Best Tuna Fishing Reels

When it comes to tuna fishing, having the right reel is essential. There are all sorts of different reels on the market, and it can be difficult to decide which one is best for you. Some are better than others, but it can be tough to decide which one is right for you.

Best Tuna Fishing Reels Review

Are you looking for the best tuna fishing reels on the market? If so, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we will be discussing the top-rated tuna fishing reels available. We’ll also provide you with a buyer’s guide to help you choose the right reel for your needs. So, whether you’re a seasoned fisherman or just starting out, read on for information on the best tuna fishing reels currently available.

1# Offshore Angler SeaFire Conventional Saltwater Reel

Offshore Angler SeaFire Saltwater Reel

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Specification

Retrieve: Right
Gear Ratio: 2.55:1, 2.8:1, 3.25:1
Ball Bearings: 4
Max Drag: 30 Lbs., 44 Lbs.
Reel Weight: 25.5 oz., 38 oz., 48 oz.

When you’re offshore angling, you need a reel you can count on. The Offshore Angler SeaFire Conventional Saltwater Reel is built tough, with a 1-piece CNC-machined aluminium frame that can take whatever you throw at it. It’s also smooth and precise, thanks to the 4 sealed stainless steel ball bearings that keep things running smoothly even in a harsh saltwater environment. Other features include an anodised-aluminium power handle with an oversized knob for easy cranking, a corrosion-resistant brass main gear and stainless steel pinion for durability, and a powerful star drag system. Plus, the double-anodized, machined aluminium spool ensures smooth operation and comes with handy line capacity rings. And the audible bait clicker is a nice touch when you’re trying to land that big one.

Pros
  • 1-piece CNC-machined aluminium frame

  • 4 sealed stainless steel ball bearings

  • Anodised-aluminium power handle with an oversized knob

  • Corrosion-resistant brass main gear and a stainless steel pinion

  • The powerful star drag system

  • Double-anodized, machined aluminium spool

Cons
  • The reel is difficult to use

  • It is prone to breaking easily

2# PENN International VIS Lever Drag Reel

PENN International VIS Lever Drag Reel

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Specification

Retrieve: Right
Gear Ratio: 5.2:1/1.6:1, 4.1:1/1.4:1, 3.5:1/1.3:1
Ball Bearings: 5
Max Drag: 20 Lbs., 30 Lbs., 45 Lbs.
Reel Weight: 36 oz., 56 oz., 67 oz.

The PENN International VIS Gold Two-Speed Lever Drag Reel is the perfect choice for anglers searching for large game fish. The Quick-Shift II™ 2-speed system lets you instantly choose between a fast retrieve speed or low power speed, giving you the maximum efficiency to get your trophy fish boat side. The Full Metal Body and side plates are fully machined and anodized for maximum strength-to-weight ratio, with virtually zero flex even when spooled with heavy braid. The rugged spool is braid-ready and features an oversized drag knob for easy adjustment. This world-class reel is a must-have for serious anglers who demand the best in performance and durability.

Pros
  • Capacity: The reel can hold up to 440 yards of 20-pound mono, which is great for larger fish

  • Drag system: The drag system is made up of 11 discs that are cork and carbon fibre, providing a very smooth experience when pulling in a large fish

  • Durability: The frame and side plates are made of gold anodized aluminium, making the reel strong and resistant to corrosion

  • Speed: When using the two-speed option, you can change between two gears to get more or less power while fishing

Cons
  • The reel is a bit expensive compared to other models

  • Some people have complained that the reel is not as comfortable and easy to use as they would like it to be

3# Okuma Makaira Lever Drag Reel

Okuma Makaira Lever Drag Reel

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Specification

Retrieve: Right
Gear Ratio: 4.7:1/2.1:1, 4.1:1/1.4:1, 3.5:1/1.3:1
Ball Bearings: 4+1
Max Drag: 34 Lbs., 55 Lbs., 85 Lbs., 100 Lbs.
Reel Weight: 26.1 oz., 48 oz., 61.4 oz.

