Electric fishing reels have been revolutionizing saltwater fishing for decades. While they aren't for everybody, an electric reel makes saltwater fishing more accessible and enjoyable for many anglers. From the tournament fisherman to the avid weekend warrior, electric reels have countless applications. These powerful tools combine traditional fishing mechanics with modern-day technology to revolutionize the way anglers target fish.
What are the Benefits of Using Electric Fishing Reels?
Efficiency in Deep-Sea Fishing: An electric fishing reel offers some serious advantages that make it invaluable for certain serious anglers. They excel at handling the challenges of deep-sea and deep-water fishing, allowing anglers to fish at depths that would be impractical with standard reels. Saltwater electric reels provide automated, consistent retrieval speeds and the power necessary to fight and land fish from significant depths.
Reduced Physical Strain: The motorized assistance significantly decreases the physical demands of reeling in large fish or fishing at extreme depths. While perhaps possible with a manual reel, the strain and effort required can take their toll on most anglers. These reels make fishing more accessible for everyone, not just the young and old, and allow for more efficient fishing outings with less fatigue.
Power and Precision: The innovation of electric reels has led to their becoming extremely sophisticated, powerful, and precise. Many of these reels possess digital screens that display the exact amount of line off the spool, making it simple to fish your bait at the appropriate depth for your target species and taking the guesswork away completely. Additionally, these reels allow anglers to set precise drags and will maintain a specific retrieval speed for the duration of the fight unless altered by the angler. From deepwater cod and snapper to swordfish, electric reels allow you to fish depths upwards of 1,000 feet easily. These reels enhance the overall fishing experience with their reliable performance and power.
Big Punch, Small Package: While not true of all electric reels, especially Lindgren-Pitman LP's and Hooker Electrics, there are many on the market today that have smaller, more compact bodies. While smaller, these reels still possess plenty of power. Certain reels are cordless and can operate on battery power rather than having to be plugged into a power source.
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Daiwa Seapower Power Assist Electric ReelsNow From: $1,099.99
Expected To Be From: $1,199.99
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What are Some Pros and Cons of Different Electric Fishing Reels?
When we discuss certain pros and cons of different types of electric reels, we can't overlook the application they are most suited for. Some are designed for trolling or dragging heavy equipment, while others are built to fish smaller bottom fish or fly the kite.
Let's start with the top-of-the-line — Lindgren Pitman LP models and Hooker Electric. These electric reels are extremely powerful, designed for pulling dredges (LP's), high-speed trolling, and deep-dropping for large game fish such as swordfish. Their applications are diverse, and they are favored by professionals. The potential downside of these reels is that they are extremely heavy and quite expensive compared to others on the market.
While less expensive electric reels, like the Daiwa Seaborg or Shimano Beastmaster, could be used to deep-drop swordfish or other big game as well, the aforementioned LP's and Hooker Electric are more capable. The lighter, more compact electric reels like the lines offered by Shimano, Daiwa, and now Penn, are easily sufficient for targeting most bottom fish species or for applications like kite fishing.
The majority of recreational anglers won't require the top-of-the-line electric reel, and application is really the most important factor to consider when shopping around. Whether needed for pulling teasers, dredges, high-speed trolling, deep-dropping for big game fish, cod fishing, or just giving your winding arm a rest, Melton Tackle has a wide array of electric reels to meet your needs.
Maintenance Tips for Electric Fishing Reels
Like any of your fishing gear, proper maintenance is crucial for ensuring the longevity and performance of your electric reel:
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Regular Lubrication: Inspect your bearings and any other moving parts of your reel regularly, especially after trips. Apply reel oil or grease where necessary.
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Bearing Maintenance: Inspect and clean your bearings regularly to prevent salt buildup and ensure smooth operation.
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Regular Cleaning Routine: Rinse with fresh water after each use, ensuring all components are dry before storing.
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Professional Maintenance: Consider taking your reel into a specialty reel maintenance/repair shop at the end of each season for a deep cleaning and any necessary repairs.
Electric fishing reels represent a significant advancement in fishing technology, offering efficiency for both recreational and professional anglers. Whether you’re targeting deep-water big game or looking to simply reduce physical strain, these reels can transform your experience.
Ready to level up? Visit our store or MeltonTackle.com to explore our selection of electric fishing reels and find the perfect match for your fishing style.
