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Tuna fishing reels – Buying Guide, Reviews and Comparison
In the event that you want to find the best fishing equipment but don’t have the time to read through the buying tips and product reviews prepared by our research team, this brief paragraph should provide you with all the information you need about the best tuna fishing reels. The Shimano Tekota is the best fishing reel, according to our analysis of a large amount of feedback from both amateur and professional anglers. This is because it has been tested by a large number of people over a long period of time, and they have only positive things to say about it. No matter if you want to concentrate on tuna or improve your salmon fishing skills, this 4+1 ball bearing unit will do the trick. The Tekota performs admirably when it comes to catching any type of heavy bottom fish, thanks to its durable frame and line capacity. The Penn SQL50VSW should be considered as an alternative if the Shimano Tekota is not available, as it is a dependable alternative in terms of performance and overall quality.
Comparison table
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3 Best Tuna Fishing Reels (Reviews) in 2021
Some of the best products in this category will be highlighted in the following section. Every one of these models has received overwhelmingly positive tuna fishing reel reviews, which is why we decided to include them in our roundup. Some are more or less affordable than others, but you should be aware that you will most likely spend a significant amount of money on a dependable tuna reel by this point.
1. Shimano Tekota Conventional Saltwater Star Drag Fishing Reel
The Tekota is a casting reel that performs admirably in the majority of situations, particularly when it comes to catching some seriously large fish. The diecast aluminum frame of this model has been constructed, and the sideplate has been constructed from a combination of aluminum and graphite to create the sideplate. If you need more or less line capacity, you can choose between four different ball bearings that are included in every Takota. As a saltwater reel, it should go without saying that you will have no problems using it in freshwater as well. For those who are unfamiliar with Shimano, the company is a well-known global manufacturer that has gradually won the hearts of both amateur and professional anglers alike. The reason for this is that the vast majority of reviews for this unit are positive, with people praising its abilities to catch salmon, walleye, and tuna among other types of fish.
Pros
A product’s high-quality materials are an obvious advantage and a good reason to make an investment in it. The frame is made of die-cast aluminum, and the sideplate that does not have a handle is made of aluminum braced graphite. The Shimano Tekota has an oversized cast control knob, a Septon handle grip, and a manual clutch lever, all of which are well-suited to the task at hand. The level of control you have over the reel is a good thing in general, and it gives you a significant advantage when it comes to large fish. For those who prefer freshwater fishing, the palmable mechanical line counter is a fantastic feature. Remember that you must first fill the spool in order to get an accurate reading; it is simple to set and read this device. The drag and the retrieval are both excellent performances. The retrieval will be smooth due to the four ball bearings and 4.2:1 gear ratio, and the drag will produce pleasing clicking sounds that will give you an idea of how tight the line is.
Cons
It is only available in right-handed format, so if you are left-handed, you will have to look for an alternate source of entertainment.
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2. Penn 50VSW Squall Lever Drag 2 Speed Reel
It is a reasonable-priced alternative for those seeking the greatest value for their money. Penn has been manufacturing reels for a significant amount of time, during which time the company’s engineers have gained valuable insight into the needs of today’s anglers. This model has a quick-shift 2-speed transmission and a frame that is made of graphite, which means that it may be less durable than the Shimano alternative that was previously showcased in this article. Despite this, the main and pinion gears of this unit are made of stainless steel, which means that the reel is able to pack in all of the power you could possibly require despite its lightweight construction. Furthermore, the spool of the product is made of machined aluminum, which means that it is significantly more reliable than most people would expect from a product of this nature. Like the previously mentioned product, this one also has four ball bearings to keep things rolling smoothly. The high gear ratio of this reel is 2.9:1, and the low gear ratio is 1.5:1.
