Deep sea fishing is as fun as fishing can get, at least for me. Unless you’re jigging, it might not involve the most activity, but there is one thing.
You never know what you’re going to hook 400 feet deep.
And that’s why you need a strong reel that’s ready for any fish that might bite.
At this depth and lower there is just a blend of different fish species, and it makes it so interesting to let a bait sink and then pull something unknown out of the dark.
A good deep-sea fishing reel must be durable, have a high line capacity, and be able to handle the weight and power of large fish.
In this article, I will share my knowledge and research to help you find the best fishing reel for deep sea fishing.
So, without further talking, let’s see the best deep sea reels in 2024.
1) KastKing Rover Round Fishing Reel
The first option on the list is the affordable KastKing Rover. It’s perhaps the most versatile conventional reel ever, catching fish in both freshwater (think catfish) and saltwater.
It’s built with an anodized aluminum side plates and spool. This construction provides a good balance between strength and weight, making it suitable for battling larger fish without causing too much fatigue during long fishing sessions. The reel also features precision-cut brass gears and a stainless steel worm gear, which ensure smooth operation and long-term durability. The corrosion-resistant components make it a good choice for heavy-duty saltwater fishing.
One of the standout features of the KastKing Rover Round is its carbon fiber drag system, which offers a smooth and powerful drag. This is crucial when fighting strong and fast-moving fish, as it allows for better control during the fight. The max drag varies depending on the model, but it is generally sufficient for most deep-sea fishing needs.
The KastKing Rover Round comes in various gear ratios to suit different fishing techniques and preferences. Lower gear ratios offer more power for pulling up heavy fish from deep waters, while higher gear ratios are better for quick retrieves. You can choose the model that best suits your style of fishing.
As mentioned above, this reel can be used in a variety of fishing environments, including freshwater and saltwater. It is suitable for various techniques such as trolling, bottom fishing, and even some live bait applications. Its robust construction allows it to handle a wide range of fish species.
It’s a good reel for deep sea fishing, especially for the money, and it’ll serve for a long time on your boat.
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2) Penn Squall 2 Round Deep Sea Reel
The Penn Squall 2 Round reel is a popular choice among anglers for deep-sea fishing due to its robust construction, reliable performance, and, let’s face it, Penn’s reputation for producing good reels over the years.
It’s is constructed with a graphite frame and side plates, which offer a lightweight yet strong build. This makes the reel suitable for the harsh saltwater environment while keeping the overall weight manageable for long fishing sessions. The marine-grade bronze alloy main gear and stainless steel pinion gear provide durability and a long lifespan for the internal components.
The reel features Penn’s HT-100™ carbon fiber drag washers, which are known for providing a smooth and consistent drag. The HT-100 drag system can handle heavy loads, making it suitable for deep-sea fishing where large and powerful fish are common. The star drag adjustment is easy to operate, allowing anglers to make quick changes to the drag setting while fighting a fish.
It’s equipped with two shielded stainless steel ball bearings, which help to provide a smooth operation during casting and retrieving. While the number of bearings may be lower than some other reels on the market, the quality of these bearings ensures reliable performance.
The spool on the Penn Squall 2 Round is braid ready and can hold a significant amount of heavy-duty fishing line, which is essential for targeting large species in deep water. The line capacity rings on the spool provide a quick visual indication of how much line is remaining, which is a useful feature during long runs by big fish.
The reel comes with an ergonomic handle that is designed to provide comfort and leverage when cranking. The handle knob is often oversized to allow for a better grip, which is particularly important when fighting strong fish or retrieving gear from deep water. This ergonomic design helps reduce fatigue during extended periods of use.
While round reels are not typically known for their casting abilities compared to low-profile baitcasting reels, the Penn Squall 2 Round performs adequately in this regard. The smooth operation of the ball bearings and the even line lay on the spool contribute to decent casting performance for a round reel. However, it’s worth noting that this reel is more geared towards trolling and bottom fishing rather than casting.
Some models of the Penn Squall 2 Round may come with additional features such as a line-out alarm (clicker), which is useful for trolling as it audibly indicates when a fish takes the bait. The reel also often includes a level wind system that evenly distributes the line across the spool during retrieval, which is important for preventing tangles and ensuring efficient line management.
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3) Shimano Saragosa SW
The Shimano Saragosa SW is a highly capable spinning reel that’s well-suited for the challenges of deep-sea fishing. Its solid construction, powerful drag system, and smooth operation make it a favorite among anglers targeting big fish in the open ocean. Whether you’re casting baits or lures, jigging over deep structures, or trolling for pelagic species, the Saragosa SW offers the strength and performance needed to succeed in saltwater environments.
The Saragosa SW features a high rigidity aluminum frame, which provides a sturdy foundation that resists flexing under heavy loads. The reel’s construction also includes Shimano’s X-Ship technology, which supports the pinion gear on both ends with bearings. This design maintains precise alignment with the drive gear, enhancing the reel’s efficiency and durability under strain.
Shimano has incorporated its proprietary waterproofing technology, called X-Protect, into the Saragosa SW. This system combines water-repellent coatings and special water-channeling structures to prevent water intrusion without sacrificing the lightness of the reel action, making it suitable for the challenging saltwater environment.
The reel is equipped with Shimano’s Cross Carbon Drag system, which is designed to provide a wide range of drag settings and a smooth, consistent drag performance. This is critical when battling powerful deep-sea species, as it allows for better control during the fight. The max drag varies across the different models in the Saragosa SW series, but all are capable of handling large fish.
