Best Stainless Steel Fishing Reels of 2025

Paul Tilton Avatar
Paul Tilton
Last Updated: Jan 7, 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Stainless steel fishing reels are a popular choice among anglers due to their durability and resistance to corrosion. These reels are made from high-quality stainless steel material that can withstand harsh environments and saltwater conditions. They are also known for their smooth drag system, which allows for easy and precise adjustments while reeling in fish. Stainless steel fishing reels come in a variety of sizes and styles, making them suitable for different types of fishing. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced angler, investing in a stainless steel fishing reel can help you enjoy a more successful and enjoyable fishing experience.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Piscifun Salis X 5000 Round Baitcasting Reel Cover #TOP 1
Piscifun Salis X 5000 Round Baitcasting Reel
ftb score rating icon 9.9
PENN Pursuit IV Spinning Fishing Reel 8000 Cover #TOP 2
PENN Pursuit IV Spinning Fishing Reel 8000
ftb score rating icon 9.8
KastKing Megatron Spinning Reel Cover #TOP 3
KastKing Megatron Spinning Reel
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Stainless Steel Fishing Reels

Piscifun Salis X 5000 Round Baitcasting Reel

Piscifun-RL173-R
5000
Piscifun Salis X 5000 Round Baitcasting Reel Cover
Piscifun Salis X 5000 Baitcasting Fishing Reel, Round Level Wind Trolling Reel with 6.2:1 Gear Ratio, 37Lbs Max Drag, Stainless-Steel Bearing for Inshore Saltwater Fishing, Right Hand Retrieve

The Piscifun Salis X 5000 Round Baitcasting Reel is a powerful and durable reel designed for big game fishing in a variety of saltwater conditions. It features a 37lbs max drag, 6.2:1 gear ratio, braid ready spool, and a stainless steel crank handle. Customers have praised its smooth operation, fast retrieve, and incredible power. The only downside is that the lock screws and nut can strip easily.

What We Like
Durable and reliable
Smooth and efficient retrieval rate
Max drag of 37lbs
Suitable for inshore saltwater fishing
Designed for right-handed users

PENN Pursuit IV Spinning Fishing Reel 8000

PURIV8000
Black Silver
8000
PENN Pursuit IV Spinning Fishing Reel 8000 Cover
PENN Pursuit IV Nearshore/Offshore Spinning Fishing Reel, Size 8000, HT-100 Front Drag, Max of 25lb, 5 Sealed Stainless Steel Ball Bearing System, Built with Carbon Fiber Drag Washers,Black/Silver

The PENN Pursuit IV Reel 8000 is a freshwater and saltwater spinning reel that offers smooth power, speed, durability, and ultralight performance. Its corrosion-resistant graphite body and Line Capacity Rings make it sleek and durable. The machined aluminum superline spool can hold hundreds of yards of line. With a gear ratio of 4.7:1, it recovers line quickly at 44" 112cm per turn. The reel features 5 total bearings, including 4 stainless steel ball bearings and one instant anti-reverse bearing for fast hook-ups. The HT-100 Front Drag System, with carbon fiber drag washers, provides a max drag of 25lb 11.3kg, ensuring you can exhaust the fish without getting worn out.

What We Like
Corrosion-resistant graphite body
Quick line recovery
HT-100 Front Drag System
#TOP 3

KastKing Megatron Spinning Reel

KRLSPNMT-S20GM-1
KastKing Megatron Spinning Reel Cover
KastKing Megatron Spinning Reel, Great Saltwater Spinning Fishing Reel, Rigid Aluminum Frame 7+1 Double-Shielded Stainless-Steel BB, Over 30 lbs. Carbon Drag, CNC Aluminum Spool & Handle

The KastKing Megatron Spinning Reel is a powerful and durable reel designed for freshwater and saltwater fishing. It features a rigid aluminum skeletal frame, a CNC machined T6061 aerospace aluminum alloy spool, and an impressive triple-disc carbon fiber drag system that delivers over 30 lbs. of run-stopping power. It also has 7+1 MaxiDur double-shielded stainless-steel ball bearings for a smooth and fluid performance.

