TOP 5 Best Tuna Fishing Reels (For All Budget Types)

Best Tuna Fishing Reels

Best Tuna Fishing Reels: Tuna fishing is an exciting sport, but it’s also quite tricky. Since tuna are so large, you need to have the best gear and equipment to catch tuna fish.

You’ve been fishing for years now and still haven’t caught a single tuna yet! It seems like they’re just too fast for your old gear. 

That’s why we created this article on the five best reels for tuna fishing of 2023. 

We’ll show you what makes these reels so unique, which ones are most popular among anglers today, as well as give some product recommendations that will help you get started in your quest to catch a big fish!

If you are looking for an effective bluefin tuna reel that will help you catch more large fish, then this article is for you!

We have reviewed some of the best tuna reels available on today’s market so that you don’t mistake buying your next saltwater reel for fish like tuna. 

Top 5 Best tuna reels 2023 (Bestseller & Recommended)

Finding the best bluefin tuna reels can be incredibly hard, especially if you’re a beginner. So many different wicked tuna reels are on the market, and it can take time to figure out which one is right for you.

You need to consider your budget, the fishing you plan on doing, and the size of fish you’re hoping to catch.

We’ve done the hard work for you and compiled a list of the Top 5 Best tuna reels in 2023. These reels have all been tried and tested by anglers like you, and they come highly recommended.

Sale
Burning Shark Trolling Reel Saltwater Level Wind Reels, Drag Reels...
  • HIGH PERFORMANCE:High Quality Deep Sea Fishing Reel,Double Dog...
  • DETAIED PARTS:Conventional Reel,Machined Aluminum Spool,...
  • USING: Noise Is Small,The Line Release Lever Works...
  • WEIGHT: Approx. 23 oz / 640g,Max. Drag: 40 lb,Gear Ratio: 4.1:1.
Sale
PENN 1292938 Squall Lever Drag 2-Speed Trolling Fishing Reel, 890/50,...
  • Reel, RH, 3BB plus 1RB, 2.9:1 / 1.5:1 ratio
  • Alum spool, Braid 2485/65 2145/80 1835/100, mono 1550/30 890/50...
  • Reels saltwater lever drag
  • Lightweight yet powerful lever drag fishing reel with graphite...
Sale
Okuma Cold Water Linecounter Trolling Reel CW-303D, Silver
  • Made using the highest quality materials
  • Tested for reliability and quality
  • Used by professionals worldwide
  • Lightweight corrosion resistant frame and side plates
ECOODA Heavy Duty Metal Spinning Jigging Fishing Reels Saltwater...
  • ECOODA NEW HS15000- High Strength Aluminium Alloy Body And...
  • One-Way Clutch Instant Anti-Reverse System,Carbon Fiber Friction...
  • Precisely Machined Brass Oscillation Gear,Stainless Steel...
  • Titanium Casting Guide,Ceramics Line Roller, Waterproof...
Shimano Torium 14 HGA Saltwater Star Drag Fishing Reel
  • A lightweight; solidly-built; star-drag saltwater reel that is...
  • Equipped with a high efficiency gearing system that delivers...
  • Offers specially treated anti-rust bearings that are at least 10...
  • Features cross carbon drag which provides long lasting smoothness...

What Size Reel do you Need for Tuna Fishing?

What is the best reel for tuna fishing? When buying a conventional reel for tuna fishing, an essential thing to consider is its size.

More significantly, stronger reels are usually used because you need them to pull large and heavy tuna species like tuna and marlin.

If you’re new to tuna fishing, all this talk of sizing and gear might be a bit confusing if you’re not sure what size reel you need. It’s essential to find the right combination of weight, strength, and durability when you’re looking at rods and reels.

The best reel for tuna fishing 130-pound reels is perfect for those who want their stainless steel gears capable enough in challenging circumstances! 

What should pound test line be used for tuna fishing?

Tuna rarely exceed 100 pounds, but when they do, it’s best to use a heavier line.

