Flowing into the Gulf of Mexico the Guadalupe River source spring up in the Texas Hill Country. In 1964 the Army Corps of Engineers saw fit to dam the Guadalupe River about 12 miles west of New Braunfels, TX. When the dam was completed, a tailwater trout fishery was born. Texas Parks and Wildlife saw […]
One of the best-kept secrets of successful fishing is bait selection. You could fish all day and catch nothing if you are using the wrong bait in a swim. Get it right, however, and you will have the best days fishing of your life… There is such a huge variety of baits available to you […]
Place a spinning reel on a table in front of a seasoned angler and I guarantee they will invariably scoop it up, feel it, turn it, listen to the click and adjust the drag. In essence fondle it like a little boy would maul over his beloved toy.
The longer they play with it the more they love it.
As long as I can remember I have used a spinning reel of some shape or form. Put simply this style of reel hangs off the underside of your rod with a fixed spool full of line. The line is held in position with a bail arm, that once opened releases the line down the length of the rod and out into the water to hook you some tasty fish...
If you are short on time then you can just check out our best saltwater spinning reels comparison table. The full reel reviews are further down the page.
| Preview | Product | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Penn 1259871 Spinfisher V Spinning Fishing Reel, 4500 |
1,297 Reviews |
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Okuma Trio Standard Speed Spinning Reel (190yards/10) |
116 Reviews |
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THUNNUS CI4 |
158 Reviews |
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Abu Garcia® Orra® Power® Finesse Spin |
11 Reviews |
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Shimano Sedona 4000 FD |
67 Reviews |
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Shimano Stella SW STL8000SWBHG Spinning Fishing Reel, Gear Ratio: 5.6:1 |
9 Reviews |
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Abu Garcia® Revo® Inshore Spinning |
39 Reviews |
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Penn Conflict 2500 Spinning Reel |
156 Reviews |
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PENN 1338220 Battle II 5000 Spinning Fishing Reel |
4,738 Reviews |
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It’s no secret that spinning reels are jewels of the sport but just how do you go about finding the best one? To get one that fits your needs to a tee, you will need to ask yourself a couple of important questions.
Reel bodies are mostly made of graphite or aluminum and at times both. Aluminum housing is the stronger of the two and exhibits less flex; however, graphite is lighter. Deciding whether weight or strength should take precedence depends on the fishing site. For saltwater fishing, graphite will be more viable seeing as it carries corrosion resistant qualities. That said, anodized aluminum can also handle salty water.
You should also keep an eye out on how solid the construction of the reel is. There should be no flimsy or loose parts. Every moving part should deliver a smooth performance as well as possess no back play whatsoever.
Albeit spinning reels tend to have an overabundance of parts in comparison to spin cast ones, go for one with fewer parts. Not only will it alleviate the likelihood of mechanical breakdown but also impose less strain on your wrists
Determining the best saltwater spinning reel could come down to how big or small it is.
The size of the reel is contingent on the type of fish you’re targeting and how much line and backing you plan to use in fighting the fish. Large reels have a greater diameter spool meaning you will be able to roll in more line per crank of the reel. This proves quite handy when fighting fish that may need hundreds of yards of line.
Fish such as speckled trout require much less line in comparison to billfish or tarpon. Keep in mind the heavier the weight line the more reel capacity it takes up.
Unlike spin cast reels that are fitted with a rotating spool, the spool of a spinning reel is fixed such that a bail wraps the fishing line onto the spool as you turn the handle.
Gear ratio refers to the wide variety of times the bail rotates throughout the spool with a single turn of the reel handle.
A reel with a 4:1 gear ratio, the bail rotates around the spool four times for any unitary turn in the handle. The saving grace is that often that these reels provide more torque for reeling in large fish. A 6:1 ratio is what is considered to be excellent-speed retrieve. A superior low or medium speed retrieve should be dependent on the design of fishing you intend to do.
There are two predominant drag mechanisms in today’s reels. First up is the click and pawl found in traditional reels. It’s simply a toothed gear that is slowed by a spring loaded clip. I would urge you to steer clear of such kind.
The best spinning reels have the disk drag system. Two or more disks are pressed together either by a spring or on their own accord (cork) creating friction and producing fish stopping power. The many variations of disk drag systems include:
Cork- it has very little start up inertia. Newton’s first law of motion educates us that objects at rest like to stay at rest whilst those moving prefer to stay moving. This means that the first moments of a fight have the greatest chance of breaking your tippets. Since cork compresses, the force it takes to get the drag going is lessened protecting the tippets from hard running fish.
As the fish runs the cork expands and pressure is quickly ramped up to fish stopping levels. It’s important to manually lubricate cork drags so sealed cork drags are a not an option. If not maintained cork will dry out and rot.
Then again if constantly compressed-if you crank down the drag and just leave it- the cork will eventually lose memory. Since the cork drags do not use a spring to create pressure loss of memory results in a reel with no drag.
