Top 10 Best Inshore Saltwater Spinning Reels in 2022
Inshore fishing is one of the most exciting ways to catch fish. While offshore fishing offers a broad variety of fishing opportunities, there’s nothing like the thrill of battling a fish right in the shallows. If you’re looking for the best inshore fishing reels, keep reading. Today, I’m going to share with you my reviews of the best inshore saltwater spinning reels, so you can find the perfect reel to meet your fishing needs.
See also How to Cast Spinning and Baitcaster Reels .
10 Best Inshore Spinning Reels in 2022
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1. Daiwa BG MQ 3000
The Daiwa BG MQ is the latest edition to the BG lineup, and it’s awesome.
The reel is quite compact owing to its monocoque construction. Instead of the typical two-piece side plate and body structure, it features a one-piece frame.
The cranking is super smooth, and stays that way through tons of use.
Apart from the ‘boot cover,’ there are no additional screws on the body, for more robust water resistance.
The 2000 to 6000 size reels come with an ordinary rubber T knob. Larger versions (8000 and higher) have bigger T knobs.
The BG MQ features a complete metal alloy body. Lightweight, rigid, resilient, and corrosion resistant, this is a tried and true material.
With a “semi-single-piece” body, the BG MQ reel is stronger than the BG. The stronger body maintains the gear alignment for optimal power transmission from the crank to the rotor.
Daiwa’s Zaion (graphite) material is used to make the rotor. It has arches that assist distribute pressure to the rotor’s bottom part, decreasing flex. The air rotor is a hollowed-out design that Daiwa says improves reel sensitivity and rotational balance by reducing weight. The rotor flexes somewhat under intense pressure, but only slightly. The total rigidity of the monocoque body compensates for this, ensuring excellent power transmission throughout each crank.
The BG MQ sports a manual bail trip, which many prefer.
On the BG MQ, Daiwa utilizes their ABS LONG CAST spool technology. The spool’s lip is slightly angled, allowing for a smoother line release when casting, thereby boosting casting distance.
The lower 2500–3000 sizes have a max drag of 22lbs. The 4000–6000 sizes have a 26lbs. max drag. The 8000–14000 sizes have a 33lbs. max drag, and a whopping 44lbs. of drag for sizes 18000 to 20000.
The drag washers are made of carbon fiber and are properly lubricated. To disperse heat, they are sandwiched between thick metal drag plates.
The Automatic Tournament Drag is lubricated with an enhanced drag oil that is thin and less viscous at rest but becomes thicker quickly after the drag starts being used.
Cast zinc gears make up the inner workings. Although not as high-end as machined brass gears, they are still some of the finest gears available.
The thinner shell, which borrows technical design ideas from the top-end Saltiga, allows for a substantially larger gear, which enables anglers to apply more torque to the reel, resulting in maximum power transmission.
Daiwa put 9 internal seals into the BG MQ. Along with the one- piece monocoque body, it keeps out corrosive saltwater very well.
The BG MQ is also available in 10 sizes from 2000 to a huge 20,000.
2. Penn Battle III
If you’re looking for a high-performance reel that can handle large saltwater gamefish, the Penn Battle III is for you. All washers are covered with a long-lasting, proprietary grease, ensuring excellent performance. It’s also built to last, with a full metal side plate, rotor, and body.
The heavy-duty metal bail wire is very durable. This reel maintains its smooth operation with an HT-100 carbon fiber drag mechanism, letting you to have a powerful drag without any line feed problems. The anti-reverse bearing stops engaged instantly, allowing you to keep reeling uninterrupted.
At around $100, you’re getting unequaled quality at an incredible bargain.
3. Shimano Vanford 3000 Spinning Reel
This reel is unquestionably a high-end option, but it’s well worth the money.
One of the first things you’ll notice is that it has a 20-pound maximum drag weight.
The Shimano Vanford F 3000 offers everything you need to succeed. Everything about the gearing and construction is intended to eliminate friction and deliver a silky smooth casting and reeling experience.
It’s also one of the most lightweight options on the list. Overall, the Vanford 3000 reel’s light weight, when combined with Shimano’s patented technology, makes this a terrific reel.