The 30-pound test works well for most light-tackle anglers looking for larger species up to that size in terms of strength and cranking power from their equipment arsenal (such as reels). 

But if you’re targeting anything much bigger than what we’ve just discussed, then performance can suffer on any offshore fishing gear – even those specially built with titanium frames!

There are occasions when giant tuna show up, and even the heavier set-up isn’t enough. But for smaller fish, like those less than 100 pounds or so 40-pound test can do just fine!

What kind of reels do you use for tuna?

When you’re looking for the perfect tuna fishing reel, there are a few things to consider.

The kind of line that will be on your bait or lure at any given time can make all difference in whether it’s caught by an animal and what size they come back with! 

One thing about these types of equipment? They don’t get much more traditional than using something from Shimano – their Talica series has been around since 1935 when it was first produced as Japan’s answer t catching fleet boats full-sized ser.

What is a good spinning reel for tuna?

Spinning reels have been around for a long time, and they’re still in use today. This makes them ideal in several situations because they’re so versatile.

The spinning reel is the most popular kind for catching tuna and other big fish, although it can also be used for general purposes.

Top 5 Best Tuna Fishing Reels (TUNA FISHING REEL REVIEWS)

Burning Shark Trolling Bluefin tuna fishing reels

Sale
Burning Shark Trolling Reel Saltwater Level Wind Reels, Drag Reels...
  • HIGH PERFORMANCE:High Quality Deep Sea Fishing Reel,Double Dog...
  • DETAIED PARTS:Conventional Reel,Machined Aluminum Spool,...
  • USING: Noise Is Small,The Line Release Lever Works...
  • WEIGHT: Approx. 23 oz / 640g,Max. Drag: 40 lb,Gear Ratio: 4.1:1.

Are you looking for a high-performance trolling reel? Look no further than the best bluefin tuna fishing reels Burning Shark Level Wind Trolling Reel. 

With Burning shark trolling reels, double dog ratchet system, smooth fishing reel seat, and corrosion-resistant frame.

Plus, it’s lightweight and easy to crank, making it comfortable to use all day long. So don’t wait – order your Burning Shark Level Wind Trolling, the best tuna Reel today! 

Penn tuna fishing reels (Squall Lever Drag 2-Speed Trolling Fishing Reel)

Sale
PENN 1292938 Squall Lever Drag 2-Speed Trolling Fishing Reel, 890/50,...
  • Reel, RH, 3BB plus 1RB, 2.9:1 / 1.5:1 ratio
  • Alum spool, Braid 2485/65 2145/80 1835/100, mono 1550/30 890/50...
  • Reels saltwater lever drag
  • Lightweight yet powerful lever drag fishing reel with graphite...

The Penn Squall Lever Drag 2-Speed Trolling Fishing Reel is perfect for big game saltwater fishing.

It’s lightweight yet powerful, with a graphite frame and side plates, and it features the Quick-Shift 2-speed system for easy shifting into high or low gear.

The Dura-Drag system virtually eliminates snags and hesitation, even under extreme drag settings, while the double-dog ratchet system prevents the handle from reversing.

Okuma Cold Water Linecounter Commercial tuna fishing reels

Sale
Okuma Cold Water Linecounter Trolling Reel CW-303D, Silver
  • Made using the highest quality materials
  • Tested for reliability and quality
  • Used by professionals worldwide
  • Lightweight corrosion resistant frame and side plates

Looking for the best trolling reels for tuna fishing that can handle anything the cold water throws at it? Look no further than the Okuma Cold Water Line Counter Trolling Reel.

Okuma commercial fishing reels are made with only the highest quality materials; this conventional reel has been tested by professionals worldwide and is proven to be reliable and durable. 

With its lightweight corrosion-resistant frame and side plates, multi-disc Carbonite drag system, ratcheting drag star, and XL gearing, this reel can handle any fish you might encounter.

So don’t wait any longer; order your smooth operation Okuma Cold Water Linecounter Trolling Reel today!

