Best Inshore Spinning Reel in 2020

PENN Spinfisher V

Penn makes great reels and the Penn Spinfisher V is no different. This is a lovely inshore saltwater fishing reel that’s a pleasure to use; you’ll be able to cast far and accurately with the confidence that no matter what inshore species you, the reel has got your back.

The body is made up of metal, as are the rotor and side plates. This makes the reel a little heavier than others but it’s more robust and will handle being bashed around a bit.

The reel features the HT-1oo slammer drag, one of the best Penn has ever made. It’s strong, smooth and it’s also sealed to stop salt or dirt getting into the reel and corroding it.

It comes with a large line capacity, so when those big bonefish or tarpon start grey-hounding across the water, there’s no need to panic as you’ll have plenty of line to manage. The retrieve rate is high, so once the fish has stopped its run, you can crank down and get them in quick.

The spool is aluminum and braid-ready, something we all need these days. It also comes with capacity markers so you’ll know where you’re at in any moment.

Penn has also added some helpful features including; anti-reverse, a friction trip ramp to stop the bail arm tripping during casting and live liner mode.

Live liner mode is specifically for live-baiting and if you do a lot of it, you’ll want to pay attention now. This mode lets you put up to 6lbs of drag against your live-bait without engaging the main drag, so you can control your bait and once hooked up, engage the normal drag. The only downfall is that it’s a bit quiet and you’ll need to pay attention.

SHIMANO Stradic

Shimano, as we know, make awesome fishing gear and they have put a lot of thought into the Stradic. 

It’s light for easy, accurate casting while being robust and durable in those salty conditions. The reel comes with a full metal body that’s been made to guarantee rigidity. The rigidity in the body keeps the gears aligned thanks to zero flex which makes sure that every crank you give it comes with the reels maximum efficiency. There is no time wasting here.

The reel features Shimano’s CrossCarbonDrag which is known to be their smoothest ever across the industry. It can be changed in micro-increments so you can set the exact pressure you want. The only thing missing from the drag is that it has a pretty low max, so if you hook a 200lb tarpon, you’re going to have to chase it with the boat. 

It comes with a braid-ready spool and the internal parts are all made to beat corrosion. The reel features X-Protect, a water-repellent coating combined with a maze of channels that ensure water is directed out of the reel and away from any important parts. This feature is key to ensuring your reel lasts a life in the salt.

Penn Battle II

The Penn Battle II is designed according to its name, to go to battle with some big creatures. This inshore saltwater fishing reel might be a bit overkill for those smaller inshore species but if you’re into big tarpon, this is a solid choice.

It’s been made with the sea in mind and features a full aluminum body that does its best to keep the dirt and salt out. The reel isn’t sealed though so be sure to take it apart and maintain it properly. The body is also made to maintain rigidity to give you maximum efficiency from your gears in every crank.

The drag is strong, smooth and when combined with the large line capacity makes for a reel that can handle a big fish. Add in the5 bearings and the high gear ratio to give a quick, smooth retrieve and I’m not sure what more you could ask for.

It comes with instant anti-reverse and a braid-ready superline spool with capacity markings for easy filling. Overall it is a great reel, maybe a little heavy and the main gear can fail after a season or two but, it’s easy to replace. 

Abu Garcia Revo Inshore Spinning Reel

This is reel specifically designed for inshore fishing and when Abu Garcia makes a reel for something, it does the job, most of the time.

One of the best things about this reel is how it casts. The superlight aluminum body while being durable makes for limitless casting. You’ll be able to pin baits into those mangrove holes effortlessly, all day. It also features Abu’s Rocket Line Management system to help you cast even further and more accurately than usual.

The carbon drag system is super smooth, easy to adjust and has some strength behind it. The retrieve is quick and the body and inner workings are made to brush off corrosion. The reel is not sealed though and if it goes for a dunk, you should certainly take it apart that evening and give it so loving care.

The spool is braid-ready and has enough capacity for most inshore species just maybe not a giant tarpon but if you’re in a boat and can chase the fish, you’ll be fine.

There are a couple of drawbacks; the bearings can grind after a while and the reel can stick a bit on the retrieve but with some good maintenance this should be avoided.

Okuma Cedros

The Okuma Cedros has been turning some heads in the fishing world and for good reason. It’s been made specifically for jigging, making it super fast with a great drag, but that’s not all it’s good for, the reel casts beautifully too.

The body and inner workings have been designed to be used in the sea. From the aluminum body to the brass insides and the corrosion-resistant coated gears, the reel is built to last in a salty world. 

It features Okuma’s dual force drag system that gives a max drag of 33lb which is certainly enough for any inshore fish you’re looking to target. Once engaged, the drag is smooth and reliable. It’s also sealed making for less maintenance. 

The retrieve is super-fast as you’d expect from a jigging reel and that’s thanks to the multiple bearings and high gear ratio. If you’re a topwater fisherman, you know how important it is to move those baits quickly sometimes and this reel will do it for you.

The only negative I can see about this reel is that its hard to open and maintain but with some practice, it’ll get easier.

Daiwa BG

The Daiwa BG is a great budget reel for saltwater fishing. It comes in every size, from small to huge and a medium-sized one is a perfect fit as a inshore saltwater fishing reel.

The reel has been designed for use in the sea and features all the right materials you’d want in a reel to make it last. The drag is strong, smooth and waterproof to help keep the maintenance down, don’t panic if it takes a dunk, just take ot apart and give it a clean.

The reel includes Daiwa’s Digigear System that makes the super-fast retrieve smooth as butter. Each size comes with a large line capacity that fits snugly onto the braid-ready aluminum spool. 

The bail arm has been made sepcifically to assist with line management. It actively stops twists and loops to make for easy casting.

There are a few drawbacks; the reel is a bit heavy for all day casting and the bail roller can corrode, but is easily replaced.

Daiwa Saltiga

This reel might have more technology and thought in it than any other reel made by Daiwa. It’s been specifically designed to last a lifetime of use in saltwater. Their MAG SEALD technology uses a magnetic oil that runs around the inside of the reel to make it not only smooth but to repel anything that tries to get in there. This means the reel should last forever, especially if you take care of it.

The reel’s price tag is close to $1000 so it’s certainly an investment, but worth it if you’re looking for one reel for the rest of your life. It’ll handle any inshore species and even some offshore ones, depending on the size you choose.

The line capacity, retrieve rate and drag are all top of the line, it’s hard to put a foot wrong with this reel. The only drawback is that it’s a little heavy and you may get tired casting it all day.