What We Like
Rigid aluminum skeletal frame
CNC machined T6061 aerospace aluminum alloy spool
Triple-disc carbon fiber drag system
7+1 MaxiDur double-shielded stainless-steel ball bearings
Over 30 lbs. of run-stopping power
#TOP 4

Sougayilang VICTOR S Fishing Reel

2020DT4L
DTR40 Left handle
Sougayilang VICTOR S Fishing Reel Cover
Sougayilang Trolling Reel Level Wind Conventional Reel Graphite Body Fishing Reel, Durable Stainless-Steel, Large Line Capacity-DTR40 Left Handle

The Sougayilang VICTOR S Reel is built with top-notch materials, ensuring durability and long-lasting performance. Its stainless-steel components, including the pinion gear and line guide shaft, provide excellent strength and reliability. The powerful drag system offers a smooth 32 lbs of stopping power, making it suitable for various fish species in both saltwater and freshwater. With a robust graphite frame, this reel is lightweight yet resistant to corrosion, enhancing your fishing experience. Its sleek matte black and dark red design adds style, making it a great gift for fishing enthusiasts.

What We Like
Durable stainless-steel components
Powerful 32 lbs drag system
Corrosion-resistant graphite frame
Sleek and stylish design

Quantum Optix Spinning Fishing Reel

OP60D
Multi
60 size/Clampack
Quantum Optix Spinning Fishing Reel Cover
Quantum Optix Spinning Fishing Reel, Size 60 Reel, Changeable Right- or Left-Hand Retrieve, Aluminum Spool, Stainless Steel Bail Wire, Quickset Anti-Reverse, 4.9:1 Gear Ratio, Silver, Clam Packaging

The Quantum Optix spinning reel is perfect for catching heavy species such as catfish and striper. The reel features a strong and lightweight composite body, an aluminum spool, and a stainless steel bail wire. It has a QuickSet anti-reverse technology to create a solid hookset, a changeable right-or left-hand retrieve, and a TRU Balance rotor for balanced and smooth retrieves. With a 4.9:1 gear ratio and a line retrieval of 33 IPT, it provides speed and precision. The reel is covered by a 5-year protection against defects in workmanship and/or materials.

What We Like
Durable and lightweight materials
Smooth, balanced, and reliable performance
QuickSet anti-reverse technology for solid hookset

Sougayilang Carp Fishing Reel 13+1 Stainless Steel BB Bait Feeder Spinning Reel for Freshwater and Saltwater-2000

C-22-2000
KT2000
Sougayilang Carp Fishing Reel 13+1 Stainless Steel BB Bait Feeder Spinning Reel for Freshwater and Saltwater-2000 Cover
Sougayilang Carp Fishing Reel 13+1 Stainless Steel BB Bait Feeder Spinning Reel for Freshwater and Saltwater-2000

Sougayilang Carp Fishing Reel is a durable and powerful bait feeder spinning reel designed for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Equipped with 13+1 stainless steel ball bearings and rear drag functions, this reel offers durability and strength. The graphite main body and rotor, along with a strong drag system, provide up to 23lbs/10.5kg of drag power. The aluminum spool with special washers ensures super smooth performance, eliminating any possibility of getting stuck. The large oval power handle knob offers a more comfortable and powerful grip, allowing you to gather more power from your arm. Additionally, the reel comes with an extra spool, giving you an extra option. Overall, Sougayilang Carp Fishing Reel provides a pleasant fishing experience with its durability, power, smoothness, and convenient features.

What We Like
Durable
Powerful drag
Super smooth performance
#TOP 7

PENN Squall II Fishing Reel

SQLII60LD
Black/Gold
60 - Right Handed
PENN Squall II Fishing Reel Cover
PENN Squall II Lever Drag Fishing Reel, Size 60, Graphite Body and Sideplates, Stainless Steel Main and Pinion Gears, Powerful PENN Dura-Drag

The PENN Squall Reel is a lightweight and durable fishing reel with a corrosion-resistant graphite frame and aluminum spool. It features stainless steel gears for smooth operation, 5 bearings for stability, and a powerful Dura-Drag system with a max drag of 33lb. The Line Capacity Rings on the spool help you keep track of your line capacity, ensuring you're always ready for action.