Ecooda Heavy Duty Tuna fishing spinning reels

ECOODA Heavy Duty Metal Spinning Jigging Fishing Reels Saltwater...
  • ECOODA NEW HS15000- High Strength Aluminium Alloy Body And...
  • One-Way Clutch Instant Anti-Reverse System,Carbon Fiber Friction...
  • Precisely Machined Brass Oscillation Gear,Stainless Steel...
  • Titanium Casting Guide,Ceramics Line Roller, Waterproof...

Ready to tackle big fish? These sturdy Ecooda spinning reels can take on the mightiest of tuna with ease! With a One-Way Clutch Instant Anti-Reverse System, 66 Lbs.

Of max drag and Waterproof Structure, you’ll be reeling them in before you know it. Plus, each reel comes with an aluminum frame, stainless steel ball bearings, and a unique reel package that protects it while in storage or transport.

Shimano Tuna Reels Saltwater Left and Right-Handed

Shimano Torium 14 HGA Saltwater Star Drag Fishing Reel
  • A lightweight; solidly-built; star-drag saltwater reel that is...
  • Equipped with a high efficiency gearing system that delivers...
  • Offers specially treated anti-rust bearings that are at least 10...
  • Features cross carbon drag which provides long lasting smoothness...

The Shimano Torium SW reel is perfect for live bait or bottom-fishing applications for serious saltwater anglers. 

Shimano tuna Saltwater reels feature a high-efficiency gearing system and specially treated anti-rust bearings; the Shimano reel delivers exceptional strength and rigidity while resisting corrosion.

With a max powerful drag of 17 lbs. and a gear ratio of 6.3:1, the Torium SW reels can easily handle big fish. And at only 15 oz., it is lightweight enough to carry all day long.

Gomexus Saltwater Trolling Reel

Gomexus Trolling Reel Tuna Shark Conventional Saltwater Reel 2 Speed...
  • 📋【Product Name:HX80 Trolling...
  • ⚙️【Prerium Material】9 shielded stainless steel ball...
  • 💡【Unique Design】Also,it has the best smooth shift function...
  • 💯【Perfect drag system】Carbon fiber drags utilizing the...

The Gomexus HX80 Trolling Reel is made of premium materials and is built to last. It features a hard-anodized finish for durability and saltwater resistance and a CNC-machined frame and spool for precision and oversized performance. 

This reel also boasts a unique design with a one-touch 2-speed shift for seamless shifting between gears, and it comes with a 12-month warranty.

The HT-100 carbon fiber drag system on this reel provides a maximum drag of 97 lbs., ensuring that even the biggest fish won’t be able to break free. 

And with its 1025yd/80lb mono line capacity or 1740 yd/200lb braid line capacity, this reel can handle any fishing situation you might encounter. So don’t go another day without the Gomexus HX80 Trolling Reel – order yours today!

What Reels Do They Use on Wicked Tuna?

The type of reel used on Wicked Tuna is a Shimano Tekota 800HG. It’s a saltwater fishing reel with a heavy-duty frame, side plates, and an oversized level wind system for fine line lay and casting accuracy. 

Shimano Inc. TEKOTA 800PGLC A
  • TEKOTA 800PGLC A
  • TEKOTA 800PGLC A
  • TEKOTA 800PGLC A
  • TEKOTA 800PGLC A

It also features two-speed oscillation for even line laying and 4 A-RB anti-rust bearings, making it highly reliable in fresh and saltwater conditions.

This particular reel is used by fishermen featured on the show because it’s built to withstand intense offshore action, making it perfect for giant bluefin tuna fishing. 

With its Manual Override System (MOS) feature, anglers have quick access to change between high or low power settings without needing to open the spool cover first – which makes navigating harsh conditions more accessible than ever before. 

Additionally, this reel comes with a star drag knob and lever drag modes so that anglers can adjust their super smooth drag system according to the different species they’re targeting while at sea. 

