Piscifun Kraken Electric Reel Review

Trying out the Piscifun Kraken electric reel has been a fresh experience for my deep-sea fishing trips. When you target hard-fighting bottom fish or just want to spend more time fishing than hand cranking, a reliable electric reel matters a lot.

I’ve spent enough hours on the water with gear that ranges from basic manual reels to high-end electric models, and the Kraken sits in an interesting spot between power, portability, and price. I’m sharing my real-world take on the Kraken Electric Reel to help anyone deciding if this reel fits their deep drop fishing style.

Why Electric Reels Have Become So Useful for Deep Drop Fishing

Deep drop fishing puts a lot of stress on both gear and anglers. Pulling up heavy fish from depths greater than 1,000 feet is tough, and doing so by hand over and over gets physically draining. Electric reels like the Piscifun Kraken fill this gap by making the job easier and keeping things fun. Beyond just saving arm strength, these reels help land fish faster, reduce fatigue, and sometimes give your success a boost by keeping baits in productive zones longer.

Years ago, most affordable electric reels lagged behind the pricier brands, both in reliability and battery life. That’s changed quite a bit, and new options like the Kraken show how much further things have come for anglers on a tight budget. Choosing the right electric reel now comes down to what features are most helpful and how solid a setup you need for your target species.

Main Features and Performance of the Piscifun Kraken Electric Reel

The Kraken stands out right away with its compact build and the promise of solid power. After taking it out on several deep drop trips, I noticed a few core features that make it worth checking out:

• Japanese Motor: I could feel how efficient the retrieval was, which is important when pulling from deep water. The official specs rate its maximum momentary drag at 48 pounds.
• Aircraft Grade Aluminum Housing: The aluminum body feels sturdy and gives some confidence when I’m bumping it around in the boat. Internal CNC-machined copper gears also keep things running smoothly under stress.
• Smooth Operation: With 12+1 stainless steel ball bearings paired with a carbon fiber drag system, the reel felt smooth even under moderate load. It claims a max drag of 33 pounds for sustained force, and I had no issues with typical bottom fish under 40 pounds.
• Deep Dropping Capability: One of my key boxes to check is whether a reel can truly fish 1,000-plus foot depths regularly. I fished near 1,200 feet without any trouble, and there’s potential to go even deeper for halibut or tilefish within the listed 1,500-foot range.
• Portable Battery: Having a 5,000mAh battery that can run all day has been liberating. I attached the mobile pack to the rod with velcro, which kept the wires tidy. On an average eight-hour trip, battery life was more than enough for 8 to 10 full retrieves.
• User Controls: The LCD counter is easy to read, and changing retrieval speeds with the multispeed control is as simple as tapping a button. I appreciated the safety feature that prevents accidental over-retrieving by cutting off the motor near full retrieve.
• Line Capacity: With roughly 545 yards of 40-pound braid, I’m covered for most of my typical offshore bottom drops, though guys targeting swordfish might wish for a little more.
• Affordability: I paid much less for the Kraken than high-end brands, so for what I need (deep dropping for snapper, grouper, and the occasional tilefish), the value is solid.

It’s also worth noting that the reel’s ergonomic handle is easy to grab, which makes manually adjusting or controlling the descent smooth even when wearing gloves or fishing in rough seas.

Comparisons to Other Popular Electric Reels

The Piscifun Kraken gets compared often to the Daiwa Tanacom 750 and 1200. I’ve fished both and can say the Kraken stacks up well in ease of use and portability. The Tanacom 1200 holds more line, which helps for the absolute deepest fishing, and its motor is built for serious, repeated heavy use.

That comes with a much higher price tag, and the reel is fairly heavy, making rod setup a little more awkward if you move around a lot. The Kraken is lighter, making it easier to handle and store, and it suits most deep drop situations under 1,500 feet.

If you want to target swordfish or drop rigs in very challenging conditions, high-end models with more features and bigger capacity are likely a better fit. For anglers dropping for tilefish, grouper, or other common bottom dwellers, the Kraken balances portability, battery life, and affordability.

The Kraken’s LCD readout is also simpler to use compared to the advanced, sometimes confusing interfaces found on flagship models. This might be a pro or con depending on your preferences, but for most recreational deep droppers, straightforward operation is a big bonus.

