Today, I rate and review the best saltwater Shimano baitcasting reels, for surf, dock and light inshore use. To ease your search both flagship and affordable models are included. Plus for extra peace of mind Shimano provides a 2-year warranty on their reels.
Before we begin, you need to ask and answer the following:
- Where do you plan to fish?
- What level of experience do you possess?
- What fish species are you targeting?
Now, you can factor in the braking system, bearings, gearing and reel body materials. This establishes that the reel you choose will deliver your expected performance while fishing. Next check out the comparison table, followed by each review.
Comparison Table: Salt Baitcasting Reels
Reels 1-3
Affordable Inshore Saltwater Curado K
- Retrieve: Product Codes Denote “01” for Left handed, others are Right
- Gear Ratio: 4.6:1, 6.2:1 or 6.3:1
- Use: Saltwater
- Reel Weight Range: 8.5 ounces
- Line Recovery: 26 to 36 inches per turn
- Bearings: 3 + 1
- Product Code: HG = High Gear, XG = Extra High Gear
- Max Drag: 12 to 13 pounds
- Monofilament Line Capacity(#Test/Yds): 8/180, 10/155, 14/110
- Braided Line Capacity (lbs/yds): 30/190, 50/120, 65/80
- Frame Construction: Cold-Forged Aluminum Hagane Body & S3D Aluminum Spool
Shimano Tranx 200 Review:
The best inshore saltwater baitcasting reel under $200 in 2024 continues to be the Tranx 200. Bold claim right? What about the Curado 200K for saltwater inshore fishing?
Consider this, it’s a beefed up saltwater version of the Curado. It has a bigger handle, more waterproofing with less ball bearings to go bad. This low-profile baitcaster feels good in the palm and sports the same plastic level wind as the Curado K.
How else did they beef it up? First the body is aluminum Hagane design, the same as the Curado. Except this model uses CoreProtect construction to make its body impervious to saltwater. The second is the Core Protect, open the reel up, and see the waterproof sealant between each side of the reel body. The third added bonus is the handle is 8 mm more than the Curado. Plus, you get a slim and comfortable star drag for all day fishing.
Next, it has waterproof sealing to protect the body, the roller clutch and the line roller. This uses hydrophobic coated gaskets to prevent water/salt into the drag system.
One thing it shares with the Tranx 300 is the same rubber lip seal. The purpose of this is to prevent water entering the star drag between the handle and the side plate.
SVS Infinity Braking System
My favorite feature of this baitcaster is the smooth external brake dial. This dial controls the SVS Infinity brake system, a built-in centrifugal brake system. These are brake weights using ‘inner friction’ against the raceway during the cast. The dial gives six setting and is easy to use. But some anglers feel adjusting the brakes and spool tension a bit tricky with light lures.
Add the wide-ranging Cross Carbon Drag up of to 13 lbs of max drag. It’s more than powerful to hook set any inshore species you target. It’s simple to see that this is a tough and powerful little reel.
Durable Features
Another difference with the Curado you won’t see unless you crack open the reel is the pinion. This one uses a full brass pinion gear over a machined aluminum with brass sleeve gears of the Curado. Plus they modified the frame to support the pinion, unlike using bearing support in the 200k. As a result, under extreme loads like hook setting or drag slippage, the Tranx 200 is much stronger.
Braking, Bearings & Gears
Frame Construction
Line Management
SVS Infinity: A centrifugal brake system uses small weights inside of the reel to activate the braking. Anglers control the system via an external dial with 6 tension settings. Or make mini adjustments by opening the side plate and engaging the inner weights. SVS Infinity provides easy-to-manage, dependable spool control and brake force.
(S) A-RB: To fight corrosion, Shimano uses shielded stainless steel ball bearings. Shielded means each bearing has rubber or metal covers on both sides. Using shields keeps out salt and grit, which can slow the bearings rotation. The Tranx 200 uses 3 bearings and one roller bearing, creating efficient gearing.
Hagane: The Tranx 200 reel has a body made of cold-forged aluminum. This is to ensure it is lightweight but super strong. Using Shimanos patented Hagane frame construction. All body components including the single piece handle are aluminum. Overall the body uses thinner components without sacrificing structural integrity.
Core Protect: The is a surface protection coating to provide water resistance without creating a heavy rotation feeling. The three key areas of the reel that use it are the roller clutch, the body and the line roller.
PV Power Paddles: The two over sized paddle grips provide incredible power. While also staying comfortable for a full day of heavy cranking.
Super Free Spool: A cold-forged aluminum spool to increase strength and durability.
S3D Spool: The spool on the Tranx 200 is non-ported, that uses “S3D” technology. This technology enable stable movement and a reduction in spool vibration. As a result, this spool provides balanced and smooth casting and retrieving.
Star Drag: Again using cold-forged aluminum for its’ star drag. A star drag allows the angler to make strong and comfortable changes to the drag.
Cross Carbon Drag: To aid with power fishing, the Tranx 200 packs an impressive amount of pressure into its’ drag system. It does this by using waterproof carbon fiber drag washers. These washers feature a cross hatch design that improves strength and smoothness.
