10 Best Spinning Reels For Tuna in 2023

Last updated on December 28th, 2022 at 02:46 pm

The spinning reels are very useful fishing gears. Most of the anglers in the world consider these as their top priority whenever they go out fishing. That is because spinning reels are the most versatile. The best spinning reels are helpful for almost all fishing environments. 

Moreover, the high-end spinning reels possess the ability to target large species like tuna. The underwater giants are powerful but not enough to beat an experienced angler equipped with the best spinning reel. Not only tuna, but high-end spinning reels can target pretty much everything.

When you hook tuna, it always tries to go deep into the water and escape. As a result, bringing this fish in is hard. But when you are equipped with the best spinning reels for tuna, odds of winning tip in your favor. We have added the ten best spinning reels for tuna in this article. These reels are equipped with everything you need to fight a tuna. We also added lots of material about tuna fishing. Let’s hope you like it. 

Our Top 3 Picks of Best Spinning Reels For Tuna

What is Tuna?

Tuna, also called tunny, is a species of oceanic fish popular in the fishing market for its taste. These are related to mackerels and are placed alongside them in the family. These fishes migrate throughout the world’s oceans and swim very fast. Catching tuna is not everyone’s job. It requires higher skill levels and a perfect pair of gears to target tuna. In fact, not all spinning reels are suitable for tuna fishing. If you try to catch tuna with your standard reel, you’ll end up breaking the line and most probably the reel. That is why we conducted research and brought you a list of suitable fishing reels for tuna. Let’s start the list. 

Best Fishing Reels For Tuna At A Glance

Our team researched and compiled a list of the ten best spinning reels for tuna fishing to provide value to our readers. All the listed products are the most value-providing spinning reels available in the market. So without further ado, let’s start the list. 

IMAGE	PRODUCT	SHOP
Spinning Reel	Penn Conflict II Spinning Reel Benefits: Best mid-range spinning reel for tuna, Lightest reel made for targeting big fish, Smooth performance, Durable reel, Powerful and Robust, HR-100 carbon fiber drag washers	Shop Here
Saltwater Spinning Reel	Daiwa BG8000 Saltwater Spinning Reel Benefits: Durable and Long-lasting, Smooth Performance, Powerful Drag, Reliable Spool, Best spinning reel for tuna fishing	Shop Here
Spinning Fishing Reel	Penn Spinfisher VI Spinning Reel for Tuna Benefits: IPX5 Steel Sealed body, Durable and Strong, Available in different sizes and gear ratios, Powerful enough to target large saltwater species, Features HT-100 drag washers, One of the best Penn spinning reels for tuna	Shop Here
LT Spinning Reel	Shimano 2021 Ultegra FC Spinning Reel Benefits: Eye-catching design, Decent line capacity, Strong and Durable, Powerful enough to target big species like tuna, Well balanced reel, Very affordable price, Best new fishing reel for tuna	Shop Here
FC Spinning Reels	Daiwa Legalis LT Spinning Reel Benefits: Light and tough body, Beautiful design, Decent drag, Available in many sizes, Smooth and fast, Durable reel, Most inexpensive reel for tuna fishing	Shop Here
Shimano Stella	Shimano 18 Stella Spinning Reel Benefits: Super smooth performance, Most durable reel, Lightweight and strong, It comes in multiple sizes and gear ratios, Features micro module gear II, 12+1 ball bearings for extra smoothness, Loaded with maximum power, One of the best expensive spinning reels for tuna	Shop Here
Conventional Fishing Reel	Okuma Cold Water Linecounter Trolling Reel Benefits: Corrosion-resistant, Durable and long-lasting, Dual anti-reverse system, Aluminum anodized spool, Lightweight and fast, Smooth and robust	Shop Here
Speed Conventional Reel	Shimano TLD 2-Speed Conventional Reel Benefits: Durable and Long-lasting, Aluminum spool, Power and Strong, Smooth and Fast, Suitable for both fresh and saltwater, Stainless steel main shaft and gears, Decent drag system	Shop Here
Linecounter trolling reel	Penn International VI Conventional Fishing Reel Benefits: Durable and Long-lasting, Fast and Robust, Smooth performance, Brilliant Drag System, Offers more control and power, Suitable for heavy saltwater action, Comfortable and lightweight, One of the best fishing reel for tuna	Shop Here
Saltwater Trolling Reel	Gomexus Saltwater Trolling Reel Benefits: Strong and Robust, Fast and Compact, Lots of ball bearings for smooth performance, Stainless steel parts for corrosion resistant, HT-100 Drag System, 132lbs max drag, The best tuna fishing reel for the money	Shop Here

