Last updated on August 5th, 2024 at 08:52 pm
Electric fishing reels? Yes, they really do exist. This is just another example of how technology has transformed the sport of saltwater fishing. Electric fishing reels are no longer novelties; they’ve become powerful tools that can give anglers the upper hand.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Electric fishing reels are designed for specialized fishing situations, like deep dropping for bottom fish offshore. In these scenarios, fishing with a conventional reel would cause much more fatigue from reeling up your fish and gear from several hundred feet. With an electric fishing reel, it can be done with a simple push of a button saving strain on the angler and the fish. These reels are more expensive, bigger, heavier, bulkier, and do require a power source to operate, however.
What sets electric reels apart from the conventional ones isn’t just their motorized assistance. It’s about leveraging technology to enhance angler endurance when fishing deep water and or with heavy gear.
Heavy tackle becomes less burdensome, and targeting deep-water species becomes less daunting. These reels offer opportunities for anglers who face physical limitations, to enjoy the sport of fishing.
Anglers who have made the switch to electric fishing reels often highlight the faster retrieval rates, the ability to fish for longer periods, and reduced fatigue. These benefits are particularly important when dealing with the demanding conditions of deep-water bottom fishing.
You could find yourself fishing hundreds of feet down while battling waves and currents where the battle isn’t just with the fish but with nature itself. These are specialty reels built for a particular purpose so you may not be familiar with them or even need one.
Electric fishing reels are primarily used for:
- Deep-Sea Fishing: They are ideal for fishing at great depths where manual reeling would be too strenuous and time-consuming.
- Targeting Large Fish: Electric reels provide the power needed to handle large, strong fish species that are difficult to reel in manually.
- Long Fishing Trips: They reduce physical fatigue, allowing anglers to fish for extended periods without tiring.
- Heavy-Duty Fishing: Electric reels are perfect for situations that require heavy lures or bait, as they can handle the additional weight with ease.
- Trolling: They are often used in trolling, where consistent and controlled retrieval speeds are crucial.
- Commercial Fishing: Many commercial fishermen use electric reels to increase efficiency and productivity.
- Anglers with Disabilities or Physical Limitations: Fishermen with physical handicaps, or lacking in strenghth can still enjoy the sport of fishing with the aid of electric fishing reels.
Selecting the Right Electric Fishing Reel for Saltwater Adventures
Choosing an electric fishing reel for saltwater use is more than just picking the most technologically advanced option available. Or, the most expensive for that matter. It’s about matching your gear to the specific challenges and opportunities with your specific fishing style and situation. Here’s how to make sure you get the best equipment for your fishing adventures and budget.
Key features to consider when choosing an electric fishing reel for saltwater
- Power and Drag: Look for a reel with high maximum drag and a powerful motor to handle large saltwater fish.
- Line Capacity: Ensure the reel can hold enough line for deep-sea fishing, especially if targeting species that make long runs.
- Retrieve Speed: A faster retrieve speed can be beneficial for quickly bringing in your catch or reeling in heavy lures.
- Durability and Corrosion Resistance: Saltwater can be harsh on equipment, so choose a reel made from corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel or anodized aluminum.
- Ease of Use: Features like an LCD display, programmable settings, and automatic stop functions can make the reel easier to use.
- Battery Life: Consider the battery life and whether the reel comes with a reliable power source for extended fishing trips.
- Weight and Ergonomics: A lighter reel can reduce fatigue, and ergonomic designs can make handling the reel more comfortable.
- Brand Reputation and Reviews: Brands like Daiwa and Shimano are well-regarded for their electric reels. Checking reviews can provide insights into the reel’s performance and reliability.
The gear ratio of a reel tells you how many times the spool turns with one crank of the handle. In saltwater, where you might encounter bigger and more stubborn fish, a lower gear ratio can give you more power. Yet for faster retrieval, you might prefer a higher ratio.
