Deep-sea fishing is fun, challenging, and exhilarating-no matter the experience level. All of us anglers are just praying for some luck and hoping everything goes to plan. However, mistakes can be made, and some can be costly on your equipment.

For first-time deep-sea anglers, we recommend heading out with a professional so you can safely learn everything you'll need to know.  There’s a lot of groups who meet across the states for fishing trips, so joining a mixed group with beginners, as well as experienced fishermen, could be helpful.

Since the 1930s, Penn has been at the forefront of modern reel design and production. Their new model, the SQL20LW LC, is built with graphite, stainless steel, and aluminum materials and proves to be another exceptional reel that acts like no other. The Penn SQL20LW LC is our top pick for the best deep-sea fishing reel. The top-qualities materials aren’t just for the interior of the reel. The machined high-strength main gear has a marine-grade bronze alloy.

Power and durability isn’t a problem on the lightweight reel either. With an HT-100 carbon fiber drag system, this reel provides enough powerful drag that won’t sacrifice its smoothness.

We’re not the only ones who think this. An angler from Texas stated on Penn’s website, “This reel is easy to use and has the power and smoothness to handle the biggest of fish.”

The 2-ball bearings (made of stainless steel) also keep everything on the inside operating smoothly. This reel by Penn also features an anti-reverse bearing that eliminates rotor back play. As this is a trolling reel, you should expect precise line output. Penn even marked the machined aluminum spool with line capacity rings at 1/3, 2/3, and full capacity. This is a great addition to novice anglers who are only starting on their deep-sea fishing journey.

One of the biggest reasons we’ve picked the Penn SQL20LWLC as our top pick for the best deep-sea reel is the price. This reel has everything you need to reel in species up to 15 lbs in fresh or saltwater, and it won’t break the bank compared to other reels by competing brands.

Shimano has a range of reels that are so versatile, you can adjust the settings and use it in fresh or saltwater with ease. The Shima Torium SW stands out as the ‘Top of the Range’ reel for deep-sea fishing as it weighs in at 1.9 pounds, yet it has heavy-duty capabilities. This is one of the lightest reels that can do so much once you set and adjust it on your deep-sea trips.

The Torium SW has a cross carbon drag, which provides long-lasting smoothness to withstand fast, powerful runs from big or small inshore species. With a max drag of 24lbs, this reel is our top choice for catching tuna, walleye, or bass.

There are 4 bearings constructed from stainless steel that have been treated with anti-rust properties. Because of this process, the bearings are ten times more corrosion-resistant than other stainless steel bearings you’ll find on competing reels.

As this is a baitcasting reel, expect the gear ratio to be higher. This model has a ratio of 6.2:1 and has a fast retrieval rate. This makes this reel pretty versatile once you get the hang of the speed. You can use this baitcast reel in freshwater, saltwater along with boat fishing, shore fishing, and of course, deep-sea fishing.

This model has been specifically designed for left-handed anglers, but don’t worry. Right-hand orientations are available in the 3 different sizes. Not only is this reel accessible and adaptable to more people, but it has also been constructed with an ergonomic grip to further improve an angler’s comfort.

Looking for a reel that’s suitable for deep-sea fishing, but you’re tight for cash? No worries! Luckily for you, Okuma has created their Magda Pro Line Counter Trolling Reels for deep-sea anglers on a budget, or for anglers looking to bring a backup reel on their adventures.

This is a right-handed, low-cost, crank line counter trolling reel that’s lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and comes with standard features that work well on the water. Pair it with the best trolling rod, and you'll be ready for the waterways.

The Magda Pro MA-30DX is one of four models within the trolling range. We’ve picked the 30DX option for deep-sea fishing as it has a higher max drag for bigger catches. All models have similar features, like the self-lubricating gearing system on each model and a stainless steel level wind line guide system. The mechanical line counter function measures in feet and has a rubber push-button reset, so you know how much line is in the water.

The Magda Pro MA-30DX is equipped with a carbonate drag system and a durable machine cut brass gear system, so it feels like this reel is ready for anything. It can handle up to 7 kg. in weight without worries, and the gear system operates incredibly smooth without heating.  This stops your fishing wire from burning up. You get to enjoy a smoother fishing time for this little feature.

