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Snook is one of the most popular inshore saltwater gamefish. It’s known for its stubborn and powerful body that makes it quite a tricky but rewarding catch.
For that reason, gearing up with the proper fishing pole is essential for the success of the job. After buying the suitable rod, you need to pair it with the best reel for snook in order to keep the drag and retrieval of the fish smooth, and that’s where this guide hops in for the help!
In today’s article, we’ll walk you through brief reviews of the best options that you can use on the market as well as a brief buyer’s guide to help you choose the ideal one for your needs. Let’s dive right in!
In a Hurry? Here’s Our Top Picks
Top 5 Reels for Snook Available on the Market
The fishing reels on the market aren’t created equal. For that reason, finding the best options out there can be a tricky task.
To help you with the process of finding the ideal one for you, we’ve scoured the market looking for the best reels that are recommended for snook anglers. Here’s a quick look at each one of these options.
1. Shimano Stradic 4000 FL Spinning Reel
Kicking off the list with one of our favorite spinning reels that are optimized for inshore saltwater gamefish, such as snook. The Stradic reel is one of the latest additions to Shimano’s list of heavy-duty spinning reels.
The Shimano Stradic features a MicroModule II cold forged Gear, which offers an unmatched level of power transfer and rotational smoothness that you may not find in almost all competitors at the same price point.
In addition to the MicroModule II gear, the reel is coupled with Silent Drive System. This system is designed to finetune the internal components of the reel to the highest possible level of tolerance.
Moreover, the spinning reel has a fully upgraded long stroke spool that will improve the line flow and allow you to maximize your cast reach to get the line to the snook-rich spots.
The Stradic is available in a variety of sizes. However, the 4000 version is highly recommended for large and powerful fish such as snook and redfish.
The reel doesn’t only offer a sublime performance, but it’s also a great investment that will stand the test of time and elements. It is protected by an upgraded water-repellent coating and a labyrinth channeling design that prevents water from reaching the critical parts of the reel.
The reel is equipped with 6 superior-quality ball bearings in addition to a single anti-reverse bearing that offers one of the smoothest retrievals there is. The design of the reel is ambidextrous, so you can use it with either left or right hand.
What We Like
- Ultra-powerful performance that is unrivaled at this price range
- Highly corrosion resistant and protected against moisture damage
- Incredibly smooth performance and sleek design
What We Don’t Like
- Still a bit pricier than other options
2. Daiwa BG 4000 Spinning Reel
Daiwa is one of the biggest brands in the fishing gear industry thanks to their wide range of high-end models yet cost-effective models.
The Daiwa BG 4000 is specifically designed to handle the crudity and corrosive effect of saltwater on metals. The reel’s housing is constructed from black anodized aluminum that is cut by laser machines for ultimate precision.
This reel isn’t only sturdy and handles intensive use, but it also looks pretty awesome on any fishing rod. The oversized digigear system and aluminum ABS spools both look and perform surprisingly well!
Like the Shimano Stradic 4000, this one also comes with 6 ball bearings that are made from high-grade stainless steel.
Although this might be less than some other reels on the market, the quality and engineering of the reel make up for the difference by a wide margin! In fact, this one has a gear ratio of 5.6:1 that is equipped with a manual return bail for easy use.
What We Like
- Offers premium features for a reasonable price
- Highly resistant against corrosion of water and salt
- Ideal for snook fishing with braided filaments
What We Don’t Like
- The reel loses its smoothness with time
3. KastKing Sharky III Spinning Fishing Reel
KastKing is one of the most popular fishing rig manufacturers out there with tons of great rods and reels. When it comes to inshore saltwater species like snook, the Sharky III reels are among the best affordable options to consider.
What makes this fishing reel special is that it offers banger features without being too pricey. It’s also known for its lightweight design that makes it a special pick for beginners who are looking for a fishing reel that lasts!
The frame of Sharky III is made of graphite, which guarantees durability without compromising on ease of control because it’s remarkably lightweight.
The reel comes in a variety of size options that range from 1000 to 5000 but the 4000 should be good enough for large game fish like snook.
