Best Sea & Beach Fishing Reels In 2025

Last Updated on 4 February 2025 by James Bevan

Best Sea & Beach Caster Reels

When it comes to selecting the perfect sea beach fishing reel, durability and performance in harsh saltwater conditions are essential.

In this guide, we examine the leading models designed specifically for the challenging coastal environment, helping you make an informed choice based on real-world testing and expert analysis.

Let’s dive right in…

Quick Summary

In a rush? If so here is a selection of some of the top sea fishing reels featured in this guide.

Please note by clicking on the rod it will take you to a reputable retailer that sells the product at a good price. 

Best Fixed Spool Beachcaster Shimano Bullseye 9120
Good Affordable Option Okuma Surf 8k
Best Multiplier Beachcaster Penn Fathom II
Best Sea Spinning Reel Penn Spinfisher VII
A Superb Sea Budget Spinning Reel Daiwa 23 Ninja LT Reel
Best Allrounder Shimano Stradic FM

Read on to see more options as well as some tips on what to look out for when choosing.

The Different Types

When choosing a reel for sea fishing, you’ll primarily be deciding between two main types:

Fixed Spool Reels

These versatile reels are a popular choice for UK shore fishing and are suitable for both beginners and experienced anglers.

Their simple design makes them easy to master, while high-end models offer sophisticated features that help with more technical aspects of sea fishing such as casting long distances.

Fixed spool reels are good all-rounders and work well with both beachcasters and lighter spinning rods.

They’re particularly effective for general beach fishing, spinning and targeting smaller species from the shore or from a boat.

Multiplier Reels

Favoured by experienced anglers looking to maximise their casting distance, multiplier reels offer superior line control and retrieve rates.

Their main advantages include improved casting accuracy and the ability to use advanced casting techniques. The higher gear ratios mean more line is retrieved with each handle turn compared to fixed-spool reels.

However, multipliers requires skill to master due to their free-spinning spool design. The key feature to look out for is magnetic braking which is basically a system that helps prevent the dreaded “bird’s nest” (line tangles).

When casting with a multiplier, your thumb controls the spool speed, but once your rig hits the water, the spool continues spinning. Magnetic braking allows you to adjust this spool speed, reducing the likelihood of tangles by controlling how quickly the spool slows down after the cast.

Both reel types can be effectively used with beachcaster rods, and many serious sea anglers own both to cover different fishing situations and techniques. The choice often comes down to personal preference and experience level.

Here are visuals of both types:

Examples of a Fixed-Spool and Multiplier Beachcaster reel

What to Look for in a Sea Fishing Reel

When selecting a sea fishing reel, corrosion resistance is paramount. Quality reels feature specialised brass gearing and comprehensive saltwater protection systems to guard against the harsh coastal environment. 

Superior models employ multiple seals and protective coatings to shield the internal components from salt damage.

The drag system is crucial for successful sea fishing. Premium reels offer smooth, powerful drag mechanisms that apply consistent pressure, protecting your line when fighting larger fish. 

This is particularly important when beach casting, where sudden runs from powerful fish can test your tackle to its limits. 

Lesser quality reels often have inconsistent drag systems that release line unevenly, increasing the risk of line breakage and making fish fights unnecessarily challenging.

Line recovery is a vital consideration, though it’s often misunderstood. While gear ratio is commonly referenced, the actual line recovery per handle turn provides a more accurate measure of performance.

Higher line recovery rates are particularly beneficial when fishing at distance or over rough ground, allowing you to quickly retrieve line when a fish makes a run towards structure.

Reel size should match both your rod and fishing environment. Larger reels are typically better suited to rough ground fishing where extra line capacity and power are essential, while smaller models excel in estuaries and over clean ground.

The right size ensures optimal balance with your chosen sea rod and more efficient casting that ultimately leads to better accuracy and distance.

Line lay is another crucial factor, particularly for distance casting. Superior reels feature precisely engineered line lay systems that ensure even distribution across the spool, reducing friction during casts and helping to prevent tangles.

This becomes especially important when using braided lines or casting at maximum distance.

The 10 Best Sea Fishing Reels

Here are the highest-rated sea fishing reels from our reviews. You can always check out the review process and how the reels have been rated on our dedicated page. 

Best Fixed-Spool Beachcaster

Shimano Bullseye 9120

shimano bullseye 9120 5
Overall Rating
8.9
Tooltip box

Score derived from the average of these ratings:

Build Quality - 9.5

Cast & Retrieve - 9.0

Drag / Clutch - 9.0

Value For Money - 8.0

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£358.94
in stock
£377.99
£419.99
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Total-fishing-tackle.com

If you’re in the market for a serious surf fishing reel, the Shimano Bullseye 9120 is worth a look, packing some impressive tech into its robust 540g frame.

