Are you looking for the best fishing reel for bluefish? If so, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we’ll provide a buyer’s guide to the best reels for bluefish, as well as some tips on how to fish for these fast-moving saltwater predators. So, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, keep reading for all you need to know about fishing for bluefish.
How To Choose Fishing Reel For Bluefish
When it comes to fishing for bluefish, you’ll need to have the right gear on hand to make sure you’re successful. This includes a good fishing reel that can handle the fast action and fighting of bluefish.
But with so many different fishing reels on the market, how do you choose the right one for you? Here’s a look at some of the best choices on the market, along with a few things you might want to consider before making your final choice.
What To Look For
The first thing you’ll need to do when choosing a fishing reel for bluefish is determined what size you’ll need to go with. Most fishing reels that are meant for bluefish will be medium-heavy action, but there are also medium and light-action models available.
This is important because the size of your reel needs to match up with the type of line you use. If you’re using braid or other super lines, you’ll need a medium-heavy action reel. On the other hand, if you’re using mono or fluorocarbon (which is recommended for bluefish), you can use a lighter action fishing reel.
But beyond matching up your line with the type of reel, here are some other things to think about:
1. Drag System
A smooth drag system is another important factor to consider. This lets you adjust the pressure on the line if a fish bites down and starts running, or it can be used to bring in a hooked fish more quickly. This will help keep your line from snapping if you need to apply more pressure while fighting a bluefish.
2. Line Capacity
You’ll also want to remember how much line your reel holds. The size of a bluefish averages out at about 15 pounds, but you may look into one that’s bigger or smaller depending on the time of year and where you’re fishing.
It’s always better to have more line capacity than less. However, keep in mind that the more line your reel holds, the heavier it will be. So if you’re looking for a reel that’s easy to carry around, you’ll want to go with one that has a lower line capacity.
3. Gear Ratio
The gear ratio on your fishing reel is also important. This is the number of times the spool (the round part that the line is wound around) turns for every turn of the handle. For example, a gear ratio of 5:1 means that the spool will turn five times for every turn of the handle.
A high gear ratio is important for bluefish because they often make long runs when they’re hooked. So you’ll want a reel with a high-speed, low gear ratio so that your line can easily be let out. This is especially true if you’re using braid or super line because it lets more line out of the reel which helps prevent break-offs.
4. Drag Pressure
The drag pressure on a fishing reel is another factor to consider when looking for the right one for bluefish. This is the amount of pressure that’s applied when a fish bites down on your line and starts to run with it.
If you’re using mono or fluorocarbon, you can get away with a lighter drag but if you’re using braid, you’ll want a reel with more drag pressure to prevent break-offs. Your drag pressure should also be adjustable so you can increase or decrease the amount of pressure as needed.
5. Price
Last but not least, price is always a consideration when purchasing a fishing reel. You can find good quality reels for anywhere from $50 to $200, so there’s something for everyone no matter what your budget may be.
What NOT To Look For
The one thing you should not look for when choosing a fishing reel for bluefish is how much weight it has. If your reel is too heavy, this can strain your arm and affect the accuracy of your cast. However, you don’t want your reel to be too light either.
This is because a lighter fishing reel doesn’t apply enough pressure with the drag system, which can result in a hook coming loose or even breaking off. Although you may not think that this would happen very often, it’s actually quite common when bluefish are fighting with bait.
Best Fishing Reel For Bluefish
There are many factors to consider when choosing a fishing reel for bluefish. Some of the most important factors to consider include the size of the reel, the type of reel, and the strength of the reel.
Here are five of the best fishing reels for bluefish:
1. Shimano Stradic Ci4+
This is a quality reel with great performance for its price. It comes with four bearings and the oscillation system makes it run very smoothly. This product can hold approximately 270 yards of a 30-pound line. If you prefer using a braided fishing line, then this model will be perfect for you because it has an incredible drag system that can stop even the largest fish. It costs around $240 and is a great buy for anyone who loves fishing and wants a smooth, high-quality reel.
2. Penn Battle II Spinning Reel (300)
The first thing you notice about this fishing reel is its 50-pound drag. It has seven bearings and is built with quality aluminum and stainless steel. It costs around $140 and comes in three sizes: 3000, 4000, and 5000. This fishing reel will be best for you if you like to fish during the day because it does not have a night mode.
3. Penn Conflict II (200)
With this fishing reel, you get quality at an affordable price. It has five bearings and a powerful drag system. The Penn Conflict II is made of durable aluminum and stainless steel, making it corrosion resistant. It costs around $60 and can hold up to 210 yards of a 20-pound line. This reel would be perfect for someone who likes to fish in saltwater because it is corrosion-resistant.
4. Abu Garcia Revo® SX (7:1)
This fishing reel is perfect for the beginner or for someone who wants an easy-to-use reel. It is a quality product that comes with a 7:1 gear ratio and 10 bearings. This reel is also built with a durable aluminum frame and a graphite side plate. The price of this product varies depending on the size you choose, but it is a very affordable reel that will be perfect for a beginner or casual fisher.
5. Sougayilang Spinning Fishing Reels
If there’s one thing anglers know, it’s that you need the right gear to make the catch. With our spinning fishing reels, you’ll have everything you need to reel in the big ones. Made of durable aluminum, these reels are tough enough for any fishing excursion. They’re also ambidextrous, so they can be easily used by left- and right-handed anglers alike. And with their gold or multicolor finish, they’ll add a touch of style to your tackle box.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are several great options when it comes to fishing reels for bluefish. The good news is that whether you choose one of these five choices or another reel, you will be happy with the quality and performance of your purchase. Of course, choosing the right rod and reel for any type of fishing can be a difficult task. That’s why we recommend that you visit your nearest fishing tackle shop and ask the experts for help in choosing the right reel for your needs. They will be more than happy to assist you in making the perfect decision for your next fishing trip.