4. Daiwa Saltist Back Bay LT
The Daiwa Saltist Back Bay LT is ideal for anglers that want a light reel with unyielding strength. This reel, which has the brand’s unique HARDBODYZ construction, is a tough choice for saltwater anglers.
This reel is constructed of an aluminum metal alloy, making it light and comfortable to use without losing performance. The stainless-steel AIR BAIL system ensures that your reel performs at its best even when up against the toughest opponents.
Saltwater is repelled away from the components by a magnetic oil that protects the main shaft. You’ll have peace of mind knowing your reel is protected from corrosion, regardless of the water conditions or spray.
The smooth performance of the machined aluminum alloy is enhanced by the digitally milled gearing, which improves the efficiency of gear-tooth interactions. It also has 15.4 lbs of drag and is made of a lightweight, robust composite shell.
5. Penn Clash II
Wind knots are a major bummer, which is why the Penn Clash II is a great addition to your arsenal.
This reel has the ideal blend of spool diameters and modest oscillation, resulting in a configuration that is ideal for long, smooth casts.
The Penn Clash & Clash II takes things to the next level with CNC Gear technology that ensures the driving pinion and oscillation gear are accurately carved from quality metals.
You’ll adore the smooth, pleasant performance the Penn Clash II provides on the water, thanks to HT-100 carbon fiber drag washers, anti-reverse bearing, and an 8+1 stainless steel bearing system.
6. Exsence by Shimano
The Shimano Exsence Spinning Reel is engineered to survive even the roughest and worst sea conditions.
The Hagane Body is a high-rigidity metal body that provides increased durability and impact resistance, eliminates body flexing, and increases cranking power under strain.
Saltwater cannot penetrate because to its interior labyrinth structure, even when exposed to intense sprays and splashes.
This reel features a Magnumlite Rotor, which is 25% lighter than standard rotors, offering you improved balance when reeling. It also requires less inertia to start and stop, resulting in a more pleasant overall experience.
The pinion gear maintains excellent alignment under severe loads when combined with the X-Ship gear’s endurance. This essentially eliminates spool shaft and gear friction, resulting in better casting performance for longer throws and lighter lures.
7. Daiwa BG
The Daiwa BG Spinning Reel is designed to outperform the competition with industry-leading innovation and top-performing components.
The Hard Bodyz aluminum body and side cover are created for strength and stability, and you’ll adore them. The scratch- and corrosion-resistant black anodized body and cover keep your reel in great shape no matter what the weather throws at it.
Thanks to the watertight Carbon ATD, you’ll never have to compromise on smoothness or longevity. The Daiwa is equipped with a seven-bearing drive mechanism as well as an Infinite Anti-Reverse System (or Infinite Dual Anti-Reverse).
The air rotor weighs 15% less than standard rotors due to its unusual form, resulting in a lightweight design with maximum strength and durability. It’s also designed to support different line capacities.
The Daiwa BG Spinning Reel is designed to withstand every challenge you throw at it.
8. Abu Garcia Revo Inshore
If you’re after a reel that can withstand hard-pulling fish and corrosive saltwater conditions, the Abu Garcia Revo Inshore Fishing Reel is a great choice. This reel is designed for inshore fishing and can stand up to even the most difficult battles.
The stainless steel main shaft and components of this reel make it extremely corrosion-resistant.
The Amgearing System and the Everlast Bail System provide excellent durability and a smooth line feed that won’t let you down when you’ve hooked into a monster. As the design is computer-optimized, it’s one of the most energy-efficient systems available.
You’ll never have to compromise comfort since the large EVA knobs are designed for optimum grip and comfort, putting you in complete control.
The machined metal braid ready spool eliminates the need for monofilament line filling. Any braided line can be attached directly to the spool and will not slip.
9. Okuma Avenger Graphite Baitfeeder
The Okuma Avenger Baitfeeder Graphite Spinning Reel is a top-performing device that is likely to transform the way you fish with live baits. It is used by both novice anglers and experts all over the world,
With a multi-disc felt drag mechanism and a 7-bearing drive system, this reel is built to resist a lot of punishment while still delivering top-notch performance.
