What To Look For
Look for a reel made by one of the top fishing equipment manufacturers. Penn, Daiwa and Shimano have all been in business for many years, and their success is rooted in offering consumers quality products at reasonable prices.
Common Pitfalls
Although Penn, Daiwa and Shimano all offer top quality fishing reels to their customers, they also offer some inexpensive versions of their best gear, aimed for consumers with limited budgets. To reduce the cost of manufacturing these cheaper versions, manufacturers use lower quality materials when making the reel. These reels work equally well out of the box, when compared to the top of the line models. After a year in the saltwater environment however, the materials begin to corrode and performance begins to decline.
Where To Buy
Although your local bait and tackle shop carries a selection of fishing reels, their selection will pale in comparison to the choices available from online retailers like Cabela's and Bass Pro Shops. Internet retailers are accommodating when it comes to returns and exchanges, but you will have to pay shipping costs, which can add up.
Cost
Spinning reels made by the top manufacturers are offered throughout a wide price range. As of 2009, Penn, Shimano and Daiwa all offer reels for as low as $59 right up to top of the line models that retail at just under $1,000.
Comparison Shopping
The Shimano Sedona retails for $59 and comes with four ball bearings and holds up to 200 yards of 10 pound test line. Shimano's top of the line reel, the Stella, is made with 15 bearings, a saltwater resistant aluminum frame and holds up to 380 yards of 25 pound test line. The Stella retails for $950.
From Daiwa, the Regal 4000XiA retails for $55, comes with 11 bearings and holds 260 yards of 12 pound test. Daiwa's best spinning reel is the Saltiga. With 7 ball bearings and digitally designed and manufactured gears, the Saltiga has a reel capacity of 230 yards of 12 pound test and is priced at $420.
Penn's entry level reel is the Captiva. With 8 ball bearings, the Captiva 25000 holds 200 yards of 12 pound test line and sells for $60. The Penn Conquer 7000 is priced at $220, features 10 ball bearings and holds 250 yards of 17 pound test line.
Accessories
Reel cleaners are made by several manufacturers, most notably Penn. A good reel cleaner will extend the life of your reel by removing all traces of salt after a day of fishing.
Reel lubricant should be purchased for regular reel maintenance. A drop of lube on your line roller and main gear can make a world of difference in your reel's performance.
Extra line spool. Some reels come with an extra spool. If the reel you buy does not, consider purchasing an extra line spool from the manufacturer. The extra spool can be used for a different type of line, or as a back up for your regular line selection.
