Can you use a freshwater reel in saltwater?

Asked by: Tina Marshall

Can I use my freshwater fishing rod and reel in saltwater?

Light tackle saltwater rods can be used in freshwater, but you would not want to use a freshwater rod in a saltwater environment because freshwater rods and fishing gear may not be made with the corrosion-resistant guides or components that saltwater rods are.

Is there a difference between saltwater and freshwater reels?

The outer covering of saltwater reels is anodized to resist corrosion. When you’re fishing in the ocean, use reels designed for it because freshwater reels are likely to corrode, rust and get damaged when subjected to the abuse of saltwater angling. Reels for ocean fishing are classified as low-speed or high-speed.

Does salt water damage reels?

Salt accelerates the rusting process of metal components and can consequently reduce the performance and life span of your reels. Dirt, fish blood and guts, and sand particles can also get into the inner parts of the reels and eventually cause damage.

Can you use baitcaster reels in saltwater?

The 13 Fishing Concept TX series baitcasters are made specifically for saltwater use. “It’s not the design that makes reels saltwater specific, but the quality of materials and protection processes,” says Matt Baldwin, product-development director of 13 Fishing.

What kind of fishing rod do you use for saltwater?

In general, you can get by with a 6 to 7-foot medium-action offshore fishing rod with a heavy baitcaster reel and 20-pound test monofilament line. If you’re going for deep-sea bottom fishing, however, you’ll need 50-pound line.

What are saltwater reels made of?

Most saltwater rods are made of graphite or fiberglass. Graphite rods are stiffer and more sensitive, while fiberglass rods are tougher and more powerful. Saltwater reels are classified as high-speed or low-speed. High-speed saltwater reels use a gear ratio greater than 6:1 to retrieve baits at breakneck speed.

Do you need special fishing line for saltwater?

While high-visibility saltwater line is easier for the angler to see, camouflaged or clear line is generally considered the best saltwater fishing line as it is virtually invisible to the fish. Once you’ve settled on the pound test and color of the line, the next step is to choose monofilament, fluorocarbon or braid.

How can you tell if a fishing rod is freshwater or saltwater?

The power doesn't change you know the rods are pretty much built the same way what it really comes down to are the components on the rod.

Are saltwater and freshwater rods the same?

Conclusion. The main difference between freshwater and saltwater rods is that rods made for saltwater are made of corrosion-resistant materials. Yes, you can use saltwater rods for freshwater and vice versa, but just make sure to rinse and dry your rods off after every trip (especially saltwater trips).

Why are Baitcasters not used in saltwater?

Some awfully big fish have been caught on baitcasters but usually not by design. Saltwater baitcasters are larger and beefier than their freshwater cousins. They will have saltwater resistant components and heavier drags.

Can Shimano Curado be used in saltwater?

While most people would consider the Shimano Curado I to be a freshwater reel it is perfectly suited for inshore saltwater fishing as well, just remember that it is not a sealed design so you will want to take care to make sure that it is well rinsed and cleaned just like all your saltwater gear.

Are spinning reels better for saltwater?

Saltwater Spinning Reels vs.



The quick answer is saltwater rated reels typically have higher end internal components that are made of special corrosion resistant alloys, additionally these reels often much larger than freshwater reels (e.g. larger knob, spool depth or drag strength, etc).

What size reel is best for saltwater fishing?

What Size Spinning Reel for Saltwater Use? For lighter inshore work a size 2500 or 3500 is best, whereas heavier offshore reels can be as big as a size 15000 or even a 25000.

Does Abu Garcia make saltwater reels?

Abu Garcia Saltwater Fishing Reels.