Verdict:
For saltwater inshore fishing, the Tranx 200 is a beast for it’s size. This is a durable little reel that is nearly the same as a Curado K but with key differences. It is virtually impervious to saltwater with a simple and effective braking system. Plus the versatile gearing makes it perfect for jerk, crank or spinner baits. Give it a try, you’ll be happy you
Great Lightweight Reel For Coastal Wading
- Retrieve: “01” for Left handed, others are Right
- Gear Ratio: 8.2:1
- Use: Saltwater
- Reel Weight Range: 6.7 ounces
- Line Recovery: 32 inches per turn
- Bearings: 3 + 1
- Product Code: HG = High Gear, XG = Extra High Gear
- Max Drag: 13 pounds
- Monofilament Line Capacity(Pound-Test/Yds): Not Applicable
- Braided Line Capacity (lbs/yds): 20/150, 30/135, 40/105
- Frame Construction: Cold-Forged Aluminum Hagane Body & SD3/Super Free Spool
Shimano Tranx 150 Review:
I wondered what exactly the Tranx 150 is and my conclusion is its like Curado 150 with some more salt protection. In fact the rust/salt resistance is much better than other inshore baitcasting reels. Combined with the centrifugal braking makes targeting for redfish and specks a breeze. This is the extra high gear model with a ratio of 8.2:1, weighing 6.7 ounces.
SVS Infinity
My favorite feature of this model is the smooth external brake dial. This dial controls the SVS Infinity brake system, a built-in centrifugal brake system. It uses small weights on the inside of the roller. The inner weights can be also switched on or off to reduce or increase the braking resistance.
Core Protect
This is a SHIMANO specific technology to keep water out of the reel. Without creating a heavier rotation feeling. Open the reel up and you will see it in 3 areas of the reel:
At The Line Roller: The sealed design of the line roller doesn’t need oil as part of regular maintenance.
Roller Clutch: Here is a surface protection coating causes water to bead. This beading action prevents water from flowing into the small crevices. This is the most critical area to balance water resistance.
The Body Area: Utilizing a series of 12 different seals and a flat body joint coated on the surface.
Features
Braking, Bearings & Gears
Frame Construction
Line Management
SVS Infinity: A centrifugal brake system uses small weights inside of the reel to activate the braking. Anglers control the system via an external dial with 6 tension settings. Or make mini adjustments by opening the side plate and engaging the inner weights. SVS Infinity provides easy-to-manage, dependable spool control and brake force.
(S) A-RB: To fight corrosion, Shimano uses shielded stainless steel ball bearings. Shielded means each bearing has rubber or metal covers on both sides. Using shields keeps out salt and grit, which can slow the bearings rotation. The Tranx 150 uses 3 bearings and one roller bearing, creating efficient gearing.
Hagane: The Tranx 150 reel has a body made of cold-forged aluminum. This is to ensure it is lightweight but super strong. Overall the body uses thinner components without sacrificing structural integrity.
Ci4+ – The side plate is a composite material with very special characteristics and is actually stronger than the original Ci4 material. Since Ci4+ does not contain any metal, so it is impervious to rust.
Core Protect: The is a surface protection coating to provide water resistance without creating a heavy rotation feeling. The three key areas of the reel that use it are the roller clutch, the body and the line roller.
Super Free Spool: A cold-forged aluminum spool to increase strength and durability. With SF, the pinion gear is supported by a ball bearing. So when the clutch is disengaged in preparation for a cast, the pinion gear and spool shaft are kept in perfect alignment.
S3D Spool: The spool on the Tranx 150 is non-ported, that uses “S3D” technology. This technology enable stable movement and a reduction in spool vibration. As a result, this spool provides balanced and smooth casting and retrieving.
Star Drag: Again using cold-forged aluminum for its’ star drag. A star drag allows the angler to make strong and comfortable changes to the drag.
Cross Carbon Drag: To aid with power fishing, the Tranx 150 packs an impressive amount of pressure into its’ drag system. It does this by using waterproof carbon fiber drag washers. These washers feature a cross hatch design that improves strength and smoothness.
Verdict:
For coastal wading in Texas or the Gulf the Tranx 150 is a compact powerhouse. It’s an ideal combination of durability and smoothness. That can simultaneously handle heavy-duty fishing while being comfortable to cast all day long. Plus it’s almost impervious to salt with a simple and effective braking system.
Top Round Bait Finesse Baitcasting Reel
- Retrieve: Left/Right
- Gear Ratio: 7.8:1
- Use: Saltwater Bait Finesse
- Reel Weight Range: 6.9 Ounces
- Line Recovery: 28 Inches Per Turn
- Bearings: 13 + 1
- Spool Diameter: Outer = 29 mm, Inner = 19 mm
- Max Drag: 7.7 Pounds
- Monofilament Line Capacity(#Test/Yds): 6/49, 8/49
- Braided Line Capacity (lbs/yds): Not Applicable
- Frame Construction: S-Compact, Cold-Forged Aluminum Hagane Body & MGL III Spool
Calcutta Conquest BFS (HG RIGHT) Review:
The Shimano Calcutta Conquest BFS (HG RIGHT) is an amazing Japanese import option in 2024. With a reel frame made of cold-forged aluminum that’s finished with high-precision machining, it’s not only beautiful. But also more compact and easy to palm. With new features such as the MGL III spool and the FTB Braking System delivers precise glides, skips, and flipping lures of around 1 gram.
