Conventional fishing reels are usually used offshore and they are for catching big fish. These reels are fixed on top of fishing rods, and they have line spool that sits perpendicular to the rod length.
Conventional reels are meant for saltwater fishing. Before we proceed, let's talk briefly about bottom fishing.
There are many techniques and types of fishing; bottom fishing is of the fishing methods. Bottom fishing means catching fish that are usually found at the sea bottom.
Giant fish like grouper and other predatory fish are mostly found at the bottom of the sea. The best technique to catch these fish is bottom fishing. Conventional reels are the best reel for this fishing technique.
This is because they are perfect and can hold the extra line that is needed for bottom fishing.
Why Conventional Reel For Bottom Fishing?
When fishing the bottom, the trick is to get the bait down deep and to get the right reel that makes it easy to reel the fish in. To achieve this, you need to have the best conventional reel available.
Whether you are fishing from a boat or you are fishing from the shore, the best conventional reel for bottom fishing can help you reel in hundreds of monster fish.
There are many fishing reels on the market, and it can be a bit difficult choosing the perfect one for your fishing needs. So, if you are searching for the best conventional reel for a bottom fishing rig, the good news is that you are in the right place.
We have compiled some of the best conventional reels that you can use for bottom fishing. These reels give you enough strength to drag a giant catch out of the water.
Conventional Saltwater Reels
Conventional Saltwater reels are the perfect reels for fishing big-game saltwater fishing. They are expensive but they are necessary when fishing larger monster fishes.
Whether it's a star drag or lever drag, trolling reel, or live bait, you need the best conventional reel to be successful when fishing saltwater. They are also perfect when fishing live bait; this is because they are designed to be fished in freespool.
With the spool of the reel detached, allowing the spool to rotate with the pull and movement the line and bait.
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Conventional reels are generally used for catching saltwater monster fish. If you are a beginner and you are not sure where to start, you don’t have to worry because we will give you all the important information you need to know before you buy your next reel.
Now, without further ado, let’s take a look at the best conventional reel for trolling and bottom fishing.
Penn International VISX Reel
Penn redefines the blue-water lever drag market with its latest Penn International VISX reel. This next-generation offshore fishing reel from Penn is built on the same legacy that the fishing world has loved and trusted for many years.
This reel features a higher drag that works well with a strong braided fishing line. Because this is a topless reel fisherman can now have their finger on the spool to adjust the drag on the lure or bait.
These reels weigh around 32 and 63 ounces. The maximum drag on these reels is huge and starts from 40 pounds in the least model.
You will get 60 pounds of maximum drag resistance in the biggest size 50 VISX reel. The gear ratios begin at a good speed of 5.1: 1 / 1.8: 1 on the smaller model and reduce as reel size increases.
Another major improvement with the reel is the latest handle arm and grip. The new handle now comes with a great ergonomic knob for a comfortable fish fighting grip.
The knob’s two-speed shift has also been improved, which makes the shifting gears quick and easy.
The gears provide the perfect combination of power, strength, and durability, and weight. The Dura-Drag system leads to a smoother startup and virtually eradicates hesitation, even in extreme drag settings.
Get this reel and you will enjoy its excellent strong build. The following are other great features that make Penn VISX fishing reel fishermen favorite.
- Anodized aluminum machined body and sideplates
- Stainless steel gears
- Dura-Drag system
- Adjustable reverse stroke
- The line capacity rings
- Durable Drag ratchet anti-reverse
- Quick-Shift II 2-speed system
- Versa-Strike Adjustable Strike stop
Penn Senator Star Drag Reel
These conventional reels have been an icon on the big game fishing scene for long. Presently they remain the most reliable and most powerful Conventional Reels on the market.
These reels come with stainless frame rings, machined and anodized aluminum spool, HT-100 drag washers, along with a multi-disc star drag system for consistent and smooth drag even under heavy loads.
The reel is made of lightweight graphite-material structure that provides durability and comfort of use. It comes with enough lines to help you out on the open sea when fishing those giant bottom dwellers.
The Senator series was first released in 1936 and has stood the test of time. The reel is world-famous for being the most respected and universal star drag reel on the market.
Its robust design allows it to be an offshore workhorse with more IGFA big game world records than any other reel in the industry.
By combining the durability of the legendary Senator reel with higher gear ratios and high speed retrieve, this unique senator gives passionate saltwater fishermen the best of both worlds; speed and Strength.
It also comes with the H2SP model that provides the models a polished chrome spool ideal for trolling stainless steel wire. The following are other great features that make Penn Senator star drag Fishermen favorite.
- The precision-machined Corrosion-proof pinion gear
- Stainless steel frame rings improve rigidity to check "frame flex"
- Sturdy marine grade alloy gear
- Anodized aluminum spool
- Two protected stainless ball bearings
- Durable clicker
- Convertible electric handle
- Stainless steel reel stand
Best Reel For Trolling And Bottom Fishing
Trolling is a common technique used by fishermen around the world. If you are ready with your fishing rods, fishing bait, and your boat, the next important thing you need is a good fishing reel for a successful trolling trip.
A quality offshore trolling reel will greatly improve your fishing game.
