10 Best Saltwater Baitcasting Reel 2023

Most anglers including me love fishing in different waters regardless of their nature i.e., fresh or saltwater. For that, you need the best saltwater baitcasting reel which do the job impeccably without getting rusty. I love fishing almost maniacally especially in different streams including saltwater therefore, I wanted the best saltwater baitcaster. 

For that, I along with some of my fellow anglers tested numerous baitcasters in Florida. After testing out a couple of reels, we realized that there are quite some factors that one must understand before purchasing the best baitcasting reel for saltwater. These include braking system, corrosion resistance, line capacity, and more. You will learn details about these in our ultimate buying guide below. 

Out of more than 13 fishing saltwater baitcaster, we shortlisted 10 as our best choices. However, I would recommend CURADO K, SHIMANO SLX, and Daiwa Coastal TW as my top three recommendations. To find out more about these, read out the details below. 

Products Overview – Best Baitcasting Reels For Saltwater

1. CURADO K – Best Saltwater baitcasting reel of all time
2. SHIMANO SLX – Best value saltwater baitcasting reel
3. Calcutta B – Best saltwater baitcaster for casting distance 
4. Daiwa Coastal TW – Best inshore baitcaster reel
5. PENN Squall II Level Wind – Best conventional saltwater baitcasting reel 
6. KastKing Kapstan Elite – Best saltwater and freshwater baitcasting reel
7. Piscifun Alijoz – Best saltwater baitcaster under $100
8. KastKing Royale Legend – Best saltwater baitcaster for beginners
9. KastKing Rover Round – Best saltwater baitcaster for surf fishing
10. KastKing Royale Legend GT – Best budget saltwater baitcasting reel

Best Saltwater Baitcasting Reels Reviews

1. CURADO K – Best Saltwater Baitcasting Reel of All Time

Specifications

• Gear ratio: 7.4:1, 8.5:1
• Max drag: 11 lbs.
• Hand orientation: Ambidextrous 
• Weight: 0.47 lbs.

I am a true angler for years and have tried various Shimano models but, the Curado K topped them all. This reel is truly versatile which made it easy for me to catch various heavy fish such as Northern Pike, steelhead, and largemouth bass. While these fish were on the line, the drag operated quite smoothly. 

Since it is a low-profile baitcaster, it fits perfectly on a variety of best baitcasting rods. In my experience of pairing this one with my 7ft Ugly Stik GX2 casting rod, the reel did a great job. While my fellow fishermen didn’t find the braking system to be on point, I was able to manage it conveniently. Maybe because I set the brakes loose and am an expert in handling baitcasting reels. 

Pros

• Smooth drag and casting
• Versatile 
• Robust yet lightweight 

Cons

• The braking system isn’t highly efficient 

Verdict 

If you are looking for the best Shimano baitcaster that is worth each penny and do the job just perfectly then Curado K could be your ideal match.  

2. SHIMANO SLX Baitcasting Reels – Best Value Saltwater Baitcasting Reel

Specifications

• Gear ratio: 6.3:1, 7.2:1, 8.2:1 
• Max drag: 12 lbs.
• Hand orientation: Ambidextrous 
• Weight: 0.43 lbs.

Shimano does it once again with the SLX reel and therefore, we recommended this as one of our top choices. By now, I have tested numerous saltwater baitcasters which made me realize that a higher price isn’t everything that you should run after. Rightly so, this model from Shimano costs slightly over $100 but comes with everything an angler looks for. It is also the best light saltwater baitcasting reel on our list.  

For instance, it offers an impeccable casting distance and is super smooth. My field test for this reel lasted for nearly 4 months and even after frequent uses, it was still buttery. Note that I oiled it after every use. Its magnetic brake adjustment made it a lot easier to avoid the possible backlash. It also performed well for trout fishing. 

Pros

• Great value for money
• High-quality reel
• Great casting distance

Cons

• It has a smaller spool

Verdict 

This low-profile Shimano model is easily one of the best saltwater baitcasting reels for the money. It offers several exciting features such as superb cast distance, manageable brakes, and an incredible max drag. 