Strengths and Handy Features I’ve Noticed with the Kraken

• Lightweight and Portable: At about half the weight of some competitors, I could fish longer without fighting rod fatigue, and storing it for travel was simple.
• Sturdy Construction: Dropping and retrieving repeatedly in saltwater can wear down cheap equipment fast. The aluminum housing and sealed bearings kept salt out so far, and a fresh water rinse at the end of the day helps maintain it.
• Battery Convenience: Unplugging from the boat’s power is a big deal for anyone who fishes different boats. The supplied battery pack makes setup quick and easy, and I don’t have to run wires across the deck.
• Simple Controls: Even with gloves on, it’s easy to check the LCD depth readout and adjust the settings. I found the interface straightforward after just a couple of outings.
• Affordable Value: Saving several hundred dollars compared to flagship models meant I had cash left for better rods and tackle. This makes the Kraken appealing to both newcomers and folks who just want an extra reel for guests on the boat.

Another bonus is how quiet the Kraken runs, which gives you a little peace when fishing early or late in the day, compared to higher-pitched motors on some rivals.

Potential Drawbacks and Areas Where the Kraken Is Less Impressive

• Line Capacity for Extreme Deep Dropping: Fishing over 1,200 feet with larger diameter braid starts to bring the Kraken toward its limits. If swordfish or big barrels are your main target, you’ll want a bigger spool.
• No Advanced Jigging Features: Some high-end reels have programmable jigging patterns or automatic shut-offs when the sinker nears the rod tip. The Kraken keeps things basic, which is fine for most users, but something to note for fans of more tech.
• Durability for Heavy Commercial Use: I haven’t pushed the reel in commercial-level settings, but some long-term reviews mention that heavier use might show wear faster compared to Daiwa or Shimano. For casual or weekend anglers, regular maintenance goes a long way.
• Possible Corrosion Risk: Like all saltwater gear, attention to post-trip cleaning is really important. The sealed bearings help, but rinse and dry the reel after each outing to keep it running well.

Those wanting to set up for high-volume, multi-rod commercial deep dropping will likely want to look at even beefier reels, both for spool volume and sustained motor performance.

How the Kraken Performs Day to Day for Deep Drop Anglers

Over several trips, I noticed the Kraken handles typical deep drop setups. Chicken rigs for snapper, vertical jigs for amberjack, or big baits for grouper are all covered without any difficulty. The motor feels strong enough for frequent use, and I was able to haul up 20 to 40-pound fish without seeing drag fade or slowdowns. Battery life has held up every trip so far, and charging overnight brings it back to full capacity.

Being able to bring my gear on any boat and not worry about boat batteries or complex wiring keeps my rigging simple. The LCD counter, while basic, is still accurate and has helped me avoid tangles or bottom snags. Everything about the Kraken’s setup, from loading the line to connecting the battery, feels intuitive.

Small Details and Tips for Getting the Best Out of the Kraken

• Battery Management: I always bring a backup battery just in case, but so far, one 5,000mAh pack has easily lasted through a full charter trip every time.
• Line Maintenance: Filling the spool with good braid and ensuring your line is tightly packed helps avoid jams. I also snip and retie the last 10 feet of line after most trips to prevent weak spots from repeated tension.
• Regular Rinsing: Salt builds up quickly, and even sealed bearings need protection. A gentle rinse and a light spray of corrosion inhibitor after each use keep the reel running smoothly.
• Rod Compatibility: The Kraken pairs best with a medium-heavy or heavy-action rod. I use an 80 to 130lb class rod, which has matched the performance of the reel well so far.

It’s also helpful to store your Kraken in a padded reel bag between trips, especially if you travel with your gear, as this will reduce accidental bumps and keep salt exposure at a minimum.

Questions Anglers Often Ask About the Piscifun Kraken Electric Reel

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Is the Piscifun Kraken Electric Reel the Right Choice for You?

The Piscifun Kraken checks off a lot of boxes that matter to deep drop anglers looking for a balance of performance, portability, battery flexibility, and value. It isn’t built to handle the most extreme depths or the heaviest commercial use, but for everyday deep dropping or chasing big bottom fish, it performs just fine and does not require a massive upfront investment.

With some simple care and an extra battery, I’m confident this reel will keep pulling up fish for many more trips. For new deep drop anglers or folks wanting a second electric reel option, the Kraken is worth checking out.

Bottom line: If you want a practical, lightweight, and reasonably priced way to set up your deep drop adventures, the Kraken makes sense for most casual and even some veteran offshore anglers. If you’re looking for an electric reel for inshore, freshwater, or lighter applications, check out the Piscifun Atlantix.

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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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