Best Saltwater Spinning Reel Under 200: We have reviewed some of the top-rated saltwater and surf reels out there to find you the Best Saltwater Spinning Reels Under 200.
If you are in a hurry:
Penn Spinfisher VI is the Best Saltwater Spinning Reel Under $200.
Now, let us move to our detailed reviews.
Best Saltwater Spinning Reel Under 200 Reviews
Here is our list of the 12 Best Saltwater Spinning Reels Under 200:
Last update on 2024-11-07 / Paid links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Penn Spinfisher VI
The smoothness of any Penn reel is great, but the build quality of Penn Spinfisher V is unparalleled. With an IPX5 protection rating, you cannot argue about durability either. As always, it comes with the great customer service that Penn is known for!
Here is a quick summary of the specifications:
- Max drag up to 40 lbs.
- 6 ball bearings.
- 6:2:1 gear ratio.
I bought the Penn Spinfisher VI because it works in both saltwater fishing and freshwater fishing. Other reels I’ve used in the past couldn’t withstand high rough waves and I always lost the line. But I knew Penn Spinfisher VI would be strong and sturdy during rough waters.
The Penn Spinfisher performance has been outstanding! We’ve been soaked with water, yet the reel doesn’t get water inside. That’s a big deal to me because when I pay for a spinning reel, I want to make sure it is one that doesn’t take in water and it will stay dry.
I used the reel with a 20 lb. braided line. It isn’t heavy and it’s easy to cast. I have not had any wind knotting so far. And my bail does not decide to come down on its own.
Another cool feature is that there are rings to show the amount of line capacity. It has drag washers that are made of carbon fiber. My first catch was a 15 lb. catfish. There was no problem. It was reeled in with ease!! I love this spinning reel.
The only thing I would recommend is to buy a reel size 4500 or up. The price difference is minimal, and you’ll be able to catch an array of different fish species! Again, this is one of the best saltwater spinning reels I’ve ever used, and I’ve been fishing for over twenty years.
Daiwa BG8000
This Daiwa spinning reel is so awesome! I got the Daiwa BG8000 and it’s one the best saltwater fishing reels I have ever had! I usually stick to Penn but gave this a try because of the reasonable price.
Daiwa BG8000 can take a lot of line. I spool the aluminum ABS spool with a 50 lb. braided line and it has an incredibly smooth cast. The 6BB + 1RB bearings are the smoothest I’ve ever felt. It’s very lightweight, but still, the body and the gearing system are very durable and strong.
The handle is a screw-in handle but there isn’t any movement that allows more control while reeling in the big guys! Again, the drag is smooth. That is one of the parts that I like the best. It doesn’t bind up as some other spinning reels do.
The infinite dual anti-reverse system is really the feature that makes this reel stand out to me because the system stops the reel from turning backward and makes the drag smoother. It is super convenient to use and has all the features to make it very beginner-friendly.
The performance of this spinning reel for surf fishing is just impeccable. It can be used anywhere, even in big offshore waters. Daiwa BG8000 has excellent drag power and smooth handling which allows it to control some large fish. In fact, power and drag are among the top-rated features of this fishing reel.
Although Daiwa BG8000 is priced lower than many other premium spinning reels out there. The quality, and performance of this spinning reel are great. It is a great and well-balanced product which makes it one of the best saltwater spinning reels for the money.
Okuma Azores
I wanted to replace my Penn Battle that I use for offshore fishing on the pier. I was going to go with another Penn, but I ended up ordering the Okuma Azores Z65S because it was a good price for a big spinning reel. When I took it out of the box, it felt heavy duty and I knew I made a good choice.
I recently used it for yellowfin fishing and while I didn’t catch anything massive, I could have reeled in a 100-pounder as it does offer up to 44lbs of drag. It has a dual anti-reverse system to reel in which was nice. It did make pulling in the yellowfin easy.
I used it quite a lot this past season and it is holding up very well. One of the main reasons I chose this reel is because of its corrosion resistance. I tend to be rough and beat up my gear so I’m always looking for quality construction. It is stainless steel so combined with corrosion-resistant bearings I have been pleased with how it is holding up. Plus, this is a great buy for the money.
You won’t be disappointed because I don’t think you can beat the price for the quality of this reel. Not only is it durable, but it is also extremely attractive. Its attractive die-cast aluminum body is the cherry on the cake. This reel is the most recommended for all saltwater fishing enthusiasts out there.
Honestly, I’m liking this more than most of my old reels. Yeah, I highly recommend it. If you’re looking for a strong and sturdy saltwater spinning reel…look no further! It is a very good choice for a mid-size saltwater reel.
