Planning a one day fishing trip to the shores and still don’t have a worthy spinning reel with you? Worry not in this article we will take a look on the best inshore spinning reels of 2023 and also a buying guide at the end. So do read till the end.
Spinning reels and overall fishing reels will make it easier for you to catch your targeted fish. These reels when paired with the best suited rod work marvellously. If you need a pair check out our article on the best spinning reel rod combo for the best options.
Experienced anglers usually suggest the beginners to start with a spinning reel as it is the easiest of all and also not that costly.
Moreover, you can cast greater distances and light lures. However, it doesn’t mean professionals don’t use spinning reels, they are everywhere so don’t underestimate them.

Now lets move to the detailed and genuine reviews we have written so you don’t have any problem while choosing the best inshore spinning reel for you.
Our Top Picks:
Best Inshore Spinning Reels
Design | Reviews | Retailer |
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Best Pick ![]() | Check Price | |
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Staff Pick ![]() | Check Price | |
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Budget Pick ![]() | Check Price |
1. Penn Clash & Clash II
Best Pick
Brand | PENN Fishing |
Material | Aluminum |
Color | Grey/Black |
Handle material | Stainless Steel |
Product weight (in Kilograms) | 0.3 Kilograms |
Hand orientation | Ambidextrous |
Why We Love It
- The size of the PENN clash ranges from 1000 up to 8000 which is great to choose from
- Moreover, the infinite anti-reverse performs smoothly and stops the reel as soon as the button is clicked
- The 8 stainless steel ball bearings and carbon fibre drag washers give s super smooth performance during inshore fishing
What makes a spinning reel best for inshore fishing is its durable build and a lightweight construction, right? Well we are happy to present the best inshore spinning reel for light fishing and heavy ones.
The PENN clash makes wonders when it comes to saltwater fishing. The full metal body of aluminum and a durable handle of stainless steel makes it last longer. Moreover, it has layers of corrosion resistant coatings.
Also, it’s extremely lightweight, you won’t feel any pain even when you use it all day long. Additionally, the HT-100 carbon fibre drag washers provide a smooth and speedy performance. Furthermore the max drag of the machine is 20 lbs which is way more than required for inshore fishing.
Pros
- 20 lbs drag force
- Includes anti-reverse feature
- Ultralight weight
- Comfortable handle
Cons
- Requires more maintenance
- Manual bail
Opinion
The Clash by PENN is available in three different models and we tested all of the three. Each of them has the same features except some minor changes.
They all can cast longer distances and are much lighter in weight as compared to other reels manufactured by PENN.
However, it doesn’t include an auto bail feature for people complaining about the snapping of bail during casting. Otherwise, it’s a great deal if you have a good budget range of $200-$300.
2. Penn Spinfisher VI Spinning Fishing Reel

Brand | PENN Fishing |
Material | Other |
Color | black gold |
Handle material | carbon fibre |
Product weight (in Pounds) | 1 Pounds |
Hand orientation | Ambidextrous |
Why We Love It
- The whole body is sealed with water resistant layers of coating so the water or any other particles won’t corrode the reel.
- Also, the full metal body including the handle and bail are strong enough to long last for ages
- Moreover, this Spinfisher VI also features instant anti-reverse so your line doesn’t get tangled in between.
Inshore fishing is a great way to spend leisure time alone or with friends. However, a good and corrosion resistant spinning reel will make it easier for you to enjoy your fishing trip without worrying about the clipping of bail or the water getting inside your reel.
This Spinfisher IV is one such best inshore saltwater reel which will let you fish at your ease.
The CNC gear system provided with this spinning reel provides a great strength to handle big saltwater fishes with no hassle. Also, the 5+1 stainless steel ball bearings
help in super smooth casting and retrieving and they are sealed too with the spool. Lastly, the max drag is 15 lbs which is a good range for a powerful spinning reel.
Pros
- Fully sealed body and spool
- Available in a range of sizes
- Full metal body
- Powerful drag washers
Cons
- Auto bail is not useful
- Expensive
Opinion
The Spinfisher IV is one of the high end spinning reels by PENN. We assure you that this reel will be perfect for any type of saltwater fishing including inshore.