And thanks to its X-Ship technology that minimizes friction between spools shafts giving you more power when retrieving heavy loads of fish – this Shimano Tekota 800HG is an ideal choice for those featured on Wicked Tuna who is constantly battling some of the ocean’s most potent predators!

What gear do you need for tuna fishing?

When looking at the variety of options out there, you might wonder which kind of fishing gear is best for catching tuna.

While there are a few different types, there’s no “best” one because it depends on what you want to do with it!

For example, if you’re looking for a rod and reel combo, then you have to look at the activity you’re planning on doing.

The spinning reel might be best for catching tuna, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only kind out there. 

Picking the correct type of fishing gear can be simple or complicated, depending on your needs and how you want to use it. What kind of fishing are you planning on doing?

How many pounds of drag do you need for tuna?

When fishing for tuna, you need to ensure that your reel has enough smooth drag.

A good starting point is around 20 pounds of weight if targeting smaller fish or 40+ Pounds when casting out into deeper waters with a giant game in anticipation! Bringing in larger tuna.

All of the wicked tuna fishing reels mentioned above will work for almost any type of tuna fishing.

You can get out with smaller reels for lighter tuna or larger reels for those bigger trophies. Just make sure the drag weight is high enough to do the job, and you’ll be catching tuna in no time!

What is a good reel for Bluefin tuna? 

If you’re looking for some of the biggest fish around, then Bluefin tuna fishing is the perfect option. And when you’re setting out to catch fish, you need some heavy-duty gear to do it!

While there are various saltwater fishing reels out there, the best option is a quality tuna fishing reel.

The reels listed above are perfect examples of what you might need to catch some big tuna!

How do you set up a tuna fishing pole?

Setting up a tuna fishing pole is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. Watch this video and learn how to set up your rod!

You can do it with either a rod and reel or a handline when it comes to tuna fishing. While the line doesn’t matter too much, the rod does! When choosing a tuna pole, you need to look at what kind of fish are swimming in that area.

How much does a good tuna reel cost? 

How much does a tuna reel cost? The tuna fishing reel cost can vary depending on the quality and features.

While you don’t always get what you pay for, it is best to find a good balance between quality and cost. If you want to go expensive, you can expect to pay more for top fishing reels.

While you can get tuna fishing reels for as low as $30, it’s probably not the best value. Rods are usually your cheapest option when it comes to fishing gear, but you can also end up spending quite a bit, depending on what you’re looking for.

If you’re looking for a high-quality tuna fishing reel, then you might end up spending more than $100.

If that’s the case, then it’s probably not worth spending a ton of money on a rod as well. Picking up a cheap rod and reel combo is probably your best option!

What is the best tuna fishing line?

The type of fishing line you choose is vital for tuna fishing, but not as much as the reel itself. When selecting a fish line, you need to look at what kind of fish are swimming in that area.

The best line for tuna fishing is KastKing Superpower Braided Fishing Line. It’s a top pick among big-game anglers, as it can really take some punishment and still bring in the fish!

Sale
KastKing Superpower Braided Fishing Line,Low-Vis Gray,40 LB,327 Yds
  • Strong knot strength - dynamically incorporated strands in...
  • Low memory - helps you achieve a better, farther casts, less...
  • Greater abrasion resistance - of Casting braided fishing line...
  • Ultra-high sensitivity & Zero stretch - for superior hook setting...

Frequently Asked Questions about tuna fishing spinning reels (FAQ)

Conclusion

So, are you ready to catch some tuna? If so, then the one thing that is for sure is that you’ll need a reel. You may have seen different types of reels before, but not all of them are appropriate for catching tuna fish. 

The five Best Tuna Fishing Reels reviewed here are great options if you plan on going out and catching some delicious sushi-grade tuna fish! What size reel do I need?  Are there any other considerations when choosing tuna rods and reels? And what gear will I need – find out in this blog post with our top 5 choices of the best reels for tuna fishing around today. We hope it helps make your next day at sea an enjoyable adventure!

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