The best saltwater spinning reel for 2018 is the Penn Spinfisher V Spinning Reel. Based on charter boat usage, features, online sales data and price, I personally think it’s the best for most saltwater fish other than tuna or marlin. You can’t beat a Penn reel.
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Penn Spinfisher V Features
- Watertight – performs reliably in saltwater, freshwater and sandy environments
- Durable construction – full metal body, sideplate, and rotor
- Heavy-duty aluminum bail wire
- Sealed HT-100 Slammer drag system provides robust, silky-smooth drag
- Friction trip ramp prevents premature bail trip when casting
- Smooth cranking with 5 shielded stainless steel ball bearings and instant anti-reverse bearing
- Superline spool requires no backing
- Braided line ready
- Line capacity rings marked at 1/3, 2/3, and full capacity
Why I think the Penn Spinfisher is the best saltwater spinning reel
The Penn Spinfisher V saltwater spinning reel is a super value and is able to withstand saltwater punishment without failure. I have been on quite a few charter fishing boats and have used several Penn Spinfisher V reels. They are fantastic. I caught 5 yellowtail tuna on one trip. The tuna ranged from 26 – 61 lbs. Tuna are vigorous fighters and will run long and deep. It takes a tough spinning reel with a good drag system to tire tuna and bring them in. The Spinfisher V did the job very well.
The Spinfisher reels on the charter boats take a lot of abuse from people, the weather, the saltwater and fish guts. I have seen many fishing rods go overboard and/or were dipped in the saltwater during my trips. The reels were submerged in saltwater numerous times and kept on running. A lot of charter boat captains love Penn reels. I know why.
I’m typically a Shimano guy but I grew up on Penn reels and still love them. The Shimano’s are more expensive but are super smooth and very reliable. But if I had a limited budget and wanted the Best Bang for the Buck, I would buy a Penn Spinfisher V spinning reel for sure. You just can’t beat them for the price.