5 Extraordinary Saltwater Fishing Reels

5 Extraordinary Saltwater Fishing Reels great for targeting a variety of species from inshore, offshore and from shore. Here’s our top five picks which cover a lot of ground from dependable fishing reel brands.

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Penn International VI Series Big Game Reels

The Big Game Brute

Sea monsters demand the most because they didn’t get that big being stupid. When it comes to big game fishing reels drag, gearing, bearings and line capacity are four of the most important specifications. But none of that matters if the frame (body) isn’t rock solid. Penn International Fishing Reels have a strong ridged body holds everything together and aligned during a long heated battle. Proven over decades of big fish, tournament wins, and record setting the Penn International Reels are a family of extraordinary saltwater fishing reels that are dependable and made in the USA. Redesigned in 2017, the Penn International Big Game Reels are better than ever.

Buy Penn International Big Game Reels Today!

When going to hunt down tuna, billfish or sharks gear up first with Penn International Series Reels for the ultimate big game weapon. They are extraordinary saltwater fishing reels for mid game fishing! Photo by Jim Potter
When going to hunt down tuna, billfish or sharks gear up first with Penn International Series Reels for the ultimate big game weapon.

Van Staal X-Series Spinning Reels

Made For The Salt & Surf

Van Staal Fishing Reels are hands down the best spinning reel for surf fishing. All metal, sealed and built like a tank… Fish With No Limitations… Fish Van Staal and own the surf.

Van Staal Reels are made for the salt and surf. Sealed for long term durability there's no better surf fishing reel. Van Staal reels are extraordinary saltwater fishing reels! Photo: Brad Bankos
Van Staal Reels are made for the salt and surf. Photo: Brad Bankos

These extraordinary saltwater fishing reels come in a full size ranging from 100 to 275 there’s a size for every fishing situation. The VS100 is perfect for kayak fishing as well as ultralight wade fishing. The most popular and most versatile for surfcasting, the VS150 & VS200 sizes match up great with rods in the 8-10′ range. The VS250 is the right choice when targeting big fish in big surf. It’s a perfect match on 10-11′ surf rods for fishing lures of all sizes. The VS275 is a specialty reel that’s great for launching lures the furthest (3″ spool diameter) and cranking quick in fast current (40″ per turn, the fastest retrieve of the bunch). Learn about Van Staal VR Series, a more affordable series of reels here.

Conquer the harshest saltwater conditions with Van Staal X-Series Reels. Buy today at Fisherman’s Headquarters!


Avet Lever Drag Reels

Versatile Compact Workhorse

Compact, versatile, powerful, durable… These key traits anglers demand are what Avet Fishing Reels offers. Precision machined in the USA, Avet Reels have a one piece frame and stainless gearing for ultimate strength and durability. The indestructible anti-reverse system, combined with Avet’s dry carbon drag offers one of the most smooth, wear resistant, reliable stopping power drag systems. The corrosion resistance anodized finish really tops off these beautiful reels.

Avet lever drag fishing reels are powerful and compact allowing anglers the freedom to target a variety of species utilizing different tactics with the same reel. Avet reels are extraordinary saltwater fishing reels!
Avet lever drag fishing reels are powerful and compact allowing anglers the freedom to target a variety of species utilizing different tactics with the same reel.

Avet has a reel for every type of saltwater fishing from jigging, live bait, chunking and trolling. They even offer a Magic Cast, magnetic cast control option, for those pitching irons and looking to launch long distances. These extraordinary saltwater fishing reels have a cult following. Experience an Avet and join it today!

Buy an Avet Fishing Reel Today!

Avet fishing reels are available in a variety of colors and many different with additional options such as MC Magic cast and two speed gears. The blue Avet fishing reel in this photo features the Magic Cast. It's detailed showing the adjustment dial
Available in a variety of options there is an Avet Reel for everyone. This photo details a blue Avet with the Magic Cast options. The magnetic cast control system is fine tuned by using the adjustment dial shown here.

Daiwa BG Spinning Reels

Quality Features At A Great Price

Quite possibly the best value in saltwater fishing reels, the Daiwa BG Series offers a ton of quality features at a great price. Packing the largest main gear in its class anglers love the smooth cranking power. The sloppy play found in most other reels is NOT present in the BG due to its solid screw in handle design. The powerful waterproof drag and dual anti reverse (on 4500 sizes and larger) stop big game fish fast.

Buy a Daiwa BG Fishing Reel Today!

Daiwa BG Reels are a great value! There quality and price is second to none! BG Reels are extraordinary saltwater fishing reels for inshore and mid-shore fishing!
Daiwa BG Reels are a great value! There quality and price is second to none!

There’s a Daiwa BG Reel for every saltwater fishing situation. To learn more about them check out our blog post, Best Inshore Saltwater Reel At The $100 Range… The Daiwa BG!

But if you are looking for a reel with a little extra bells and whistles… take a look at the Daiwa Saltist. The added Magseal feature in the Saltist Series offers extended performance and long lasting smoothness. Both the anti-reverse roller bearing and line roller bearing are Magsealed. Daiwa also offers the Saltist Back Bay Series that’s a perfect specialty lineup for shallow water anglers.

The joy of fishing Daiwa reels is fully understood once used and hooked up! Here's a happy anglers aboard Fish Head Charters with Captain Greg Cudnik.
The joy of fishing Daiwa reels is fully understood once used and hooked up! Here’s a happy anglers aboard Fish Head Charters with Captain Greg Cudnik.

Shimano Tranx Levelwind Reel

The Ultimate Saltwater Low Profile Reel

The Shimano Tranx is the ultimate saltwater low profile reel. It’s the perfect level wind reel that fits right in your palm. Offing all day comfort the Tranx is perfect for casting and jigging targeting all inshore species; striped bass, fluke, tautog, snook, redfish and even fresh water bass and musky.

Fish all day in comfort with the Shimano Tranx, the ultimate saltwater low profile fishing reel. From casting and jigging to bottom fishing, the Shimano Tranx reel can do it all. Shimano Tranx are extraordinary saltwater fishing reels! Photo by Todays Anglers
Fish all day in comfort with the Shimano Tranx, the ultimate saltwater low profile fishing reel. From casting and jigging to bottom fishing, the Shimano Tranx reel can do it all. As shown in the photo above the Shimano Tranx HG models comes with a round power grip knob. The standard models have a dual paddle handle.

What sets the Tranx apart from the rest?

Exclusive X-Ship & HEG designs provide massive cranking power yet smooth and effortless retrieve. Special water resistant technology (CoreProtect) provides long-lasting durability. Available in two sizes and two gear ratios as well as right and left hand there’s a Tranx for everyone! These extraordinary saltwater fishing reels are a favorite among the team at Fish Heads for fluke, striped bass and tog!

Buy a Shimano Tranx Fishing Reel Today.

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