Fishing in saltwater gives you the best experience in terms of adventure and large fish size.
However, it can take a toll on your fishing gear.
Hence, you need durable and reliable equipment, and if you are also on a budget, then this list of best saltwater reels is perfect for you.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Saltwater Spinning Reel Under $100
- OUR TOP PICK: Penn Battle II
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Okuma Inspira
- Okuma Azores
Comparison of the Best Saltwater Spinning Reels Under $100
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Can You Find a Quality Saltwater Spinning Reel That’s Under $100?
The quality of the spinning reel defines your whole fishing experience. Although there exists a misconception that high price means excellent quality, it is not always true. It is the consumerist ideology that price is the best metric when evaluating the quality of any product. However, when it comes to saltwater spinning reels, you can get great value under $100.
Furthermore, you also get exceptional durability, power, strength, and precision while paying only a fraction of the cost of high-end products. The only thing you should be focused on is what you want and the specification, the rest you can go through our shortlisted reels and choose your ideal one.
Can Any Spinning Reel Be Used For Saltwater Fishing?
Multiple spinning reels are used for both freshwater and saltwater fishing, but since the experience itself is so different that it is always best to buy a spinning reel that is specially designed for saltwater. Furthermore, a good spinning reel is the foundation for a fantastic experience in saltwater. Saltwater Reels need to be high tech with precision workmanship to deal with rough elements and tough fish.
Lastly, the durability levels required by a reel to last in saltwater are also very different from the freshwater reels. It is advisable to use reels especially built for saltwater fishing.
What to Look For When Buying a Saltwater Spinning Reel
Since price is not the best representative of quality, what is? There are a few things that you need to consider before buying a reel.
Durable Build
Fishing in saltwater puts a lot of pressure on your reel and tests its durability on the next level. Hence, it should be built strong and durable to withstand the saltwater ordeals. You should carefully check the quality of the materials used and the quality of the components used. Furthermore, you should finally check if the reel is well constructed or not. Ideally, it should be anti-corrosive and sealed correctly.
Warranty
It is essential to consider warranty policies before buying any spinning reel.
A good warranty can be an indication of the high-quality the reel is made of, and it is also your security if something goes wrong.
Drag System
Saltwater reels are mainly used to regulate the ease with which the fishing line moves through the spool. A tighter or a higher drag makes it difficult for the fishing line to move through the reel, which ultimately makes it slower.
On the other hand, a loose or a lower drag makes it easy for the fishing line to move through the spool, which ultimately makes it faster.
Key Terms to Know
To help compare products in this review, we have included a few key specifications for each. Here is a quick summary of what they mean.
- Materials: The materials the reel is made of.
- Weight: The actual weight of the reel.
- Hand Orientation: Which dominant hand the reel is made for.
- Bearing Type and Material: The number or type of bearings inside the reel and also the bearing material.
- Gear Ratio: This tells you the number of times the reel spool turns with each crank of the handle.
- Maximum Drag: The amount of force the reel can withstand without the line slipping.
- Line Compatibility: Which line types the reel is meant to be used with.
Review of the Best Saltwater Spinning Reels Under $100
It can be challenging to find an excellent spinning reel that is under $100. However, don't worry, we have shortlisted them for you.
Best Overall:
Penn Battle II
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers have only good things to say about the product. They love its affordability and great quality that is parallel to high-end products. They love how it has a good drag and is waterproof and almost unbreakable. Furthermore, some people find the weight ideal for the kind of fishing it is made for.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This product stands out to us for its power and a durable build that is ideal for offshore fishing in saltwater and catching larger species like Snapper, Grouper, etc. It is highly durable and is built to last. It is a perfect balance between function and durability at a fraction of the cost.
Who Will Use This Most
Although it can be used in both saltwater and freshwater, it will be ideal for people who love to fish in saltwater or who love to fish larger species. It is specially designed for fishing in offshore saltwater. Furthermore, it should be used by people with strong hands and arms.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a product that will be light on your pocket and will last you for a long time, then you should consider buying a Penn Battle II Spinning Reel. It is made of aluminum, has high-quality bail wire and ball bearings. Furthermore, it is specially designed to work smoothly in saltwater for catching larger species.
Product Specs
Material:
Stainless steel, Metal
Weight:
1 lb
Hand Orientation:
Ambidextrous
Bearing Type and Material:
5+1 sealed stainless steel ball bearing
Gear Ratio:
6.2:1
Maximum Drag:
15 lbs
Line Compatibility:
Multifilament
Best for the Money:
Okuma Inspira
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of the recent buyers are highly content with the product. They love its affordability and great quality that is comparable to high-end products. They love how it is lightweight yet effective for saltwater fishing. Furthermore, some people find its durability a huge plus point.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It stands out to us because of its strong build and highly durable corrosion-resistant body. It has a great design innovation. Adding its body to its carbon fiber body and side plates, it is a terrific combo that easily lasts for years. And the best part is all of this is highly affordable.
Who Will Use This Most
This gear will be highly suitable for people on a budget who want great quality since it’s not just affordable, but it is also strong and durable. Furthermore, since its light, people with fragile arms or wrists or beginners can also use it without any discomfort or difficulty.
Bottom Line
If you are in search of a reasonable, robust, and long-lasting spinning reel, then you should consider buying this product. It is lightweight and has smooth land, a reliable corrosion-resistant functionality for long life. Furthermore, it gives the best value for the price when compared with other products in its price range.