Teflon drag - these drag systems are heralded because they can last a lifetime. An added perk is that they are self-lubricated. It’s possible to seal them so that they resist the harmful effects of silt and saltwater. Their start-up inertia is slightly higher than those of cork drags, though the difference is marginal.
Carbon Fiber, Graphite - very similar to Teflon but with the added benefit of dissipating heat quickly. The chances of it overheating and thus causing the reel to lose all drag are close to zero. The carbon fiber is usually matched with cork or other substrate such as stainless steel. A sealed drag avoids incursions from salt and silt and is imperative for those situations.
This classic black and gold spinning reel has proved up to the task of handling the rigors of saltwater like the best of them.
Its versatility has seen it be used in jigging, surf fishing as well as live bait fishing.
What are its Features & Benefits?
The body of the reel is made from machined bar stock aluminum. This means the metal is literally carved by a machine into the shape of the reel. This allows better alignment of the gears even when carrying a heavy load such as trophy class fish.
Penn has invested in a stronger thicker oversized hardwearing aluminum bail wire. The result? It bears the weight of almost all types of fish no matter how big. An added perk is the friction trip ramp that averts casting the bail trip prematurely.
Using the reel is a walk in the park. It features an infinite anti-reverse drive that comes to the rescue when you are angling after a bonefish swimming at 20mph. The handles will stay stationary as the line is stripped away from the reel with no back play on the rotor.
Its ability to handle saltwater stems from its water tight design. Both its slammer drag system and gear box are sealed to keep saltwater at bay. The stainless steel shafts and bearings add to its allure in this regard.
Any Downside?
Nope - It's a Penn!
The durable aluminum and graphite arbor construction has seen this reel quickly win over the hearts of many. It boasts of a crossover design that never bends while all the while still being a lightweight. Then there’s the aluminum body that is marked for beauty and strength.
What are its Features & Benefits?
The construction is very hardwearing and as such can survive being completely submerged in salty water. You will be surprised how much of a light weight this reel is even with the sturdy construction. An added bonus in the comfort derived from the rubber grips that allow you to effortlessly roll your line.
Any angler seasoned or not, ought to appreciate the spools multi-piece design which aids in making the most of the drag pressure while still offering an effortless cast and smooth return. Gone are the days where fishing would have you sweating profusely.
You will not have to fret over the reel spinning backward when you've caught a big one. It features an anti-reverse stainless steel ball bearing that makes certain there is no back play.
Any Downsides?
With all the attractive features it has, this reel falls short in the spool department. I would prefer to see a higher capacity spool that holds more line.
Well as the name depicts, this reel is capable of holding its own in the saltiest of conditions. What else would you expect with its rugged construction and sealed water proof drag system?
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What are its Features & Benefits?
Daiwa has not only offered protection to the outer frame from corrosive saltwater but the inner bearings as well. How you ask? The bearings are made from specially treated stainless steel. This has seen these bearings handle saltwater up to 12 times better in comparison to untreated stainless steel ones.
To reduce the logistical nightmare of many moving parts, Daiwa opted for a manual bail trip. This, in turn, increased the lifespan of the reel seeing as it’s stronger. Durability has also been achieved by the high-grade materials used in assembling the gearing system.
I kid you not; the energy transfer from the handle to the rotor is seamless.
The dual full-time anti-reverse feature doesn't hurt either. You will be able to fight most fishes without worrying over spiraling backwards.
Any downside?
Might be a bit light for really big fish
Any angler in search of a reel capable of handling the load big fish dish out look no further. Shimano saltwater spinning reels have always been top quality and the Shimano Thunnus is no exception. This reel can bear the weight of the heaviest fish without snapping or flexing. It does well as a surf fishing reel.
What are its Features & Benefits?
It’s housed in an aluminum body that ensures your gears are always properly lined up when angling. As a result reeling in the fish will be a piece of cake. The all metal construction also speaks to its strength and durability. This is an added plus for saltwater excursions.
If you’re hoping to fish for carp you will be pleased to know that Shimano features a bait runner system. This an additional drag system that allow a fish to take the bait, run with it to permit it to swallow enough then get a good hook set. It’s adored because it allows you to fish with an adjustable tension free spool with a closed bail.
Any Downside?
This reel may feel a bit heavier that similar models but the quality makes up for it.
I bet you’re wondering whether it delivers power and finesse like it claims. It’s not only lightweight but also highly efficient in performance and all this is at a bargain basement price.
What are its Features & Benefits?
The reels body is outfitted with aluminum and reinforced with a C6 carbon. The result? It is one of the most hardwearing long-lasting reels you can buy for the price it retails at. The carbon reinforcement also makes it’s a lightweight for easier casting.
It features a Rocket Line Management system that will prevent your fishing lines from tangling and also offer better control of the lines when they are submerged in the water. The carbon matrix hybrid drag system holds up quite well by offering a smooth cast and reel.
The 5.8:1 gearbox is an extremely useful touch. It permits you to retrieve your cast in a matter of seconds. The fish will have no time to detangle itself.
Any Downside?