Moreover, you can check the spinning reel sizes to choose the best one according to your preferences. However, it does include an auto-bail feature but the reel heavily fails at it as it wasnt working during the testing. Otherwise, it’s the best option to go for as the pros overshadow the cons.
3. Daiwa Bg Spinning Reel
Staff Pick
Brand | Daiwa |
Material | Synthetic |
Color | Black/Gold |
Handle material | Aluminum |
Product weight (in Pounds) | 0.25 Pounds |
Hand orientation | Ambidextrous |
Why We Love It
- The Daiwa Bg comes with a fully aluminium construction including the bail wire and ball bearings too
- Moreover, the infinite anti-reverse system makes it possible for anglers to stop the spool from rotating backwards instantly
- If you are not a fan of auto bail this one if for you because it features a manual bail to avoid bail clippings
Popular among the professional anglers and many fishermen the Daiwa Bg has secured the third rank in our top 5 best inshore spinning reels of 2023.
You can see many inshore spinning reel reviews suggesting the Daiwa Bg as the best among all of these. The fully aluminium build includes the ball bearings, spool and also the handle, we assure you it won’t reel unless you overload it with a much larger fish over its capacity.
Besides that, it comes with a very nice gear ratio of 5.6:1 which is enough during inshore fishing and also boat fishing.
Also the Daiwa Bg is available from sizes 3000-6000, perfect for medium sized saltwater fishes such as trout and big mouth bass.
Pros
- Casts longer distances
- Powerful drag
- Smooth performance
- Aluminium build
Cons
- Weighs 0.25 pounds
- Shank is smaller than bail
Opinion
We would recommend this Daiwa Bg to anyone who is serious about fishing as the quality of material is incomparable. Also, you wont get such a best inshore reel at such a medium budget.
Therefore, it’s the best choice to go for if you require an incredibly smooth performance while reeling and a drag force of maximum 15 lbs.
Also, the waterproof drag system and construction will ensure the water stays away from the reel’s internals.Â
4. KastKing Megatron Spinning Reel

Brand | KastKing |
Material | Metal |
Color | Black |
Handle material | Aluminum |
Product weight (in kg) | 0.49 kg |
Hand orientation | Ambidextrous |
Why We Love It
- It’s the perfect choice for saltwater fishing as well as freshwater fishing and obviously inshore fishing
- The fully aluminium build and its 6000 size is capable of fighting those big saltwater fishes easily
- Also, quality of gears included are made out of durable zinc and solid brass
When we say KastKing the first thing which comes to our mind is cheap spinning reels. Therefore, the Megatron by KastKing is in our list of best inshore spinning reels of 2023.
The Megatron comes with an amazing build quality, a unique geometrical design and full black finish which makes the reeling experience even better.
Also, the top quality zinc and brass gears make sure you perform well during casting and overall fishing. When it comes to the smooth drag and force the KastKing tops here too as it includes a carbon drag with a max drag of up to 30 lbs.
Moreover, the 7+1 ball bearings also help to provide a smooth casting. Therefore, it’s good to have an all in one and the best inshore saltwater reel.
Pros
- Durable handle
- Auto bail feature
- Excellent drag performance
- Aluminium construction
Cons
- Internally the construction is fragile
- Not for small fishes
Opinion
When we have a less budget the KastKing comes to our rescue with its high quality yet cheap reels. The Megatron is really a great reels in terms of the exterior construction and durability.
Moreover, it won’t break like one of those plastic reels. It also features an auto bail feature for people who don’t know how to operate a manual bail.
Moreover, you can absolutely use it while saltwater fishing so we would like to recommend the KastKing Megatron for people with less budget.