With 2 ball bearings running around the inside of this reel and with a large handle with a grip, the reel feels very thought out, even though the price tag is a third of some of its competing reels. That’s why it’s our top choice for the best cheap trolling reel for deep-sea fishing.

The next reel on our list is the Rover Round Baitcasting reel by KastKing. This brand first released this reel in early 2018. KastKing said the reel is "perfect for trolling, bottom fishing, and other techniques used in freshwater and saltwater." We loved taking this reel on deep water fishing trips in lakes, rivers, and oceans.

The Round Rover reel has a one-piece aluminum frame with a corrosion-resistant, stainless steel shaft and gear system. This impressive reel is so powerful and features a strong carbon fiber drag system. This gives up to 18lbs of drag. Whether you are after giant catfish, carp, walleye, or trolling offshore fishing for large saltwater species, the Round Rover is the perfect weapon of choice.

With over 6 sizes available, both in left and right orientations, there’s bound to be a size to suit you. Anglers find this reel incredibly easy to operate, and we loved the Round Rovers’ single oversized T handle, finished with non-slip EVA foam knobs. And just when you thought this sleek and smooth reel couldn’t get better, it has been reinforced with thicker hard-anodized aluminum, making it "Bullet Proof." 

We have to say; this was a great reel for deep-sea fishing and a perfect reel to help you cast accurately. With its sleek design, you’ll turn other angler's heads turning once they see this attractive red reel on your baitcasting rod.

There are a ton of spinning rods and reels on the market today, but a lot of them are specialized for freshwater fishing. For deep-sea fishing, these reels will simply not do. The Okuma Azores line of the spinning reel was designed specifically for saltwater fishing. Especially for anglers interested in improving their experience with the help of a competent spinning reel.

There are 5 different models within the series, but the model we believe is best for deep-sea fishing is the Okuma Azores Z-80S. This is one of three models within the series that’s designed to catch medium to large-sized fish. The max drag is up to 44 lbs (one of the highest on our list). The gear ratio isn’t too fast, at 5.4:1. 

On each of the larger models within the series, the construction is quite the same. The body, side plate, and rotor are all constructed of rigid die-cast aluminum, making it incredibly tough. The spool shaft is oversized, allowing you to put lots of pressure on the drag system and distribute that evenly, so you do not overload it. With practice, you’ll feel more balanced throughout your rod and reel. It’ll also give you more durability over time.

With the proven power features and the patented interior design created by Okuma, the AZORES is much more durable, strong, and smoother than the competition. That’s why we’ve picked the Azores Z-80S as the best spinning reel for deep-sea fishing.

Our list's last model is by popular demand; the Penn Squall Lever Drag Conventional Fishing Reel is used by professionals worldwide. This reel is perfect for deep water trolling and offshore big game trophy fishing. If you choose a smaller model in this series, it will be competent for an inshore trolling reel.

There are 4 sizes within the Lever Drag series, but there are Lever Wind models, along with conventional models, too.

Penn says, “the Lever Drag reel has all of the proven features of the GT series, with the addition of improved gear ratios and an Instant Anti-Reverse bearing, in a more compact package.”

We loved how lightweight the Squall Conventional reel was, weighing 1.65 pounds. We also loved its aesthetic. With gold and a metallic black finish, it looks like a professional reel.

Some of the materials used in its construction include:

This could be a spinning (fixed-spool) reel or a spin-cast reel. They both operate similarly, but no fixed spool reel will require you to hold the line in place during the cast. A spin-cast reel is easier to use. You simply press a button on the reel, which allows the line to unspool freely.

There are other deep-sea reels you might have noticed from our reviews. Conventional reels are top-rated for deep-sea fishing. There are very few parts, so maintenance is a breeze. They can be incredibly durable, and they operate on a low gear ratio, so they’re great for novice angles looking to improve their abilities.

This will depend on the reel type that you choose. Spinners, baitcasters, or conventional reels, they’ll all hold a different amount of line. In general, deep-see specific reels tend to store more lines than typical reels as it’s not unusual for your line to break when on your fishing adventure. Consider picking a reel with a line capacity marker on the spool if you are new to deep-sea fishing.