Nothing to report
This particular Sedona was specifically manufactured with easier casting in mind. It prides itself on a technology referred to as The Propulsion Line management System which I must say is very handy.
What are its Features & Benefits?
I hope you agree that easier line control is a pretty huge win for any reel. In that regard the reel has a fluid drive; Dyna balanced rotor gear systems as well as power roller which offer incredible control in putting the line back on the reel.
Have you ever been in situations where a long cast is required to reach a larger fish and your best short just falls inches short? This will be a thing of the past with the Sedona spool lip that gives you those few extra yards you require.
The FD stands for front drag. This will build upon its Propulsion Line Management system to offer you smooth and easy reeling. Any novice fisherman will appreciate these features.
It is able to brave the salt water condition with its 4 shielded stainless steel bearings. The shields will minimize the grit and salt that may potentially sneak in to damage the bearings. It accords the reel durability by being rust resistant.
Any Downsides?
This lightweight is not great at handling bigger sized fish. The ten 10 pound mono test is the best top model this reel can hold.
If you want to know the ability of a reel put it to the test with big game fish. Only the best of them will not end up in pieces. Shimamo Stella SWB is one such reel that was engineered to be tough battle ready and functional.
What are its Features & Benefits?
The body is made from High Rigidity Aluminum that enables it to hold up well when handling large sized fish. The bigger the fish, the higher the jump, the faster it swims the more Stella likes it. The sturdy construction also prevents the reel from twisting or warping.
It also boasts of X rigid rotor a one piece titanium bail aim wire and a Diamond like Carbon bail roller. All of these work n harmony to offer accuracy and efficiency when casting heavy and high resistance lures like stick baits metal jigs and poppers for long distances.
No need to fret over damage on your reel when angling in salty water. Shimamo SWB has invested in X-protect gasket and rubber seals as well as X-shield that ward off saltwater intrusion.
Any Downside?
This may not be a deal breaker for some but it doesn’t hurt to say it. Shimamo is a bit pricey compared to the others.
This reel has been masterfully crafted to handle the abuse of salty water and big fish alike. It comes in sizes 60, 40, 35 and 30 which goes to show it’s built for inshore casting as well as surf. The 60 is strengthened with X Craftic alloy frame in addition to the C6 Carbon body that cases the 30 and 35.
What are its Features & Benefits?
The spool is machined from aluminum making it suitable for controlling braided line which is what any inshore saltwater angler is hoping for. The smooth carbon matrix system is an added perk.
The rocket line management system outfitted on the spool is no joke. You will be able to cast further with no extra force required and at an increased speed. It has seen enabled me to cast average sized lures a mile away.
The ergonomically designed oversized handle allows you to firm up your grip. This is especially important when fighting with large sized fish. The drag system is very smooth even when handling a large sized bonefish like palometa.
Any Downside?
This reel has left a lot of room for improvement when it comes to its bail. More often than not it fails to close properly and makes an annoying clicking sound when reeling in fish.
This is a mid range reel suitable for saltwater fishing. It’s all black finish striking look, reasonable price and silky smooth drag are a few of the reasons it’s adored by many anglers.
What are its Features & Benefits?
Any frugal angler looking for a light tackle reel that can cast far, Penn conflict will suffice. Its techno balanced rotor will ensure a smooth retrieve every time whilst the full metal body construction caters for its gear alignment even when faced with severe conditions.
The stainless steel ball bearings, infinite reverse bearing as well as strong smooth drag will come in handy when fighting fishing in saltwater. It will not only be protected from grit and salt but you will have no back play when dealing with powerful fish. Its rotor is made by sturdy graphite that is wear and corrosive resistant.
Any Downsides?
This lightweight reel is not up to the task of bearing the weight of large sized fish.
Are you beginning to connect the dots with Penn spinning reels? This is deemed to be a younger more affordable version of the conflict. It boasts features such as a techno balanced rotor braided superline spools and sealed bearings.
The Penn Battle ll is one of the best saltwater spinning reels for the money and should definitely be on your list when you are looking for a new reel.
What are its Features & Benefits?
The reel has HT-1oo Vera-drag washer equipped into the spool allowing both sides of each drag washer to be utilized. The result? The drags will have more range with smoother start ups. For longevity, they are greased with Penn's proprietary grease.
The reel has invested in a screw handle. I personally favor this over the pin type that will have you inserting into the reel and screwing it down with a retaining cap on the side of the body. This one feels very solid when turning the handle and with very little play.
The sealed bearings are no sales gimmick. They actually prevent saltwater from entering and damaging the reel.
Any Downside?
The alignment of the line on the spool is a bit wanting. Albeit the manufacturers have offered two extra washers to cater for this, it would do as good if they fixed them in the first place.
That's it for this review of the best saltwater spinning reels available today. Have you a go-to reel you can't live without?
Leave us a comment below and we will take a look.
Tight Lines.
As a young lad, I never had enough tackle or fishing gear to warrant a fishing backpack or tackle bag. My complete kit consisted of a rod, reel and a few hooks. No fancy lures, leaders, different types of reels, net or even a decent fishing pliers. Roll forward 30 odd years and a lot […]
I always considered Fish Finders cheating or way too expensive an investment for my tackle bag.