3. Calcutta B – Best Saltwater Baitcaster For Casting Distance 

Specifications

• Gear ratio: 5.0:1 
• Max drag: 17.5 lbs.
• Hand orientation: Right hand
• Weight: 0.7 lbs.

This was the priciest reel that I tested out but its useful features made me stick to it for quite a long. After coupling it with the 7 ft. Johnny Morris graphite rod, my fishing experience sky-rocketed. My main focus with this reel was the muskies and fortunately, I was successful in catching some. The exceptional 17.5 lbs. max drag added more to my convenience. 

Despite being an expert, I faced minor backlashes even though the reel is integrated with the variable braking system. On the brighter side, it casts better than any other reel on this list and is one of the best baitcaster for casting distance. Moreover, using it with a braided line was probably the best thing that I did. The only trouble with this reel was its right-hand orientation, making it an unsuitable choice for left-handed anglers. 

Pros

• Incredible max drag and casting distance
• Superior performance
• Well-made and durable reel

Cons

• Minor backlash issue
• Only for right-handed people

Verdict 

All in all, Calcutta B is one of the best round baitcasting reels. And I absolutely loved using this reel for luring muskies. Its magnificent features and efficient performance augmented my experience beyond my expectations.

4. Daiwa Coastal TW – Best Inshore Baitcaster Reel

Specifications

• Gear ratio: 7.3:1
• Max drag: 15.4 lbs.
• Hand orientation: Ambidextrous 
• Weight: 0.5 lbs.

The Daiwa saltwater baitcasting reels are no less than any premium reels, thanks to their exceptional build quality. My testing with this reel lasted for about 3 months and I used it nearly 3 to 4 times a week. Its corrosion-resistant ball bearings made it highly suitable for saltwater and one of the best inshore casting reels. The smoothness wasn’t diminished even when I forgot to lube it after some frequent uses. 

Since it has a relatively larger spool, it allowed me to put 40 lbs. braided line at roughly 150 yards for larger inshore fish. That said, I succeeded with some big catches such as Bull Redfish, Crevalle Jack, Bonefish, Trout, etc. Half of the credit also goes to the superb 15.4 lbs. max drag. Its casting distance is also appreciable whereas, I loved how it was extremely comfortable to use and there was almost no backlash. 

Pros

• Corrosion-resistant 
• Excellent for large inshore fishing
• Smooth as silk cast 

Cons

• Might rust despite corrosion-resistance

Verdict 

Daiwa has made quite a big name in the fishing industry which is justified by the marvelous performance of its reels. After my experience, it would be safe to call this model one of the best saltwater baitcasting reels.

5. PENN Squall II Level Wind – Best Conventional Saltwater Baitcasting Reel

Specifications

• Gear ratio: 4.0:1
• Max drag: 33 lbs.
• Hand orientation: Ambidextrous 
• Weight: 1.54 lbs.

This reel wasn’t only amazing in quality but in performance as well. At first, I was impressed with the overall look and by the time I started using it, this baitcaster made me go crazy. As compared to Daiwa and Shimano, this one offers a free spool tension because of the secondary drag, making it invaluable for a backlash-free experience. 

After using it with 6 ft. Penn Mariner II medium action rod, I managed to excel in live bait fishing and even trolling. Once my hands were comfortable on this baitcaster, I was able to win a fight against the mighty 76-inch sailfish as well as an 8 lbs. Atlantic Bonito. Its massive 33lbs. max drag worked like a charm for bigger fishes. 

Pros

• Works great even in deep sea
• Comfortable to use
• No bird’s nest issues

Cons

• Lacks a braking system
• A bit heavy 

Verdict 

When it comes to getting a top-notch product under a fair price point, this reel comes on top. Being one of the best saltwater baitcasting reels under 200, the Penn Squall II is an exceptional choice for all anglers. 