The Sharky III is equipped with a triple-disc carbon fiber drag system in addition to stainless steel main shaft and brass pinion gears. This system allows the reel to drag up to approximately 39.5 lbs snook and other similar-sized fish!
The reel is also packed with one of the highest numbers of ball bearings in a reel. The 4000 version features 10 ball bearings in addition to anti-reverse and anti-twist bearings. Which are all made of stainless steel and ensures a buttery smooth retrieval.
What We Like
- Secured by KastKing proprietary intrusion shield system to seal it against water and dirt
- An ideal choice for beginners due to its lightweight design
- Feature both anti-twist and anti-reverse gears to ensure easy and smooth retrieval
What We Don’t Like
- Some users found that the smoothness of the gears decreases with time
4. Sougayilang XY4000 Spinning Fishing Reel
Spinning reels are the best reels for snook. However, they’re also notoriously expensive, which can be a problem for anglers on a strict budget or beginners who don’t want to spend a lot of money on their first fishing rig.
In that case, opting for a budget-friendly option like the XY4000 from Sougayilang should be a great idea because it’s one of the few inexpensive options out there that still packs a punch when it comes to features.
The durable reel has a hardened metal main frame and shaft as well as pinion gears that are made from brass. Similar to the KastKing Sharky III, this one has a triple-disc carbon washers drag system.
The frame is also hollowed out and designed with the help of a computer balancing system to optimize performance and ensure a reliable weight distribution to prevent hand fatigue.
The reel is also designed to be used by both left-handed and right-handed anglers, as you can switch the integrable aluminum handle to the preferred side.
The XY4000 is also surprisingly smooth for its price. It’s equipped with 13 corrosion-resistant ball bearings in addition to an anti-reverse bearing that ensures a smooth drag and retrieval. Moreover, the package comes with an extra spare spool!
What We Like
- An excellent pick for buyers on a strict budget
- Comfortable EVA padded handles for added comfort
- Rugged construction and corrosion-resistant parts
What We Don’t Like
- The ball bearings in the reel might arrive without lubrication, but this can be easily fixed
5. PENN Battle II 4000 Spinning Fishing Reel
Ending with one of the best reels on the market that you can use to fish for snooks and larger fish, the PENN Battle Series is one of the all-around greatest options.
What’s great about this reel is that it’s made with durable materials to help it power through inshore saltwater, thanks to its extraordinary sealed design.
The Battle II reel comes in a wide variety of size options that ranges from 1000 all the way up to 10,000. The 4000 version is ideal for snooks and its main gear is made from aluminum while the pinion gears are made from brass.
As for the rest of the reel’s body, including the side panels, rotors, and ball bearing, they’re all made of premium stainless steel to protect the parts from saltwater corrosion. Additionally, the bail wire is also made from heavy-duty aluminum to last for a long time.
The drag system of the spinning fishing reel is manufactured from HT 100 carbon fiber, which allows the reel to run extremely smooth upon retrieval without making the reel too heavy or bulky.
The medium-sized 4000 version also features 5 fluid cranking ball bearings with an additional anti-reverse bearing that are sealed and have a gear ratio of 6.2:1 and a wide capacity of 20 lbs at 260 yards.
What We Like
The spool is made so that you can use it immediately and compatible with various lines
Excellent quality when it comes to ball bearings for a very smooth retrieval
Extremely durable and resists corrosion due to saltwater
What We Don’t Like
The reel can be slightly heavy for beginners
What to Look for While Buying a Good Fishing Reel for Snook
Now that you know more about the best options to choose from while buying a fishing reel for snook, you might be curious about the process of choosing the ideal one for your needs.
To help you with this process, this section will provide you with all the information that you should know in order to land the ideal pick for your situation.
Materials and Construction
The first thing you need to keep in mind while buying a reel for catching snook is the materials it’s made from, including both internal and exterior parts.
The reason behind that is that snook is a saltwater fish, so your reel is bound to get wet with salty water, which is far more corrosive than freshwater.
