More anglers are targeting finicky fish with finesse tactics, and small spinning reels with sturdy construction, smooth drag and powerful gears are gaining popularity. Blain Anderson, product manager at Shimano, says crossover freshwater finesse tactics have created a demand for compact spinning reels. “When I’m casting a light lure, a well-balanced spinning reel produces less friction on the line, which increases casting distance and accuracy,” Anderson says.
Inspired by freshwater tackle, these seven saltwater spinning reels are tougher and stronger, ready to take a knife to a gunfight. Reels are listed in alphabetical order:
Daiwa Ballistic MQ LT
Daiwa packed its best technology into the new Ballistic MQ LT spinning reel. MQ stands for monocoque body, with a screw-in side plate that cuts the reel’s overall size while allowing the engineers to stuff the reel with a larger digitally machined main gear. The LT means light and tough. With a hollow-air bail and shaved air rotor, the 1000-size reel weighs an insane 6 ounces, and the 2500 is just under 7 ounces. My favorite features are the magnetic grease that seals the reel from water and dirt, and the advanced drag grease with a low start-up viscosity to maintain steady pressure as the drag washers heat up.
Okuma Flagship X-Series
Strategically combining strong aluminum with lightweight carbon allows Okuma’s X-Series to produce 22 pounds of drag pressure in a 2500-size spinning reel. Carbon-fiber drag, a carbon-injected side plate and a carbon rotor cut ounces off the reel. At the same time, the aluminum body, drive gear and spool shaft produce power where it’s needed most. But 22 pounds of drag pressure is worthless without the X-Series’ 10 internal stainless ball bearings, plus one roller bearing to keep the reel turning smoothly.
Penn Battle IV
Penn built its 90-year reputation in salt water, and its latest creation is a revamped Battle IV spinning reel. Available in sizes from 1000 to 10000, the Battle spinning-reel family includes CNC gears to increase cranking power, carbon-fiber drag to reduce heat, and ball bearings in the rotor and line roller to keep the reel running smoothly. The updated Battle IV adds new Hydro Armor seals on the reel handle, and a dust cap and under the spool for an extra layer of corrosion protection. The DX model features stainless bearings and brass gears to further improve corrosion resistance. Best of all, the Battle IV reel is available in 16 models covering speckled trout to yellowfin tuna.
Quantum Benchmark
To build better saltwater tackle, Quantum opened a new headquarters in Stuart, Florida, which is world-renowned for inshore and offshore fishing. “We are in the center of our customer base and close to the best testing grounds,” senior vice president Mike Rice explains. The first result of the move is Quantum’s new Benchmark spinning reel, featuring a sealed aluminum body, carbon-fiber drag and machined gearing. “We have one of the best product development teams, and we spend a lot of time on the water,” Rice says.
Seviin GSW Series
Seviin started with a blank slate when it designed the new GSW Series for inshore fishing. Strength was the objective, and the first decision was housing the reel in a die-cast aluminum body for the ultimate balance of weight and rigidity. Inside, a die-cast aluminum rotor, brass pinion and die-cast drive gear continue the power-to-weight-ratio advantage.
Shimano Ultegra FC
Little reels can have big price tags, but Shimano managed to include some of its best tech in a $160 reel. Cranking hard on a spinning reel forces the fishing rod to twist in your hand. The Ultegra’s G-Free body moves the reel’s center of gravity closer to the rod for better balance. Wind knots, when loose line loops into the spool, are the bane of spinning reels. By removing the transition between the line roller and the bail wire, the Ultegra reduces the opportunity for slack line to create a loop.
Toadfish Elite Carbon
Weighing in at only 7 ounces, the 2000 Toadfish Elite Carbon Series spinning reel is keyed in on comfort. The weight savings come from a carbon-fiber rotor and reel handle combined with a svelte aluminum body. To further increase comfort, the reel stem features unique foam pads that reduce friction when casting and retrieving. The Elite Carbon is light and tough, with an IPX5 sealed body, stainless-steel bearings and carbon-fiber drag.
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