Product Specs
Material:
C-40X Carbon
Weight:
0.4 lbs
Bearing Type and Material:
8BB + 1 RB stainless steel
Gear Ratio:
5:0:1
Maximum Drag:
13 lbs
Line Compatibility:
Monofilament
3. Okuma Azores
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
A huge number of positive buyer reports back this product. The buyers are in admiration of this product. They are highly satisfied with their drag system and durability. They are also a fan of its precision when it comes to setting the scale and its ease of use that makes it easy to learn and adopt.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We find this product’s exemplary drag system and drags adjustment system. It is both strong and powerful and precise. Furthermore, while having a strong drag, it is still very simple to operate with compatibility with a few techniques. Lastly, its durability is a huge plus point.
Who Will Use This Most
The tool is ideal for people who are new to fishing and want to start from the basics. It is also great for people on a budget since it’s not just affordable, but it is also strong and durable. Furthermore, people who are more concerned about their drag system should try this reel.
Bottom Line
In need of a reel that has a sophisticated drag system and is affordable? Then you should consider buying this reel. It has a powerful and precise drag system. Furthermore, it is made of aluminum and hence is highly durable and lightweight. Lastly, it is also easy to use.
Product Specs
Material:
Diecast aluminum body
Weight:
1.8 lbs
Hand Orientation:
Ambidextrous
Bearing Type and Material:
6HPB + 1RB stainless steel
Gear Ratio:
5:4:1
Maximum Drag:
20 lbs
Line Compatibility:
Monofilament
4. Okuma Avenger ABF
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Majority of recent buyers think the Okuma reel is a beast in saltwater. They further love its bait feeder and smooth retrieval smooth casting. Many are also an absolute fan of it because of its durability and how it handles the weight of large fish.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We find this reel impressive because of its strong build and highly durable corrosion-resistant body. It also even features a bait feeding system that lets the fish eat the bait without feeling the trap, and then you flip down the bait feeder lever to engage the drag.
Who Will Use This Most
The tool is ideal for people who have some prior experience in saltwater fishing. It can be great for people on a budget since it’s not just affordable, but it is also strong and durable. Furthermore, since it is heavy, people with strong wrists or arms should use it, and beginners should try lighter models first.
Bottom Line
For fishers who are looking for a reel that will suit your expert nature while still being beginner pocket-friendly, then you should consider buying this reel. It is made of Graphite and has a quality bait feeding system and ball bearings. Furthermore, it is particularly designed to work efficiently in saltwater to catch larger species.
Product Specs
Material:
Stainless Steel
Weight:
1 lb
Hand Orientation:
Ambidextrous
Bearing Type and Material:
6BB + 1RB stainless steel ball bearing
Gear Ratio:
4.5:1
Maximum Drag:
26 lbs
Line Compatibility:
Mono and Braided
5. Shimano Nasci 1000FB
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers believe that this Shimano Nasci is a little powerhouse of steel that is highly durable. They love its affordability and great quality that is in line with its expensive counterparts. Furthermore, they also love how it is lightweight yet effective for saltwater fishing.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We think this reel is one of the best because of its careful engineering intended to make it lightweight yet powerful. It has a great design innovation. Adding to its lightweight body, it is also highly durable and effective with stainless steel ball bearings and water repellent wire and clutch roller.
Who Will Use This Most
We highly recommend this to people on a budget who want great quality and are concerned about the weight of their spool since it's not just affordable, but it is also strong and durable. Furthermore, since its light, people with fragile arms or wrists can also use it without any discomfort or difficulty.
Bottom Line
If you are particularly worried about the weight of the product, then you should try this professional-level reel. It is specially engineered to be lightweight. It is also affordable, strong, and durable. Furthermore, it has a powerful gear system, smooth retrieval, stainless-steel ball bearings, and water repellent wire.
Product Specs
Material:
Carbon
Weight:
1 lb
Hand Orientation:
Ambidextrous
Bearing Type and Material:
4 + 1
Gear Ratio:
5:0:1
Maximum Drag:
7-24 lbs
Line Compatibility:
Mono and Braided
Aspects to Consider Before Buying
There are certain aspects that need to be considered carefully before buying, or else it can be a reason for concern later.
Material & Weight
Fishing is a slow process, and you need to hold your rod the whole time, hence the weight is an important factor. If the spinning reel is bulky, then it can cause wrist and arm exhaustion over extended periods of time. Aluminum and Graphite usually make lighter and stronger reels.
Gear Ratio
Gear Ratio basically defines the power and speed of your gear. If you like fishing for fast fish, then you need to go for a high gear ratio, which will ultimately lead to a high-speed result. On the other hand, if you want to fish for bulkier fish, then a low gear ratio might just do the job. It will have some reeling power and the necessary torque.
Line Capacity
Line Capacity tells you about the length of mainline, the weight that the reel can sustain, and the size of fish the reel can easily support. These are usually printed on the reel and need to be in line with your personal needs.
Conclusion
Every Spinning Reel is designed while keeping certain aspects and details in mind, and on this list, you can clearly see why saltwater reels stand out the way they do while still being affordable. Their durability and strength cannot be replaced or overlooked. Hence, carefully evaluate your next buying decision.