Pros
Because of the graphite frame and sideplates, this model is both lightweight and powerful. If you’re hunting big game, this is the best option. Because of the corrosion-resistant materials used in this gear, it is ideal for use in saltwater. The frame, sideplates, and spool are all resistant to the corrosive effects of saltwater exposure. It is an extremely effective tool. A set of stainless steel main and pinion gears with holes for weight reduction are housed within the graphite housing, which also contains four shielded stainless steel ball bearings. The Dura-drag system, which is designed to eliminate surging and hesitation even when using extreme drag settings, is responsible for the reel’s efficiency. You’ll appreciate the sturdy handle, which is equipped with a double dog ratchet system. It provides a safe anti-reverse system with no back-play and delivers twice the strength of a typical single dog system, compared to the latter.
Cons
The reel has a braid line capacity of approximately 500 yards less than the manufacturer specifies. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s good to be aware of it.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($349.42)
3. Penn International 50VSW V VS 2-Speed Fishing Reel
If you’re willing to spend a significant amount of money on the perfect fishing reel, you should consider giving the Penn Gold Label Series a try. It’s a great value. As with the Penn reel we discussed above, this one is equipped with a unique quick-shift patented 2-speed system that allows the reel to be used in either a low or high gear depending on the situation. No other product can compete with the durability of the Penn Gold PGLSIV, as we have seen it perform admirably even when subjected to the most extreme conditions. Because it is equipped with Dura Drag, a proprietary technology developed by the manufacturer, this model can perform at a high level despite the heavy use and high temperatures that it may be subjected to when battling with tuna. The fishermen who have taken to the internet to express their opinions on the construction and performance of this Penn unit have stated that it exceeds their expectations on all levels of performance.
Pros
The reel is a part of a series that established the gold standard for big game fishing reels in the early 1990s. It is intended for professional use and provides cutting-edge and dependable performance. Quality components are the norm, and you can be confident that they will perform as promised because the product has been thoroughly tested for both quality and durability…. The product is equipped with a push-to-turn feature that prevents less experienced anglers from accidentally adjusting the drag when their backs are to the water. The reel’s ratchet lever drag system effectively eliminates drag creep, which is a common problem with reels. When you hook a fish, this system ensures that the amount of drag used corresponds to the preset you have selected on your fishing rod. The Penn Gold PGLSIV is equipped with Quick Shift, which allows you to quickly shift between high and low speeds with the push of a button and without releasing your grip on the handle.
Cons
It will cost you a few extra dollars to own this high-quality item.
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Buying guide
Construction
It has been proven that aluminum alloy is more durable and reliable than graphite, which is why the best ocean fishing reels are typically constructed from aluminum alloy. This type of alternative must be constructed from tough metal in order to withstand the abuse they will likely receive when pursuing large fish such as tuna.. The long-term strength of graphite alternatives is inferior to that of aluminum alternatives because, while they are slightly more sensitive, they are not as strong. It might be a good idea to choose a reel that has been constructed from a high-grade aluminum alloy if you aren’t on a tight budget. Many manufacturers are attempting to reduce the weight of their products, which is important because tuna reels can be quite heavy. One such company is Daiwa, which has recently begun to use Zaion, a type of high-density carbon resin, in its manufacturing processes. If your physical characteristics aren’t a hindrance, we recommend that you choose the most difficult option available. 
Bearings
This is determined by the number of ball bearings that are included in your reel’s construction. The saying goes, “the more, the merrier,” and in this case, we couldn’t agree with it more. Choose a model that has at least four ball bearings made of steel or stainless steel if you intend to use it for baitcasting or spinning. Typically, manufacturers include an additional roller bearing, which may be denoted by the letters “+1,” and this is an important characteristic to consider because it will act in a similar manner to an anti-reverse feature, preventing the rotor from spinning in the opposite direction.
Gear ratio
By examining the gear ratio, it is possible to determine the power of the reel. While the majority of people believe that a higher gear ratio will make their reel work faster, this is not necessarily true; rather, it should be correlated with your intended use. In many cases, it may be necessary for your reel to move more slowly, but it must be the most durable possible. It is possible to define the gear ratio as the number of times a single handle crank causes the spool to rotate. The general rule would be to focus on a reel that can withstand the weight of the fish as well as the test of time, which means that a fast reel might be out of the question for tuna fishing in general.