A reel’s drag system is pivotal as it determines how smoothly you can let line out under pressure. Look for a drag system robust enough to handle the powerful runs of saltwater species but sensitive enough to adjust quickly to rapid changes.
When it comes to power, the voltage of electric fishing reels can vary significantly. Consider the type of fish you’re targeting. More considerable voltage often means more power and torque, which can be crucial when going after larger fish that require a significant pull.
Examining various brands and models, you’ll want to look for durability, especially in saltwater conditions that can be harsh on gear. A corrosion-resistant construction is a MUST. Also, the reel should be able to withstand the intense sunshine, salt, and sometimes even sand.
The reel needs to work hand in hand with your rod. Make sure the weight and size of the reel match your rod’s specifications. And consider how different reels might suit your preferred fishing techniques – whether you’re trolling, bottom fishing, or jigging.
At times, you’ll find yourself comparing between bells and whistles or a proven track record. Here’s my advice: don’t get caught up in the latest fads or brand names. There is a wide variety of makes and models of electric fishing reels. So, there is something to fit just about any fishing style, situation, or budget.
Here are some of the best electric fishing reels for saltwater:
7 of the Top Electric Fishing Reels for Saltwater
Daiwa Tanacom 1000
The Tanacom 1000 Power Assist Reel easy to use. Connect the battery and lower your lure to the water’s surface. Then press the reset button to zero the display and you’re ready to start fishing, with the reel automatically measuring line let out. Advance the Power Lever to rewind; the reel will automatically stop as your lure reaches the surface. Deep drop fishing for Grouper, Halibut, Snapper, Tile, etc., fight your catch on the handle but let the Tanacom 1000 Power Assist do the drudgery of retrieving heavy sinkers from the depths when it’s time to check your bait.
Shimano Beastmaster 9000
Boasting raw power and speed to effortlessly pry bottom dwellers from their deep-water lairs, the Shimano BM9000B BeastMaster Electric Reel is the pinnacle of electric reel performance. Anglers will appreciate this reels upgraded heavy duty internals and powerful motor, along with its enhanced user experience and creature comforts to aid in its functionality. Featuring a color display that provides ultra-clear resolution even in bright, sunny days. This allows greater control and understanding of the speed, depth, and other information on the user end.
Daiwa Seaborg Megatwin
The newly redesigned Seaborg Megatwin is the ultimate battle machine. It is powerful, quiet and smooth and has an output of roughly 1.3 times greater than previous motors. The new aluminum composite housing is designed to maximize the release of heat and keep the Mega Torque Motor cool, ensuring that power is available all the time. This reel utilizes ATD (Automatic Drag System) system that gives the angler the power and poise to take control of whatever crosses their path.
Banax Kaigen 1000 Electric Reel
The Banax Kaigen 1000 Electric Reel is everything anglers are looking for in a dependable and easy to use power assist reel. These Korean-made electric reels are perfect for anything from winching in kites in heavy winds to bringing fully loaded tilefish rigs up to the surface in no time flat. The high torque 12V motor provides plenty of pulling power at full range of speed with the use of adjustable speed lever. An easy-to-read LCD screen displays the depth and allows for easy control over the automated jigging function and other features. Sealed electronics make for a washable design that can take a splash or two and keep on ticking.
Penn Fathom Electric Reels
Innovative both in design and concept, the Penn Fathom Electric Reels are ready to provide anglers with a user-friendly package set to make deep drop and kite fishing more enjoyable. Taking the legendary Fathom II Lever Drag platform, Penn incorporated a brushless electric motor and fully integrated Lithium-Ion battery pack, eliminating the need for cords and receptacles on your boat along with the heavy batteries of the past. Its replaceable lithium batteries allow for easier charging and exchanges on the fly, keeping you fishing hard even longer. ICAST 2024 Best Saltwater Reel Winner!
