6 Best Used Fishing Reels For Saltwater That Last Season After Season

You’re leaning hard against the rail, the rod bent double, and the drag screaming a song you’ve waited all day to hear. Suddenly, the pressure goes slack. Not because the line broke, but because your reel seized, a victim of the salt and spray it’s been soaking in. A quality saltwater reel is non-negotiable, but the price tags on new, top-tier models can make your wallet ache. This is where the used market shines, offering proven, battle-tested gear that can save you a fortune without compromising on performance.

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The Case for Buying Proven, Used Saltwater Reels

Saltwater is relentless. It corrodes, it crystallizes, and it finds its way into the tiniest gaps in your gear, grinding delicate components to a halt. This is why dedicated saltwater reels are built with stronger materials, more robust gearing, and specialized seals—and why they command a premium price.

The good news is that many anglers are constantly upgrading, leaving a vibrant market full of high-quality, pre-owned reels. Buying a used model with a long-standing reputation for durability is often a smarter move than buying a brand-new, unproven budget reel. You’re investing in a known quantity, a design that has already survived seasons of abuse at the hands of other anglers.

The key is to focus on reels known for their simple, tough construction and the availability of spare parts. A five-year-old flagship reel from a reputable brand will almost always outperform and outlast a new, entry-level reel when the pressure is on. It’s about buying a proven track record, not just a piece of equipment.

Penn Spinfisher VI: A Sealed, All-Around Performer

If you need one reel that can handle casting plugs for stripers from a jetty in the morning and pitching baits to mahi from a boat in the afternoon, the Penn Spinfisher VI is a top contender. Its biggest selling point on the used market is its IPX5 sealed body and spool. This means it can take heavy spray and the occasional splash without letting water into the critical gearbox and drag system.

This sealing provides incredible peace of mind when buying used. Even if the reel has some cosmetic "boat rash," the internals have been shielded from the worst of the salt. The full metal body ensures the gears stay in perfect alignment under heavy loads, preventing binding when you’re hooked into a powerful fish.

Look for a used Spinfisher VI when you need a versatile, low-maintenance workhorse. The 4500 and 5500 sizes are perfect for most inshore and nearshore applications, offering a fantastic balance of power, line capacity, and manageable weight. It’s a true do-it-all design.

Shimano Saragosa SW: A Refined Offshore Workhorse

Stepping up to the Shimano Saragosa SW is like trading a trusty pickup truck for a performance SUV. It’s built for the serious business of offshore fishing—jigging for amberjack, popping for tuna, or live-baiting for kingfish. Its reputation is built on a foundation of strength and refinement.

The Saragosa features Shimano’s Hagane body and gears, which provide incredible rigidity and cranking power. Its X-Protect system uses a labyrinth structure and water-repellent grease to keep salt out, offering a high degree of water resistance without the fully sealed design of some competitors. This results in a lighter, smoother feel at the handle.

On the used market, a Saragosa SW is a fantastic find for the angler who wants premium performance without the top-tier price of a Stella. These reels are designed to be fished hard, so a well-maintained used model will have years of life left in it. It’s the perfect choice for the angler pushing their limits far from shore.

Daiwa BG: Unbeatable Durability for the Price

The Daiwa BG is a legend in the world of affordable, durable spinning reels. Its black anodized machined aluminum body is tough as nails, and its oversized Digigear system is famously smooth and powerful. Even new, it offers incredible value; on the used market, it’s an absolute steal.

The BG’s strength lies in its simplicity and robust construction. It forgoes complex sealing systems for a rock-solid frame and powerful, oversized components that can take a beating. This reel is a favorite among charter captains and anglers who need gear that simply works, day in and day out, without complaint.

The main tradeoff is the lack of sealing. This means a used BG requires a more thorough inspection and a commitment to regular maintenance. However, its straightforward design makes it easy to take apart, clean, and grease yourself. For the angler on a budget who isn’t afraid to get their hands dirty, a used Daiwa BG is arguably the best value in saltwater fishing.