They were always a piece of kit you would see front and centre on a charter boat or high end fishing boat.
I never though it would be something I would invest in but I did and have never looked back...
Have enough days without fish and you start to wonder what all the fuss is about.
Check out the prices of some of the more reasonable finders out there and I guarantee you will end up with one...
Quick search: Affordable Fish Finders | Best Kayak Fishfinder
When it comes to selecting the perfect fish finder there is a huge selection with a million different options available. There isn't a one size fits all best fish finder. Like every good invention there are plenty of competitors in the market and innovation is always producing new models with all the latest features.
To this end we wanted to put this guide on fish finders together and capture as much valuable information in one place so you can make an informed decision on which model will suit your fishing needs - today and well into 2017 and beyond.
Lets face it, money doesn't grow on trees so if you have a tight budget but still want to get yourself an affordable fish finder then any of the following models will get the job done.
The Lowrance Hook-3X Sonar has great graphics (320 x 240 resolution) that are easy to understand and see from wide viewing angles and in full sunlight. This sonar easily detects the details of a shallow lake or similar fishing spot and gives data on the bottom hardness, thermoclines, structure detail, contour, and fish targets.
Plus, the built-in advanced signal processing (ASP) improves on the gathered detail and limits the need to make manual adjustments to see the bottom and structure detail, as well as the fish.
For the active fisherman, the Lowrance 000-12635-001 Hook is a useful and feature-rich product that is certain to make detecting the best fishing spots so much easier. Here are a few of the most appealing features:
The 3-inch LED-backlit color display has a screen that is clear and easy to view (320 x 240 resolution) from most viewing angles while also being easy to see the data in bright sunlight.
The Lowrance 000-12635-001 Hook-3X Sonar is built to detect all that is going on underneath the surface of the lake or pond, including the structure details, thermoclines, bottom contour and hardness, as well as the fish targets. Plus, the Dual-frequency 200 or 83 kHz is great for maximizing the views under the surface.
The Lowrance 000-12635-001 is packed with useful features to help with identifying the fish targets, such as the ability to zoom (4x) in and focus on a particular fishing area, as well as alarm and track options. For improved viewing quality, the device has an option to adjust the display to match the time or day or night to compliment the fishing situation, and the patented skimmer transducer can continue to track the bottom surface when travelling at speeds of up to 75 MPH.
Great device at a great price, the Lowrance Hook-3X Sonar is a useful little fish finder that works in shallow and deep water. A great aspect is the clear display that is easy to see in virtually all environments, including bright sunlight, and great at reading temperature and depth. Plus, the sonar comes equipped with everything needed to get set up and working in moments, such as the mounting kit and instructions. The included kit makes it really easy to mount to a kayak or boat.
The Sounder helps you find the fish and their preferred habitats by scanning the contours of the surrounding beds and also lets you avoid nasty snags that are lurking in the deep, far beyond your field of vision. You can adjust the frequency of the unit to best find your fish in all water conditions.
This may be a basic unit but it has all the features you will need to get started and from a price point it is the best budget fish finder for the money in our opinion.
Here is a great video showing you how to setup your fishfinder in a kayak and get straight on to the fish.
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Kayak fishing has become hugely popular over the past number of years and nowadays it is not uncommon to kit your kayak out with a fish finder.
Gone are the days when this type of technology was for expensive fishing boats. There was never a simple way to fix your fish finder to your kayak or small portable until companies copped on to the fact that smaller units could be adapted or purpose built to suit. Now you can hook yourself up with a portable unit and fix it to your kayak and off you go.
Our favorite model is the Garmin Striker 4 GPS Fish Finder.
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The Garmin 010-01550-00 Striker 4 Fishfinder is designed to be easy to use and packed with a variety of useful features (time, tracking, speed, etc.). A really practical feature of the Striker 4 is the ability to easily mark and return to a favorite fishing spot; this is certain to save plenty of time on future fishing trips to the same river or lake.
Great value and feature rich, the Garmin 010-01550-00 Striker 4 Fishfinder is feature-rich and a practical piece of kit for installing on kayaks and small boats. Here are a few of the most appealing features:
This Garmin Fishfinder is built with the latest ClearVu technology to make it possible to get a clear view of what is happening in the surrounding water. The high-frequency sonar is built to give virtually photographic quality images that detail the local fish, structures and other objects.
The Striker 4 is built with a simple to use keyed interface with multiple buttons to complete the desired command. This makes the fishfinder easy to use and relatively easy to install with its 3.5-inch display size.
The CHIRP sonar is designed to send a constant sweep of frequencies to give the most reliable information. This sonar technology is useful for creating the crisp fish arches while also achieving better target separation.
The built-in waypoint map simplifies the process of viewing, marking or navigating to a specific location like a dock, stumps, or brush piles.
The view display makes it possible to see the information in a classic flasher format which is preferable for vertical jigging or ice fishing.
