Offshore fishing can be a thrilling experience—especially when you’re chasing game like sailfish or sharks. But the physical demands of retrieving heavy sinkers and fighting fish by hand from depths of 1,500 feet can quickly turn a thrilling adventure into an exhausting ordeal.
That’s where electric reels excel—they offer an effortless solution to the challenges of deep sea fishing.
How They Work
Electric fishing reels are equipped with powerful motors that can retrieve your line quickly and easily. They’re designed to help you conserve your energy so you can focus on enjoying the thrill of the catch. With the push of a button, you can retrieve your line with far less effort, without the need to crank it in 100% manually.
But these reels aren't just intended for effortless “push button” retrieval. (What fun would that be?) Electric reels can help you battle the fish until it’s closer to the surface. The motor can take over the work of pulling a fish up from great depths, allowing you to use your energy to control the fish and bring it in.
With the help of an electric reel, you can bring in bigger fish with less effort, conserve your energy, and keep fishing longer. This is obviously a big advantage when you’re heading offshore for many hours on the water.
Example Target Species for Electric Reels
Some fish that electric reels are ideal for include (but aren’t limited to):
- Sailfish: These beautiful fish are one of the fastest fish in the ocean and can reach speeds of up to 68 miles per hour. They’re known for their acrobatic jumps and incredible strength, often taking anglers on long, thrilling fights that can last for hours.
- Blue Marlin: These powerful fish can weigh over 1,000 pounds and put up an incredible fight, often leaping out of the water and making long, powerful runs.
- Yellowfin Tuna: Known for their speed and strength, yellowfin tuna can reach speeds of up to 50 miles per hour and can weigh over 400 pounds.
- Swordfish: These elusive fish are known for their long, hard fights and can reach lengths of over 10 feet.
- Goliath Grouper: These massive fish can weigh over 800 pounds and have incredible strength, often using their large size to their advantage in a fight—but they’re still no match for an angler armed with an electric fishing reel.
- Wahoo: These speedy fish can reach speeds of up to 60 miles per hour and are known for their explosive strikes and powerful runs.
- Amberjack: These aggressive fish can weigh over 100 pounds and are known for their strong, stubborn fights that often take place deep below the surface.
- Mahi Mahi: These acrobatic fish are known for their high jumps and fast, powerful runs. They can reach weights of over 50 pounds.
- Tarpon: These elusive fighters can grow up to 8 feet in length and weigh over 200 pounds. They are known for their acrobatic jumps and powerful runs, often taking anglers on long, thrilling battles.
- Halibut: These bottom-dwelling fish can weigh over 100 pounds and are known for their strength and stubbornness. Catching halibut often involves fishing in deep water and using heavy sinkers to get the bait down to the bottom. Retrieving these heavy sinkers all day can be tiring, but an electric reel can make halibut fishing much easier (and much more fun).
- Kingfish (King Mackerel): While not the strongest fish in the sea, king mackerel can grow to nearly 100 pounds and can occasionally use their agility to go on some blistering runs. They’re one of the most popular game fish in the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico, and are often caught using high-speed trolling techniques.
- Sharks: There are many shark species you can target offshore, including hammerheads, bulls, tigers, and blacktips, among others. These apex predators are known for their strength and power, often putting up long, hard fights that can last for hours with a manual reel.
If you’re targeting any of these fish nearshore or offshore, an electric reel is a great tool to have on hand. By taking over the hard work of fighting giants from great depths, electric reels can help anglers conserve their energy, and focus on the thrill of the catch.
Considerations When Looking at Electric Fishing Reels
If you’re considering upgrading to an electric reel, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Make sure you choose a high-quality reel from a reputable brand, like these from Daiwa and Shimano.
- You should also consider the size and weight of the reel, as well as the line capacity and drag system.
- Look for models with durable construction and reliable motors—they’re worth the investment.
Daiwa Seaborg Electric Reels
$1,499.99
Mega Torque Motor- The strength of Seaborg’s new custom motor is in the same class as the mighty Marine Power 3000. The power and speed is quiet and smooth, and with an output of approximately 1.3 times greater than previous… read more
The Bottom Line
Beach Bum Outdoors is a great resource for those looking to invest in an electric reel. With a selection of the highest quality models from reputable brands like Daiwa and Shimano, we can help you find the perfect model for your needs. We can also offer expert advice to ensure that you get the most out of your new reel.
Electric fishing reels are a game-changer for deep sea fishing. If you’re ready to take your offshore game to a higher level (or a lower depth, as the case may be) consider going electric.
