Best New Saltwater Fishing Reels from ICAST

Many fishing-reel manufacturers debut their newest gear at ICAST, the annual fishing-trade show in Orlando, and with the show based in the Sunshine State, new saltwater fishing reels get a whole lot of attention.

From the walls of rod display racks in dozens of ICAST booths, came Quantum’s new Cabo spinning reel, which won the Best Saltwater Reel award, but there were plenty of other gear also getting attention.

Here’s a look at some of best saltwater reels featured at ICAST 2025.

Okuma Tesoro Lever Drag Jigging

The Okuma Tesoro LDJ is a mid-gear lever drag jigging reel engineered for serious saltwater anglers who demand power, control, and long-term durability. Built on a rigid one-piece 6061-T6 machined aluminum frame with forged side plates, the reel delivers the structural integrity needed for high-drag jigging applications. It’s perfectly suited for vertical and slow-pitch jigging, combining strength and smooth operation to perform under extreme pressure. The cold-forged, Type-II anodized spool ensures consistent performance, while Okuma’s Carbonite Dual Force Drag system delivers up to 46 pounds of max drag with smooth, controlled power. MSRP: $449.99 | Learn More

Quantum Cabo CB4000

Quantum’s new Cabo spinning reel, ICAST 2025’s Best Saltwater Reel, is back and better than ever. Originally debuted in 2003, the Cabo family has built a reputation for delivering reliable, high-performing reels, and this latest iteration continues that tradition while introducing significant upgrades. The Cabo is sealed to IPX8 standards with the advanced Sealoq 8 system, offering unparalleled protection from water, salt and sand. It features GEARTEQ machined gearing, delivering a smooth and precise gear feel, exceptional cranking power and extended gear life, surpassing traditional gear designs. The CFX200 Carbon Fiber Extreme Drag System provides best-in-class max drags and an unmatched drag curve. The CASTEQ slow oscillation design enhances line management and allows for improved casting distance, particularly with braided lines, giving anglers greater control and efficiency with every cast. MSRP: $249.99 and up | Learn more

Daiwa Saltiga Spinning

With a quarter-century of refinement, the 2025 Saltiga lets you fish harder, longer and stronger. It is the pinnacle of strength and reliability, with groundbreaking PowerDrive design for power and toughness and perfomance. Reel gear is more than 10 percent larger than its predecessor. DRD drag system takes carbon-washer designs to another level. Equipped with eight metal rollers on a single metal plate, DRD controls the loss of drag force caused by frictional heat, and is 5 times more durable. The next generation of large spinning reels, the Saltiga allows anglers to target the largest trophy fish. MSRP: $1,099.99 | Learn More

SEVIIN GW Series Saltwater Spinning

Available Sept. 1, GW Series Saltwater Spinning Reels deliver uncompromising reliability at a modest price. Fully sealed and gasketed corrosion-resistant rigid aluminum bodies combine with a shielded 5+1 stainless-steel bearing system and multi-stack carbon-fiber drag to yield smooth operation and effective stopping power. Also: forged and hard-anodized aluminum braid-ready spools and corrosion-resistant internals. Five sizes available from 2500 to 6000. MSRP: $130-$160 | Learn More

Florida Fishing Products Osprey CE Pro 5000

The Osprey CE Pro is Florida Fishing Products' flagship spinning reel. The addition of the 5000 to the CE Pro lineup gives anglers additional ability to chase big snook, cobia and even mid-class tarpon on a light-weight and versatile 5000 size reel. Weighs 9.2 ounces and has 25 pounds of drag. MSRP: $279.99 | Learn More

Shimano Talica 4011 A and 5011 A

Shimano expands its legacy of saltwater angling innovation with the introduction of the Talica 40II A and Talica 50II A, the latest sizes in its flagship lever-drag conventional reel series. The new 40-size Talica 40II A addresses market demand for a reel that bridges the gap between the 25 and 50 sizes. Infinity Drive, Shimano’s premier technology for lever-drag reels, features a new drag design that increases drag force while reducing side-load pressure, allowing for significantly lighter handle rotation under load. This results in more cranking power with less effort. X-Protect, Shimano’s advanced water-resistance technology, delivers high-level protection to the drive gear shaft bearing using waterproof construction for durability and corrosion resistance. The heavier Talica 50II A (55.7 ounces) will hold more line than the 40II A (54.7 ounces), but the 40-size boasts the same retrieval rate of 46 Inches per crank, and max drag of 66 pounds as its 50-size sibling. Compact enough for stand-up harness fishing, yet powerful enough to handle the demands of trolling under high drag pressure. MSRP: $599.99-$719.99 | Learn More

KastKing Reckoning Line Counter Reel

KastKing’s Reckoning Line Counter Reel is made of CNC machined aluminum, and features the company’s Axis Eye line guide, which allows leader knots to pass effortlessly through the guide and onto the reel. Gear ratio: 5:4.1. Max Drag: 35 pounds. MSRP: $149.99 | Learn More

Bates Salty Hundo’50 Spinning Reel

Bates’ latest expansion of its Hundo line continues the series’ feel and fishability but takes it into bigger saltwater encounters. The new Salty Hundo '50 features a larger 159-size frame, but remains compact and ergonomic. The '50 has greater line capacity and stopping power, perfect for handling bull red fish, snook, and more. MSRP: $375 | Learn More

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