When it comes to saltwater fishing, having the right equipment is crucial for success. Among the most important pieces of gear is a high-quality conventional reel. These reels are designed specifically for handling the challenges of saltwater environments and can provide anglers with superior performance and results. But with so many options on the market, choosing the best one can be overwhelming. Here, we review the key features that today's anglers should look for in a saltwater conventional reel.
- Corrosion resistance
One of the biggest threats to any saltwater reel is corrosion from exposure to saltwater. Reels made from materials such as aircraft aluminum, or carbon fiber with stainless steel components that are specifically designed to withstand this harsh environment. Additionally, anodized reels will help prevent corrosion over time.
Accurate reels are built with billet 6061 T-6 Aircraft aluminum, making these reels very strong due to the granule material structure and extremely lightweight. Accurate also uses heat-treated Stainless-Steel gears in the reels for extreme torque, giving you added power and strength, with the DirecShift® feature you go from high to low instantly with the touch of a button, you don’t ever skip a beat. With the ability to react to the fish instantly, and knowing you are backed with the right materials; it makes it easier to concentrate on fighting the fish with 100% confidence.
- CVX
The CVX® (Convex Experiment) feature takes 25% more material out of the reel frame and side plate while creating strength through the curvature design. Boss Valiant and Tern2 reels are extremely light due to CVX technology, and perfect to fish all day no matter the conditions.
- Durability
Saltwater fishing for larger gamefish can put a lot of pressure on reels, especially in the heat of the battle. Therefore, it is crucial to choose a reel that is built to withstand heavy use with a sturdy construction. Look for models with strong stainless-steel gears, reinforced frames, and solid components that will hold up under pressure.
- The Right Gear Ratios
Gear Ratios are key depending on the type of fishing you are doing. The higher gear ratio (6.1:1) has better line pick up especially on a larger diameter spool, these are often used for jigging and throwing topwater artificial lures to illicit a strike. The lower gear ratio (4.1:1) are used for torque and power when moving a big fish off the bottom. Two speed reels are the best of both worlds and can do both smoothly and efficiently.
- Smooth Drag System
To successfully battle powerful saltwater game fish, you need a smooth, powerful drag system. Look for reels with patented TwinDrag® technology which will provide consistent drag while maintaining smoothness even under heavy loads.
- Line Capacity
There are two ways to think about fighting a fish with any reel, one with more drag limiting the line taken out or the other with less drag meaning line capacity is important to success. All reels have limitations and understanding the type of fishing you are doing, live bait, trolling, jigging, and artificial lures, is critical to landing fish. Know what you are using your tackle for and plan accordingly making sure you have the right line size and full capacity to get the job done.
- Ergonomic Design
Comfort may not be the first thing on an angler's mind when searching for a saltwater reel, but it should not be overlooked. Spending long hours fighting fish can take a toll on your arms, hands, and wrists so look for reels with comfortable grips, balanced weight distribution, and easy-to-use levers or star. Spend the time and know your reel and its functions.
- More drag and smoother payout
Accurate’ s patented TwinDrag® or TwinStarDrag® technology is the first of its kind to create more drag with a smoother payout then any other reel on the market.
The key is the TwinDrag® designs that have a greased carbon fiber drag on each side of the spool or gear on Tern2 reels that when pressure is applied evenly on both sides of the spool or gear, there is more drag and a much smoother payout alleviating the startup Inertia of the spool upon initial pressure during the fish’s first run.
This is very important when fishing heavier drag for larger gamefish as the initial run with a single drag reel will spike at the first movement of the spool which can cause breakoffs. That is why Accurate TwinDrag® reels have been looked at as the best saltwater conventional reels for Long Range fishing for years. They are strong and powerful with the smoothest drag under load.
- Smooth gear
One of the key features that has really helped the Tern2 while fighting gamefish is the patented MGBS® (Main Gear Bearing Support), it’s the first TwinStarDrag® reel to have a ball bearing in the main gear. This allows the gear to rotate very smoothly on the shaft when fishing heavy drag. It’s a game changer for the star drag reels giving you smooth, even drag.
Both the Valiant and Tern2 are some of the shining stars in the saltwater market and are believed to be some of the best saltwater conventional reels available to anglers in all sizes either with lever drag or star drag features.
In conclusion, when looking for the best saltwater conventional reel, do your homework and check for corrosion resistance, durability, gear ratio, drag system, line capacity, and ergonomic design. With these features in mind and our recommended models to guide you, you'll have all the tools you need to make an informed decision that will enhance your fishing experience.
Check more at: Accuratefishing.com or on our YouTube channel @accuratefishingreels.