5. Okuma Inspira
Budget Pick
Brand | OKUMA |
Material | Synthetic |
Color | Blue |
Handle material | Stainless Steel |
Product weight (in Kilograms) | 0.33 Kilograms |
Hand orientation | Ambidextrous |
Why We Love It
- The powerful drag system included in Inspira can provide a drag force of maximum 13 pounds which is manageable
- Also, the centrifugal disc bail is oversized on purpose for providing the perfect balance and a long lasting reel life
- Moreover, 8+1 stainless steel ball bearings have a corrosion resistant coatings and offer a great and smooth performance with no friction
We all know that the OKUMA is the best when it comes to inshore or overall saltwater fishing. This Inspira is one such inshore spinning reel by OKUMA which may seem small but is capable of fighting big sea monsters single handedly.
While testing we had no issue with its weight as it is extremely lightweight and can be handled all day long.
Even though the reel is lightweight it is fully made out of aluminium and stainless steel which is way stronger than other reels of the same sizes.
Moreover, it has an amazing finish which will definitely catch eyes. However, it’s mostly recommended for light saltwater fishing for bass, catfish etc. therefore, you can consider buying this option if you loved it
Pros
- 8+1 stainless steel ball bearings
- Fully water resistant body
- Includes anti reverse roller
- 1 year warranty
Cons
- Not for big fishes
- High maintenance required
Opinion
The last and best inshore spinning reel of 2023 the OKUMA Inspira is perfect for a one day fishing trip to the shore. Even though it’s small but features a number of functions such as anti-reverse, 9 ball bearings, metal build and many more.
However, it’s not for heavy tasks so do not overload the reel and it will be perfect for beginners as well as experienced anglers. Hence, do consider this spinning reel as its perfect in all angles.
Buying Guide: How to Choose
Out of these 5 no reel needs to work perfectly for you. You should have a detailed knowledge about the factors which should be considered while buying an inshore spinning reel.
Therefore, we are here to help you again so you can choose the best inshore spinning reel according to your choice
Spinning reel size
The reel size is the most common and important factor while choosing a spinning reel. As it depends on your targeted species and the location of fishing you should always get the best reel size.
You can check out our detailed guide on spinning reel sizes to know the exact reel size according to your choice. Especially for inshore fishing always opt for a spinning reel with size more than 3000, anything less than that will not work fine
Length of the fishing rod
Getting a fishing rod of length more than 6 feet is recommended for inshore fishing as you have to cast greater distances. However, the reel size should match the rod length otherwise, it wont work.
Construction quality
A good build quality is required in any home appliance or anything we buy. The same is with the spinning reel. You can skip the quality while searching for a freshwater spinning reel but it’s mandatory to get the best quality spinning reel when it comes to inshore fishing as the reel comes in contact with saltwater and other debris and may corrode easily.
Therefore, always go for spinning reels with corrosion and water resistant coatings and fully metal body.
Budget
This factor totally depends on you as the price range is varied in spinning reels. You can get a reel for $30 as well as for $1000, it can be anything in between.
However, do buy the reel on the basis of the quality and not according to the price tag as the prices are delusional.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best inshore spinning reel for money?
We will recommend the Okuma Inspira as it is one of the cheapest yet strongest inshore spinning reel in the list. You can check out the detailed review above for detailed information regarding Inspira.
What is the best size rod for inshore fishing?
If you are going for inshore fishing always opt for a rod with a length more than 6 feet. Also, a rod of 7 feet will be the perfect choice for inshore fishing.
What size reel is best for inshore fishing?
A spinning reel having a size more than 2500 and less than 6000 will be a great choice for inshore fishing. Moreover, it should be water resistant and also corrosion-resistant because it will come in contact with saltwater.
What is the best fishing line for inshore fishing?
We would recommend you to go for a monofilament fishing line as it is thin and strong. Moreover, unlike braided lines, it is not visible under water.
Conclusion
We hope you have a clear idea about how to get the best inshore saltwater reel and which factors to check during buying. Therefore, do get the best inshore spinning reel for your next fishing adventure to get the best out of it.
Also, do not forget to pair it with the best and most compatible spinning rod. Moreover, if you require more options you can check our article on best saltwater spinning reels of 2023 as they can be used for inshore fishing. Similarly check the spinning reel sizes if you do no know which reel to buy.