If you are in the market for a spinning reel, conventional reel or baitcasting fishing reel, you are in the right place. Whether you're a kicked back angler who likes to panfish or want to set an IGFA world record, West Marine has the reel you need. For those who are new to fishing and who need a basic primer on fishing reels, please see our West Advisor article Selecting a Fishing Reel. And for those who are dying to know which fishing reels enjoy the greatest popularity among our customers, we have compiled the following list.
- For a High-Torque Spinning Reel: Daiwa BG 8000 Spinning Reel
- For Big Stopping Power: Penn Spinfisher® VII 6500 Spinning Reel
- For a Versatile Saltwater Reel: Shimano Stella SW 30000 C Spinning Reel
- For Tackling Large Pelagic Species: Penn International® 80VISW 2-Speed Conventional Reel
- For a Powerful Electric Reel: Daiwa Tanacom 1200 Electric Conventional Reel
- For Any Offshore Challenge: Shimano Tiagra A TI30WLRSA Big Game Two-Speed Conventional Reel
- For a Left Hand Retrieve Reel: Daiwa Lexa® LC100HL Line Counter Left-Hand Baitcasting Reel
- For Great Casting Performance & Line Management: Daiwa Lexa TWS 300HP Baitcasting Reel
- For Innovative Braking Tech & Minimal Backlash: Shimano SLX DC 150 XG Baitcasting Reel
Spinning Reels
Daiwa BG 8000 Spinning Reel
Top features: Daiwa BG Series Spinning Reels feature a black anodized machined aluminum housing and boast superb corrosion and scratch resistance, ensuring dependable service in saltwater environments. An extra-large drive gear assures smooth operation, along with extended gear life, and increased torque, to provide the power you need to tackle hard-fighting gamefish. With a solid screw-in handle and zero movement design, controlling this reel is easy, while air rotor technology reduces weight and distributes stress more evenly throughout the rotor. Whether targeting inshore species or big game, Daiwa BG Series Spinning Reels are a solid choice for meeting your fishing needs.
What makes them stand out: Features an ABS spool which ensures 100% usable line and minimal tangles.
Penn Spinfisher® VII 6500 Spinning Reel
Top features: Penn Spinfisher® VII reels boast an IPX5 design, so you never have to worry about saltwater getting into the gearbox or drag system. The full metal body and side plate keep the CNC gear system in precise alignment, even under heavy loads. The reel also features 5+1 sealed stainless steel ball bearings, and Penn’s Superline Spool.
What makes them stand out: Features Penn's HT-100™ drag washers housed in a fully sealed spool to bring big fish to heel and give you the stopping power you need.
Shimano Stella SW 30000 C Spinning Reel
Top features: Built on a relentless pursuit of excellence, Shimano’s Stella SW reel series exemplifies innovation, taking performance to a whole new level. At their core lies the HAGANE Gear, crafted through cold forging technology for superb strength and smoothness. The HAGANE Body ensures unmatched rigidity, translating actions into cranking power. With X Protect technology, Stella SW reels deliver high water resistance without compromising a lightweight design, while the X Rigid Rotor and X Rigid Bail enhance fish-fighting power and toughness.
What makes them stand out: With a 13+1 S A-RB ball bearings, 55-pound drag, and a 4.4:1 gear ratio, the Stella SW 30000 C is ready for any saltwater battle.
Conventional Reels
Penn International® 80VISW 2-Speed Conventional Reel
Top features: Penn's International® Series reels, like their International 80VISW 2-Speed Conventional Reel has what you need to show big fish who's boss. Renowned for delivering unmatched performance, Penn Reels have claimed over 1,400 IGFA world records since 1932, solidifying their status as the choice of champions worldwide. The International VIS series embodies this legacy, featuring rugged construction with a machined and anodized aluminum frame and side plates, along with stainless steel main and pinion gears for exceptional strength and corrosion resistance. Equipped with the Quick-Shift II™ 2-speed system, you'll enjoy seamless gear shifting without interrupting your rhythm, while the Dura-Drag™ system ensures smooth, hesitation-free operation even under heavy drag settings.
What makes them stand out: Proudly made in the U.S.A. and features a 65-pound drag and Versa-Strike Adjustable Strike Stop, allowing you to customize your approach and tackle the largest of pelagic species with confidence.
Daiwa Tanacom 1200 Electric Conventional Reel
Top features: Daiwa's Tanacom 1200 Electric Conventional Reel is designed for big game kite fishing and deep drop enthusiasts, boasting an impressive line capacity of 1,100 yards of 80-pound-test Daiwa J-Braid and a rapid retrieval rate of 140m/min, 30% faster than the Tanacom 1000. Enhanced with a saltwater-sealed design and a trophy-turning 50-pound maximum drag, it's built to withstand the most demanding offshore battles. The innovative motor placement and gearing system, concealed within the spool, deliver a huge amount of power, while the easy-to-read LED dot screen and sealed electronics package ensure user-friendly operation.
What makes them stand out: Features a powerful electric motor so save you the long, hard reel in when you're targeting swordfish or pulling up behemoths from the deep.