Penn Spinfisher V
Penn Spinfisher V Spinning Reel comes fully assembled in the box. The reel itself comes with a CNC gear system, Superline spool, standard line capacity rings, HT-100 drag system, super line spool ring & 5 ball bearings. There is a 6th in the anti-reverse. No extra spools come with it, but they are available for purchase.
The Spinfisher V casts amazingly. I cannot tell you what a relief that is. I have gone after Snook and Red with this reel and never failed. It has power. As I said earlier, the drag system is almost on autopilot. All you have to do if your line starts to get away from you is click back on the adjustment handle. The HT-100 drag system does the trick.
The anti-reverse is on the back of the reel. Click it left and it is on, right and it is off. The overall system is adjusted on the bottom of the reel with a set screw. It is quite simple to make adjustments. When you reel in the system will click itself off. Words cannot describe how nice that is.
The sealing system is the next level. The IPX5 system ensures that nothing can get in. The system is greased and maintains its power. The wet system also happens to keep sediment out which is a bonus. In fact, it is the only spinning reel available that has a fully enclosed gearbox and drag system. No salt, sand, or any other kind of sediment can get into your gears or bearings.
The usual cause of death for a reel is sediment getting into those components. This is the most important feature the Spinfisher V has in my opinion. It will surely have a better lifespan than most other reels on the market.
Penn Battle II 8000
Penn Battle II 8000 comes equipped with an “HT-100 carbon fiber drag system” which provides powerful drag that does not affect the smoothness of its operation. It also has five sealed stainless-steel ball bearings and an instant anti-reverse bearing which will help you land your catch easily.
Penn Battle II spinning reel is very smooth and easy to use as it comes thoroughly lubricated with the Penn Precision reel grease. You will find Penn Battle II 8000 securely packed in the box. Penn promises that it is engineered with the most durable materials and with utmost precision.
Consequently, a person does not have to be concerned about the reel breaking off. The superb combat brakes make the reel even more reliable and robust.
The Penn Battle II 8000 has remarkable performance power and drag. It can handle a maximum drag of 25 pounds or 11.3 kilograms which makes it an ideal reel to be used under extreme conditions in both freshwater and saltwater. Penn Battle II comprises a front drag made with excellent HT-100 material.
Penn Battle II Spinning Reel features a retrieve rate of 36 inches or 91 centimeters. The mono capacity of the reel is 225 yards/12 pounds, 200 yards/5 pounds, or 135 yards/20 pounds. Its 30-pound braid makes it smoother and almost indestructible.
To help the users quickly check how much coil is left, the manufacturers have marked line capacity points on the reel at ⅓, ⅔, and full capacity. So, whenever you go fishing and want to know how much of your coil is in the water, you can check the readings.
The drag washers are maintained with a proprietary grease to make sure the product performance is always up to the mark. The casing is mostly made of a non-corrosive metal, and very little plastic has been used for constructing this fishing reel.
Penn Battle II is one of the Best Spinning Reels for Walleye as per our reviews. It comes with a full metal body, side plate, rotor, and heavy-duty aluminum ball wire. This enhances the beauty of the product and gives it a sturdy look altogether.
The combination of colors like black, gold, and smoke textures boosts the physical appearance of the reel. This fishing reel comes with five sealed stainless-steel ball bearings and an instant reverse bearing.
Pflueger Supreme XT Reel
Pflueger Supreme XT is a lightweight, smooth, and strong reel. It is a highly rated spinning especially when you compare it to other products of the same price. The high-speed gear ratio and smooth drag system make it a great choice for anyone who wants to enjoy different types of fishing.
Pflueger Supreme XT is an easy-to-use reel as it lets you guide it. Thanks to the smooth drag, quick retrieve rate, and anti-reverse clutch mechanisms, the whole process goes well, from baiting to reeling your fish in. Its aluminum bail arm flips easily into place, to let you know that it has caught something. The lightweight and ergonomic design means that you won’t get tired after using it for a while.
There is a specific sealant on the drag system of the reel so that water cannot get into the inner parts. The sealant is strong enough to keep out saltwater, sand, or other debris that could damage the reel.
Even though you can use this reel in saltwater, sometimes the salt will scratch off some of the paint. The sealant is there to protect the gear system from water damage, but it is not there to keep the appearance. It took a couple of years for me to notice the paint scratches. A couple of scratches are not enough for me to stop using my favorite reel, so they don’t bother me too much.
Shimano Stradic FK
Shimano Stradic FK is a well-built and long-lasting spinning reel. It can take on the most punishing saltwater battles due to the high-quality material used to make this reel.
Stradic FK uses an X-Ship gear system. The X-Ship uses 2 pinions, one on each side of the bearings to better distribute the weight as you reel. These get rid of any friction between the rod and reel. It is kind of like your reel having power steering.
