Saltwater Reels - A Buying Guide
When buying a saltwater reel you need to take into account the type of fish, your experience and how you like to fish. The two types of reels to choose from for saltwater fishing are spinning reels and baitcasting reel.
Spinning Reels
Spinning reels are usually made for smaller baits and nowadays they can handle both small and larger fish. A salt water fishing spinning reel with a skirted spool is preferable as it will protect the reel from corrosion by the salt water. A skirted spool will also allow longer casts and help to prevent tangles. Make sure when buying a spinning reel that either it has a right hand or left-hand retrieve or can be adapted to either.
Baitcasting Reels
More experienced anglers usually prefer baitcasting reels as they can be used with heavier lines and lures that are suitable for going after bigger fish. If you regularly try to land larger fish that take some time you’ll probably prefer this type of real. A drag system is usually part of the reel which allows you to adjust the resistance on the spool. Reels are also available in different types including offshore reels, trolling reels, bottom reels, jigging reels and casting reels. These all have different uses for the different types of fishing that you may be doing.
Parts and Materials
Spools may be made of aluminium or graphite. Aluminium spools are usually more expensive and more durable but heavier than graphite spools. If you are buying an aluminium spool look for one that is anodised to give even more protection against the salt water. The same materials are used to make the frame, with again aluminium being slightly more expensive than graphite. You should also look for line capacity which may be up to 800 or 900 yards. Reels use ball bearings to keep them working smoothly, the more ball bearings the more expensive the reel and the more smoothly it will work.
Combos
Instead of buying reels and rods separately you may want to buy a ‘combo’, especially if you are new to fishing, as the reel will be the correct type for the rod. Combos specially made salt water fishing may include a rod with a spinning reel combinations especially for offshore or inshore fishing or for jigging.