The combination of Hagan gearing and X-Ship system really shines when you’re battling bigger fish, while the corrosion-resistant bearings and AR-C spool design help you achieve those crucial extra yards when casting.

While some might find the 3.5:1 gear ratio a bit on the slow side, the trade-off is a beast of a reel with a 20kg drag system that’ll handle pretty much anything you’re likely to hook from the beach.

When you factor in touches like the Aero X-Wrap system for perfect line lay, you’ve got a premium piece of kit that’s clearly built to last, even if it means digging a bit deeper into your pocket.

Pros
Cons

A Great Affordable Fixed Spool Beachcaster

Okuma Surf 8k

Okuma Surf 8k Main Image
Overall Rating
8.5
Tooltip box

Score derived from the average of these ratings:

Build Quality - 8.0

Cast & Retrieve - 8.5

Drag / Clutch - 8.5

Value For Money - 9.0

Compare Prices

£84.99
£99.99
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£84.99
£99.99
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£86.97
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6 new from £86.97
as of 10 February 2025 17:06
Amazon.co.uk

The Okuma Surf 8K proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a capable surf fishing reel, delivering impressive performance for under £100.

Its Super Slow Oscillation System really stands out, providing exceptional line lay that helps you achieve those crucial casting distances from the beach.

With comprehensive water resistance features and smooth gearing that inspires confidence when fighting fish, it’s easy to see why this reel has earned its place among our top-rated sea fishing reels.

The substantial line capacity and thoughtful design touches make it a particularly strong choice for serious surf anglers looking for quality without the premium price tag.

Pros
Cons

Best Multiplier Reel For Beachcasting

Daiwa 7HT Mag Multiplier Reel

Daiwa 7HT Mag Multiplier Reel Main Image
Overall Rating
8.5
Tooltip box

Score derived from the average of these ratings:

Build Quality - 9.0

Cast & Retrieve - 8.5

Drag / Clutch - 8.5

Value For Money - 8.0

Compare Prices

£349.99
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as of 14 February 2025 14:46
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£199.99
£399.99
out of stock
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£324.85
out of stock

The Daiwa 7HT Mag stands as one of the finest beachcasting multipliers we’ve tested, embodying the perfect balance of casting performance and fish-fighting power.

The one-piece duraluminium frame provides exceptional rigidity, while the precision-engineered brass drive and stainless steel pinion gears deliver the kind of bulletproof reliability you need when hitting those distant marks after dark.

When it comes to casting performance, this reel truly shines. The lightweight anodised aluminium spool, supported by five CRBB bearings and one standard bearing, creates an incredibly smooth rotation that helps you achieve those extra yards.

The star of the show is undoubtedly the Magnofuge control system which is a superb feature for beach anglers.

It allows the spool to reach maximum speed during the power phase of your cast before automatically adjusting the magnetic resistance as the spool slows, virtually eliminating the dreaded bird’s nest.

The 5.8:1 gear ratio hits the sweet spot for beachcasting, recovering 71cm of line per turn. This isplenty fast enough to keep in touch with your lead during rough conditions, while the star drag system, rated to 11kg, provides more than enough stopping power for any species you’re likely to encounter from UK beaches.

While some anglers opt to upgrade to a power handle for improved cranking leverage when working big leads through heavy surf, the standard handle is perfectly adequate for most fishing situations.

At this price point, you’re investing in a premium piece of kit that, with proper maintenance, will deliver years of reliable service and countless memorable sessions on the beach.

Pros

Cons

Best Overall Spinning Reel

Penn Spinfisher VII

Penn Spinfisher VII Main Image
Overall Rating
8.6
Tooltip box

Score derived from the average of these ratings:

Build Quality - 9.0

Cast & Retrieve - 8.5

Drag / Clutch - 8.5

Value For Money - 8.5

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£99.99
£189.99
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£114.99
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5 new from £114.99
as of 10 February 2025 17:36
Amazon.co.uk
£149.99
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£161.23
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Fishingtackleandbait.co.uk

The Penn Spinfisher VII stands as a testament to the brand’s reputation for creating bulletproof saltwater reels, boasting impressive IPX5 waterproofing and robust full metal construction.

During testing, the CNC-machined brass main gear delivered exceptional smoothness under pressure, while the HT-100 drag system provided the kind of reliable stopping power you need when targeting serious fish.

With multiple size options available, including the versatile 3500 that’s perfect for UK lure fishing, and features like sealed construction that laughs in the face of harsh conditions, it’s clear why the Spinfisher VII continues Penn’s legacy as a go-to choice for demanding anglers.

Whether you’re targeting bass from the shore or battling larger species from the rocks, this reel brings the kind of dependable performance that serious saltwater anglers demand.