Designed with 6 ball bearings the reel-in on Shimano Stradic FK is as smooth as it gets. I have not used many other reels that feel as smooth as this one. This is what is expected from Shimano, and they deliver. Stradic FK is strong enough to get hold of the biggest of fish. It’s super powerful drag makes it easy for you to pull up the big fish effortlessly.
Shimano Stradic FK has a sleek metallic design. I think it fits the reel’s reputation for strength. You will not believe how light it is when you pick it up.
In my experience, Shimano always has our comfort in mind while designing their reels. I have noticed a reduction in stress on my forearms when I am fighting. It is one thing to test out a spinning reel in the store, but you can really feel the fish on the line.
Shimano uses the top materials in its products. The gears are forged and not cut in the manufacturing process. This leaves less room for imperfections in the metal that can lead to durability problems. Not to mention it adds to the strength of the reel.
Shimano is well known for providing excellent customer service to its customers. The Shimano Stradic FK is easily serviceable and comes with a 1-year warranty.
Penn Clash
Penn has used its newly designed ball bearings with Class 2500. These new bearings are fully sealed and designed to stop saltwater intrusion. On lesser quality reels, saltwater tends to get inside the ball bearings and crystalizes when it drys. This causes a rough feel and sound within the reel as well as corrosion.
Ever heard a crunching sound and felt a vibration when turning the crank on an old saltwater reel? If so you’re familiar with poorly designed ball bearings. These new bearings will reduce maintenance on your reel and keep you fishing longer.
Clash 2500 comes with the famous HT-100 Drag system. Made of carbon fiber fabric that’s laminated on fiberglass and equipped with a wave spring system. It provides 15 pounds of drag and is designed to dissipate heat in the drag sack. Greased with Penn Blue Lube, this drag system is far more durable than other carbon or felt washers.
It also gives you smooth drag at the highest levels and longest lines. This is in contrast to coil springs that lose about 30% of their listed drag.
Penn has created an awesome bail trip mechanism that reduces miscast. It also helps offer protection if you drop reels on rocks and sand. The entire reel is clearly high quality. Penn has taken the time to design and craft the Clash very specifically.
Another edge comes from the gear ratio of 6.2:1 on the 2500 model. This gives you over six spins for every one turn of the handle—or 37 inches of line. This provides you the power you need to pull in any large fish at the tail end of the fight. The larger models of Clash can handle all the large fish anglers love to reel in.
Daiwa SSaltist 2500
The Daiwa SSaltist 2500 is a great offshore saltwater spinning reel. It has an all-metal body, handle, bale, and spool. It has a great anti-reverse system and I don’t have to worry about the line bouncing back and running on me. Daiwa SSaltist 2500 has a high speed 5.6:1 gear ratio. It holds 190 yards/15 lb. braid. I use it with the Daiwa boat braid. It has a powerful 15.4 lbs. of drag and is strong enough to pull in bluefin tuna.
There are six corrosion-resistant ball bearings and an air rotor. Still, the entire reel only weighs a total of 9.5 ounces. The handle is nice and oversized. It’s very comfortable to use. Overall, not tiring to hold and reel in. The smoothness of this spinning reel is what makes it popular and a favorite among saltwater anglers.
Daiwa SSaltist has an impressive build quality. The carbon ATD drag system is totally sealed and it is waterproof. Usually, spinning reels become rough and unusable when saltwater enters and crystallizes the interior. So, to provide an extra layer of protection, the drag system is sealed to shield it from saltwater intrusions. I like that a lot.
I haven’t had any problems with water or sand getting in so that will be helpful for the longevity of the reel. Overall, this is a great reel. It does everything that it is supposed to do. All the features combine to give you a delightful experience. I highly recommend it!
Penn Slammer III
I was introduced to the Penn Slammer III on a charter fishing boat. The captain said that it is one of the best catfish spinning reels on the market. First of all, it is a snazzy black and gold solid structure. It looks like a premium, high-end product. I felt like a captain with this reel in my hands.
After spending the day fishing on the boat with it, I cannot ever go back to any other brand after using this reel. It’s a little heavier in weight than the one I use at home, yet somehow it feels so lightweight. The handle was oversized and easy to hold onto. It casts and retrieves very well. I keep thinking about how smoothly that line was cast out. I ordered this rod to be delivered by the time I got home.
One of the features that sealed the deal (literally) was the IPX6 sealed system that is supposed to keep the water out of the gearbox and drag system. The captain of the charter boat said that he uses these reels for all customers and this system is great at keeping sand and saltwater out.