Corrosion-resistant materials will not only guarantee protection against these elements, but they’ll also provide you with the performance necessary to catch such a stubborn fish.
Ideally, the frame of the reel needs to be made from materials that are naturally resistant to corrosion, especially due to water and salt. This includes stainless steel and aluminum.
Some frames might be made from graphite, which is suitable for smaller species of fish. However, it’s too lightweight and flimsy for heavier fish species like snook.
Author Note: The internal parts also need to be made from durable materials and constructed in a way that prevents water from reaching these parts while maintaining their lubrication for a silky smooth performance and retrieval of the fishing line.
Reel Size
Reel sizes are usually mostly expressed in the form of unitless numbers, such as 1000, 2000, 3000, etc. Keep in mind that a few companies use an alternative sizing that goes 10, 20, 30, etc.
The number corresponds to the size of the line it can draw. For example, the 4000 (and sometimes 3000 in some manufacturers) sizes are the best for snook fishing.
This is because 4000 reel sizes are compatible with monofilament fishing lines of 8 to 12lbs (3.5 to 6 kg) and braid fishing lines of 8 to 20 lbs (3.5 to 9 kg).
Ball Bearings and Gear Ratio
The gear ratio is a term that is used to describe the efficiency of the gears inside the reel and how many times the internal reel spool will turn for each time you complete a single turn with the reel handle.
As the name suggests, it’s usually expressed in the form of a ratio. For example, if a reel spool has a gear ratio of 5.6:1, this means that for every complete revolution you make with the reel handle, the internal spools has made 5.6 turns
The higher the gear ratio means that you’ll be able to retract or retrieve the fishing line faster, which allows you to successfully catch the snook.
The gear ratio is deeply associated with the ball bearings inside the reel. Both the number and the engineering of the ball bearings affect its gear ratio and make it higher.
In most modern reals, you’ll also find an anti-reverse bearing that is specifically designed to keep the retraction of the line in one direction to prevent the line from casting again when the fish fights back.
Left or Right Handed
Some people use their left hand while retracting the line with the spool. If you’re a left-handed reel user, make sure that you buy a left-handed or an ambidextrous model that is suitable for both hands orientation.
FAQs
What Is the Best Rod Size for a Snook Fishing Reel?
Snook is a relatively large fish, so it requires a reel that is anywhere between 3000 or 4000. For that reason, it needs a compatible rod that is both durable and lengthy enough to offer decent castability and control.
Ideally, the rod length that is compatible with such a reel size should average between 6 ft and 6 inches to 8 feet with a medium to medium-heavy action.
How Long Does a Snook Pole Last?
The answer here depends on both the type of rod and reel used for the job and their level of durability.
Ideally, a standard fishing rod for snook should last anywhere between 10 to 15 years if they’re properly maintained and used within the proper weight limits to protect it from snapping. However, rods tend to lose their elasticity and sensitivity with time.
As for saltwater reels, they last for about 3 to 4 years, but with regular maintenance and proper use, you can double their lifetime!
What is the Best Method to Catch Snook?
Casting is usually the optimal method to catch snook and the most important aspect for a successful catch is using proper bait.
For the most part, a lot of baits will simply work while catching snook, as they have an ample appetite.
For example, you can use anything from finger mullets, shrimp, as well as pinfish, preferably at about 3 to 5 inches, to catch them at any depth.
Final Thoughts
There you have it! A complete guide with everything you need to know about buying the best reel for snook!
While having multiple great options is a great thing, it’s always a difficult task to pick the suitable one for you. So, if you’re still confused, we recommend that you go with Shimano Stradic 4000 FL Spinning Reel.
While this one is a bit more expensive than other options on the market, it guarantees smooth performance and excellent resistance against corrosion and damage, which makes it a great long-term investment.
However, if you’re looking for a more affordable alternative, you can go with the Sougayilang XY4000 Spinning Fishing Reel.
It may not be the ultimate best option out there, but it still offers decent performance and durability for a fraction of what other options might set you back!
Happy Hunting!