Penn Slammer III: IPX6 Sealing for Surf Anglers

For those who stand in the wash, dodging waves while casting into the surf, the Penn Slammer III is a modern classic. It was built specifically for the angler who regularly subjects their gear to spray, sand, and the occasional full dunking. It’s a sealed tank designed to thrive in the harshest shoreline environments.

The Slammer III boasts an IPX6 sealed body and spool, a step up from the Spinfisher VI, which prevents high-pressure water jets from penetrating the reel. Paired with Penn’s sealed Dura-Drag system, it provides consistent performance even after being hit by a wave. This level of protection is a massive advantage for surfcasters.

Finding a used Slammer III is a score for any serious surf angler. It offers a level of durability and water resistance that approaches the much more expensive Van Staal reels. It’s the perfect choice for targeting big striped bass, red drum, or snook from the beach, where gear failure is not an option.

Van Staal VS Series: A Lifetime Investment for Surf

The Van Staal VS series isn’t just a reel; it’s a piece of industrial art built for a single purpose: to be the most indestructible surf fishing reel on the planet. With a fully machined and fully sealed body, it’s designed to be operated underwater if necessary. There are no frills, no fancy features—just raw, uncompromising durability.

These reels are notoriously expensive when new, which makes the used market the only point of entry for many anglers. The beauty of buying a used Van Staal is that they are so overbuilt that even a decade-old model can perform like new. Scratches and dings are badges of honor that don’t impact the reel’s function in the slightest.

A used Van Staal is an investment. It’s for the hardcore surf angler who fishes in rough conditions and needs gear that will never, ever fail. They hold their value incredibly well, and with basic annual service, a used VS reel can genuinely last a lifetime.

Okuma Cedros CJ: A Sleeper Pick for Power and Value

While Penn, Shimano, and Daiwa often dominate the conversation, the Okuma Cedros CJ is a powerful "sleeper" reel that offers incredible performance for the money. It has carved out a niche among anglers who specialize in high-speed and vertical jigging, where a combination of speed, power, and rigidity is crucial.

The Cedros features a rigid diecast aluminum frame and rotor, a high-speed gear ratio for quickly picking up slack line, and Okuma’s potent Dual Force Drag system. These are features often found on much more expensive reels, making the Cedros a standout in its price bracket.

Because it flies under the radar, a used Cedros can often be found for a fantastic price. It’s a smart purchase for the angler focused purely on function over brand name. If you need a reel specifically for the demanding application of vertical jigging, a used Cedros provides the power and speed you need without emptying your bank account.

What to Check Before Buying a Used Saltwater Reel

Buying used gear is a great way to save money, but it requires a quick inspection to avoid inheriting someone else’s problems. A few simple checks can tell you almost everything you need to know about a reel’s condition and how it was cared for.

Before you hand over any cash, run through this quick checklist. It only takes a minute and can save you from a major headache down the road.

• Handle and Spool: Turn the handle slowly. Do you feel a smooth whir or a sandy, grinding sensation? A little gear noise can be normal, but grinding means trouble. Gently wiggle the handle and the spool; there shouldn’t be excessive side-to-side play.
• Bail: Open and close the bail a dozen times. It should snap shut with authority on every turn of the handle. When open, it should stay firmly in place without drooping. Make sure the line roller spins freely—a seized roller will shred your line.
• Drag: Tighten the drag knob all the way and pull line from the spool by hand. The line should come off smoothly and consistently, not in a jerky, start-and-stop motion. Then, loosen it all the way to ensure it disengages properly.
• Visual Inspection: Look past the surface scratches. Check for signs of deep corrosion, especially where the reel foot meets the rod and around screw heads. Bubbling paint or deep, white, chalky pits are red flags indicating saltwater has gotten under the finish.

Finally, don’t be afraid to ask the seller about the reel’s service history. An angler who can tell you when it was last cleaned and greased is likely someone who took good care of their equipment.

A battle-scarred Penn, a slightly faded Daiwa, or a well-used Shimano isn’t just a discount purchase; it’s a piece of gear with a history, ready for new adventures. Choosing a proven used reel is a smart, sustainable way to get high-end performance that will last season after season. Now stop worrying about the gear, and get out on the water.