In the past, I’ve always had a problem with corrosion due to water and sand, so I am looking forward to lower maintenance and longer durability with the Penn Slammer III. The standard warranty is for one year. You can also purchase 2 and 3-year protection plans as per your needs.
KastKing Sharky III
Sharky III combines durability and longevity. It features advanced technology to give you reliable performance in all kinds of water.
It uses a technology known as K.I.S.S. which stands for KastKing Intrusion Shield System. This is a water-resistant protection system that works to keep dirt and water off your reel. It protects the spool, rotor, and body of the reel from dirt and water corrosion. It also has double-shielded stainless steel ball bearings rated for saltwater.
The gears on this reel are constructed from anti-corrosive zinc alloy which is super durable. The ball bearings on this reel use MaxiDur shielded stainless steel that adds stability and solidity when catching medium to large fish. The drag apparatus on this reel uses a 3-disc system made from carbon which gives you lasting support. The stainless steel ball bearings give you effortless retrieval and handling in even in saltwater.
Sharky III features an innovative Shark Fin Braid Ready aluminum spool to eliminate the need for a backing line. This gives you more line capacity to carry out your fishing without having to refill your spool. Sharky III has an anti-twist line roller that helps you avoid tangling and snarls while on the water.
All the hardware components on this reel use stainless steel which adds a pristine finish to the reel. The ergonomic design of the body is very eye-catching. Every component flows together seamlessly. The body and rotor of this reel are made from solid fiber-reinforced graphite that is saltwater resistant.
The reel comes with high-performance EVA grips to give you a tight grip even in wet conditions. To top it all off, the interchangeable handle makes this reel usable to anyone.
Penn Battle II 4000
Penn Battle II 4000 spinning reel comes with a variety of features and very strong specs. It has the capacity to catch a multitude of different fish. Penn Battle II Spinning Reel is extremely durable due to the full metal side plate, body, and rotor. The stainless steel ball bearings can withstand continued use.
Another step that Penn takes to ensure durability is in the drag system. The drag washers are made of high-quality carbon fiber and have been greased to ensure long-lasting performance. The bail wire is also made of heavy-duty aluminum, making it another component built to last.
Penn Battle II features a large crank handle with a rubber knob. This makes it comfortable to use, even for long periods of time. Talking about the ease of use, the manufacturers have put in every effort to make this product a comfortable one for both left and right-handers.
The reel has the facility of installing a crank handle on either side of the reel. It was designed with an interchangeable handle, so it is perfect for anyone who is left-handed or ambidextrous.
The exterior of the reel features a sleek design with a smooth finish which will go perfectly with any of the rest of your gear. Even after months of use, the reel still looks brand new and does not show signs of corrosion.
Penn Battle II ships quickly and comes in a tamper-proof seal. Penn customer service is extremely responsive and, if anything is wrong with your product, they will get a new one to you as soon as possible. Customer service representatives are extremely knowledgeable and extremely well-qualified to help you solve any problems you might have. They are easy to contact and quick to resolve any sort of problem.
Conclusion
Our list of the 12 Best Saltwater Spinning Reels Under $200:
- Spinfisher VI Saltwater Spinning Reel
- Daiwa BG8000 Spinning Reel
- Okuma Azores Saltwater Reel
- Spinfisher V Spinning Reel
- Penn Battle II 8000 Fishing Reel
- Pflueger Supreme XT Saltwater Reel
- Shimano Stradic FK Spinning Reel
- Penn Clash Saltwater Fishing Reel
- Daiwa SSaltist 2500 Spinning Reel
- Penn Slammer III Saltwater Reel
- Sharky III Saltwater Spinning Reel
- Penn Battle II 4000 Fishing Reel
Spinfisher VI is a great value and performs at the same level as much more expensive reels. It is packed with a multitude of useful features, including an ambidextrous handle, a Superline spool, full-metal components, and a carbon fiber drag system.
One of the top features of this reel is its unmatched smoothness for the price. Even after months of use, the drag system maintains this important feature. The design is comfortable and durable.
Battle II 8000 is the perfect spinning reel you would need for your next surf fishing expedition. It is an absolute 5/5 product. It is crafted with the most promising and durable materials and is packed with features that can fight the largest of the fishes in any condition.
Clash 2500 is a fantastic value. A high-range reel with wonderful features and value. From the proprietary HT-100 Drag system to the redesigned ball bearings, you’ll find this is your favorite piece of gear. It is a special reel.
Battle II 4000 is a great purchase for anyone looking for a smooth reel capable of handling heavy loads in fresh or saltwater.
We hope you like our recommendations for Best Saltwater Spinning Reels Under 200. If you have any other recommendations, please let us know via the comments section. We will try to include it in our next update.
Last Updated on January 5, 2024 by Victor Mays