Pros
Cons

A Very Popular Fixed Spool Spinning Reel

Daiwa BG

Daiwa BG Main Image
Overall Rating
8.3
Tooltip box

Score derived from the average of these ratings:

Build Quality - 8.5

Cast & Retrieve - 8.0

Drag / Clutch - 8.0

Value For Money - 8.5

Compare Prices

£106.99
£144.99
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£119.99
in stock
3 new from £119.99
as of 11 February 2025 12:26
Amazon.co.uk
£122.49
£245.00
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£129.99
£145.00
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Fishingtackleandbait.co.uk

The Daiwa BG has earned its stripes as a proper workhorse of a spinning reel, and after recent of testing from clean beach to rough ground marks, it’s easy to see why.

That black & gold aluminium body isn’t just for show, it keeps everything rock-solid when you’re cranking against the tide with a decent fish on, while the Digigear II system and six bearings deliver the kind of smoothness you’d expect from reels costing twice as much.

The size range is spot-on for UK sea fishing, with the 4500 handling everything from bass lures to bottom fishing, while the larger models pack enough grunt for serious offshore work.

While it might not be the lightest reel in its class, the build quality, reliable drag, and spot-on line lay make it good value for money, especially if you’re the type of angler who’d rather buy once and buy right.

Pros
Cons

A Great Budget Sea Spinning Reel

Daiwa 23 Ninja LT Reel

Daiwa 23 LT Ninja Reel Main Image
Overall Rating
8.1
Tooltip box

Score derived from the average of these ratings:

Build Quality - 8.0

Cast & Retrieve - 7.5

Drag / Clutch - 8.0

Value For Money - 9.0

Compare Prices

£54.99
£89.99
in stock
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£74.99
£89.99
in stock
£79.99
in stock
2 new from £79.99
as of 14 February 2025 16:46
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£89.99
in stock
Fishingtackleandbait.co.uk

The Daiwa 23 Ninja LT proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get a capable saltwater spinning reel, delivering impressive performance across various shore fishing scenarios for under £70.

Its lightweight DS4 body construction and Tough Digigear system combine to create a smooth, reliable platform that’s equally at home working soft plastics for bass or targeting pollack from the rocks.

The ATD Type-L drag system particularly impresses, providing the kind of smooth, consistent pressure you need when a decent fish makes that first powerful run, while the Twist Buster 3 technology keeps line twist to a minimum even when using braided lines in challenging conditions.

When you factor in features like the machined aluminium handle and LC-ABS spool, typically found on more expensive models, the Ninja LT represents excellent value for coastal anglers looking for a versatile reel that can handle the demands of saltwater fishing without breaking the bank.

Pros

Cons

Best All-Round Fixed Spool Sea Reel

Shimano Stradic FM Reel

Shimano Stradic FM Main Image
Overall Rating
8.4
Tooltip box

Score derived from the average of these ratings:

Build Quality - 8.5

Cast & Retrieve - 8.5

Drag / Clutch - 8.5

Value For Money - 8.0

Compare Prices

£179.99
£209.99
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£197.99
£219.99
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£211.00
in stock
3 new from £200.00
as of 13 February 2025 13:06
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£219.99
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The Shimano Stradic FM series showcases the brand’s commitment to engineering excellence, combining premium materials with sophisticated technology throughout.

The integration of Hagane construction with advanced features like X-Ship and Micro Module II delivers exceptional smoothness and durability that serious anglers demand.

The addition of X-Protect technology makes these reels genuinely versatile from freshwater fishing for pike to fishing different tactics in saltwater environments.

In addition to the many thoughtful features across the Stradic, we particularly love the Aero Wrap II technology which ensures optimal performance in differing conditions by achieving a perfect line-lay.

Available in three carefully considered sizes, the Stradic FM series offers anglers a premium reel that excels across multiple fishing scenarios, from lightweight lure work to pursuing larger fish from the shore, boat or rocks.

Pros

Cons

Best All-Round Multiplier For Sea Fishing

Penn Fathom II

Penn Fathom II Main Image
Overall Rating
8.4
Tooltip box

Score derived from the average of these ratings:

Build Quality - 8.5

Cast & Retrieve - 8.0

Drag / Clutch - 8.5

Value For Money - 8.5

Compare Prices

£141.81
in stock
11 new from £141.81
as of 11 February 2025 10:56
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£149.99
£254.99
in stock
Total-fishing-tackle.com
£179.99
in stock

The Penn Fathom II Level Wind stands as our top rated all-round multiplier, and after extensive testing across various sea fishing scenarios, it’s easy to see why.

During our time with the reel, it handled everything from feathering for mackerel through to battling big cod off the wrecks. But it’s not just about raw power, the real beauty of this reel is how it manages to blend finesse with strength.