Great design and function, the Garmin 010-01550-00 Striker 4 is one of the best budget fish finders on the market. It is very accurate in both shallow and deep waters and the GPS technology comes in really handy when it comes to marking a hot spot of fish or even the dock area used to enter the water to avoid getting lost on the way back. Whether you plan to use the Striker 4 on a kayak or pontoon boat, this GPS/fish finder is very hi-tech and intuitive with a nice display that is easily seen even in bright sunlight.
This unit really is exceptional for the money and can be installed straight into your kayak. It doesn't come with map info or chats but you can store plenty of points along the way or mark off your hot spots and return at a later date to catch even more fish.
The CHIRP SONAR is great for mapping out the structures around you. This continuos stream of info plots out everything in super detail. Great for spotting snags and other structures that will definitely be holding fish.
The Deeper Smart Sonar PRO+ is a small, high-capacity echo-sounder perfect for adventurous kayak fishing.
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This is a very cool device that lets you bring your fish finder everywhere with you. It runs it's own wireless access point so you can connect it straight to your smartphone or Tablet. Download the App, get the two talking to each other and away you go. It really is that simple.
The App itself operates in online and offline modes and provides a multitude of great features like: Solunar Forecast Calendar, Fishing Notes, Offline Maps, Weather Forecast, Camera, Day/Night Screen and Color Mode. You can even share your info on Social Media if you really wanted to give away your hot spots to friends or clubs in the area.
You can get the Flexible Arm Mount to fix this straight to the side of your kayak and keep all of the equipment outside your boat and leave you more room for fishing - not that it takes up much room anyway as it's a complete unit in itself.
The Deeper Smart Sonar PRO+ is built with a highly accurate internal GPS receiver and uses a Wi-Fi connection to create the bathymetric maps to make fish-finding that much easier and more productive.
This cast able echo-sounder is designed to work with Android or iOS tablets or smart phones, while the Wi-Fi connection helps to extend the search distance with this Deeper sonar equipped to detect depth ranges up to 80 meters/260 feet.
Really easy to use, the Deeper Smart Sonar PRO+ has a variety of useful features to make it virtually as good as the high-end echo sounders on boats. Here are a few of the most appealing features:
The offline mapping and built in GPS receiver makes it really easy to pinpoint the potential catch. The high accuracy GPS receiver has the ability to map the fishing spots, contours and features by using bathymetric maps. This process even works when planning to fish on shore. By creating the bathymetric map it is possible to examine the underwater conditions and determine the best fishing spots.
Even though the bathymetric maps are created in real time, there is also the option to store and archive this data for future. Also, this means it is relatively easy to create a personal collection of accurate maps to improve the ability to find the most productive fishing locations.
Plus, the Smart Sonar PRO+ is adjustable with the option to adjust the sonar sensitivity to take into account image distractions. By refining the setting it is more readily possible to get a view of the smallest underwater action.
The screen color mode is a useful feature to make it easier to see the display screen and match the brightness to the time of day. It is practical for reducing noise and increasing target separation.
The diminutive Deeper Smart Sonar PRO+ is practical for use with standard rods and lines and measures 65 millimeter / 2.5 inches in diameter and weighs approx 100 grams / 3.5 ounces.
Easy castable sonar, the Deeper Smart Sonar PRO+ is an awesome product for the money. If you want to easily see the structure and depth of the water or simply want to catch more fish, you should really buy this. It is fun and it works, while also being highly useful for all fishermen no matter the favorite fishing spot. It is certainly useful for fishing on shore and gives access to the performance of an echo sounder that was previously available only to boat owners.
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The FishHunter PRO is a precise sonar that is cast able and easily analyzes the bottom structure of a river or lake and finds fish at a depth of up to 150-ft. It is a versatile piece of kit and is easily placed in an ice hole, trolled behind a boat, or can be cast when on shore. Plus, it easily pairs with a smart phone or tablet to clearly see the underwater structures and features.
A great time-saving device, the FishHunter PRO portable fish finder is packed with useful features to make identifying the best fishing spots so much easier. Here are a few of the most appealing qualities:
The FishHunter PRO is built with the latest Wi-Fi Casting to make it fast and responsive and gives a range of up to 160 feet or 50 meters. Wi-Fi wireless connection is so much more efficient than comparable technologies, and nearly 4 times faster than Bluetooth.
This sonar is built to work at a depth of up to 150 feet or 45 meters while using the FishHunter PRO, while for jig tracking this can decrease slightly to 100 feet or 30 meters.
Use the FishHunter PRO in several different ways, such as casting from shore or on board a boat or even trolled up to a speed of 2.5 MPH.
The Transducer tri-frequency makes it possible to create the super-high resolution image to make it easier to analyze the bottom structure and find the fish.
The FishHunter PRO is powered by a rechargeable lithium polymer battery that has the potential to last for a period of up to 10 hours.
Works great, the FishHunter PRO is a pretty cool item that works as a reliable fish locator and depth finder. The app is quite versatile and goes far beyond the ability to see the structure, features and fish under the water – it is also possible to share or add pictures to let others see the fish caught.