Shimano Forcemaster 9000
Upgrade your angling arsenal with the Shimano FM9000A Forcemaster Electric Reel. Designed to cater to the needs of deep-water anglers and kite fishermen, this upgraded electric reel takes the hassle out of handling heavy resistance, whether it’s kites, dredges, or deep-drop rigs. One of the standout features of this electric reel is its impressive 55 pounds of fish-stopping cross-carbon drag. It offers winding speeds of up to 153 yards per minute, which is incredibly fast. This high-speed retrieval capability is a game-changer when it comes to managing bottom rigs or changing baits when flying kites.
Piscifun Kraken 5000 Electric Reel
Equipped with a Japanese motor, this reel offers 70% energy efficiency and up to 48 lbs of momentary maximum drag. The premium motor ensures stable performance with 30% noise reduction for a more focused fishing experience. Featuring the CNC aerospace-grade aluminum frame, the Kraken X 5000 maximizes internal space efficiency, resulting in a 12% reduction in overall size compared to competitors. Equipped with an LCD precision electric counter, this reel is perfect for fishing. The multi-speed power function allows the angler to switch efficiently to the best speed depending on the situation.
These reels are designed to handle the challenges of saltwater fishing, making your experience more enjoyable, less strenuous, and more productive.
Tips and Pros and Cons of Electric Fishing Reels
The good news is, with a bit of guidance and practice, the potential of electric reels is enormous. One game-changing strategy is adapting your angling techniques for different species. Regardless of whether you’re aiming to catch bottom-dwellers like grouper or fast swimmers like tuna, electric reels can be fine-tuned to optimize your approach.
Perhaps it’s a matter of adjusting the retrieval speed or setting the drag just right — these small tweaks make a big difference. People often overlook the fact that even electric reels demand an angler’s attention, intuition, and touch.
Tips from seasoned anglers who are well-versed in electric reels are invaluable. They can provide insights on when to let the tech take over and when to rely on your own feel for the line.
This balance of power and finesse can be the difference between an empty cooler and one full of filets for the dinner table.
Advantages of Electric Fishing Reels over Conventional Reels
- Ease of Use: Electric reels reduce the physical effort required to reel in large fish, making them ideal for deep-sea fishing and long fishing trips.
- Efficiency: They allow for quicker retrieval of the line, which can be particularly useful when fishing at great depths or when you need to bring in heavy lures.
- Consistency: Electric reels provide a consistent retrieve speed and drag pressure, which can improve your chances of successfully landing fish.
- Advanced Features: Many electric reels come with features like programmable settings, automatic stop functions, and LCD displays that provide useful information such as depth and battery life.
- Reduced Fatigue: By minimizing the physical strain, electric reels help reduce fatigue, allowing you to fish longer and more comfortably.
- Versatility: They are suitable for a wide range of fishing techniques and species, from bottom fishing to trolling.
- Increased Catch Rate: The combination of power, speed, and advanced features can lead to a higher catch rate, making your fishing trips more productive.
Disadvantages of Electric Fishing Reels vs Conventional Reels
Electric fishing reels offer some advantages, but they also come with a few drawbacks compared to conventional reels. Here are the disadvantages of electric fishing reels:
- Cost: Electric reels are typically more expensive than conventional reels.
- Power Source: You need to ensure that electric reels are powered, which can be a limitation if you’re fishing in remote areas without access to electricity.
- Tangles and Bird Nesting: If not used correctly, electric reels can result in tangles and bird nesting, which can be three times worse than conventional reels.
- Learning Curve: Electric reels can be challenging to learn, especially for beginners.
- Reduced Excitement: Some anglers feel that using electric reels takes away the excitement of manually fighting a fish.
Maintaining Your Electric Fishing Reels in Saltwater
By taking care of our equipment, we not only enhance its lifespan but also save money. To get the most out of your electric fishing reel, regular care is essential. You can’t expect your gear to perform if you neglect it.