Shimano Tiagra A TI30WLRSA Big Game Two-Speed Conventional Reel
Top features: Shimano’s Tiagra A TI30WLRSA Big Game Two-Speed Conventional Reel features a diecast aluminum frame and advanced technologies like Super Stopper, Dartanium Drag, and High Efficiency Gearing (HEG), to deliver exceptional strength and smooth operation. With a robust 34-pound drag and dual gear ratios of 3.9:1 in high and 1.7:1 in low, you have the versatility you need to handle pelagic species and big game with ease. Whether you're live bait fishing or bottom-fishing, the Tiagra A TI30WLRSA's manual clutch lever, oversized cast control knob, and assist stopper provide precise control and reliability.
What makes them stand out: Features a line capacity of up to 1435 yards of 65-pound braided line, making it ready for any offshore challenge.
Baitcasting Reels
Daiwa Lexa® LC100HL Line Counter Left-Hand Baitcasting Reel
Top features: Daiwa's Lexa® LC100 Line Counter Baitcasting Reel is ideal for targeting walleye, kokanee, and crappie, and features a convenient line counter that allows you to consistently place your lure in the strike zone. With a 100mm handle length, it offers comfortable handling and control, while the Ultimate Tournament Carbon Drag (UTD) ensures smooth, reliable performance. Crafted with a durable aluminum spool, frame, and side plate on the gear side, along with Infinite Dual Anti-reverse, this reel delivers exceptional strength and durability for saltwater inshore fishing. Boasting 5+1 ball bearings, a star drag system, and a gear ratio of 6.3:1, the Lexa® LC100 provides optimal line speed and responsiveness to help you land your next trophy catch with ease.
What makes them stand out: A lightweight, left-hand retrive reel and a perfect companion for anglers seeking precision and performance on the water.
Daiwa Lexa TWS 300HP Baitcasting Reel
Top features: Daiwa's Lexa TWS 300HP Baitcasting Reel is a powerful and lightweight addition to the battle-tested Lexa lineup. Now equipped with Daiwa's industry-leading T-Wing System (TWS), this reel offers outstanding casting performance and line management, making it perfect for saltwater fishing enthusiasts. Constructed with a stainless steel pinion gear, high-grade brass gear, and aluminum frame and side plate, it delivers durability and strength without compromising on weight. The swept power handle with a custom EVA handle knob ensures maximum power and torque, while Daiwa's revolutionary T-Wing System enhances casting distance and accuracy by minimizing line friction.
What makes them stand out: Feature's Daiwa's corrosion-resistant ball bearings and Magforce® CastControl for smooth performance and precise casting every time.
Shimano SLX DC 150 XG Baitcasting Reel
Top features: Shimano's SLX DC Baitcasting Reel is crafted on the trusted SLX platform and integrates Shimano’s innovative I-DC4 Digital Control Braking technology, offering anglers of all skill levels casting ease and distance. With a microcomputer monitoring spool speed 1,000 times per second, backlash is minimized, allowing for trouble-free casting in any condition. The I-DC4 braking system with four adjustable settings ensures effortless lure control without multiple adjustments, optimizing valuable fishing time. Built with a rigid Hagane Body, the reel eliminates flex and distortion, ensuring smooth reeling and protecting internal gears from shock. The S3D Stable Spool design enhances balance for reduced vibration and improved casting accuracy. Additionally, the Super Free bearing-supported pinion gear system eliminates friction on the spool shaft for increased freespool and longer casts. For those new to fishing and tournament anglers alike, the SLX DC has all the right stuff for catching more fish.
What makes them stand out: Feature's Shimano's I-DC4 Digital Control Braking technology to minimize backlash and allow for trouble-free casting in any conditions.
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Fishing Reels FAQ
Spinning reels are beginner-friendly and ideal for light to medium casting. Baitcasting reels offer precision and control for experienced anglers, while conventional reels are heavy-duty, designed for offshore or deep-sea fishing where strength and durability are essential.
For saltwater fishing, look for reels with corrosion-resistant components such as anodized aluminum bodies and sealed drag systems. Options like the Shimano Stella SW and Daiwa BG reels are built specifically to handle saltwater environments and large gamefish.
For inshore fishing, reels in the 2500 to 4000 size range are ideal. They offer a good balance of line capacity and drag strength for targeting species like redfish, snook, and sea trout.
Yes, electric reels like the Daiwa Tanacom 1200 are ideal for deep drop fishing or kite fishing. They reduce fatigue and save time when fishing in extreme depths or when reeling in heavy catches from far below.
For fast retrieves, choose a reel with a high gear ratio like 7.0:1 or above. Baitcasting models like the Shimano SLX DC 150 XG offer excellent speed and control for techniques like topwater and jig fishing.
For offshore big game fishing, choose a conventional reel with high line capacity, strong drag (50+ pounds), and dual-speed gearing. The Penn International and Shimano Tiagra are popular for tackling large pelagics like tuna and marlin.
If you are right-handed and prefer casting with your right and reeling with your left, a left-hand retrieve reel will feel more natural. Models like the Daiwa Lexa LC100HL are ideal for this configuration.
After each use, rinse your reel with fresh water, especially if used in saltwater. Dry it thoroughly, lubricate key parts like the handle and spool, and store in a dry place. Periodic servicing is recommended for internal components.
A line counter reel, like the Daiwa Lexa LC100HL, displays how much line you have out. It's helpful for trolling and precision fishing where bait depth consistency is critical.
Spinning reels are considered the most versatile due to their ease of use, wide range of sizes, and adaptability to different fishing styles—from freshwater lakes to coastal saltwater fishing.