It can take a little time to learn how to adjust the sensitivity and turn on certain functions, but with some patience, it is possible to set up the FishHunter PRO portable fish finder to match the specific needs. For the anglers that enjoying ice fishing or fishing in small ponds, then this is certain to make a great invention. Picks up fish without hesitation and the battery life is more than excellent.
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The MadBite FX3000 Fish Finder is a versatile piece of fishing electronics for ice fishing, onshore fishing, kayak fishing or bass fishing. Its built-in wireless technology is designed to locate fish and detect other information from up to 400-feet or 120 meters away.
The casting sonar sensor is easily sent into the water from a boat or shore and quickly checks water temperature, surveys the bottom structure and finds fishing holes. Plus, for ease of use, the display screen is in full color, giving the option to read in bright sunlight or low-light conditions.
Works well and great technology, the MadBite FX3000 Fish Finder is packed with useful features to make a must-have piece of kit to find fish accurately and faster. Here are some of the most appealing features:
The MadBite FX3000 is built with an LCD screen with 512-color and 2.8-inch width for complete ease in viewing the on-screen data in light or dark environments. The clear screen makes is possible to quickly detect the water temperature, depth, structure and bottom contour.
The detection range is in the region of 2 to 150-feet. Also, the unit is designed to easily adjust using the 1-ft micro-tuned setting to concentrate on fish in a specific area. With the ability to send a sonar signal 15 times per second it is possible to get real time information on what is taking place beneath the waves.
This portable sonar sensor is useful in both freshwater and saltwater and includes a built-in alarm that gives an alert on finding fish. Additional alerts at given for depth and low battery.
The MadBite FX3000 is portable, floats and water resistant so there is no need to be concerned about dropping it overboard. Plus, it does not rely on Bluetooth / Wi-Fi, a tablet, or smartphone to operate. It runs on a rechargeable Lithium battery that has the potential to keep the unit running for up to 20 hours.
A very cool little fish finder, the MadBite FX3000 with wireless sonar sensor is built with options and feature of the expensive brands, but comes at the very reasonable price.
It has a very clear display and easy to use and certain to not let you down when fishing from shore, a kayak, or a boat. The rechargeable battery is great and lasts for a lot longer than needed for one trip.
Plus, the floating and waterproof design is a practical and safe feature for using in rough waters.
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Are you into fly fishing, baitcasting, lure fishing or deep sea fishing?
Whichever your chosen path, you are going to need a reel.
And a solid reliable one at that...
Technology in general changes at a massive pace. Fishing technology is no different. Looking back my first few reels were very basic. No multiple sets of ball bearings, no advanced drag system and a bait runner setup were never heard of - unless you hooked a huge fish and it whipped your rod and reel into the water and you had to go running after it...
Can you still fish effectively with old technology - absolutely - but why not give yourself the best fighting chance by utilising some more modern tech to give you a helping hand. You still have to understand the fundamentals of fishing and have a solid technique to hook and land you catch but why make it hard on yourself.
The aim of this review is to provide you with a guide to the best in class in each of the fishing methods to save you time trawling through hundreds or even thousands of reviews. We fish all the time. We fish every different method and we love our gear. Take the guesswork out of your next choice of fishing reel with this review. You will be glad of the time saved because you will be out fishing instead of researching - we did it for you...
This review is broken down into reel type and a top three in each of the categories with a budget, mid-range and high-end best in class fishing reel. Let us do the research you get out there and catch some fish.
If you are just here to find the best fishing reel and haven't the time to read our in-depth reviews then we have highlighted our top choice reel in each category below. If you click on the reel name you will jump to that review or just hit the check price button and you will go straight to the best deal we could find at the time of writing this review.
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Put simply the Shimano spin clam reel is the best budget spinning reel money can buy.
The reel can handle braid line as well and the model we looked at IX-2000 is perfect for normal fishing.
Strong enough to handle decent sized fish but light enough to not tear your arm out.
The gearing system is smooth as it the overall reel action.
The handle is reversible so you can fish either right or left-handed no problem.
This is a great beginner spinning reel but would let you down as a seasoned angler.
While not the best spinning reel out there it certainly stands up to the best of them - especially at this price. Would I buy one? Have one in my tackle bag. Would I recommend one? For sure. Even if it's not your everyday or go-to reel you should definitely stock up with one as this is the best value spinning reel out there.
A great added feature of this reel is the quick cast system. Simply press the button on the side of the bail arm and it auto-magically opens the bailer ready for your next cast. This is especially handy if you are lure fishing or spinning and are constantly casting and retrieving at a rapid pace.
Pros
Cons
Next, we take a look at the awesome Kastking Sharky II spinning reel. A bit more expensive than the Shimano but it comes with a host of great features and represents super value for money.
So why does this reel feature on this review? Let's break down some of the main features first to give you an idea of why.
Reel come complete with a massive 10 +1 shielded stainless steel bearings giving it a super smooth action
It has a triple carbon fibre drag system which will probably outlast us all.
