Are you looking for the best kingfish reels? Then, you have found the right place: we will help you make an informed decision.
For netting oversized game fish such as kingfish, you’ll indispensably need a good quality reel besides a premium rod, line, hook, and sinker. Veteran anglers and fishers with extensive drag fishing experience generally use a high-quality spinning reel with a smooth drag.
Since the kingfish will be pulling on the line very forcefully, the reel should smoothly spin backward for releasing line to overcome friction and prevent the line from snapping.
Some of the most versatile spinning reels for kingfish fishing offering optimum returns on your investment include Penn, Shimano, Daiwa, and Okuma. These are durable and resilient spinning reels with excellent retrieve ratio and high drag pressure, which enable them to withstand punishment. The spinning reels reviewed in this article are by far highly performance-driven when it comes to speed-jigging and live-baiting kingfish.
The 6 Best Kingfish Reels (Comparison Table)
1. Penn Pursuit III Spinning Fishing Reel (Editor’s Choice)
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty spinning reel for achieving success in kingfish angling using jigging and live baits, then don’t look any further. In our opinion, it’s the best kingfish reel available on the market at the moment.
The Penn Pursuit III Spinning Fishing Reel is incredibly popular with seasoned anglers thanks to its rock-solid construction and flexible gear system. In addition, saltwater and freshwater anglers can utilize its powerful HT-100 drag mechanism and corrosion-resistant ultra-lightweight graphite body.
The spool housed in the graphite body makes the most of the HT 100 drag technology, guaranteeing smooth operability and the ability to endure abuse from saltwater fishes. A gear ratio of 6.2:1 ensures that you’ll be able to throw and flip your line more effectively without sacrificing cranking speed. The stainless steel 4 +1bearing system and the instant anti-reverse mechanism make the reel work superbly and check corrosion.
The sleek graphite body not only makes the reel lightweight and rust-resistant but also boosts Pursuit III’s overall aesthetic appeal. Additionally, the graphite construction keeps Penn Pursuit III’s price point lower and enhances its durability and functionality. You have the option of choosing from six different sizes starting from 2500 to 8000.
Features
- CNC-machined and anodized aluminum spool
- HT-100™ carbon fiber drag washers
- Superline spool
- Left/Right-hand orientation
- Fishing line type: Multifilament
Pros
- Ideal for both freshwater and saltwater fishing
- It stays functional for long-term even after tolerating rough handling, saltwater, and dirt
- With a maximum drag of 5.4 kg, the Pursuit III can stand up to mishandling by fish and humans.
Cons
- You can distinctly hear the cacophony of the drag when you pull out the line.
2. Penn Slammer III Spinning Fishing Reel (Close Runner-Up)
Penn enjoys a worldwide reputation for making top-notch spinning reels, and the Slammer III Spinning Fishing Reel perfectly embodies high-level craftsmanship. Penn’s Slammer III fishing reel has been re-launched as an upgraded version of the original Slammer Series. This 3rd generation Slammer fishing reel has been meticulously built for drag-fishing from ashore and fishing vessels.
Penn has thoroughly overhauled and revamped the Slammer III, adding many practical features, including the IP67 Sealed System for keeping the drag system and gearbox water-free. The Slammer III’s drag mechanism deserves a special mention as it has been painstakingly engineered to shield it from contaminants. As a result, this Penn spinning fishing reel can effortlessly deal with a drag pressure of up to 60 lbs enabling you to net any game fish.
You can expect ultra-smooth performance from the Slammer III owing to its 6+1 stainless steel bearings, metallic body, and brass gearing crafted using proprietary CNC gear technology.
Features
- All-aluminum rotor, side plate, and full metal chassis
- 6 +1 stainless bearing system
- The sealed Slammer drag system
- Machined aluminum handle knob
- Enormous Dura-Drag phenolic-coated carbon-fiber washers
Pros
- Supremely suitable for saltwater applications
- Steady drag pressure capability ranging from 30lbs-60lbs defends reel from breaking
- CNC gearing technology with full brass for high cranking power
Cons
- Expensive
- Some anglers have reported that the drag feels somewhat lighter
- The cap on the elegant machined aluminum knob is prone to coming off
3. Daiwa Bg Spinning Reel
Daiwa, over the year, has firmly entrenched its reputation for producing top-class spinning reels feted by freshwater and saltwater anglers. The Daiwa Black/Gold Spinning Reel integrated with state-of-the-art technologies makes a good buy as it costs less than most high-end reels but does not compromise on performance. To start with, this spinning reel boasts quality construction that allows you to use the spool for years.
The machined aluminum screw-in handle, waterproof drag apparatus, Digi-gear system, aluminum frame, and ABS spool render this spool ideal for Kingfish fishing. The outsized pickup and roller on the bail help minimize twisting or looping of line, and it opens effortlessly and locks in firmly on hooks. The dynamic cut ABS spool comes in perfectly handy for casting your fishing line, and the line slides smoothly off the reel.
At its price point, you’ll struggle to find a more versatile reel with a waterproof drag than the Daiwa Bg. You’ll warm up to its extraordinary smoothness while handling challenging games and its ability to adjust with the minutest of modifications comfortably. You bet this spinning reel will feel solid yet comfortable in your hand, especially when you’re locked in a duel.