The Okuma Avenger has Baitfeeding technology, which comprises a secondary drag gear in the back of the reel that is particularly built for bait fishing. It permits fish to devour the bait without being bothered by the line’s resistance. After the fish has eaten the bait, just switch the reel handle to the primary drag system and reel it in!
This reel is suitable for all fish species and can be used in both freshwater and saltwater conditions, making it a flexible reel that can be utilized in almost any situation.
10. Okuma Inspira Carbon Frame Lightweight Spinning Reel
If you need a reel that operates consistently and reliably every time you use it, the Okuma Inspira Carbon Frame Lightweight Spinning Reel might be what you’re looking for. It’s a reel that can take a lot of abuse, and keep performing even under the most adverse conditions. It’s designed for use inshore, and in freshwater.
The C-40X’s long-strand carbon fiber framing results in a frame that is 25% lighter and 50% stronger than graphite frames. As a result, your reel will be less prone to twisting and bending.
The centrifugal disc bail on the Inspira ensures optimal strength and stability. Furthermore, the 13-pounds of constant drag pressure can handle big, tough fish while staying smooth the whole way.
High airflow around the rotor is provided by the cyclonic flow rotor, which drives water out of the spool and prevents corrosion caused by water intrusion.
What to look for in an Inshore Fishing Reel
The modern inshore saltwater spinning reel is a marvel of engineering, providing anglers with the ability to selectively dial in their drag to the exact pounds per inch required for a given application. Today’s inshore saltwater spinning reels are available in a variety of sizes, ranging from as small as 2500 series, to as large as 5000 series. The best inshore saltwater spinning reels will be in the middle of this range, in the 3000 to 4000 series size range. These reels should be able to hold at least 150 yards of 20 to 30 pound braid line, and should be water resistant, either as a sealed unit or with water resistant components.
Size-
The best size range for inshore spinning reels is from 2500 to 5000 series. A 3000 series is a good all around size that will work well almost anywhere, is light, and holds enough 20 to 30 lbs. braid line for almost any fish you’ll catch from shore. When large fish such as sharks, or tuna are targeted, a 5000 series is a good choice.
Water Resistance:
Ideally, the spool, drag, and body of an inshore spinning reel should be IPX6 sealed against water entry. The IPX6 rating means the reel can resist high pressure water jets hitting the reel from any direction. For surf fishing, and IPX6 rated reel is highly recommended. Once saltwater, especially sandy saltwater, gets inside a reel, the reel will soon lose performance and need repair.
Corrosion Resistance:
Saltwater is corrodes metal quickly. Inshore fishing reels are made from corrosion resistant materials. You can use a freshwater reel in saltwater, but it will become unusable very quickly, probably within a few fishing trips.
Drag System:
Drag systems keep the line resistance constant, preventing the line from breaking. They also protect the gears in a reel from being overstressed, and warping, or breaking. Modern mid to high-end reels have excellent drag systems.
Ball Bearings
A spinning reel’s ball bearings are an integral aspect of its performance. The number of ball bearings in a spinning reel varies greatly across brands and models, and this is usually proportional to the reel’s quality.
The more bearings your reel has, the smoother it will cast and reel.
If you’re in the market for a new reel, opt for the one with the most ball bearings. At the very least, you’ll want to get one with five bearings.
Anti-Reverse
The anti-reverse function stops the reel from spinning backwards, allowing the drag feature to be used instead. Depending on their preferences, fisherman may utilize a switch on certain spinning reels to activate or disengage the setting.
Be sure there’s an anti-reverse option or a better yet, a permanent anti-reverse feature when purchasing a new reel.
Consider the Conditions You’ll Fish In.
Most saltwater reels and equipment may be used in freshwater, but freshwater reels and equipment will not last long in saltwater.
That is why it is important to consider where you will be fishing as well as whether you will be fishing in freshwater and/or saltwater.
Anglers who want to fish in saltwater should select a reel that is engineered to endure the elements found there.
Furthermore, since saltwater is inherently corrosive, certain metal reels may corrode with time. As a result, finding a reel that can tolerate sea water is crucial.