The high capacity machined aluminium spool is ultra light but very strong.
The Sharky is a great all rounder reel. Suitable for both freshwater and saltwater if you are looking for value then this is the reel for you. Strong enough to haul in very large fish but light enough to fish with all day.
What size reel should you go for?
Pros
Cons
When it comes to our choice for the best spinning reel we have to pick the Penn Battle II.
This super smooth reel has a great drag system and is a very solid unit.
From it's fast retrieval to it's smooth action it is very hard to beat.
Spool this up with some braided fishing line and pair it with an Ugly Stik and you have a rod and reel combo that is going to be very hard to beat.
The reel sports an instant anti-reverse system and doesn't suffer from any back creep whatsoever.
The Penn Battle is a bit heavier than most in it's class but all is forgiven because of the quality of this reel. Yep, it costs a small bit more than the rest of the reels mentioned above but in my eye's it's worth every dollar. If you are serious about your gear then you should get yourself a Battle II before you head out again...
Pros
Cons
The Piscifun Baitcaster Reel gives you a great low profile design.
Made from CNC machined high-grade aluminium this reel is very light but also very strong.
Featuring a 6.3:1 gear ratio system that gives you a very smooth and exceptional baitcasting action.
As a brand that was relatively unknown to us, this really is a great baitcasting reel for the money.
If you are looking for a cheap but durable baitcasting reel then the Piscifun baitcaster is perfect for you. Utilising 1 roller bearing and a whopping 13 stainless steel ball bearings this reel delivers a long smooth action cast every single time.
The magnetic brake system allows you to fine tune your cast based on your lure weight. Set it up when you first tie on and fish away all day without having to tinker with anything - This is a great feature in my eyes because anything that allows me to fish for longer wins...
It has a sleek and cool looking low profile design and comes with a low noise gear structure so you ain't going to be spooking the fish while you grind away...
Pros
Cons
The Kastking Stealth weights only 6 ounces so if you are looking for something ultra light - look no further.
A great reel for all types of fishing - frogging, flipping, pitching, punching, Alabama rigs.
Pair the reel up with some 8lb braid and away you go.
If you are looking for distance casting the first thing you will notice about the Kastking is exactly that. The line literally flies off the spool.
One thing to watch out for with this reel is the speed at which the spool spins when casting. It can be prone to backlashes if not adjusted properly. Once you get the setup right though you are in for a treat. How they can make a reel of this quality for the price is beyond me.
The stealth has a 16.5 lbs drag system coupled with 4 carbon disks and hardened aluminium washers that give this reel unbelievable drag power.
The action is smooth as silk with the 11 ball bearing system. The one way clutch system delivers lightning fast hook sets every time and helps deliver the smooth reel performance.
The reel itself is 100% corrosion resistant and because its made of carbon fibre it only weighs 6 ounces.
Pros
Cons
Now here is a baitcasting reel you can rely on. Easy to use, great build quality and superb action.
The Revo SX has to be the best reel on the market in this price bracket. Hands down the best you could fish with actually.
It is very easy to use and can be tuned in a matter of seconds to suits you lure or fishing style.
Comes with a hefty 20 lbs of drag so make sure it's dialled in or you will break off your line before this gives in.
Wonderful smooth action and overall our top choice baitcasting reel to date.
The new Infini II spool design improves casting performance over previous models and the Carbon Matrix ensures smooth, consistent drag pressure when hooked into the hardest fighting fish. By adjusting the MagTrax braking system you can ensure consistent drag pressure from start to finish.
As mentioned in previous posts we prefer to fish with braided line and by setting this reel up with some high quality braid you are equipping yourself with a reel combo that is hard matched by much more expensive models.
Designed for ease of use and comfort this low profile baitcasting reel is one for your tackle bag. We had no intention of reviewing very high-end expensive reels as part of this review because this reel has you covered - without the hefty price tag.
Pros
Cons
So that's our review of the best fishing reels so far. We will be adding in Fly reels and some other models over the coming weeks so stay tuned for more.
Tight lines folks.
If you are chasing fish that spook easily or fishing very clear water then you are going to need to fish with fluorocarbon line - at least as your leader anyway.
The near invisibility of this line in the water is what makes or breaks your fishing trip. Yes, sure you may be using a heavy duty or even braided fishing line as your main line but you are definitely going to want to top it off with fluorocarbon line to the hook and bait.
We fish with braided line most of the time and we would never even consider attaching our lures directly to this because you will absolutely spook the fish. Instead we attach a length of fluorocarbon line - at least a rods length to the braid and then attack our lures to the other end.
Yes the are a plenty of options when it comes to fluro line and each serves a purpose but today we want to concentrate on the best fluorocarbon line on the market and why it should be your next purchase before you cast another lure into the water.
You are trying to present your bait to the fish in the most natural way possible and because the line almost disappears in the water the bait or lure looks as if it is swimming freely.