6. KastKing Kapstan Elite – Best Saltwater And Freshwater Baitcasting Reel

Specifications

• Gear ratio: 5.4:1
• Max drag: 35 lbs.
• Hand orientation: Ambidextrous 
• Weight: 0.67 lbs.

It was impossible to not include KastKing among the top saltwater baitcaster because of its flawless performance. I am an old KastKing user and have used various models for freshwater fishing too. I love their reels a bit too much and my views were no different for this model too. 

During my test, I decided to pair this one with two different rods i.e., 9 ft. Kastking Krome Alaska King Drifter for big king salmon and 9ft. heavy Okuma Celilo medium for steelhead. Both did a tremendous job and I was able to catch what I desired. 

It was super easy to access the centrifugal brakes of this reel which resulted in reduced backlash even in unstable water conditions. As for the casting, it was smooth and cast a mile without any inconvenience. 

Pros

• Superb quality for the price
• Provides all the power required
• Massive max drag for heavier lures

Cons

• Might get noisy if not taken care of properly

Verdict 

In the end, my vote would definitely go to this model as an incredible reel designed for saltwater anglers. I loved how it performed really well for me and my fellow fishermen for different fishes such as snook, striped bass, steelhead, and more in different water conditions. 

7. Piscifun Alijoz – Best Saltwater Baitcaster Under $100

Specifications

• Gear ratio: 5.9:1, 8.1:!
• Max drag: 33 lbs.
• Hand orientation: Ambidextrous 
• Weight: 0.7 lbs.

The first thing that I noticed in this reel was its durable build quality which matches that of some premium and expensive baitcasters. My major spots to use this reel were rocky and shallow where the large spool became my best friend. Balancing the reel was very comfortable which made catching a huge musky extremely convenient and enjoyable for me.

In addition, the smooth operation is an absolute pleasure and the casting distance is pretty amazing too. What provoked me the most to add this model among the best saltwater baitcasting reels was its quick line recovery. Not to forget, it operates silently which enhanced my overall experience. 

Pros

• Affordable 
• Lures heavy fishes easily
• Smooth and silent operation 

Cons

• Substandard spool quality 

Verdict 

Getting a complete package for a price as low as $100 is truly an ideal bang for the buck. This Piscifun Alijoz is a pure hit and one of the best baitcasting reel under 100 for saltwater fishing. 

8. KastKing Royale Legend – Best Saltwater Baitcaster For Beginners

Specifications

• Gear ratio: 5.3:1, 6.6:1, 7.3:1, 8.1:1 
• Max drag: 17.6 lbs.
• Hand orientation: Right hand
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.

Another KastKing reel that caught my attention was the Royale Legend. While using this reel, I realized that it was extremely comfortable and easy to manage hence, I offered my little brother to use it. He, being an amateur was able to learn on this reel quicker than any other reel. It casts over a mile like a dream and its decent max drag helps catch numerous fishes. 

When it comes to the braking system, the magnetic brakes are incredible and make sure that there is no backlashing. Its compact size felt comfortable in my hands as well as my little brother’s hand. I and my brother were able to hook numerous fishes with this reel such as speckled trout, salmon, bass, and redfish. 

Pros

• Ergonomic 
• Double-shielded stainless steel bearings
• Durable build

Cons

• Could become noisy 

Verdict 

Are you in search of the best saltwater baitcaster that you can learn to fish on? Look no further than the KastKing Royale Legend as it comes with every feature that you would need. Also, check the Best baitcasting reels for beginners.

9. KastKing Rover Round – Best Saltwater Baitcaster For Surf Fishing

Specifications

• Gear ratio: 3.6:1, 4.2:1, 5.3:1
• Max drag: 30 lbs.
• Hand orientation: Ambidextrous 
• Weight: 0.78 lbs.

Surf fishing has always overjoyed me and this time, I wanted to try it in saltwater with a baitcaster. So, we headed to South Carolina and I got my hands on indeed the best baitcaster for surf fishing i.e., KingKast Rover Round. During the test, my preference was a 15 lbs.  Berkley big game mono line which held approximately 250 yards of it. 

