Daiwa makes medium to high-end fishing reels that are often a more cost-effective alternative to other brands. The Daiwa company has been making fishing reels since 1955 and has its headquarters located near Los Angeles California.
Daiwa has two styles of reels that I see being widely used by anglers. The first is the Daiwa Tanacom electric reel. This is one of the most affordable electric reels on the market and it makes it possible to fish deep and catch fish in a style similar to commercial operations.
The second Daiwa reels that I see frequently being used are the line counter reels such as the Accudepth and Sealine. These can be used in both saltwater and freshwater. Daiwa also makes high end spinning reels, conventional reels, and baitcasting reels.
Here Are the Best Daiwa Fishing Reels
Daiwa Spinning Reels
1. Daiwa Bg Spinning Reel
| Model 2500 |
Weighs 9.3 oz |
| Drag 13.2 pounds | Retrieves 33.2 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 170/8 | L-C Braid 170/20 |
| Model 4000 |
Weighs 14.3 oz |
| Drag 17.6 pounds | Retrieves 39.9 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 260/12 | L-C Braid 280/30 |
| Model 5000 |
Weighs 22.6 oz |
| Drag 22 pounds | Retrieves 47.4 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 380/17 | L-C Braid 360/50 |
| Model 6500 |
Weighs 29.5 oz |
| Drag 33 pounds | Retrieves 48.7 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 310/25 | L-C Braid 440/65 |
| Model 8000 |
Weighs 30.0 oz |
| Drag 33 pounds | Retrieves 53.3 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 440/25 | L-C Braid 590/65 |
The Daiwa Bg is a great high-end saltwater spinning reel at a reasonable price. This reel is on par with high-end Penn and Shimano spinning reels. For most inshore and reef fishing the 6500 is a great option with 33 pounds of drag on a small reel. For fishing offshore, the 8000 size reel is a great option with high line capacity and also 33 pounds of drag.
This spool has a rubber backing and is ready for braided or monofilament line. This reel has six ball bearings and an infinite anti-reverse system. The reel handle can be reversed to work with left-handed anglers.
A large spinning reel like this is great for catching tarpon, mahi-mahi, fluke, striped bass, and tripletail just to name a few.
2. Daiwa Saltist Spinning Reel
| Model 3000 |
Weighs 10.8 oz |
| Drag 15.4 pounds | Retrieves 37.4 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 200/10 | L-C Braid 120/30 |
| Model 4000 |
Weighs 15.0 oz |
| Drag 17.6 pounds | Retrieves 39.9 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 260/12 | L-C Braid 200/40 |
| Model 5000 |
Weighs 22.9oz |
| Drag 22 pounds | Retrieves 47.4 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 380/17 | L-C Braid 310/65 |
| Model 6500 |
Weighs 29.6 oz |
| Drag 33 pounds | Retrieves 48.7 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 310/25 | L-C Braid 330/80 |
| Model 8000 |
Weighs 30.0 oz |
| Drag 33 pounds | Retrieves 53.3 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 440/25 | L-C Braid 440/80 |
The Daiwa Saltist is a saltwater fishing reel. This reel is made with an aluminum body, aluminum side plates, aluminum spool, and 8 corrosion resistant ball bearings. Key features of the reel include waterproof carbon drag, magnetic oil, and a lightweight air rotor.
The 3000 size reel is good for inshore and reef fishing. While the 6500 and 8000 are good for big game offshore fishing.
3. Daiwa Revros LT Spinning Reel
| Model 1000 |
Weighs 7.4 oz |
| Drag 11 pounds | Retrieves 25 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 110/4 | L-C Braid 130/8 |
| Model 2000 |
Weighs 7.6 oz |
| Drag 11 pounds | Retrieves 26.8 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 110/6 | L-C Braid 150/8 |
| Model 2500 |
Weighs 8.5 oz |
| Drag 22 pounds | Retrieves 30 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 110/8 | L-C Braid 170/10 |
| Model 3000 |
Weighs 8.8 oz |
| Drag 22 pounds | Retrieves 32 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 110/12 | L-C Braid 185/10 |
The Revros LT is a freshwater spinning reel. This reel is designed around being lightweight. It is made with a composite frame, aluminum handle, and aluminum spool. The air rotor is significantly lighter than other rotor designs. It has two sizes that are under 8 ounces which I consider ultralight spinning reels. Bass Pro Shops has the Regal LT which is a very similar spinning reel.
These ultralight reels are great for freshwater fishing for crappie, perch, bluegill, and bass. They also work great inshore to catch snapper, bonefish, jacks, grouper, etc.
4. Daiwa Crossfire LT Spinning Reel
| Model 1000 |
Weighs 7.8 oz |
| Drag 11 pounds | Retrieves 25 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 110/4 | L-C Braid 135/8 |
| Model 2000 |
Weighs 7.9 oz |
| Drag 11 pounds | Retrieves 26.8 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 110/6 | L-C Braid 150/8 |
| Model2500 |
Weighs 9.0 oz |
| Drag 22 pounds | Retrieves 29.6 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 110/8 | L-C Braid 170/10 |
| Model 3000 |
Weighs 9.2 oz |
| Drag 22 pounds | Retrieves 31.6 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 110/12 | L-C Braid 185/10 |
| Model 4000 |
Weighs 10.2 oz |
| Drag 26 pounds | