques call for long and heavy lines.
Compared to freshwater fishing, line capacity is a very important consideration when it comes to saltwater fishing. For instance, in the event of other line loss, or in the event of breakage, an extended line capacity will allow for faster re-rigging on the open water.
Corrosion and durability
You don’t want to purchase a new reel and just after a few days or a few fishing trips, see it damaged. That is why the factor of durability is important.
Saltwater is corrosive by nature and as such, destroys steel, metals and iron at a faster rate. This is why you have to ensure ethanol the baitcasting reel you go in for can withstand the high conditions or higher corrosiveness saltwater can cause.
You have to ensure that the reel and the other tools you go in for are made from anti-corrosive materials like carbon fibre, graphite or aluminum.
Braking Systems
The braking system of a baitcasting wheel is what controls the speed of the spool’s rotation when releasing line when casting or when the spool is freely turning.
It is important to note that most baitcasting reels are designed with braking systems.
The reel’s braking system works purposely to prevent line backlashes and bird nests. Therefore, an effective braking system will keep the spool from turning faster than the line when it is still wrapped on the spool which results in making casting more accurate and effective.
Gear Ratio
The gear ratio of a saltwater baitcaster is what determines how much line is retrieved with each full turn of the reel handle. That is, lower gear ratio reels bring less line in with each turn while higher gear ratio reels bring in less.
A high ratio line is the key to landing large fish in deep water as it allows for getting the line in quickly when the fish is retreating or resting.
High gear ratios can reach up to 8:1 while low gear ratios can range from 3:1.
Hand Orientation
Most reels are programmed for right-hand use only and this is because most people are right-handed. You will need to check if the reel you want to buy is programmed and can serve you well if you’re a left-handed person. The same applies to right-handed people.
There are some reels specifically programmed for left-handed people. This is why you have to always check if the relevant yup want to go in for supports your efficient hand.
Your Budget
Your budget is one of the most important factors to always consider as all the factors considered above should be based on your budget.
You have to note that most times, better functionalities will come with a process increase.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Are baitcasting reels suitable for saltwater?
Yes. Most baitcasting reels are suitable for stainless steel, anodized aluminum or graphite core and all these materials are saltwater -resistance.
Are baitcasting reels better than other reels?
This depends on what you like most. That is, if you are an occasional fisher, then a spinning reel is a better option. However, if you are interested in fishing for saltwater fish, then a baitcasting reel is a better option.
Can you use a freshwater baitcaster in saltwater?
Yes but we don’t recommend it as the reel may end up corroding very fast this, decreasing its lifespan.
Read: Best Aluminium TIG Welder
CONCLUSION
Baitcasting can be very rewarding if an extra effort is put into it. If you decide to purchase a baitcasting reel to use in saltwater, you should always consider getting the best model that comes with workable features and is also within your budget.
This is because, saltwater fishing requires you to pay attention to the baitcasting reel’s features and design, as it is a requirement that comes with adequate corrosion resistance.
We hope this article helps you make an informed buying decision so you enjoy your baitcasting reel for a long time. Happy Fishing!
Delphine
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