The Saragosa SW uses shielded A-RB (Anti-Rust Bearings), which are specially treated stainless steel ball bearings that are at least ten times more corrosion resistant than standard stainless steel bearings. The smoothness of the retrieve is a result of these high-quality bearings working in conjunction with Shimano’s other reel technologies.
Spinning reels are generally favored for their casting abilities, and the Saragosa SW is no exception. It features Shimano’s Propulsion Line Management System, which includes an angled spool lip design to reduce friction and enhance casting distance. This system helps with longer and more accurate casts, which is beneficial when targeting fish that are sensitive to the boat’s presence.
The Saragosa SW is positioned as a mid to high-end spinning reel in Shimano’s lineup. While it may be more expensive than some entry-level options, its price reflects the quality, durability, and advanced features that Shimano offers. It’s a good investment if you’re a serious saltwater angler who wants performance and reliability.
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4) Shimano Tiagra
For the biggest, toughest, most powerful fish, is what this reel was made. With the price surpassing most options on the market, this reel is the best of the best you can get.
The Shimano Tiagra reels are built with a one-piece machined aluminum frame and side plates, which provide exceptional strength and rigidity. This solid construction ensures that the reel can handle the extreme pressures exerted by large oceanic fish. The anodized finish offers excellent corrosion resistance, which is essential for maintaining the reel’s integrity in harsh saltwater environments.
Whether you are a competitive sport fisherman or a recreational angler seeking the thrill of a lifetime, the Tiagra series offers a range of sizes and features to meet the needs of any deep-sea fisher.
The Shimano Tiagra is positioned at the higher end of the market in terms of price. It is an investment that reflects the quality and advanced engineering that Shimano is known for. The reel’s price is justified by its performance, durability, and the fact that it can handle some of the most challenging fishing conditions on the planet.
One of the standout features of the Tiagra is its two-speed lever drag system. This system allows anglers to switch between high and low gear ratios quickly, enabling them to adapt to the changing conditions of a fight with a big fish. The drag is smooth and consistent, thanks to Shimano’s pre-programmed drag curve, which provides precision in setting the drag for specific fishing situations. It’s built to handle extremely heavy loads, which is crucial when targeting large species.
The larger models feature a twin paddle handle, and some anglers may opt for aftermarket power handles for additional cranking power. The handle’s design is focused on maximizing the efficiency of your effort, which is particularly important during long fights with powerful fish.
The Tiagra’s durability is one of its most praised attributes. Built to withstand the demands of big game fishing, these reels are known to last for many years with proper care. The attention to detail in the design and construction means that they can be relied upon during the most critical moments of a fight with a trophy fish.
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5) Okuma Makaira 2 Speed Offshore Lever Drag
The Okuma Makaira 2 Speed Offshore Lever Drag reel is a premium offering from Okuma, designed to tackle the most challenging deep-sea fishing situations. It is a favorite among serious offshore anglers for its strength, durability, and performance.
The Makaira lever drag system is a standout feature, utilizing a patented Dual Force Drag system that applies pressure to both sides of the spool for maximum stability and an even distribution of force. This drag is topped with Cal’s Universal Drag Grease to ensure smoothness and high-end carbonite drag washers that can withstand high temperatures and friction. The drag is easily adjustable via the lever on the side of the reel, and the preset drag feature allows for precise drag settings.
It comes equipped with high-quality stainless steel ball bearings that are shielded to minimize saltwater intrusion and corrosion. These bearings contribute to the reel’s smooth operation, both during line retrieval and when letting out line under tension.
The 2-speed gearing system is a critical aspect of the Makaira’s performance, allowing you to switch between a high-speed ratio for quick line pickup and a low-speed ratio for power when needed. This versatility is essential when battling different species and sizes of fish, as well as adapting to the varying conditions of offshore fishing.
The Okuma Makaira 2 Speed Offshore Lever Drag reel sits at the higher end of the price spectrum, reflecting its premium build quality and features. It’s an investment for serious offshore anglers who require a reel that can handle the most demanding big game fishing situations.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What factors should be considered when choosing a reel for deep sea fishing?
When choosing a reel for deep sea fishing, there are several factors to consider. The most important factors are the size and strength of the fish you are targeting, the depth of the water, and the type of fishing you will be doing. You will also want to consider the material and quality of the reel, as well as its drag system and gear ratio.
How do gear ratios affect deep sea fishing reel performance?
Gear ratios affect the speed at which you can retrieve your line. A higher gear ratio means you can retrieve your line faster, which is important when reeling in large fish. However, a higher gear ratio also means less power, so you will need to balance speed with power when choosing a reel for deep sea fishing.
What are the top-rated brands for deep sea fishing reels?
There are several top-rated brands for deep sea fishing reels, including Shimano, Penn, Daiwa, and KastKing. These brands are known for producing high-quality reels that are durable, reliable, and well-suited for deep sea fishing.
What size reel is recommended for targeting large species like tuna or bass?
When targeting large species like tuna or bass, you will want to use a larger reel with a high line capacity. A reel with a capacity of at least 300 yards of 50-pound test line is recommended for these types of fish.
How do I match a deep sea fishing reel with the appropriate rod?
When matching a deep sea fishing reel with the appropriate rod, you will want to consider the length and power of the rod, as well as the weight and size of the reel. You will also want to make sure that the reel and rod are compatible in terms of their line weight and action.
Where can I find reliable deep sea fishing reels for purchase?
Reliable deep sea fishing reels can be found at most fishing supply stores, as well as online retailers such as Amazon and Bass Pro Shops. When purchasing a reel, be sure to read reviews and do your research to ensure that you are getting a high-quality product that is well-suited for deep sea fishing.
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