The Okuma Makaira Two Speed Lever Drag Reel is a high-quality, durable reel that is perfect for any fishing enthusiast. The frame is made of 6061-T6 machined aluminium and the side plates are forged for added strength. The Carbonite Dual Force Drag system ensures smooth, consistent drag, while the helical cut gears provide extreme smoothness and gear meshing. The gold anodized two-speed gear shifter housing and cold forged, Type-II anodized, machined aluminium spool add to the durability and style of this reel. The double dog, the proprietary silent anti-reverse system keeps your line from slipping, while the ratcheting drag lever and drag cam allow for precise drag setting. This reel is backed by a 5-year warranty and features CRC: Corrosion Resistant Coating process, patented spool pin system for use with braided or mono lines, custom designed thrust bearing—alleviates side load on heavy drag settings, 4-pc. ABEC-5 precision Sapporo stainless steel rubber sealed ball bearings, MK-80WII features 6-pc. Sapporo ball bearings, and patented T-Bar handle with Easy Roll graphite insert on all models.

Pros
  • The Okuma Makaira Two Speed Lever Drag Reel is extremely well built

  • The Okuma Makaira Two Speed Lever Drag Reel is incredibly smooth

  • The Okuma Makaira Two Speed Lever Drag Reel has an amazing drag system

Cons
  • The Okuma Makaira Two Speed Lever Drag Reel is not for beginners

4# Shimano Triton Lever Drag Reel

Shimano Triton Lever Drag Reel

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Specification

Retrieve: Right
Gear Ratio: 3.6:1
Ball Bearings: 4
Max Drag: 17 Lbs.
Reel Weight: 24.5 oz.

The Shimano Triton Lever Drag Reel is a versatile lever drag reel that is perfect for casting, trolling and live bait fishing. The robust 1-piece graphite frame is incredibly strong yet lightweight, and the cold-forged aluminium spool ensures durability and smoothness. The 4 A-RB® (Anti-Rust Bearings) keep the reel running smoothly, and the superlative ball-bearing drag system provides unparalleled power and precision. The stainless steel gears and main shaft ensure lasting quality, while the loud click strike alarm alerts you to fish activity. The power handle with an oil-ported torpedo knob provides maximum comfort and control. This reel is a must-have for any serious angler.

Pros
  • Robust 1-piece graphite frame

  • Cold-forged aluminium spool

  • 4 A-RB® (Anti-Rust Bearings)

  • The superlative ball-bearing drag system

  • Stainless steel gears and main shaft

  • Loud click strike alarm

  • Power handle with torpedo knob

Cons
  • It may be too heavy for some anglers

  • Some users report issues with the drag system

5# Shimano Tekota Saltwater Casting Fishing Reel

Shimano Tekota Saltwater Casting Fishing Reel

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Specification

Gear Ratio: 4.2:1
Ball Bearings: 3+1

The Shimano Tekota Saltwater Casting Fishing Reel is built to last with a diecast aluminium frame, stamped aluminium right side plate, and aluminium braced graphite non-handle side plate. The oversized cast control knob and clicker button give you more control over the line, while the crossbar forward design allows for better access to the spool. The Septon handle grip material ensures a comfortable grip even in wet conditions.

Pros
  • Diecast aluminium frame

  • Stamped aluminium right side plate

  • Aluminium braced graphite non-handle side plate

  • Oversized cast control knob

  • Clicker button

  • Crossbar forward design

  • Septon handle grip material

Cons
  • It is not designed for left-handed users.

  • It can be difficult to find spools and parts for the Tekota Saltwater Casting Fishing Reel.

6# Penn Fishing Squall 40 Lever Drag Reel

Penn Fishing Squall 40 Lever Drag Reel

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Specification

Retrieve: Right
Gear Ratio: 5.1:1

The Penn Squall 40 Lever Drag Reel is perfect for those who love to fish. With its versatile handle system, you can easily choose how long the handle should be in just a minute. Additionally, the Dura-Drag washers make it easier than ever to use this reel without hesitation. The line capacity rings are also a fantastic feature that lets you know how much line you have left so you’re never left guessing. Finally, the Switch Blade harness lugs give you all the benefits of traditional lugs without the chance of grabbing the loose lines and losing your catch.