Features
- Dynamic cut aluminum ABS reel, air rotor, and hardwearing screw-in handle
- Machined and anodized black aluminum casing
- Infinite anti-reverse and dual anti-reverse system
- Available in four sizes of 3000, 4000, 5000, and 6500
Pros
- Incredibly lightweight (weight only 4 oz) and robust
- Top-notch engineering ensures trouble-free maintenance and easy availability of parts
- More than adequate drag pressure for handling everything from large to small game fishes
Cons
- The spool, unlike the body, is not anodized but simply varnished, making it prone to faster wear and tear
- Many anglers feel they could do without the reverse switch in size 4000 and smaller models.
4. Okuma Epixor XT Spinning Reel
Okuma has kept in mind the needs and preferences of recreational anglers while designing the lightweight Epixor XT Spinning Reel. The Okuma Epixor XT lightweight graphite-frame aluminum spinning spool emphasizes function typified by its measured oscillation mechanism and torsion-control protective covering. The slow-moving oscillation system goes a long way in letting you lay the line properly while the torsion-control armor checks friction.
This Okuma Epixor spinning reel features a machined and anodized 2-tone aluminum reel with LCS lip and a metal handle to minimize knotting during winding. The 1-k woven carbon fiber drag knob guarantees a gradual drag setting and, at the same time, keeps weight lower. In addition, the Epixor XT reel has a built-in hefty brass disc perfectly balanced for a simpler and smoother operation of bail.
Features
- Japanese multi-disc oiled felt drag washers
- Cyclonic flow rotor technology
- Rust-resistant graphite rotor and body
Pros
- Torsion control shielding for reducing frame twist and boosting strength
- Quick-set anti-reverse bearing reduces stress on the line
- 7BB + 1 RB stainless steel bearings improve durability
Cons
- Bail may not flip shut smoothly while spooling
- The drag is susceptible to slipping slightly
5. Shimano TLD Lever Drag Conventional Reel
The Shimano TLD Lever Drag Conventional Reel works for inshore angling and drags fishing far out in the seas. Seasoned saltwater and freshwater anglers prefer the TLD conventional reel for its lightweight design, user-friendliness, and effectiveness for big game hooking. In addition, this TLD lever drag reel nimbleness and versatility come in perfectly handy, especially if you’re fishing using a small vessel.
The Shimano TLD feels extraordinarily comfortable and can be smoothly shifted from one hand to the other. Lightweight aluminum and graphite construction imparts durability and makes it easy to manage. To say last but not least, the single-speed lever (drag) design renders this reel ideal for a range of blue-water species from marlin to tuna.
Features
- Right-hand handle/orientation
- Components crafted from aluminum, graphite, and stainless steel
- Lever drag
- Includes clicker
- 1-year limited warranty
Pros
- Features stainless steel main shaft and gears and four corrosion-resistant ball bearings for lasting use
- Superior ball-bearing drag system with titanium-suffused fabric for smooth operation
- Compatible with braided, fluorocarbon, and monofilament lines
Cons
- The retrievable handle could do with some improvement.
6. Abu Garcia Multiplier Reel
The Abu Garcia Multiplier Reel is a tough fishing reel that works impeccably with various baits and provides excellent control overcasting. From the reel’s drag system to its rings and bearings, everything about the Ambassadeur 6500 CT Chrome Rocket has been designed meticulously, making it perfect for snaring big catches. In addition, the 4-pin centrifugal braking system helps monitor casting distance and speed, which ensures accurate lying of line.
Features
- Star drag system m
- The 4-pin centrifugal braking mechanism
- Gear ratio: 4.1: 1
- Bearings: Bushing
Pros
- The ergonomic design it’s lightweight and maneuverable
- Heavy-duty stainless steel construction
- Companionable with different types of lines and baits
- Ambidextrous
Cons
- Shorter handle calls for greater effort for cranking the spool to pull up catch
- Demands regular oiling and servicing
How to Pick the Best Reel for Kingfish
If you want to make the most of your big game fishing trips, you must choose the appropriate equipment. So if you’re an angler passionate about kingfish fishing, then you’ll need to select the right line, lures, sinker, hook, and reel. The kingfish can weigh anything from 11-30 lb (5-14 kg).
Since kingfishes move around in shoals close to the shore and far out into the high seas and oceans, so before you make up your mind on selecting a reel for kingfish angling, you’ll first have to decide where you’ll be casting the line. Remember that a spool that works well in lakes and rivers may not be apt for saltwater fishing.
What size spinning reel do you need for kingfish fishing? Let’s take a look:
- For landing large fish such as salmon, kingfish, snapper, cod, and tailors from beach, bay, and inshore reef, you require a medium-to-large spinning reel in a 4000-10,000 size range.
- A 4000-size Shimano or Penn spinning reel is needed for catching kingfish when you’re on the shore or bay inlet.
- A spinning reel of medium size works well when you’re fishing inshore.
- In contrast, large to oversized (10,000-20,000 sizes) spools and overhead lever-drag reels are suitable for deepwater speed-jigging and trolling mackerel.
Conclusion: The Best Kingfish Reel Is…
In this review, we took a close look at six top-notch spinning reels for kingfish fishing-two from Penn, and one each from Daiwa, Okura, Shimano, and Abu Garcia.
Overall, we would vote for Pursuit IIIs as the best kingfish reels available on the market at the moment. However, no matter whichever model you ultimately choose, make sure the spool features an ultra-smooth drag mechanism, offers excellent line capacity, and high-speed cranking/retrieval.