After each saltwater outing, rinse your fishing reel with fresh water to prevent salt buildup and corrosion. A good spray down with a salt removal product like SaltAway or SaltOff can help prevent the corrosive effects of the marine environment
Before you store your reel, it’s crucial to make sure it’s dry. Rust and corrosion are the nemesis of any saltwater fishing gear, and lingering moisture is your main culprit. Also, if you’re storing your real long-term, loosen the drag to alleviate tension in the system.
From time to time, you might encounter issues with your electric fishing reels. Don’t ignore these signs. Addressing problems early can prevent more significant repairs later on. Simple steps such as checking and lubricating the connection points, ensuring free spool movement, and updating firmware, if applicable, keep your reel in prime condition.
A protective case is a good investment. It might seem like an unnecessary extra, but it will protect your reel from physical damage and the elements. Consider it like insurance for your equipment. And, of course, consult the manual.
Each reel has its own quirks, and the manufacturer’s guidance is your best resource for specific maintenance advice. Listen to the experts; they designed your reel for longevity. TAKE CARE OF YOUR REEL, and it will give you many years of reliable performance.
Frequently Asked Questions about Electric Fishing Reels
What are the benefits of using an electric fishing reel?
Electric fishing reels reduce physical effort, increase retrieval speed, and offer advanced features like programmable settings and automatic stops, making fishing more efficient and less tiring.
How do electric fishing reels work?
Electric reels use a motor powered by a battery to assist in reeling in the line. They often feature an LCD display for settings and information and can be programmed for specific tasks.
Are electric fishing reels suitable for all types of fishing?
While they are particularly beneficial for deep-sea and heavy-duty fishing, electric reels can be used in various fishing scenarios, including trolling and bottom fishing.
What features should I look for in an electric fishing reel?
Key features include high power and drag, large line capacity, fast retrieve speed, corrosion resistance, ease of use, long battery life, and ergonomic design.
How do I maintain and care for my electric fishing reel?
Regularly rinse the reel with fresh water after use, especially in saltwater. Lubricate moving parts, check the battery and connections and store the reel in a dry place.
Can electric fishing reels be used in both saltwater and freshwater?
Yes, but ensure the reel is designed for the specific environment. Saltwater reels are typically more corrosion-resistant.
What is the average battery life of an electric fishing reel?
Battery life varies by model and usage, but most electric reels can last several hours to a full day of fishing on a single charge.
Are electric fishing reels more expensive than manual ones?
Generally, yes. Electric reels tend to be more expensive due to their advanced features and technology.
What is the difference between electric and manual fishing reels?
Electric reels use a motor to assist with reeling, reducing physical effort and increasing efficiency, while manual reels rely entirely on the angler’s strength and skill.
Are there any safety concerns when using electric fishing reels?
Ensure the reel is properly maintained and check for any electrical issues. Avoid using the reel in wet conditions to prevent electrical hazards.
Final Thoughts on Electric Fishing Reels for Saltwater
Ultimately, the choice between electric and conventional reels depends on your preferences, fishing style, and target species. Both have their pros and cons, so consider what works best for your specific needs.
They are more expensive and have very specialized applications. Deep dropping offshore they can sure save your arms and keep you fishing longer. Electric fishing reels are great tools but they are more expensive, require a power source to run them and they are heavier, bigger, and bulkier than conventional fishing reels.
As always, stay safe, enjoy the journey and please try to leave it cleaner than you found it. If you have any comments, questions, ideas, or suggestions please leave them in the comment section below and I’ll get back to you ASAP. You can follow us on Facebook: Rex The Beach Angler, Instagram: thebeachangler7, Twitter: @AnglerBeach, and YouTube: Man Art Creations.
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A life long surf fisherman with 50+ years of experience, I am also an avid hunter and outdoorsman. I will be sharing my passion for the outdoors with you so be prepared for hunting, fishing, camping, hiking and more. Along with gear reviews and the latest trends and innovations in the outdoor industry.
