Here is our review of the best saltwater baitcaster under $100.
Saltwater fishing gear has its specific requirements in order to do the job correctively. One of the most crucial gear is your baitcaster. There are a lot of factors to think about when you’re choosing your next baitcasting reel. These factors include material, drag power, price .. etc.
We spent some time researching different budget baitcasting reels specifications. We also read customer reviews to ensure that we’re making the best decision.
In this article, we’ve reviewed 3 recommended budget baitcasters. We’ve also added a buying guide section and answered some frequently asked questions. Keep reading to learn more.
Top 3 Best Baitcaster Under $100
Here is our list:
- KastKing Royale Legend GT.
- Pflueger® President® XT.
- KastKing Spartacus II.
KastKing Royale Legend GT Baitcasting Reels
Summary
Kastking Royale Legend GT is one of the best budget low profile baitcasters. It offers great performance and good comfortability at an affordable price. It offers a variety of features that make it one of the best in our list.
The handles are made from synthetic soft material. The material offers comfortability for long fishing trips. The braking system is made of 8 cross-fire magnets for better braking efficiency and casting control. It’s also supported with a quadruple disc carbon drag for a superior drag power up to 17.6 Lbs.
It works with a 5 + 1 ball bearings system to ensure smoothness. The BB are made of stainless steel and are shielded for saltwater applications. The low profile design minimizes your worries about any sound that may disrupt your focus.
The precision cut brass gear structure delivers more drag power with the carbon drag system.
You should be aware that this reel needs regular maintenance (as most reels do). You have to check that every part is in good condition before any fishing trip to get the most out of its durability.
Pflueger President XT Low Profile Reel
Summary
A good baitcasting reel that works with 9 BB for smooth casting and retrieval. The BB is corrosion resistant thanks to being made of stainless steel. Pflueger President XT is a low profile baitcaster. It minimizes the sound coming from it, so you don’t have to worry about the noise.
The Magnetic braking system is externally adjustable. Adjustability helps in controlling spool rotation and backlashes. The handle is made of aircraft grade aluminium for superior durability. Aircraft grade aluminum is considered the most common high strength aluminum alloy [1].
For comfortability, they added a soft touch knob for better grip. Pflueger President XT offers a great drag system also. A drawback to talk about is the flimsy plastic frame. Overall, this baitcaster offers good value for its price.
KastKing Spartacus II Baitcasting Fishing Reel
Summary
Kastking Spartacus II comes with a new design that makes it more lightweight than usual (about 6 oz). Kastking also cared about their baitcasting reel appearance. They deliver it with 4 colors to choose from.
The braking system consists of 5 button magnetic brakes. They eliminate the need for dual brakes. They reduced the line friction and backlash by applying a Double Tapered Control Chute Line guide. You can also minimise bird nests by setting the spool tension correctively.
The drag system is strong with a quadruple disc carbon drag system that holds up to 17.5 LBs. It also clicks when you adjust it. It works with a 7 + 1 corrosion resistant BB. Along with a CNC anodized aluminum spool, it delivers smooth casting. CNC anodized aluminum is a lightweight and durable material. It is a good choice for saltwater applications. [2].
They embossed an EVA handle knob for comfortability. It also prevents your hands from slipping off. It is perfect for learning how to fish with a baitcaster. You don’t need to spend a ton of money to learn.
When it comes to cons, It’s a little difficult to adjust. It’s also not as smooth as expensive ones.The grips are also a little flimsy. You also need to adjust the magnetic system correctively to prevent bird nests.
Overall, Kastking Spartacus II is a pretty good saltwater baitcasting reel for less than 100$.
A Buying Guide On How To Choose a Budget Baitcasting Reel For Saltwater.
Even after recommending different options, it might be tricky to know which one to choose for you. In the following buying guide you will learn some important factors. You need to check them when you’re buying a saltwater baitcaster:
Bearings
Chances are you’re probably one of those that you need to get the highest number of bearings possible. Actually, it’s not that simple. You need to check the quality first, followed by the number of bearings. For saltwater, stainless steel is a good quality and a quite durable material also.
Maximum Drag
The dray system is crucial in terms of how big your targeted species are and the smoothness. You need to get a baitcasting reel with a drag power that can hold your targeted fish.
Line Capacity
Line capacity equals how long the distance you will be able to cast your line in. It also matters in terms of your chosen baits. If you’re using lightweight baits you will need a thicker line to cast them. This is translated to more line capacity needed.
Reel Handle positions
It mostly depends on whether you’re right or left handed. Best choice is to get a reel that works on both sides.
Reel Weight
Consider the matching between your fishing rod and reel weights. If you don’t you’re going to have some problems with casting. Ultralight fishing reels need an ultralight fishing rod and vice versa.
Also, Heavy weight equipment is quite tiring on long fishing days.
FAQs
Are Baitcasters good for saltwater?
Yes, they are. They are usually made of corrosion resistant materials and are larger than freshwater baitcaster.
What Reel Is Best For Saltwater?
It highly depends on your personal preference. Whether you’re into spinning or baitcaster reels, it’s mostly related to your fishing technique and experience. For spinning reel, you can check our guide for best budget saltwater spinning reels.
The Bottom Line
Getting the right fishing reel is quite important to hove the most out of your journey. In this article, we’ve reviewed 3 recommended best saltwater budget baitcaster under $100.
We’ve also added a buying guide and answered some frequently asked questions of baitcasters and saltwater fishing. We hope that our article helps you get the right gear.
Feel free to check our other saltwater fishing related guides: