Hey there anglers and welcome to my post where I will discuss my three best electric fishing reels to hit the deep with this year. Now, if you are someone who likes to fish in really really deep water, then you may have found that with a traditional trolling or spinning reel that you spend more time retrieving your line than actually fishing.
Not to mention those with injuries or without the physical ability to bring up the heavy weights or fish associated with these depths as well. In these cases, an electric fishing reel may be your saviour. So if this is something you are interested in, let’s check out some options I have come up with below…
My three recommended electric fishing reels
I will review these in more detail below, however if you just want to get moving without all the carry-on my recommended products are listed here for your convenience:
| Electric Fishing Reel | Price | Get it | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Daiwa LEOBRITZ Electric Reel | $$ | CURRENT PRICE |
 | Shimano 20 Force Master Electric Reel | $$ | CURRENT PRICE |
 | DAIWA TANACOM 1000 Electric Reel | $$$ | CURRENT PRICE |
What are electric fishing reels?
In short, an electric fishing reel works in the exact same way as a manual deep sea trolling reel except it has an electric motor attached to retrieve the line. These reels allow you to fish without having to use any physical strength, which makes them perfect for people who struggle with traditional fishing gear such as those with injuries, kids or fishers within their senior years. Professional fishermen like them as well.
For others however their use is considered to be ‘cheating’ and I have to admit that there is something special about fighting a big catch under your own muscle. Alternatively there are of course some definite advantages to using electric reels as well such as the ability to accurately set line and efficiently retrieve your line.
What should you be looking for?
Below are some of the main factors you should take into account as you shop for a good electric fishing reel:
- Ease of use
- Power supply
- Speed of retrieval
- Drag power
- Gears
- Counter
- Line capacity
- Additions
Ease of use
As above, one of the main advantages of an electric reel is easy of use where they are manageable even for physically challenged anglers. Look for options with LCD screen that show you the depth you’ve reached as well as amount of line out, power setting, depth and even GPS coordinates.
Power supply
Electric reels typically draw their electric power from 12-volt batteries however you may opt to use a 24-volt battery depending on the size and capacity of the reel. Most electric reels are also equipped with the ability to draw power from an external battery or the main engine battery of the boat via a power cord.
Speed of retrieval
The speed of retrieval indicates the rate at which the reel receives the line. Electric reels, on average, have a faster retrieval rate than other types of reels which as above, comes in very retrieval rate comes in handy in many circumstances.
When looking for the ideal reel, look for a retrieval speed of 400 feet per minute on the low end and 1000 feet per minute on the high end. Cranking power should be at least 30 pounds at a minimum. Nowadays, you can find reels that can produce nearly 200 pounds of cranking power at times.
As with most things to do with fishing, this is all determined by the depth of water and the size of fish you are chasing.
Drag power
Another advantage of electric reels is their superior drag systems. This is because the electric controls on the reel can not only assist with retrieval, but also manage line release as well. This means that you as the fisher, just have to control the rod leaving the reel to do the rest.
Again, you will just need to ensure that the drag power matches the weights that will be on the end of your line.
Gearing system
Put simply, the term ‘gearing’ inside a fishing reel is used to describe all of the internal components (cogs, bearings, drag washers etc.). In most cases these are made of brass, zinc and aluminum or stainless steel.
And as with traditional manual reels, look for options that are good for saltwater and preferable machined as well.
Line counter
This feature helps any angler to accurately gauge the depth of your presentation, ensuring that your bait is running in the strike zone. For example, if you are fishing in 300ft of water and you want to keep the weight just off the bottom, then you can set the reel to release 299ft of line.
In electric reels, a line counter allows your to the amount of line released time and time again to ensure that any bait or lure used is presented at the optimal depth for success.
Line capacity
Many electric reels can fish at depths of up to 5000 feet so it is probably obvious that you need a reel that can hold enough line to reach the depths that you are fishing in. And like all other reels, electric reels are given ratings for the amount of line that they can hold. For example, 950 yards of 80 lb mono or 1500 yards or 100lb braid.
Again, you will need to ensure that the reel you choose is capable of holding the length of line that you will need for your fishing needs.
Additions
Other potential additions include:
- LCD display: This extra feature provides essential information such as the quantity line required to approximate the depth. An excellent LCD is one that is highly visible in almost any lighting situation.
- Automatic shut-off function: Most reels will automatically shut off when the fishing gear is at a certain distance from the tip of the rod.
- Integrated line thermometer: This additional becomes necessary when a fish fight occurs. The heat from friction caused by the struggle could eventually break the line. An integrated thermometer alerts you of the heat reading present in your line so that you can adjust your drag etc.
- GPS – Some electric reels are equipped with GPS functionality to enable fishers to relocate previous fishing spots and line release settings etc.
FAQ
What is an electric fishing reel?
In short, an electric fishing reel works in the exact same way as a manual deep sea trolling reel except it has an electric motor attached to retrieve the line. These reels allow you to fish without having to use any physical strength, which makes them perfect for people who struggle with traditional fishing gear such as those with injuries, kids or fishers within their senior years.
Are electric fishing reels any good?
Electric reels can provide excellent benefit for those who like to fish in very deep water – especially when currents are strong or heavy weights are needed. Additionally, they can be very effective for those with injuries such as bad backs or people with disabilities as well.
My three recommendations broken down
So based on the information above and my own experience, I recommend the following options:
1. Daiwa LEOBRITZ Electric Reel
This first product comes from a well-known and trusted manufacturer with an impressive design and range of functions including auto-stop, custom pickup speeds, inverse line counter, humming timer and custom jigging ranges. See its specifications below:
- Brand: Daiwa
- Hand orientation: Right
- Gear ratio: 4:4
- Bearings: 13
- Drag: Max 10Lb
- Line Capacity: 30LB/400m, 40LB/300m
- Weight: 2.51 pounds
- Dimensions: 7.28 x 6.14 x 5 inches
- Power supply: 12V
Other inclusions:
- Power cords
- Hoisting speed of 590 ft/min
- Line counter
Why have I chosen it?
In addition to the above, the LCD display is clear and readable with all of the functionality required for most deep sea fishing needs. The integrated power level allows you to switch from standby to full power with a single flick of the switch leading to prolonged battery life whilst out of the water as well. This is a great option for beginner as experienced fishers alike.
2. Shimano 20 Force Master Electric Reel
This second options weighs in at just 1.1 pounds with fast winding capabilities and huge drag force. It is simple to operate with a clear LCD screen and internal saltwater protection. See its specifications below:
- Brand: Shimano
- Hand orientation: Right
- Gear ratio: 3.1:1
- Bearings: Premium S A-RB shielded anti-rust bearings
- Drag: Max 55Lb
- Line Capacity: 1100m (3600ft) for PE6, 900m (2950ft) for PE8
- Weight: 1.1 pounds
- Dimensions: 8.31 x 6.73 x 5.24 inches
- Power supply: 12V
Other inclusions:
- Hoisting speed of 153 yards/min
- Line counter
- Hagane machined body and components
Why have I chosen it?
This is a fantastic reel for all fishing levels due to its high level functionality and ease of use. It’s cross carbon drag and heat free system assist in preventing over stress on the line and reel when a large catch is on the hook as well as metal leader clutch to switch to manual use if preferred. Again, a great option for all levels in deep water.
3. DAIWA TANACOM 1000 Electric Reel
The final product is extremely versatile and contains inbuilt functionality to save important data to repeat any setting in any location. The line guide opening is oversized, making it simple to keep track of and deal with snags or tangles.
See its specifications below:
- Brand: Daiwa
- Hand orientation: Right
- Gear ratio: 2.2:1
- Bearings: 4
- Drag: Max 70kg (154lb)
- Line Capacity: 1000m (3280ft)/0.41mm
- Weight: 2.7 pounds
- Dimensions: 11.26 x 8.35 x 7.36 inches
- Power supply: 12V
Other inclusions:
- Power cords
- Hoisting speed of 426 ft/min
- Depth memory
Why have I chosen it?
This electric reel has a washable design and an integrated power lever that makes it easy to control the winding’s speed and power. It is incredibly strong and able to handle the largest catches with an included an auto-stop feature that can be set to activate when the lure or bait reaches the water’s surface. The auto-jig attribute can also be set to work the lure or bait. This one is a great option for very large fish in very deep water.
Conclusion
And there they are, my three best electric reels that will make your fishing adventures easy and enjoyable. I would be pleased to know how this article helped you, and as usual, let me know of your experiences with them.
Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.
Until next time
Have fun
Paul
