I’m interested in surf-fishing and original/salt fill up fishing. Which brands are commonly suggested as being excellent quality or a excellent investment? So far I’ve only been introduced to products from Penn.
And are combo deals worth looking into or should they be avoided?
What Are Some Quality Fishing Reel Brands?
January 30th, 2010 
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Surf Fishing-
Penn was once the leader in all brine reels. But, since farming out numerous different manufactured parts from China, (and Shimano & Daiwa making HUGE strides forward in reel design) it’s a “crap shoot” whether you will get a “excellent one” or not. There are certain Penn reels that are still “mostly” American made with American Parts. Here are my favorite’s that still have “quality” workmanship & components-
1. Penn Slammer- http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores…
2. Penn Spinfisher SSm- http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores…
The Spinfisher is a “tank”. Esp excellent for Surf Fishing or Offshore light action fishing. There is a reason the design has not changed in 60 years- it works! The only issues with the SSM is the “spool wobble”. If your OK with that, then this would be a nice reel for the Surf. Go to a Bass Pro Shops or Cabelas, (or your community Sporting Goods Store) and “test drive” it.
One additional thing about Penn- They are EASILY fixed. Most community reel repair shops have prts for Penn reels, (or have simple access). A additional “plus” in the Penn category.
My Favorite fishing reel for the Surf or for Jetty/Pier fishing is the Daiwa Black Gold Series. The BG’s are a additional “tank” designed reel. VERY sturdy and nearly indestructible, the BG’s are a common reel you see aboard savoy Florida charter boats. Daiwa designed these reels to offer something to the US promote that could compete with Penn’s SSm Series.
They are JUST as lasting, with brilliant workmanship and excellent components AND they don’t have the “spool wobble” the SSm has. AND they are cheaper by about $40!!!!!!!!!
So what you have is a reel that is cheaper than a Penn SSM, has the same quality as an SSM, and (FYI) ALSO is easily repaired by community Reel shops- it’s really no contest which is better. Check them out & read the reviews at Bass Pro- http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores…
And here is Cabelas reviews on the BG’s- http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templa…
One more reel that is brilliant for Surf Fishing is the Fin-Nor OFS Series. These are VERY nice. Are built like “tanks” and have all the additional “bells & whistles” the additional 2 competitors have. Personally, if I was buying a additional Surf/Light Offshore Spiraling reel it would be an OFS. It’s THAT excellent!
Read reviews at Bass Pro- http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores…
The above reels are “all metal designed” with VERY tough components and designed for the harsh brine background. All three are the least expensive, (but with brilliant workmanship), reels you can buy that, (with proper care), could easily last a lifetime.
You can get more expensive reels but they won’t last any longer than the above 3. Here are a couple “Holy Grail” reels that mirror or rival the components and workmanship of the Daiwa BG’s, Penn SSm and Fin-Nor OFS. Notice the fee tag-
1. Shimano Stella- http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores…
2. Shimano Stella- http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores…
3. Daiwa Saltiga- http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores…
4. Quantum Cabo PT- http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores…
The above reels are some of the finest reels made. If you have the money, these are THE best quality reels made within a reasonable fee point ( the Van Stals are even more expensive!!!).
But, unless your a connesiour of fishing reels, I reckon you would be pleased with a simple Daiwa BG, Penn SSm (or Penn Slammer), or a Fin-Nor OFS. I am confident they would last as long, (if not longer) than any reel in the “Stella” class.
Combo’s??-
Reckon about this- When combo’s turn up from the manufacturer they come in huge boxes all wrapped together, (rod and all). When I was a manager at a tackle store in Florida we would ALWAYS get 2-4 combo’s that had been hurt in the shipping process.
It always AMAZED me that major fishing company’s would pkg their combo’s so “slip-shod”.
The point? The odds on you getting a “dud” reel or rod in a combo pkg is high. Why risk it? Usually the difference in fee is marginal, ($10-$20) and the “pkging process” with reels & rods is always better when they are shipped separate.
Hope this helps ya in your hunt for a excellent Surf reel? Read reviews at Cabelas and Bass Pro for additional insightful help. Excellent fishing!
Hi, once you typed surf-fishing and original/salt fill up there is only one brand you should invest in. Penn. I am moving away from all the others as they die and they are doing that very quick. The 4 Penn reels I now have are my work horses for fishing even here on a original fill up lake.
Penn has some combo rigs you can look at as well.
Some of the best contain:
- Shimano
- Abu Garcia
- Mitchell
- Penn
- Daiwa
- Shakespeare (at least pretty excellent quality compared to additional manufacturer’s reels at the budget end of the promote)
- Quantum
- Okuma
This is in regards to freshwater fishing.
Shimano, Daiwa, Quantum, Abu Garcia, Plfueger, & Mitchell.
A couple cheap-o brands?
Zebco, Shakespeare, Rhino, & South Bend.
Diawa and Quantum. Both make awesome reels and their combos are pretty excellent as well
Some combo deals are awesome, but look for higher priced stuff. Some of the entry-level stuff sucks, regardless of brand.
I really like Diawa and Rhino
Penn and Daiwa are two reels that I would recommend. I have had excellent success with both. They may cost more, but are worth it.
I have several favorites
I believe the best maybe Shimano
I also like the upper end Quantums
for brute fishing since of their drags, ABU garcias
Shaimano is #1 and ABU Garcia for second. I recomend ABU cause they are positively priced and fantastic quality.
I like Shimano. All of my reels over the years have been Shimanos and Ive never had any problems. They also make an in-shore series of rods called Teramar.
iam guessing ur from the usa, in the uk the most well loved is shimano,diawa,browning,silstar and abu garcia
Shimano, diawa, abu garcia
shimano, quantam, abu garcia
I use only penn reels. They have served me for over 50 years.
There is only one brand that i use: PENN
i like the nice mitchels