What We Like
Lightweight & Durable
Smooth Operation
Powerful Drag System

Zebco 202 Spincast Fishing Reel

202MBK
Black
Size 30 Reel
Zebco 202 Spincast Fishing Reel Cover
Zebco 202 Spincast Fishing Reel, Size 30 Reel, Right-Hand Retrieve, Durable All-Metal Gears, Stainless Steel Pick-up Pin, Pre-Spooled with 10-Pound Zebco Fishing Line, Black, Clam Packaging

The Zebco 202 Spincast Fishing Reel is a great choice for both beginner and experienced anglers. It features a patented no-tangle design, simple push-button mechanics, and a 2.8:1 gear ratio for a smooth retrieve. The reel is constructed with all-metal gears and a durable, tough-yet-sleek design. It is pre-spooled with 10-pound Zebco fishing line and features a right-hand retrieve. The long-lasting stainless steel pick-up pin is corrosion resistant, making it perfect for many fishing adventures.

What We Like
Patented no-tangle design
All-metal gears and 2.8:1 gear ratio
Durable and sleek design
Pre-spooled with 10-pound Zebco fishing line
Corrosion-resistant stainless steel pick-up pin
#TOP 9

CNC Full Metal Spinning Fishing Reel

Saion
Metallic
3000
CNC Full Metal Spinning Fishing Reel Cover
CNC Full Metal Spinning Fishing Reel Powerful Freshwater Saltwater Reel 17kg or 37lbs Long Cast Big Game Boat Fishing 12 Stainless Steel Ball Bearings Size 3000 16lbs-150yards

The CNC Full Metal Spinning Fishing Reel is suitable for both freshwater and saltwater fishing, and it features enhanced cutting tolerance and gear train. With a line capacity of size 3000, it can hold up to 30lbs of line and can drag up to 37lbs. The reel weighs 390 grams, making it lightweight and easy to handle.

What We Like
Suitable for both freshwater and saltwater fishing
Can hold up to 30lbs of line and can drag up to 37lbs
Enhanced cutting tolerance and gear train
Lightweight and easy to handle at only 390 grams

Abu Garcia 6500 Ambassadeur S Round Baitcast Fishing Reel

AMBS-6500
Black
6500
Abu Garcia 6500 Ambassadeur S Round Baitcast Fishing Reel Cover
Abu Garcia Ambassadeur S Conventional Reel, Size 6500 (1292736), 1 Stainless Steel Ball Bearings + 1 Roller Bearing, Synthetic Star Drag, Max of 11lb | 4.9kg,Black

The Abu Garcia 6500 Ambassadeur S Round Baitcast Fishing Reel is available in both right and left-handed models. It features a 4-pin centrifugal brake system for consistent brake pressure throughout the cast, a smooth multi-disc drag system, and synchronized level-wind for better line lay. The compact bent handle and star provide a more ergonomic feel for anglers.

What We Like
Smooth multi-disc drag system
Compact bent handle and star for ergonomic feel
Synchronized level-wind system for better line lay
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who makes the highest quality fishing reels?

The 10 Best Fishing Reels You Can Buy. Shimano Stradic.Penn International.Abu Garcia Revo SX Low Profile.Penn Battle II.Daiwa Exist.Shimano Talica II.Shimano Baitrunner.Pflueger President.

2. What is the best selling fishing reel of all time?

Zebco 33. One of the best selling fishing reels of all time, the Zebco 33 spincasting reel has manufactured more than 40 million units since it was first introduced to the angling public in 1954.

3. Which type of reel is the most accurate?

The baitcaster is arguably the most advanced type of fishing reel. Often used by experienced anglers and fishing pros, this reel is unmatched in both power and precision.

Baitcast reels come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and the most common and popular type is the low-profile baitcast reel that maintains a light weight and easy-to-use design for a variety of casting applications.

Editor's Notes

During our stainless steel fishing reel research, we found 24 stainless steel fishing reel products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 69,938 customer reviews through our big data system to write the stainless steel fishing reels list. We found that most customers choose stainless steel fishing reels with an average price of $42.85.

The stainless steel fishing reels are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of stainless steel fishing reels, including Piscifun, PENN, KastKing, Sougayilang, Quantum. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 1,081 consumers with an average rating of 4.5.

Written by
Paul Tilton Avatar

Paul Tilton is a fitness enthusiast. He doesn't like to work in front of a computer screen so he quit his job and runs a gym in Washington. He spent a lot of time on the road and has been a contributing writer for a well-known travel guide website. He is now happy to share his travel experience and professional knowledge of travel gear and fitness here.