I encountered very minimal backlash which could be due to the decent centrifugal brakes. Speaking of the casting distance, God! I love it. This reel surpassed my expectations tremendously as it cast roughly 15-30 feet farther than what I thought. My top catches with this reel were walleye, large catfish, striped bass, and red drum.  

Pros

• Reasonable performance for the price
• Great drag
• Large line capacity 

Cons

• Retrieve isn’t very smooth

Verdict 

As a whole, this baitcaster comes with decent specs considering its reasonable price point. If you are a surf angler and need a low-budget saltwater reel, this one could be a hit. 

10. KastKing Royale Legend GT – Best Budget Saltwater Baitcasting Reel

Specifications

• Gear ratio: 7.2:1
• Max drag: 17.6 lbs.
• Hand orientation: Ambidextrous 
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.

Whether it’s a premium reel or a budget choice, KastKing never disappoints. Since it is a comparatively low-priced reel, I didn’t have higher expectations with this one. My testing with the KK Royale legend GT was for lighter muskies and it performed well there. Surprisingly, I didn’t face even the slightest backlash or bird’s nest issue, thanks to the magnetic braking system.

After a couple of rounds for lighter fishes, I leveled up for heavier carp, and guess what? I managed to fight with 25 lbs. carp and brought it home. Upon pairing this reel with a 7 ft. Skeeter Reese rod, there was a great boost in the overall experience. 

Pros

• Great casting 
• Lightweight 
• Pocket-friendly 

Cons

• Avg experience

Verdict 

What else could be better than having one of the best saltwater baitcasting reels that too at a very reasonable price point? This reel could be an awesome choice for new anglers who wouldn’t like investing $100+ in a baitcaster to learn on. 

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Buying Guide

Buying the saltwater baitcasting reel could be daunting unless you know the key features to look for. We have compiled an ultimate guide to help you understand the essential factors on which a baitcaster’s performance depends. So, make sure you read these carefully and choose your best match accordingly. But before that, if now learn how to use a baitcasting reel properly. 

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1. Durability and Corrosion Resistance 

While thrusting your reel in saltwater frequently, you have to make sure that it doesn’t corrode. You may see baitcasters crafted out of aluminum and graphite in the market. However, it would be wise to stick to aluminum-made reels for better longevity and promised durability. 

When you aim to fish in saltwater more, make sure to look for baitcasting reels that come with corrosion resistance. You can figure this out by checking the quality of ball bearings. If those are double shielded, they can easily be used for saltwater. 

Pro Tip: Regardless of the material of your reel, always rinse it thoroughly with fresh water after using it in saltwater. 

2. Inshore vs. Offshore Saltwater Fishing

The major difference between inshore and offshore fishing is the depth. If you fish within 30 meters of depth, it’s known as inshore fishing. Whereas, as soon as you exceed the 30-meter boundary, you are now experiencing offshore fishing. 

To get the best inshore baitcasters, you must look for a couple of factors. For instance, a reel with lesser line capacity would work perfectly for inshore fishing due to the water being shallow. However, for offshore, the baitcaster must have a greater line capacity. Also, you can maximize inshore fishing with lesser gear ratios (best recommended 4.9:1) and offshore fishing with higher gear ratios. 

Nothing is better than getting the right lures for an incredible saltwater inshore fishing experience, you have multiple choices. These include the weedless spoon, jerk baits, twitch baits, topwater plugs, paddle tail lure, and bucktail jig. The best of all however is the shrimp lure. 

On the other hand, the top baits that can help you with offshore saltwater fishing include Clarkspoons, popper and surface lures, sinking sink baits, floating stick baits slow pitch jigs, and deep hard body jigs. 

3. Gear Ratio

Saltwater fishing won’t be possible unless you opt for a reel with a higher baitcaster gear ratio. This is because lower gear ratios are likely to retrieve a lesser amount of line in a single turn whereas, the higher the gear ratio, the greater will be the retrieve. 

