THE BEST SALTWATER SURF FISHING REELS

Stephen Franey
4 min readJan 22, 2023

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best fishing reels for surf fishing

Saltwater surf fishing reels: a must-have for any saltwater angler looking to land the big one. From the reel to the tackle, these bad boys are the key to success in the surf. Whether you’re planning on wrangling small fry or going after a trophy catch, having the right reel is a crucial part of your success. Fortunately, the market has become saturated with a range of models, so you’re sure to find the perfect match for your angling style. From drag systems to gear ratios, the best saltwater surf fishing reels offer the optimal combination of power, performance, and reliability. So, get your tackle ready and get out there — the perfect reel awaits!

VAN STAAL VR50

The Van Stall VR50 is a lightweight yet extremely durable saltwater reel that is great for surf fishing. It’s made from a corrosion and waterproof aluminum material with a stainless steel bail. The VR50 comes with a 6.5:1 gear ratio, and it has corrosion-resistant seals which allow the reel to be submerged while reeling. The VR50 is lightweight, at just 3.7 ounces, and it is designed with a durable anti-corrosive coating. It’s also easy to transport and store, Van Staal makes the absolute best surf fishing reels since they were designed by NY surfcasters themselves to meet the harsh conditions at Montauk Point and along the South Shore. Van Staals are hands-down the best surf fishing reels they don’t come cheap but if cared for can last a lifetime.

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Shimano Saragosa 5000

The Shimano Saragosa 5000 is the perfect fishing reel for any angler! With its powerful 4.0:1 stainless steel gear system, corrosion-resistant stainless steel frame, and lightweight graphite body, it’s the ideal reel for any size line and any situation. It’s also equipped with Infinity Drive Technology and Cross Carbon drag, giving it a distinct advantage over hard-fighting game fish. On top of that, the Saragosa 5000 is IPX8-rated waterproof and features X-Protect for long-lasting durability without sacrificing performance. No matter whether you’re fishing inshore or offshore, jigging for bottom fish, or casting baits at tailing fish, you can count on the Saragosa 5000 to stay smooth and perform when you need it most. So grab your Shimano Saragosa 5000 and get ready to reel in some serious action!

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Penn Slammer IV 4500

The Penn Slammer IV 4500 is a four-piece saltwater spinning reel that has a 13.5:1 gear ratio. This reel can handle a wide range of fishing situations, whether you’re targeting redfish, snapper, grouper, cobia, striper, or trout. It can be used for both surf fishing and pier fishing. It was designed with a powerful, lightweight aluminum frame that allows the reel to be compact and easy to carry around. The Penn Slammer IV 4500 weighs in at just 3.4 ounces. This reel is corrosion-free and has a smooth drag adjustment. You can’t go wrong with a Penn.

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Daiwa Saltist 5000

The Daiwa Saltist 5000 is the perfect saltwater reel for any angler looking to make a splash — literally. This lightweight and compact reel packs a punch and makes casting large lures a breeze. With seven ball bearings and a maximum drag of 16 pounds, you can rest assured that your catch won’t slip away. Plus, the reel’s quick action and smooth drag make it ideal for both offshore and inshore fishing. So whether you’re a novice or a professional, the Daiwa Saltist 5000 is the perfect addition to your tackle box. Who knows, you might even make a big enough splash that you make it onto the evening news.

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Tsunami SaltX 4000

The Tsunami SaltX4000 is the perfect choice for anglers who want a reel that is as light as a feather, strong as an ox, and as durable as a tank. This reel has all the bells and whistles, from its machine-cut precision line guides and titanium spool to its carbon fiber drag system, making it the perfect companion for a long day on the water. And with its hard-anodized aluminum frame and composite handle — you can be sure of a good grip and a reel that won’t let you down when you finally hook that big one!

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We really hope you enjoyed our blog about saltwater surf fishing reels! These are all important factors that a saltwater angler should consider when buying a fishing reel. We wish you luck on your next fishing adventure!

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