The build quality you get with Penn gear never disappoints, and this reel is no exception. The full metal body means business, while the stainless steel gearing and forged aluminium spool give you that reassuring solid feel that’s crucial when you’re into decent fish.

I particularly rate the improved levelwind. It’s a proper piece of engineering that lays line perfectly even when you’re working baits in strong tides.

That HT-100 carbon fibre drag system really proves its worth on the water. We pushed it hard during testing, and even when maxed out at 30lb, it remained consistently smooth.

The 5.5:1 gear ratio might not sound exciting on paper, but it’s spot-on for real-world fishing, plenty quick enough when you need speed, but with serious cranking power in reserve for when things get heavy.

The 4+1 bearing setup might raise eyebrows at this price point, but numbers aren’t everything. These bearings are clearly built to last, and the reel’s silky smooth operation tells you all you need to know.

The Fast Gear Access side plate is a proper fisherman’s touch. Anyone who’s had to strip down a reel after a busy session will appreciate just how useful this is.

Pros

Cons

Best Lightweight Option - A Great LRF Reel

Daiwa Legalis LT Reel

Daiwa Legalis LT Reel 2
Overall Rating
8.5
Tooltip box

Score derived from the average of these ratings:

Build Quality - 8.5

Cast & Retrieve - 8.5

Drag / Clutch - 8.5

Value For Money - 8.5

Compare Prices

£97.55
in stock
3 new from £87.00
as of 10 February 2025 19:26
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£99.99
£124.99
in stock
Fishingtackleandbait.co.uk
£99.99
£114.99
in stock
Total-fishing-tackle.com
£119.99
£124.99
in stock

If you’re in the market for a lightweight fixed spool reel that is perfect as a LRF reel, the Daiwa 23 Legalis LT deserves your attention.

Just unboxing this reel makes it clear why it’s a popular choice amongst many sea anglers. The Zaion V body might sound fancy, but on the water it translates to a reel that’s noticeably lighter than its predecessors without sacrificing any backbone when you need it.

The 4000 size has handled everything from rough ground pollack to bass on soft plastics, with the ATD Type-L drag staying smooth even when decent fish make those first powerful runs.

While some might question the need for a 12kg drag in UK waters, it’s the smoothness rather than the stopping power that matters, and paired with that spot-on line lay and chunky spool capacity, you’re getting a proper bit of kit that punches well above its price tag.

Pros

Cons

Best Multiplier For Boat Fishing

Shimano Tyrnos

Shimano Tyrnos Main Image
Overall Rating
8.8
Tooltip box

Score derived from the average of these ratings:

Build Quality - 9.0

Cast & Retrieve - 9.0

Drag / Clutch - 9.0

Value For Money - 8.0

Compare Prices

£209.99
£224.99
in stock
Total-fishing-tackle.com
£224.99
in stock
£277.99
in stock
3 new from £277.99
as of 11 February 2025 11:56
Amazon.co.uk

When you’re after proper sized fish from the boat, the Shimano Tyrnos is a perfect choice. We’ve personally trialled both the 16 and 20 models on the wrecks and reefs of the south coast.

That good-looking, one-piece die-cast frame isn’t just for show; the 16 weighs in at a solid 819g while its bigger brother, the 20, tips the scales at 1021g. Both versions offer really good engineering that you can feel the moment you start cranking.

The cold-forged construction and HEG gearing really prove their worth when you’re working baits in deep water or connected to something substantial.

I’ve been particularly impressed with the lever drag. The preset 7kg strike through to 15kg maximum gives you the kind of control you need when a good fish decides to head back to the cover it came from.

Both sizes run the same 5.0:1 ratio, but it’s the line capacity that sets them apart. The 16 holds plenty for general wreck fishing with 475 yards of 20lb, but the 20’s massive 820 yards of 50lb means business when you’re targeting the bigger specimens.

Four A-RB bearings might not sound much on paper, but they’re clearly built to last. I can personally vouch for this as they are still smooth as silk after months of proper salt water abuse.

In summary, the combination of High-Efficiency Gearing and cold-forged construction justifies their reputation as go-to reels for targeting large species from boats.

Pros

Cons

Final Thoughts

Selecting the right sea fishing reel can dramatically impact your success rate, whether you’re casting from the beach, working lures for bass, or targeting larger species from the boat.

Throughout our testing, we’ve focused on reels that deliver genuine performance and reliability in the harsh saltwater environment, rather than just impressive specs on paper.

The models featured in this guide have all proven themselves during countless hours on the water, and while they might vary in price, they each represent solid value in their respective categories.

Always remember that it’s worth investing in quality when it comes to sea fishing reels, as they’ll often be the difference between landing that fish of a lifetime or telling another story about the one that got away!

Thanks for reading.

Tight Lines!

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