The Best Conventional Saltwater Reels

The Best Conventional Saltwater Reels

Fishing in Gambian into the Atlantic Ocean image by PJGCC from Fotolia.com

Conventional saltwater reels are a tough breed of fishing reel. Generally made with marine-grade bronze and stainless steel bearings and gear components, they are designed to withstand the forces that large saltwater fish can generate. In addition, conventional saltwater reels are designed to resist the corrosive effects of a saltwater environment with waterproof casings and anti-corrosive treatments. The best conventional saltwater reels are made with durable, corrosion-resistant materials that provide strength, comfort and smoothness when reeling in game.

Shimano Torium

With a cold-forged spool and stainless steel ball bearings, Shimano's Torium saltwater reel is tough enough to fight saltwater game. Shimano's High Efficiency Gearing (HEG) provides smooth reeling action and plenty of torque when bringing in a fish, and its anti-corrosive treatment helps keep salt, water and other elements at bay. With a 4.9 out of 5 rating, the Torium is one of Cabelas.com's highest-rated saltwater reels and was consistently praised for its smooth retrieval, its reeling power and its durability.

Tica Caiman CA150

Tica's Caiman CA150 conventional reel was designed for saltwater and surf fishing, with an anti-corrosive treatment and waterproof side casing, which keep water, sand and grit from corrupting the reel's interior. In an Editor's Choice Review, Tackletour.com hailed the Caiman for its smooth, powerful retrieval, its durable casing and its anti-corrosive capabilities. Tackletour also gave the Caiman points for versatility, noting that in addition to saltwater fishing, the Caiman "gives freshwater anglers an extra edge when fighting big fish."

Daiwa Sealine X

Daiwa's Sealine X conventional saltwater reel provides a strong, smooth retrieval with its marine-grade bronze main gear and corrosion-resistant stainless steel bearings. The Sealine allows for finesse in addition to power with its lightweight, free-floating spool. This last design element allows for long-distance precision casting, and the Sealine's ergonomically designed soft-touch grip keeps a fisherman's hands from slipping when reeling in his quarry.

Article Written By Billy Brown

Billy Brown is an outdoor sports writer living in Northern California. An avid rock climber and trail runner, he's been writing about outdoor activities, fitness and gear since 2005. He regularly contributes to "The Record Searchlight," uncooped.com, and Trails.com, as well as other print and online publications. Brown holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Simpson University and is a NASM-certified personal trainer.

Write for Trails.com
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