A Note About Cleaning
I want to mention, the Calcutta Conquest reels need cleaning after every use. I often use a salt removal compound, then rinse the reel with fresh water and re-grease as needed. Some anglers love to open up and clean the reels while others don’t. For this reel though, keeping up with maintenance is a must.
Features:
Braking, Bearings & Gears
Frame Construction
Line Management
FTB (Finesse Tune Brake System): Designed for ultra lightweight finesse fishing, this system uses a magnet moving mechanism mounted on the internal frame of the reel, not the spool. Enabling the spool to move with almost no friction, making the use of ultra-light lures possible. Adjustment can be made using an external dial.
MicroModule: This is a special gear system which creates the smooth retrieve. The new gear set makes use of smaller teeth and more of them. So, there are more contact points between the drive gear and pinion gear. The result is a more efficient gear train with less gear feel.
X-Ship: This provides improved gear durability. By supporting the pinion gear on both ends with bearings, the pinion gear maintains precise alignment with the drive gear. As a result, the gears stay in the same position under the heaviest loads. The added benefit is that friction between the spool shaft and gear are eliminated. Enhancing casting performance of the reel with lighter lures, and allow for longer casts.
Shielded Anti-Rust Bearings (SA-RB): The Calcutta Conquest BFS uses unique shielded stainless steel ball bearings, to ensure optimal rotation. Each ball bearing goes through an anti-rust process. The result makes them at least 10 times more corrosion resistant. Using a shield design allows for enhanced protection against salt and solid debris. This model uses thirteen bearings and one roller bearing.
Cold-Forged Aluminum Body: Made from a single piece of aluminum, cold forging produces incredible strength. By using a metal frame the reel can keep moving parts in precise alignment. It also features the use of the latest gold anodizing, plating and painting techniques.
S-Compact: The S-Compact Body element makes the side plate 25% smaller than older models. This allows for all-day comfort and improved fishability. The non-handle side is one-piece, contributing to both rigidity and in-the-hand palming comfort.
Dual Septon Power Paddles: These are lightweight and comfortable to touch. Plus they are waterproof to ensure total comfort for long days on the water.
MGL Spool III: A special design that thoroughly pursues low inertia and features a narrow-shape design with a width of 19 mm. This reduces inertia by about 15% compared to the second-generation MGL Spool with a width of 22 mm. But even with a reduced width, the MGL Spool III maintains line capacity with an outer diameter of 34 mm. The benefit of MGL Spool III: unparalleled casting performance.
Silent Tune: By applying slight pressure to the bearing holding the spool, it reduces the vibration of the bearing during high-speed rotation. This improves the quietness while casting and the rise of the spool rotation becomes even smoother.
Star Drag: This reel uses a cold-forged aluminum star drag system. Shimano also anodized it in gold to help with durability. Its unique design provides comfort whenever the angler is adjusting the drag.
Exciting Drag Sound: A technology which enables a drag sound on a baitcasting reel, without using the older rattle/clicker function. It make it easy to judge whether a fish is pulling drag and giving an advantage to the angler.
Cross Carbon Drag: Using a carbon-fiber drag material with a hatch design provides a wider range of drag settings, along with the smoothest Shimano drag performance ever.
Synchronized Level Wind: This prevents “bedding in” of braided line on the spool for smoother casting.
S3D: A thin wall aluminum design of the spool to reduce spool vibration. It also creates balanced smooth casting and retrieving.
Super Free Spool: This is a spool design for eliminating friction on the spool shaft during casting. In most baitcasting reels, engaging the clutch bar, frees the pinion gear which drags against the spool shaft. But with the Super Free (SF) the pinion gear has support from a bearing at all times. So, even when the clutch bar releases the pinion won’t touch the spool shaft. As a result, there is zero friction and the spool can spin freely.
Verdict:
This is for anglers without budget constraints. Buying it gets you a super compact round baitcasting reel that’s stunning to look at, casts far and has a butter smooth retrieve. It will handle freshwater and inshore salt with ease. For over 20 years the Calcutta and newer Conquest BFS series has proven the test of time. Don’t disappoint yourself with any of the copycats. Get the best round bait finesse reel, the Shimano Calcutta Conquest BFS.
Summary: Saltwater Baitcasting Reels
Now you know what to choose as the best shimano baitcasting reel for saltwater. Remember to select the reel based on where and what you are fishing. If you wade into the surf look for better salt protection or if fish high up off a dock then cast distance is more important. What ever you do choose thanks for letting us help. So you can spend more time reeling in fish, and less worrying about which model to pick.
Last update on 2024-10-21