$100 saltwater baitcasters

[styksnstryngs]

Hey guys, my birthday is in November and depending on how I do on my PSAT and SAT, I might get myself a new reel. I am on a very tight budget, and $100 is my absolute max. Eighty would be better. So far, I've been looking at the abu Revo s, orra sx, orra inshore, Lew's speed spool lfs, the new origin tx coming out, and the KastKing Spartacus Maximus. The thing is, the reel will be used and abused in saltwater. I need dependability and corrosion resistance above all else. Something that will only need a freshwater hose-down after wades. I think my top contenders so far are the Lew's and the orra inshore. On a side note, has anyone used the w&m skeet victory ii in saltwater?

[MassBass]

Used and abused in salt, better off buying two $50 casting reels.  

[DroneFisher]

Ive been seeing the Maximus pop up on one of my fav youtubers and IG. Of course this is for SW. Here is a link:

 

[wet_dream]

Not really remembering the specifics of why, I've read baitcasters in general are tougher to seal than spinning reels due to their mechanics. I wish I could remember where I read that so I could link the source. Maybe @Delaware Valley Tackle can chime in.

 

If you want to perform minimal maintenance, a quick rinse after each outing, I'd suggest looking into spinning reels. There are a couple that come to mind at the $100 price point, the Daiwa BG or the Tsunami Shield. These reels have received great reviews from saltwater fishermen. 

 

If you are deadset on a baitcaster, I'd suggest learning how to atleast perform basic maintenance to make sure you're reel doesn't seize prematurely, especially if you're intending to "abuse" it. I do saltwater inshore fishing in my kayak, and most of my set-ups are spinning. I have tried a baitcaster for bottom jigging flounder, and it's held up well, but I try to clean it as best as I can and reapply grease often to keep saltwater intrusion at a minimum. I do this on my spinning reels as well, but just less often.

 

Good luck!

 

[Chris at Tech]

22 hours ago, wet_dream said:

If you want to perform minimal maintenance, a quick rinse after each outing, I'd suggest looking into spinning reels. There are a couple that come to mind at the $100 price point, the Daiwa BG or the Tsunami Shield. These reels have received great reviews from saltwater fishermen. 

 

My thoughts too.  I think you get a better, salt-tolerant spinning reel at the $100 price point than you do casting.  Daiwa BG and Shimano Nasci are worthy of a closer look.

[Collin W]

I would look into the Daiwa Arid Costal. It is $80 at Tackle Warehouse and is saltwater approved. Daiwa makes great reels!