Out there in the depths of the sea – whether it’s the Indian, Atlantic or Pacific Ocean – is where the big boys of the underwater species like to hang out. So, if you think you can just stroll into their territory and yank them out of their natural habitat with very basic gear, you’re in for a big shock.
Some fish in the saltwater environment can weigh in excess of 500-pounds. Plus, you need to add their desire to battle you every step of the way into the mix, which can make it even more of a struggle. Therefore, if you want to be holding a trophy-sized fish in front of a camera with a big smile on your face, you need to invest in quality equipment.
One of the most important aspects of your arsenal should be the spinning wheel. If you’re serious about becoming a successful angler, here are some top tips which will help you when purchasing a reel:
- Remember… You get what you pay for
It’s important to recognize that cheap reels have a very slim chance of yielding great results. So, you need to invest a substantial amount – without breaking the bank, of course – if you want to catch those saltwater whoppers. By paying a decent price for a reel, you’ll know it will last longer, withstand effects of salt water better, provide better drag performance and be more robust when fighting underwater beasts.
- Double-check the capacity
The last thing you want when you’re in the process of capturing a huge fish is to run out of line. But, it can happen, especially if you tend to scour deep waters for your prize and there’s a fast drift. However, you can avoid it by choosing a reel from the get-go that has enough line capacity for your needs. If you’re really not sure, then a safe bet is to go with a large spool that is filled to the max.
- Consider the weight if you fish for long periods
At the end of the day, saltwater fishing is a sport that is extremely physically demanding. Now, if you often fish for long periods, you don’t want to add to that pressure by picking a heavy spinning reel. Instead, opt for a lovely light-weight reel that still possesses a ton of strength and durability. That way, you’ll be able to perform well from the start of your session till the very end, because it will be less taxing on your shoulders, elbows and wrists.
- Is it able to supress the threat of corrosion?
Many reels don’t actually come equipped with a corrosion-protection feature, but a reel with one can make a hell of a difference. It will last an awful lot longer if it has something such as a protective coating, an internal gasket or a sealed bearing. So, when you’re searching for a reel, keep that in mind.
- Make sure it feels comfortable
Not much needs to be said about this one, other than this – before purchasing the reel, make sure the handle feels comfortable in your grip, because that’s ultimately a deciding factor!