Best Spinning Reels for Tuna Fishing

As mentioned earlier, fighting tuna is hard. It requires a higher skill level as well as the best fishing reel for tuna. The products included in our list are the finest and suitable for underwater powerhouses. These products are specially designed for fighting big fish power. Equipped with all the necessary features, these can easily takedown any saltwater species.

1. Penn Conflict II Spinning Reel

We can call this gear “the lightest spinning reel from Penn.” Penn Conflict II is ideal for lightweight anglers. Additionally, It provides you high performance at a suitable price. Penn Conflict II 5000 enables you to target bluefin tuna, making this product the best tuna spinning reel for the money. 

Design: 

Penn’s lightest spinning reel for tuna features a beautiful design. The RR30 Rigid Resin reduces 20% of the reel’s weight. Also, the conflict II fishing reel has a very durable anodized body. Just like other Penn products, this reel is also made up of solid materials for long-lasting performance. 

Gear Ratio:

Conflict II comes with a 5.6:1 gear ratio. It features a brass pinion, and aluminum CNC machined main gears. This feature improves not only the durability of the reel but also performance. The 5.6:1 gear ratio makes it a suitable option for targeting Tuna. 

Ball Bearings: 

The best tuna spinning reel for money features 7+1 ball bearings. Conflict II is also one of the most durable and long-lasting mid-range products. To increase durability points, Penn offers high-quality stainless steel bearings. 

Drag Washers:

Nobody in the world would like to target a tuna with a wild fishing reel. That’s why smooth performance is essential. Conflict II has an HT-100 carbon fiber drag system installed in it. This drag system makes the reel’s performance smooth as butter. 

Spool: 

Penn reels are famous for featuring the best spools in their spinning reels, which goes the same with Conflict II. It features a Superline Spool which is better than many of its competitors. This spool provides anglers a better line capacity and smooth cast and retrieval. 

Best Tuna Spinning Reel for the Money:

Conflict II is a mid-range spinning reel for tuna. This reel is loaded with all the modern features that are necessary to target the big game fish. It provides you more benefits than cost, making this reel one of the best tuna spinning reels for the money. 

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2. Daiwa BG8000 Saltwater Spinning Reel

Daiwa is famous for providing both saltwater and freshwater gears. The market leaders are setting customer satisfaction as their priority. With this intention, the Company released BG Saltwater Spinning Reel in spring 2016. This reel is smooth and provides you enough drag to target large fish. Undoubtedly, BG8000 is one of the best saltwater spinning reels for tuna.

Body:

As mentioned earlier, Daiwa set customer satisfaction as their priority, and customers love durable products. BG8000 Saltwater open-faced reel features  Anodized Machined Aluminum Housing to take the product’s durability to a higher level. 

Gear System:

Daiwa BG8000 features an oversized digigear system that increases the smoothness of the reel and durability. Even more, this gear system makes the reel fast and powerful. 

Black Gold 8000 comes with a 5.3:1 gear ratio which allows anglers to target big game fish like tuna. 

Drag System:

A smooth drag system plays a crucial role in the reel’s nature. For targeting large species like tuna, a reel must be equipped with a smooth and powerful drag system. Daiwa BG8000 covers every feature which is essential for targeting tuna. This reel comes with a brilliant ATD drag system that is powerful and smooth. Even more, the ATD drag system reduces the jerky motion of the reel. How good is that?

Spool:

The key to successful fishing is castability, and Spool is responsible for better castability. A better spool guarantees flawless reel working. As mentioned earlier, Daiwa BG8000 tried to provide all the necessary features. One of these features is a smooth and reliable ABS Spool which successfully makes the reel work flawlessly and suitable for tuna fishing.

Ball Bearings: 

Black Gold 8000 features 6+1 stainless steel ball bearings to provide better performance and durability. On the other side, this gear’s manufacturing material makes the reel a bit heavy but not enough to call it a heavy reel. 

Best Saltwater Spinning Reel for Tuna:

You must’ve had the idea of this reel’s brilliance until now. Daiwa BG8000 offers all these features at a very sensible price. This reel’s cost and benefit ratio make it one of the best saltwater spinning reels for tuna. 

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3. Penn Spinfisher VI Spinning Reel for Tuna

Penn Spinfisher VI is one of the best Penn spinning reels for tuna fishing. It is equipped with all the necessary features along with a durable and long-lasting body. This reel provides the master everything and never lets him down. Spinfisher VI is also one of the most value-providing spinning reels available in the market. 

Body: 

Spinfisher VI features an IPX5 Sealed body, making it one of the most durable spinning reels for tuna fishing. The reel is specially designed for some hard action in rough saltwater conditions. It is undoubtedly one of the most durable Penn fishing reels. 

HT-100 Drag Washers:

Spinfisher VI also features the brilliant HT-100 carbon fiber drag washers. This drag system provides anglers enough power to tackle a tuna along with extra smoothness, unlike most of its competitors. Most importantly, HT-100 is durable and doesn’t let you lose fish. 

Durability: 

This great Penn reel has an entire metal body. As a result, the product is durable and long-lasting. We all want a reel to be durable so that we don’t have to spend on new reels or repairs. Spinfisher VI satisfies a large number of anglers around the globe by being one hell of a durable product. 

Ball Bearings: 

The Penn Spinfisher VI features 5+1 ball bearings, making it a well-suited spinning reel for tuna fishing. These bearings are made up of strong stainless steel, making the reel smooth and powerful. For increasing more durability points, the bearing drive is sealed. 

Gear Ratio:

Spinfisher VI offers three different gear ratios to make the reel suitable for various fishing conditions. The versatility allows the reel to target a number of saltwater and freshwater species, including the underwater giant TUNA. 

Different Penn Spinfisher VI models come with 6.2:1, 5.6:1, and 4.7:1 gear ratios. As mentioned earlier, this versatility allows the reel to target tuna. The gears in 6500 and above models are made of brass to provide both strength and durability to anglers. 

Spool:

Penn reels are famous for providing quality spools, and they keep their tradition with Spinfisher VI. The reel offers a Superline Spool which is unbelievably good. This spool is way better than almost all of the competitors. It provides better casting distance with smooth line retrieval. Moreover, this spool guarantees the better reel’s performance without compromising durability. 

Furthermore, the rubber rings on the superline avoid the line slipping. As a result of all these features, the product is one of the most value-providing spinning reels for tuna. Are you still looking for a better reel? 

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4. Shimano 2022 Ultegra FC Spinning Reel

The new Shimano Ultegra FC spinning reel is designed to offer versatility to anglers. This brilliant spinning reel is designed to target species of both freshwater and saltwater. It is loaded with all the modern technology and features of high-end expensive fishing gear. Let’s have a deeper look.

G Free Body: 

Shimano successfully introduced the G Free body in the new Ultegra FC spinning reel. That means the center of gravity of this fishing gear is closer to hand, making the reel far more comfortable than its competitors. 

Design and Construction: 

As expected, the new Shimano reel is brilliantly constructed. It has a very eye-catching design. In short, it looks blazing. The reel is made of solid material to offer better durability than competitive products. 

Waterproof Structure: 

Shimano Ultegra FC is one of the best tuna spinning reels for the money. It provides considerably unique features, including a massive waterproof structure. The heavier Ultegra FC models are specially designed to withstand some harsh saltwater action without decreasing the reel’s life.  

Gear Ratio: 

This brilliant Shimano reel features three different gear ratios in other models. The reel offers 5.1:1, 6.0:1, and 6.2:1, respectively, which officially announced the product’s versatility. 

Moreover, Ultegra FC promotes smooth performance by installing micro module gear II. It makes the reel’s working ultra-smooth and fast, unlike many other products of the same price. 

Spool: 

Ultegra FC features a world-class AR-C spool that works more than just fine. This spool successfully provides smooth retrieval and better distance. Even more, this spool is one the best available in the market. In short, you can blindly trust this spool, and it won’t betray you. 

Ball Bearings: 

5+1 ball bearings are not much in number, but these are enough for smoother performance. The reel’s shielded anti-rust bearings also add lots of durability points. Due to all these features, Shimano Ultegra FC is one the best spinning reel for tuna. 

Best New Spinning Reel for Tuna: 

Until now, this reel is the best fishing reel for tuna released this year. Ultegra FC is loaded with all new features and modern technologies, making it a suitable choice for both saltwater and freshwater species. Most importantly, Shimano is providing all these features and benefits at a very reasonable price. Go grab it. 

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5. Daiwa Legalis LT Spinning Reel

The performance of this Daiwa reel is tough to beat, especially at its price tag. Legalis LT is one the best affordable spinning reel for tuna fishing. It offers the highest quality performance at a very sensible price.  

Body: 

The reel is built with solid and light zaion material, which offers excellent durability. It is a kind of high density carbon strain material developed by Daiwa. This material provides maximum durability with minimum weight. Also, the reel’s spool is crafted with very light aluminum to reduce more weight. 

Design and Power: 

Legalis Light and Tough reel has a beautiful design. It looks like traditional reels with a long and comfortable handle. The reel also comes in different sizes to offer versatility. It’s also the reason for the reel being a favorite of many anglers of every skill level. 

This Daiwa product is suitable for both saltwater and freshwater species. The reel features eight models for offering versatility. The high-end models are equipped with enough power to take down big fish like tuna. 

Gear Ratio and System:

In order to provide a better performance, a reel must have quality gears along with a better gear ratio. This Daiwa reel successfully provides both. Legalis LT features 5.1:1, 5.2:1, 5.3:1, and 6.2:1. 

Just like many other Daiwa fishing gears, this reel also features a rigid Digigear system to provide better speed and power. This gear system also increases durability and smooth performance, which means you can rely on it. 

Drag:

This brilliant reel comes with a super Automatic Tournament drag system that guarantees smoother performance. Also, it provides enough power to tackle big saltwater species. The ATD drag is also suitable for braided lines, making it a perfect choice for anglers of any skill level. 

Spool: 

Daiwa Legalis LT comes with a beautiful aluminum air spool which is satisfactory. We all want our reel to facilitate us with better distance and smooth line retrieval. Aluminum air spool successfully provides us both, unlike almost all other reels of the same price tag. 

Ball Bearings:

We all know that the smoothness of the reel mostly depends upon the number of ball bearings. Daiwa Legalis LT is one of the most smooth reels of its price range. The reel features 5+1 ball bearings for better performance than its competitors. Legalis LT also features a silent oscillation gear system for durability and smoother performance. 

Best Inexpensive Reel for tuna fishing: 

Daiwa is popular for supplying value-providing products in the market. The reel manufacturing giants are known for delivering quality at an affordable price. Legalis LT is a fine example of their work. This reel is undoubtedly inexpensive but not cheap. It is loaded with more features than any other reel of its price range. So, we can call it “one of the best tuna spinning reels for the money” or “the most inexpensive reel for tuna fishing.” 

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6. Shimano 18 Stella Spinning Reel

Shimano 18 Stella is a spinning reel many anglers desire for. The expensive product features everything along with the highest quality. The market leader tried to heat up the competition by the beast’s introduction in the market. This reel is undoubtedly the best spinning reel ever. Let’s have a closer look at its wonders. 

Body and Design:

This expensive reel has a very solid and durable body. It is more robust than almost every reel I’ve ever used. The Shimano flagship is crafted with the best materials possible. Also, Stella 18 features a new design that is better in both looks and performance. The reel has a beautiful eye-catching design which also helps in casting further and smooth performance. 

Weight: 

It’s not every day you find a reel of this light with all the features Stella 18 offers. The market leaders successfully perfectly engineered the reel to reduce weight. As a result, Stella 18 is surprisingly ultra-lightweight and comfortable.

Silent Drive:

Shimano has been providing silent drive since the introduction of the Stella series. This feature aims to reduce the chances of backlash, gaps, and shaking between the parts. In short, the Silent Drive guarantees the reel’s super-smooth performance without any resistance. 

Gear Ratio: 

The Stella 18 comes in different models having different gear ratios. Shimano always tries to offer versatility to the anglers, and that’s what they have done here. Stella 18 features 4.6:1, 5.1:1, 5.3:1, 5.8:1, 6.0:1, 6.1:1, 6.2:1, and 6.4:1 to make the reel suitable for almost every fishing condition and environment. 

Micro Module Gear II: 

Shimano’s flagship reel features the best micro module gears for smoother performance. This gear system provides speed without reducing the reel’s durability. Even more, micro module gear II reduces the weight to make the reel more comfortable in hand. 

X Protect: 

Nobody would expect an expensive spinning reel for tuna without featuring corrosion resistance. Stella 18 is not just corrosion-resistant, but it also has the best waterproof mechanism than any other fishing reel available in the market. 

Ball Bearings: 

All models of Stella 18 offer 12+1 ball bearings for smooth fishing. The reel’s bearings are built with strong but lightweight material to provide better value. With 12+1 ball bearings, this reel is totally out of competition. We can call it “ King of the best spinning reels for tuna.” 

Drag: 

Stella 18 spinning reel’s 3000 and above sizes are specially designed for heavy saltwater action. The reel is loaded with a powerful drag system that can easily take down some large saltwater species. Moreover, Stella 18’s Drag is considered the smoothest in the fishing equipment market.

Spool: 

Shimano’s Stella 18 is equipped with a large spool, due to which it has the most prominent line capacity. The reel’s line retrieval is also smooth. The large spool is installed to fight large saltwater fishes. Stella 18 is also recommended for anglers who aim for large fish at shore jigging. 

Best Expensive Spinning reel for Tuna:

This high-end spinning reel is undeniably the best expensive spinning reel for tuna fishing. Targeting large fish like tuna, yellow tail, king fish, and giant sea bass is very easy with Stella 18. It is expensive, but in the long run, it will be worth more than its cost. 

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7. Okuma Cold Water Linecounter Trolling Reel

Let’s talk about the best-rated fishing reel. That’s right, Okuma Cold Water Linecounter has been rated as the best fishing equipment among seasonal anglers. Along with top ratings, the reel’s fantastic features make it suitable for catching tuna. Let’s find out more about this Champion.

Body: 

Okuma Cold Water Linecounter fishing reel features a durable and robust body. Fishing equipment market leaders make this reel with quality materials that make the product long-lasting and lightweight. The reel has a graphite frame which makes the reel corrosion resistant. 

Drag: 

Cold Water Linecounter comes with a multi-disc carbonate drag system. This makes the reel powerful and smooth. A carbonated multi-disc drag system allows anglers to tackle big fishes like tuna. It also features a decent max drag of 18 and 20 lbs in different models. 

Ball Bearings: 

This superb reel features very few bearings but still manages to provide smooth performance. The reel comes with 2+1 ball bearings. Manufacturers make these with stainless steel for a better lifespan. Also, these bearings are sealed to protect from dirt.

Anti-Reverse:

This Okuma reel features an anti-reverse roller bearing, which puts a stop to backward playing. Furthermore, the reel also has a dual anti-reverse system to make things pretty easy.  

Gear Ratio: 

Cold Water Linecounter trolling reel comes in two different gear ratios, 4.2:1 and 5.1:1. This gear ratio allows the reel to win against big species by making it fast and smooth. 

Self-lubricating Gear System:

Additionally, the reel offers a self-lubricating gear system that reduces friction. The best thing about this feature is that anglers wouldn’t have to worry about purchasing lubricants. In other words, it saves angler’s additional cost. 

Spool: 

As mentioned earlier, the spool is one of the most essential parts of a fishing reel. The capacity to target big fishes and being one of the best fishing reels for tuna fishing depends on the spool. For targeting tuna, Okuma installed a brilliantly anodized aluminum spool. 

The anodized aluminum spool allows anglers to get a reasonable distance. It also offers a smooth line retrieval and makes the reel even more durable. What else do you want from a mid-range tuna fishing reel?

Automatic Trip: 

The automatic trip is a necessary spool feature. Its job is to clip the spool in place during the retrieval. It also makes retrieval smooth and easy. These features make the reel a suitable choice for big fishes like tuna. 

Level Wind:

The easy distribution of line depends upon the level of wind. Most of the reels lack this feature, making it hard to distribute the spool line. Okuma Cold Water is not like those cheap reels. It features a titanium-coated level wind for easier distribution of lines. 

Handle:

The brilliant Cold Water Linecounter trolling reel features an extended aluminum handle with ergo grip handle knobs. These features make the reel comfortable, allowing anglers to fish for hours without tiring. 

Best Mid-range fishing Reel for Tuna: 

The most important thing about this reel is its cost. It lies in the mid-range price category. Okuma Cold Water trolling reel is, without a doubt, the best mid-range fishing reel for tuna. We can also call it one of the best fishing reels for tuna. 

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8. Shimano TLD 2-Speed Conventional Reel

TLD 2-Speed conventional reel lies in the lightweight fishing gear category. In fact, this reel is one of the lightest conventional reels available in the market. Shimano always tries to offer many features at a reasonable price, and they do the same with this great fishing gear. The reel is equipped with all the features an angler wants. Also, the reel is suitable for targeting some large fishes like tuna. 

Body:

Shimano TLD 2-Speed conventional reel is crafted beautifully. It features a durable and long-lasting graphite body. The reel manufacturing giants used high-quality graphite to make the frame and side plates of the reel. As a result, the reel lasts for years.  

AR-B:

AR-B stands for anti-rust bearings. Shimano TLD 2-Speed features stainless steel bearings with shield covers to improve the reel’s durability. Moreover, they make the reel suitable for saltwater action. 

Two Speed Lever Drag:

The two-speed triton lever drag is more appropriate for anglers who want to catch big game fish. The slightly larger model is capable of handling heavy fish along with providing comfort. 

The two-speed TLD makes the reel a better choice for some harsh fishing environments. The drag also guarantees its smooth and powerful performance. TLD 2-Speed is powerful enough to take down large saltwater species. Even more, according to Shimano, TLD offers a max drag of 40lbs which is MASSIVE. 

Troll Clip Mounts: 

The reel comes with brackets for trail clips. These brackets pop up from the top of the frame and offer a solid foundation for clipping. Every model of TLD 2-speed comes with brackets except the smallest size. 

Bearings: 

This brilliant conventional reel comes with four stainless steel bearings, making the reel far smoother than its competitors. The reel also has shield covers to protect bearings for better durability. 

Gear Ratio: 

Three different models feature two different gear ratios. The smallest size(15) comes with 4.0:1 gear ratio while the other two models(20 & 25) feature 3.6:1 gear ratio.

Main Shaft and Gears:

The Shimano TLD conventional reel features stainless steel gears. To be more precise, everything in TLD is made up of stainless steel for better durability, including the main shaft and gears. 

One of the Best Fishing Reel for Tuna:

The power and strength of this reel, along with other features, make it one of the best fishing reels for targeting tuna. We all are aware of today’s fishing market. It is filled with hundreds of quality products, but TLD 2-Speed outruns all of its competitors. With its price tag, TLD is undeniably one of the best tuna fishing reels for the money. 

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9. Penn International VI Conventional Fishing Reel

Let’s talk about one of the best trolling reels of today’s market, Penn International VI. This reel is, undeniably, one of the best conventional reels available. International VI is created to catch big game fish. The reel features everything necessary to target tuna and other notorious species. Let’s dig more about International VI.

Body: 

Just like other expensive Penn reels, International VI also features a machined and anodized aluminum body and side plates. As a result, the reel is durable and long-lasting. In fact, this fantastic conventional reel is one of the most durable products available for tuna fishing. 

Gear Ratio:

Penn International VI comes in five different sizes, offering different gear ratios to target many fishing conditions. The reel features 5.1:1, 4.6:1, 4.1:1, and 3.5:1. These load anglers with enough speed to target large species. 

Bearings:

The flagship fishing gear features five bearings that are responsible for smooth performance. The previous model, International V had four ball bearings. Penn decided to increase the number along with the smooth working. The ball bearings are stainless steel shielded for the reel’s more extended life. 

Drag System:

Just like Penn Slammer III and International V, Penn International VI Conventional reel features the amazing Dura-Drag system. Penn always relies on this significant drag when it comes to International series, and so far, it performs explicitly.  

Dura drag is smooth and powerful enough to handle and control tuna easily. Even more, Penn moved the drag from left to right side of the reel. As a result, the reel is lighter and more comfortable than its previous models. 

Versa-Strike System:

Penn International VI features the new Vera-Strike System that is the first of its kind in the market. The new strike stop system offers an adjustable level drag on its settings. This new feature adds a lot of quality points to the reel’s telly. 

Anti-Reverse System:

A significant improvement over the previous model of series is the anti-reverse of the reel. Penn International VI, unlike previous models, introduced a Double-Dog ratchet,  multi-stop anti-reverse system. This system eliminated the slight chances of backlash and made this reel the most reliable fishing reel for tuna. 

2-Speed Gear System:

In order to provide more speed and control, the brilliant Penn reel comes with a Quick Shift II 2-Speed gear system. This makes the reel most versatile and performs exceptionally well when fighting big game fish like tuna. The gears of this great fishing gear are made to last longer, even after continuous heavy saltwater action. 

Handle: 

The reel handle is also changed and improved from the previous models. Penn International VI conventional reel features a new ergonomic handle, far more comfortable and lighter than its competitors. For better handling, the reel also provides angled knobs. How good is that? 

One of the Best Penn Fishing Reels for Tuna:

As always, Penn raised above the expectations of anglers and provided an unbeatable fishing reel. The International VI is undeniably one of the best fishing reels for tuna. Even more, it is one of the best fishing reels available in the market. If you are looking for a long-lasting reel loaded with all modern features and upgrades, choose Penn International VI. You won’t regret making this choice.

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10. Gomexus Saltwater Trolling Reel

The last stop on our list is the Gomexus Saltwater trolling reel. Some anglers also call it “The Beast” because of the power and strength this reel offers. However, if you want a lightweight reel, then Gomexus Saltwater is not your type of reel. But if you prefer durability and power over the weight, then go for Gomexus Saltwater trolling reel. 

