What is the difference between saltwater and freshwater reels

Because saltwater is harsh on metals, saltwater fishing reels are normally made of stainless steel and other non-corroding components. Generally speaking, this is why saltwater fishing reels tend to be a little higher in price compared with freshwater fishing reels. Even that being the case, you can expect a saltwater fishing reel to take some damage from saltwater over an extended period of time.

Freshwater fishing reels that are not designed to take the same amount of punishment from saltwater are more easily damaged when using in saltwater environments.

Nevertheless, all fishing reels should be rinsed in tap water after a day out fishing if you want to keep them in good condition and get the most out of your investment.

It will depend heavily on budget, but saltwater spinning reels are definitely worth the investment because they can be used universally. Freshwater spinning reels absolutely have their place too, when you are mostly fishing in non-brackish waters, but when you still decide to try some salty water body, remember to always rinse the reel afterwards. Despite of that, they are not really good choice for long term use, because sooner or later, when interest in saltwater fishing may rise, you still need corrosion resistant reel.

If it is possible financially we recommend buying only one reel and that would be saltwater one. Your email address will not be published. This is especially true when surf fishing! If you would like more information on a good spinning reel for surf fishing , make sure to check out this link to an article that I wrote. When a lot of people think of saltwater fishing, they immediately think of the big reels that are used for deep sea fishing such as the ones in the picture above.

The main difference between freshwater and saltwater reel is the type of materials that are used to make them. A good quality saltwater reel will usually be made of some type of corrosion resistant material such as stainless steel. They also tend to have a solid body frame.

The less parts to the reel mean the less of a chance that the saltwater can seep in and cause major damage to the inner workings. Speaking of inner workings, unlike freshwater reels, most good quality saltwater reels will come with stainless steel bearing sometimes the bearings are also sealed that are coated with a special coating that further protect them from the saltwater.

Some saltwater reels are actually completely sealed, meaning that there are virtually no access points for any type of moisture to get in. Typically, saltwater reels are bigger than their freshwater counterparts. Fiberglass rods are powerful and tougher compared to graphite, while graphite rods are stiffer more sensitive.

The sizes of saltwater fish species have a wider range than freshwater species, which requires rods to handle heavier weight. Compared to freshwater fishing rods, the rods for saltwater fishing are much thicker and heavier. The types of freshwater fishing rods include spinning, bait-casting, closed spin-casting, telescopic, carbon-fiber and ultra-light. Saltwater fishing rods are spinning, bait-casting, trolling and jigging.

Sea fishing reels have sealed casings to prevent salt water from seeping inside. The outer covering of saltwater reels is anodized to resist corrosion.