As the name suggests, trolling is a fishing method used in big-game fishing to catch large open-water or offshore species. When trolling, the fisherman draglines with bait behind a boat to attract the fish.
Penn International VISW Reel is one of the best reels for the job.
Penn International VISW Reel
This is another great reel from Penn International. Precision machined from lightweight, high-quality, and aircraft-grade aluminum.
This completely machined stainless steel gear train is the leading in the business. The Dura-Drag system leads to a smoother start and virtually eradicates hesitation, even in extreme drag settings.
This is the perfect choice for technical fishermen; it provides the smoothness, strength, and adjustability necessary to battle even the fiercest gamefish.
VISW Reel comes with an adjustable Versa-Strike stop that allows you to customize the reel’s strike position to your preferences.
Designed for smoothness, the reel guarantees years of perfect operation with 4 shielded ball bearings and stainless steel gears that are drilled to reduce weight.
The reel Quick Shift II speed system allows you to immediately switch between high retrieval to low cranking speeds, to enable you to adapt easily during the battle, as durable drag ratchet anti-reverse system minimizes handle backplay.
Not like other durable drag systems that often pull hooks and pop lines, Penn International VISW provides excellent drag power without compromising the reliability. The following features are what make these fishing reel fishermen favorite.
- Anodized aluminum body and sideplates
- Dura-Drag system
- Stainless steel main and pinion gears
- Line Capacity Rings
- Versa-Strike Adjustable Strike stop
- Quick-Shift II 2-speed system
- Durable drag ratchet anti-reverse
Star Reels
Conventional reels when used in saltwater fishing applications are commonly known as star drag. These reels are similar to most baitcasters, as they come with a star-shaped drag control handle that is used to apply drag and a small lever to put them into a free spool.
Daiwa Saltist Black Gold Star Drag is a one- reel that we will like to talk about.
Daiwa Saltist Black Gold Star Drag
This is one fishing reel you need to consider when looking for a high-quality conventional style star drag reel.
Daiwa has been manufacturing reel since 1958 and has a great reputation not only for quality but also for launching new technologies to the industry.
This is a very durable reel that we consider to offer outstanding value in a saltwater reel.
The Daiwa Saltist Gold Star Drag series consists of 5 models which include: STTBG20H, STTBG35H, STTBG30H, STTBG40H, and STTBG50H.
The reel also offers a one-piece aluminum frame, side plate with a machined aluminum spool. The 5 models come with a centrifugal anti-backlash cast control.
Generally, these reels are well designed, lightweight, and of a quite compact design at reasonable prices for what you are getting.
I really like this reel because it provides great weight for balancing line capacity and can hold 380 yards of 40-pound braided line.
It comes with all the quality that Daiwa reels are known for there 5 bearing system that consists of 4 CRBB's that last longer and are smoother than normal bearings with 1 RB.
High strength alloy gears, one-piece aluminum frame, Spool Clicker, Infinite anti-reverse, and Protective anodized finish for salt environments.
The following features also contributed to why these fishing reels are fishermen's favorite.
- 5 bearing system with 4CRBB's and 1RB
- Machined aluminum spool
- High strength alloy gears
- UTD carbon drag
- 400yds 25# mono 660yds 40# braid
Saltwater Levelwind Reels
Saltwater level wind reels are baitcasting reels with level-wind machinery to dispense the line equally automatically upon retrieve.
Non-level wind reels lack this mechanism. In the following paragraph, we will take a look at Daiwa Saltist Levelwind Reel. One of the best saltwater levelwind reels on the market.
Daiwa Saltist Levelwind Reel
These reels are specifically designed for saltwater trolling applications. They offer the ideal match of durability, line capacity, and performance for fishing mono and braid lines.
This reel has ample of cranking power, four corrosion-resistant CRBB bearings, a good smooth multi-disc drag, and speedy gear ratios.
These Conventional Reels come with aluminum frames, machined aluminum spool, and sideplate. Almost all other parts are metal for maximum reliability.
The rust-resistant bearings last longer than the normal stainless steel bearings. the protected design helps prevent grit and dirt.
The super drag provides smooth performance, fade-resistant, and reliability. In the following paragraph, we will take a look at Daiwa Saltist Levelwind Reel. One of the best saltwater level wind reels on the market.
- Strong, all-metal construction with rigid one-piece frames
- Dual-position power handle
- Comfortable and Strong power handles and grips
- Four CRBB anti-corrosion stainless steel ball bearings and one stainless steel roller bearing
- Dual-system infinite anti-reverse
- Strong, high-strength alloy gears
- Super drag with about 22 pounds of drag max
Conclusion
In conclusion, Conventional reels are great for bottom fishing in saltwater; they are also great versatile reels for saltwater fishermen.
The reels we list here have the corrosion resistance, spool capacity, and high gear ratios required to lift large fish from the ocean bottom.
So, when choosing any of these reels, you need to consider the type of fishing you will be focusing on, how often you will use the reel, as well as your budget.
Remember, conventional reels are not low-priced reels and you need to spend a good amount of money to get the best.
Conventional reels are ideal for fishermen who focus on bottom fishing in deep water. So, whatever you choose, any of these reels is a great option. You can confidently put one on your rod and go fishing.