Body: 

This enormous reel features a beautiful aluminum body with some parts of stainless steel. As a result, the reel is strong, robust, and durable. That’s what everybody expects from the expensive reels, and that’s what Gomexus saltwater provides. 

Gear Ratio: 

The reel comes in three different sizes with different gear ratios. Gomexus Saltwater features double speed in all models. It has 3.6:1 and 1.6:1, 3.1:1 and 1.3:1, and 2.5:1 and 1.3:1. This makes the reel suitable for different fishing conditions. 

Bearings:

This reel has it all, including 8+1 ball bearings which is amazing. These make the reel’s working smooth and comfortable. 8+1 ball bearings are not everything you see in a trolling reel. 

Drag System: 

The reel comes with a beautiful HT-100 drag system which is, as you know, amazing. This Drag system provides you not only power but also smooth performance and control. You might not believe it, but this reel offers a maximum drag of 132lbs which means catching big fish like tuna is a child’s play for this reel. 

Speed Versatility: 

The Gomexus Saltwater trolling reel comes with a 2-speed option. Every model of this reel offers a low speed for targeting the big game fish. It is so powerful that catching tuna is like playing with a bowl. 

Durability: 

As mentioned earlier, the reel is durable and long-lasting. Its machined anodized aluminum frame is one of the best available in the market, paired with stainless steel parts, making the reel corrosion resistant. In short, you don’t have to worry about the reel’s life. It will definitely live longer than your expectations.

Decent Line Capacity: 

As we all know, trolling reels are famous for their line capacity, and Gomexus Saltwater does not disappoint. The reel is equipped with a decent line capacity of 100lbs/700yds, 100lbs/740yds, and 200lbs/1740yds. 

One of the Best Tuna Fishing Reel for the Money: 

Without a doubt, this giant reel is worth every penny. The enormous golden reel will load you with enough power to catch big tuna easily, along with better control. Even more, it comes with a comfortable handle. However, the Gomexus Saltwater trolling reel is heavy. Many anglers complain about its weight, but if you prefer power and strength over the weight, this reel belongs to its true master, you.

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Varieties or Types of Tuna

There are fifteen species and many subspecies of tuna. However, only four main varieties are famous across the world. Let’s get going with them.

1. Albacora
2. Bluefin
3. Skipjack
4. Yellowfin

These are the four main varieties of tuna famous for a taste around the globe.

Albacora:

Albacora is the most common variety of tuna. It has a pitying taste and lightest flesh. This variety is locally called white tuna and sold at expensive rates. 

Bluefin: 

Bluefin tuna is famous for its flavor. It has more fats and tastes better than other varieties of it. Also, the meat of bluefin tuna is dark red. Just like different varieties of tuna, bluefin is also expensive. 

Skipjack:

Skipjack is the least expensive variety of tuna. It has more fats than any other variety, along with the most potent taste. It’s also tiny, weighing only 25lbs. Skipjack is locally called chunk tuna or arctic bonito for its jumpy nature. 

Yellowfin: 

Yellowfin is another famous variety of tuna known for its flavor. It is not as expensive as bluefin tuna, with almost the same taste sometimes. In other words, yellowfin is not far behind in quality. It is deep pink and tastes better than albacora.

Where are tuna usually found?

Tuna fishes are found throughout the oceans of the world. These fishes swim fast and travel all around the seas. Tuna species are also notorious and dive deep when they are afraid of getting caught. 

Southern, Atlantic, and pacific tuna are widely used for sushi and sashimi. Skipjack and yellowfin are mainly found in the tropics, while bluefin and albacore swim in temperature waters. 

Conclusion:

Tuna is undeniably one of the strongest and fastest species of the sea which makes them difficult to target. They really test the strength of both the reel and angler. Catching tuna is only possible with the right gears and high skill levels. To help our readers, we tried to include the best spinning reels for tuna in our article. Let’s hope you find what you’re looking for. Also, if you tried a reel and loved it, mention it in the comments. Best of luck.