Pros
  • The versatile handle system lets you choose how long the handle should be

  • Easy converts from right-handed to left-handed use

  • The line capacity rings let you know how much line you have left

  • The Switch Blade harness lugs give you all the benefits of traditional lugs without the chance of grabbing the loose lines

Cons
  • It cannot be used for trolling

  • Some fishermen have noticed that it is not easy to change the length of the handle as it is advertised

7# PENN International VISX Specialty Reel

PENN International VISX Specialty Reel

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Specification

Handedness: Right
Gear Ratio: 5.1:1
Reel Size: 12

The PENN International VISX Specialty Reel is designed for anglers who demand the very best. Featuring a Dura-Drag™ system for smooth startups and reduced hesitations, as well as a Quick-Shift II™ 2-speed system, this reel is built for performance. The machined and anodized aircraft-grade aluminium body and side plates offer lightweight, high-strength construction, while the stainless steel main and pinion gears provide strength and speed. The PENN International VISX Specialty Reel includes line capacity rings and a Versa-Strike adjustable strike stop and is backed by a double-dog ratchet anti-reverse. Made in the USA.

Pros
  • The Dura-Drag™ system ensures smooth startups and reduced hesitations

  • Quick-Shift II™ 2-speed system for performance

  • Machined and anodized aircraft-grade aluminium body and side plates offer lightweight, high-strength construction

  • Stainless steel main and pinion gears provide strength and speed

  • Line capacity rings included

  • Versa-Strike adjustable strike stop

Cons
  • Some users have reported that the drag system isn’t as good as some of the other reels on the market

8# Shimano Talica 12 Lever Drag Trolling Fishing Reel

Shimano Talica 12 Trolling Fishing Reel

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Specification

Retrieve: Right
Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
Ball Bearings: 6+1
Max Drag: 20 lbs.
Reel Weight: 16.4 oz.

The Rapala TALICA 12II Lever DRG 2 SPD is a high-powered fishing reel that delivers massive cranking power with a smooth, effortless retrieve. It features two retrieve speeds, making it ideal for a wide range of applications, and a drag system that can handle up to 60 lbs. of fish. With a line retrieval speed of 20 to 46 inches per crank, the TALICA 12II is a serious fishing reel for serious anglers.

Pros
  • Massive cranking power

  • Smooth, effortless retrieve

  • 2 retrieve speeds

  • Durable and reliable

Cons
  • It can be difficult to get used to the two-speed system.

  • The backlash on this reel can be pretty bad.

9# Penn Squall Lever Drag Multiplier Reel

Penn Squall Lever Drag Multiplier Reel

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Specification

Retrieve: Right
Gear Ratio: 4.5:1/2.1:1
Ball Bearings: 3+1

The Penn Squall Lever Drag 2 Speed Multiplier Reel is the perfect choice for serious saltwater anglers who demand the very best. This reel features a quick shift 2-speed system that allows you to easily shift into high or low gear and a Dura-Drag system that virtually eliminates snags and hesitation. With its double dog ratchet system, this reel also prevents the handle from reversing.

Pros
  • Quick shift 2-speed system

  • Dura-Drag system eliminates snags and hesitation

  • The double dog ratchet system prevents the handle from reversing

Cons
  • Some users have complained about the quality of the gears and the construction of the reel.

FAQ

What size reel is good for tuna?
The Penn Squall Lever Drag 2 Speed Multiplier Reel is the perfect choice for serious saltwater anglers who demand the very best. This reel features a quick shift 2-speed system that allows you to easily shift into high or low gear and a Dura-Drag system that virtually eliminates snags and hesitation. With its double dog ratchet system, this reel also prevents the handle from reversing. So what size reel is good for tuna? Depending on the size of the tuna you’re targeting, you’ll need a reel with enough drag power to handle them. For smaller tuna, a reel with a 20-30 lb drag rating should be sufficient. For larger tuna, you’ll need a reel with a higher drag rating of 30-50 lbs or more.
Do you need a 2-speed reel for tuna fishing?
Yes, a 2-speed reel is a good option for tuna fishing, as it allows you to easily shift into high or low gear, depending on the size of the tuna you’re targeting.
How do you know what size reel to buy?

You’ll need a reel with enough drag power to handle them. For smaller tuna, a reel with a 20-30 lb drag rating should be sufficient. For larger tuna, you’ll need a reel with a higher drag rating of 30-50 lbs or more.

Conclusion

Best Tuna Fishing Reels buyer’s guide, you will find information about the top tuna fishing reels on the market. We have also included a buyer’s guide to help you choose the right reel for your needs. Finally, we have provided product reviews of some of the best tuna fishing reels available. Thank you for choosing us as your source for all things tuna fishing!

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