Saltwater Spinning Reel Suggestions

[Bryce Hagar]

Well I understand that this is a bass fishing site, but i couldnt think of a better place to ask for advice on my next purchase. I am in the market for a good quality spinning reel that can stand up to the abuse of saltwater. I expect to catch redfish, black drum, flounder, trout and a variety of other inshore species. I live in NE Florida and all of my salt water fishing is done inshore. I know of course that a lot of the durability has to do with the maintenance that you do on the reel and how you treat it with fishing, and i am not a careless person nor am i a clean-freak person when im fishing. I mean its GOING to get saltwater on it no matter what you do. But I will oil and grease it regularly and do all of the necessary maintenance to keep it running properly. I do not want to go above $130. This is going to be a pretty much multi-tasking reel. I would like something rather light but with an aluminum frame. Im just looking for

So far the reel I have been most interested in was the Shimano Saros 3000F. This reel interested me with its AR-B bearings, strong drag, and waterproof drag cap.

Any suggestions are GREATLY appreciated and thanks in advance for your help.

[Pathfinder 20]

I have 3 inshore spinning outfits with Shimano reels on them. Two are Spheros 4000 with 7' Star 10/17 Nickelite rods. The other is a Sedona 4000 on a 7' St Croix TideMaster 10/20. The Shimano Saros is a step above both the Spheros and the Sedona. I like both of the reels I have.

I have not tried a 3000 series reel. A couple of times I have had a hard time turning a fish with the 4000 size reel. I keep 20lb braid on all 3. Cast great and drags work good.

Good luck on your choice.

JMP

[Use ONLY Stren]

You will get Shimano Stradic from alot of people, and i would second that. You can find them at the flea market or on ebay for under 130. A lower priced option is a Pflueger Supreme for 100.00 it has a sealed drag and is an awesome reel.

[Bryce Hagar]

I found the Saros for 100 dollars online. And that really caught my interest. I will also consider your advice on the larger size reel. I am merely going off of paper stats which mean little compared to real world experience but I think the 3000 and 4000 series have the same drag power - 15lbs. Has anyone here used the Shimano Saros and if so what were your results.

Thanks again

[roadwarrior]

Ask Bantam1 in the Shimano section.

This could be a situation when a "disposable"

reel, like a Flooger or sQuantem' might be the

better choice.

:

[GonzoFishing]

I would wait for the 25% discount coupon to come from Sports Authority and get a Quantum Boca

[mrlitetackle]

Posted by: Bryce Hagar      Posted on: Today at 8:20pm

I found the Saros for 100 dollars online. And that really caught my interest. I will also consider your advice on the larger size reel. I am merely going off of paper stats which mean little compared to real world experience but I think the 3000 and 4000 series have the same drag power - 15lbs. Has anyone here used the Shimano Saros and if so what were your results.

Thanks again

i have 2 of the saros 3000 myself.......

i have one solely dedicated to the salt as well,

can't say anything bad about it either....it holds up great!

ive got mine spooled with suffix braid 6-20, and caught many large jacks, nice reds, and decent trout with it..... preforms like a dream...

i fish mainly in the indian river right out of titusville, fl.

just make sure to rinse it down well, and oil the roller bearing..

as for the 4000 size,

in the saros..... its simply huge

seriously, the difference in size from the 3000 to the 4000 is just ridiculous.

if your staying inshore, get the 3000 IMO.

if you really want a 4000 size,

id try the stradic,

its a much more "reasonable" size in the 4000 model, as compared to the 4000 in the saros.

[bilgerat]

You will get Shimano Stradic from alot of people, and i would second that. You can find them at the flea market or on ebay for under 130. A lower priced option is a Pflueger Supreme for 100.00 it has a sealed drag and is an awesome reel.

The Supreme is an awesome reel but not the best choice for saltwater due to it's magnesium construction.

[SirSnookalot]

Some ground to cover here, in the first place saltwater inshore fishing is what I do every day and I own most of the reels mentioned, fish them hard.

Shimano spheros, have a 4000 and 8000, as good a choice as there is, designed for hard saltwater use, this is the workhorse of the Shimano line up. I don't believe the saros is a step up.

Shimano stradic fi 4000,excellent reel, smoother than spheros with a weaker drag(not enough to make a difference) I use it strictly for sea wall and pier use, for beach I'd take the spheros over it.

Quantum Boca ( the Cabo is the top of the line), I bought the Boca on close out at S/A several weeks ago for $64.00, as good as my stradic, except it's a bit heavy, I have the 30, which is 4000 series reel. Almost every guide and top Florida fisherman I have met fish Quantum Cabo, some even own tackle shops and that's what they use. Retail the Boca is about $129 and the Cabo about $199.

Supreme 35, I use it in saltwater no problems with mag frame but not the best idea, just rinse it real good and a drop of oil every month or 2, highly recommend corrosion block, great stuff. For the long haul I'd pass on this reel.

Medalist, pure saltwater reel, I have the 5000 heavy at 18 oz but extremely durable, 2 years and oiled just a couple of times and it's like new out of the box, for under a $100 this would be a great pick. I really love this reel.

I have several Abu cardinals 800 & sorons but I'm phasing them out, have caught a lot nice fish on them and they are good reels, just falling out of favor with me.

Penns are very popular but I'm not a fan.

This will vary with mfg, but some 3-4000 reels are the same except for line capacity,( braid on each one 15 or 20#) need to do your homework on that one.

I make a point of not having a reel lie dormant, I use each one of them over a weeks time.

As far as Quantum or Pflueger being disposable, I find that statement to be highly questionable.