In this review we want to focus on the best fluorocarbon line available and will give you our top three lines to invest in. We also go into the knots used to tie fluorocarbon line to braid, how to tie on your lures and how to look after you line…
As mentioned earlier there are any number of options when it comes to fluorocarbon line so we did our homework, plenty of research, testing and some expert reviews to bring you what we feel are the top three options available today.
When it comes to high quality fluorocarbon line the best of the best is Seaguar Line.
Quality and reliability are hugely important to us when it comes to our fishing gear. Think about it - you invest heavily in a decent rod and reel and the last thing you want to let you down is your line. This quick seaguar fishing line review should give you enough info on this awesome quality fluorocarbon line.
Nothing to worry about here...
100% fluorocarbon line that can be used for both leader material or full spool line.
40% softer line so you don't have to be worried about spool memory and nasty tangles
Super strong abrasion resistant line - hard wearing and tough enough for any type of fish
As close to invisible in the water as you can get for any type of fishing line
Easy to tie your favorite knots and no need to worry about slippage.
While you may be paying a bit more for this line it is definitely worth the investment. This 100% fluorocarbon line by Seaguar is superbly strong but soft enough so you don't have to worry about spool memory messing up your fishing trip. It is by far our top choice when it comes to the best fluorocarbon line on the market.
Pros
Cons
In our opinion this is the best rated fluorocarbon line on the market.
Kastking hit the market by storm a few years ago and their products offer superb value for money. Their fluorokote fishing line is no exception. While not technically 100% fluorocarbon line it is as close as it gets and has to be the best value line for the money.
Low stretch, super strength with superior abrasion resistance.
High density and greatly reduced visibility in the water
Very sensitive to even the smallest of bites.
Line produces really strong knot strength
Great alternative to high cost fluorocarbon lines
If you are looking for a cheaper option for your fluorocarbon line then you need to take a look at Kastling Fluourkote. This super strong, abrasion resistant line offers great value for money. It's not technically full fluorocarbon line but the makeup of Copolymer Fishing Line with a high-tech 100% fluorocarbon coating makes this a solid option.
Pros
Cons
Here is a great overview video by Kastking giving you the inside track on their super line.
Essentially it is a plastic compound that is extruded into a very thin strong and abrasion resistant line used for fishing. Some may say it's really only any good for using as leader line. That may have been the case in the past but like everything things have moved on and the quality of modern fluorocarbon fishing line gives you plenty of options when on the water.
Some of benefits of using fluorocarbon line are that it has exceptional abrasion resistance. This is great if you are fishing in rough patches with rocks etc or have a fish on with a nasty set of knashers in it's mouth.
It's low stretch so you can feel the more sensitive bites - pair this up with a braided mainline and nothing will go unnoticed. With this straight through power setting a hook is much easier that using line that stretches and gives way to any sort of force.
If you are fishing in very clear water then you are going to love the fact that fluorocarbon line is almost invisible underwater. It is also more dense than other line types so will sink faster after you cast it. This is great for getting you bait or lures down into the swim but not if you are trying to delicately land a dry fly on the surface film of the water when trout fishing...
It is also chemical resistant. If like me you are a favorite meal for any bugs flying about on a warm day you will have lathered yourself with repellant. Some traditional lines would absorb these and deteriorate rapidly. No such worry with fluoro.
As mentioned above, traditionally fluorocarbon line would have been used for leader lines but now with the high quality lines out there you can use it straight through from reel to bait. Make sure you are using the correct line test on your reel though as due to line memory etc.. you may end up with a mess on your reel.
We mainly use this type of line for leaders. It's near invisibility in the water is great when chasing nervous fish or when you are flipping lures into a very clear stream or lake. Because the line is completely water resistant (unlike monofilament line) it never looses it's strength in the water. Also the fact that it is 100% UV resistant you wont suffer any degrading in line strength on a warm sunny day.
One thing to make sure you always do when using fluorocarbon line is to moisten you line when tying knots. If you want a super snug and tight knot then always wet the knot first.
For tying fluorocarbon line to a swivel you should definitely use the improved clinch knot. This super strong knot will never let you down.
If you are trying to join a fluorocarbon leader to your main line then you could use a double uni knot. Again a super strong knot that will last all day if tied correctly.
The best knot for tying your fluoro to a lure or hook is the 'Kreh Loop Knot'. This particular knot won the best knot category on the Saltstrong website.
Some people (I used to be one of the) often wonder why you would use a loop knot to tie you hook to your leader and not a standard uni knot. Well the best answer I can give you is that this type of knot gives you bait more freedom to float about unrestricted and can have a huge impact on strike rate when fishing. Check out the video below to find out how to tie this knot and give it a go next time you are out.
We could spend all day looking at multiple option but to be honest we'd rather be out fishing. Top choice is Seageur InvizX followed by PLine which is the softest fluorocarbon line. Kastking takes out the best value fluorocarbon line even though it's technically not 100% fluorocarbon.
That's it for this review of the best fluorocarbon line. Have you a line that you fish with all the time?
Let us know in the comments you line of choice and we may take a look.
Tight lines...