Moreover, with a higher gear ratio, you can fish in saltwater at more depths to pull out your desired catches. It is recommended to look for a baitcaster that comes with a minimum ratio of 6:1.

4. Line Capacity 

Many anglers overlook the line capacity while buying the best saltwater casting reels which gives them unpleasant surprises later on. Line capacity is important to consider since it determines how much line a reel can accommodate. Moreover, it also tells what thickness of line would be best suitable on your reel’s spool. 

Generally, a baitcasting reel is capable of holding a line between 20 to 50-pound test and anywhere between 135 to 350 yds. Moreover, these reels can accommodate either braided or mono fishing lines. 

Related Article: Smallest Baitcasting Reel

5. Braking System

Since the baitcaster braking system allows you to have a stable and smooth performance by synchronizing the spool speed with the line, it is another crucial factor to consider. If a baitcasting reel lacks an efficient braking system, it can result in backlash or baitcaster birds nest issues and massive tangles. 

A beneficial advantage of a good braking system is its ability to offer you maximum control of the reel during casting. There are two common types of the braking system i.e., 

5.1 Magnetic Braking System

The magnetic braking system, as referred by its name, consists of magnets that come in contact with the spool and result in a brake or release. Reels with this braking system are preferred for new anglers. 

5.2 Centrifugal Braking System

Reels integrated with this system feature multiple pins that provide the required power. You will have access to every pin to turn it on or off which will adjust the braking power. A typical saltwater baitcaster boasting a centrifugal braking system has around 2 to 6 pins.  

When it comes to choosing the best braking system, neither one is superior to the other. It all depends on one’s personal preference, water conditions, and type of use. In my experience of testing the aforementioned braking systems, both did a pretty decent job.

6. Drag Power

This comes as an important aspect for people who love catching larger fish. I am also among such people and with baitcasters that have higher drag power, I was able to catch some bigmouth bass and more. 

However, you must not run after the highest drag power that a reel has to offer, in fact, look for the one that is adjustable. Extensively high drag power can cause immense tension when fish in on the line, especially in saltwater. 

FAQs

1. Is a low-profile baitcaster suitable for saltwater?

Yes, low-profile baitcasters are easily suitable for saltwater, especially for inshore fishing. These are light in weight as compared to the regular saltwater baitcasters. Remember that these won’t be able to catch fishes that fight hard and can be used for moderate fish. 

The two best low profile saltwater baitcasters according to our research are none other than the CURADO K and SHIMANO SLX.

2. Why are baitcasting reels good for saltwater fishing?

The foremost reason why baitcasters are a great choice for saltwater fishing is their larger spool and baitcaster size, unlike the freshwater baitcasting reels that have a smaller spool. It is because the majority of fish in saltwater are heavier, fight aggressively for their life, and take quite longer runs. That said, the larger spool of saltwater baitcasters allows them to hold more line.

3. How often should I lube the mechanical components of my saltwater baitcaster?

Lubing your saltwater reels is extremely important to save them from rusting and corroding. Make sure to rinse your reel with fresh water after every use. Once it’s dry, lube it properly with best baitcaster oil or any suitable lubricant. If you don’t do this, your reel could end up seizing due to corrosion. As a regular angler, you must lubricate the mechanical components of your reel every 2 weeks. 

Conclusion 

Finding the best saltwater baitcasting reel becomes challenging especially when you have to look for the intricate components. These components play a vital role in the overall performance of the reel therefore, you must pay full attention to them. 

Out of all the reviews, the one that I could call my personal favorite is the CURADO K baitcasting reel. It is durable, has an incredible drag, is easy to manage, and above all, offers a smooth operation. 

We hope that with our reviews and detailed buying guide, you got an in-depth explanation of how saltwater baicasters work. Ensure that the reel you are investing in comes with useful features and is worth your hard-earned money.

Good luck and happy fishing! 

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