My pick for you would be the spheros. 3 or 4000, with braid there will be more than enough line capacity, at about 12.5 oz the weight is very comfortable, I'm used to the little heavier reels and weight is no longer a major concern for me.

I've yet to see one in the field and have not handled reel but the Shimano sargossa  at $189 sounds very nice, step up from the spheros.

[Bryce Hagar]

Wow thanks for all the great responses. Now I have a real tough choice to make. Either get the Spheros for 100 or the Saros for 100. Hmmmmm decisions decisions. Thanks again. Ill be sure to let you know what I decided.

[Bassin_0502]

I'm really surprised that Penn didn't get more recs. I still use the very first reel I ever bought, some 45  years ago. I fish only Penn reels in salt water. I do not fish anywhere near as frequently as SirSnookalot but as far as long term survivability, I'm very pleased with them. The only complaint I have is the bail spring, sometimes it doesn't close the bail when I start retrieving. (Of course, after reading this forum, I'm trying to break that habit and close the bail manually).

[0119]

Im amazed that everybody thinks they have to have a huge 3000 or 4000 size reel.   Maybe if your bridge hopping for tarpon and wont be holding the beast of a reel long, its o.k.    If your throwing lures, walking a dog, or fishing flats, that huaage reel will drag you down.  I find the 2500 size to heavy most of the time especially compared to a casting reel that will be stronger and weigh half as much.  I think you'd be better off getting advise from jaxkayakfishing.com and talking to folks who fish the river and spartina grass your going to fish.  His huge tarpon and snook in the Miami area and my snook and reds in Charlotte Harbor call for different tackle than what will be best for you.

[SirSnookalot]

The original question was asking about spinning reels and opinions regarding certain brands.  A 2500 is a small reel but very usable, especially using braid where line capacity is important, many 2 &4000 reels are the same reel except for spool size.  Most inshore fish don't go all that big 1-10# making a 2-4000 reel perfect for a great battle.

I tarpon and snook fish everyday using 2 or 4000 reels, certainly not heavy, in fact light enough to fish for hours with non stop, I only use artificial.  

A 4000 spinning reel is ideal for the poster and probably the most popular size.  Not that there is anything wrong with winching them in with a b/c and 50# braid, but IMO it takes a bit more talent with spinning gear and light line.  I probably see 1 b/c vs 19 spinning out of 20 fisherman doing inshore or beach.  Exception would be bait fisherman using conventional like a senator 4/0.

[Bryce Hagar]

I also found a Boca for 109. This makes for an extremely tough decision. And i read that the boca has an insane 23lb drag  

[SirSnookalot]

My personal opinion the Boca is a good choice, but I can't give a complete review until I've owned mine for at least 6 months, so far so good. I've owned the spheros over 3 years and it's a darn good reel too.

The Boca 40 has plenty of line capacity, 24lb drag if that's accurate but it weighs over 14 oz., I prefer the Boca 30 with 20# braid. If you set your drag to recommended level your at 5-7lb, you don't want to stop them dead in their tracks, tighten that drag too far and a good size snook will snap your line or leader. Leaving the drag as is or adjusting it while your playing the fish has been discussed before, I'm in the adjusting camp(keep a tight line and it's quite easy).

At 7lb of drag a good size snook can spool you, I tighten it down a little at a time, too much at once a good bye fish & lure.

As my Boca 30 is new I've not caught anything real large on it, but fish in the 10# range have been handled quite nicely.

I swear by corrosion block for my bearings, best stuff I have ever used, but I no longer tear my reels a part, I take them in for a general cleaning & lube when needed.  Rinse that reel after each use and rinse from the top of the spool down to wash sand away and not into the reel.

[Bryce Hagar]

Alright well i finally decided on the Boca PT 40 and I got it for $85. Cant wait to use it. SirSnookalot what do you think might be a good rod to use for multi-purpose stuff. My main three things will be throwing DOA's or MirroLure's, a popping cork rig, and bottom fishing with live bait. Im kinda leaning toward something 7ft(or longer) medium power, fast action. Dont want to go over $80 for the rod. Any advice guys?

[SirSnookalot]

I have the perfect rod for you, I own 6 of them.  You probably will 3 or 4000 suggestions, lol, this one is a great buy on a great rod.

Hurricane redbone 7' 10/20 line class, come in a 7'6 also I have both. Difference between 2 the 7'6 has more spine and a longer butt, but it's heavier. Regular price $89.95.  Watch the papers for a store discount at Sports Authority spend a $100 get $25.00 off or spend $50 and get $25. off.  I've seen the rod at Dick's as well.

As far as bottom fishing, I'd look for something else, the redbone is strictly for casting, maxium lure weight 1 oz.

If you want to go on the cheap for a rod to use with bait( just put your boca on a bait rod.  I bought on a whim a shimano soujourn 10/25 1/2 -3 oz lure weight 7'.  I use this rod for casting heavier lures, trolling and bait for barracuda and bontia , it's 29.95 and works great.  I have a,light 4000 abu on it and can cast it all day long, I'm going for big jacks today think I'll take it.

Can I give you a fishing tip?  Keep it simple !!  DOA terror eyes, cal jerk shads on a 1/4 oz jig head, Storm wild eyed, xrap, top lure, and most important a silver spoon.......without doubt the best producer.  If working the beach, never stay in one spot, 100' can make all the difference, from a school of small fish to a school of larger fish.  Not unusual for me to walk a mile then back on beach just casting the trough parallel to the shore line, 20' or less out.

PM me if I can help you further.