Price and Budget
Although every fisherman wishes they had an infinite budget, the price of an inshore spinning reel will surely affect your selection.
Prioritize quality, functionality, and performance above money when purchasing your first inshore spinning reel.
When comparing items, costs might range from under $100 to well over $500 for some of the more high-end models.
When deciding on a budget, think about how frequently you’ll use it and how often you’ll need to replace the reel.
Even if the initial cost of a reel is considerable, bear in mind that if you only need to buy a decent reel once per decade or two, the cost may be justified.
Gear Ratio
The gear ratio of a spinning reel is the number of times the bail spins around the spool in one handle revolution. To put it another way, it’s how much you have to spin the handle for the reel to make a full lap around the spool.
If you plan to use a rapid retrieve lure, choose a reel with a high gear ratio, which means that even a little turn of the handle may cause several spins around the spool.
If you’re a beginner angler looking to add a nice all-around reel to your collection, go for a gear ratio in the center of the range, about 5:1.
F.A.Q.
Despite the fact that we’ve previously covered a lot about spinning reels and the greatest models on the market, I thought it’d be a good idea to go over some of the most often asked questions as well.
Which Spinning Reel is Ideal for Inshore Fishing?
Despite the fact that we’ve mentioned a few excellent spinning reels, the finest reel for inshore fishing is one that does precisely what you want it to.
Most low-cost spinning reels aren’t designed to tolerate saltwater, so they won’t work well in an inshore environment.
For saltwater fishing, you’ll want to invest in a high-quality reel with a water-resistant structure.
Unless you’re solely using monofilament line, a spinning reel that can handle braided line is required. Certain bail rollers can’t handle braided lines due to slight gaps on the ends, resulting in slippage, sliding, binding, and a whole lot of other problems that will ruin your fishing experience.
Don’t forget that you’ll want a reel that fits well in your hands.
When inshore fishing, many species can put up a long, hard battle, so you’d better have a reel that feels good to use.
Look for features like drag and anti-reverse when shopping for a reel.
What is the best reel size for inshore fishing?
Reel size for inshore fishing is determined by the kind of line, and how much of that line you’ll need to use. This is directly related to the kind of fish you’re targeting.
The first thing you should consider before deciding on a reel is the size of the line you’ll be using on your reel, and whether you’ll be using monofilament, and/or braided.
If you’re fishing with a 2 to 10 lb monofilament line or a 4 to 20 lb braided line, a small spinning reel will suffice. The size of small reels normally range from 1000 to 3,000.
Use a medium-size reel if you’re using an 8 to 20 pound monofilament line or an 10 to 30 pound braid. Medium-sized spinning reels will be between in the 4,000 and 6,000 series.
For any lines that are stronger than this, it is advised that you use a bigger size reel.
Monofilament lines of 15 to 30 pounds or braided lines of 30 to 60 need large spinning reels ranging in size from 7000 to 9000.
The species you’re after will determine the sort of fishing line you use. If you’re after small game, a lighter line will suffice. When fishing for large gamefish, be sure the reel can take a heavy line.
For Inshore Fishing, How Much Drag is Required?
The drag is one of the most important parts of landing a fish. When you land a big catch, it stops your line from breaking, and if set properly, it can outlast even the strongest and most persistent fish.
Remember that having the drag set a touch too light (and having the fish struggle for a little longer) is better than having it set too tight and having the fish break your line.
A good rule of thumb to follow when it comes to drag settings is the 20 to 30% guideline.
Take the line strength and calculate what 20% and 30% would be of that line strength. That’s an excellent place to start when calculating your drag.
If you’re fishing inshore with a 10 pound line, for example, your drag should be between 2 and 3 pounds.
Always make sure you set your drag before casting your line into the water; the last thing you want is to lose a lunker fish because you forgot to set the drag right on your reel .
Conclusion
Having a quality inshore reel can make or break any fishing trip, whether you’re looking to upgrade from your first reel, are new to fishing, or are a veteran angler.
If you make the incorrect choice, you’ll spend more time fumbling with your reel than actually fishing.
Finally, it’s always a good idea to go for the highest-quality reel that your budget will allow.
See also Best Surf Fishing Rods .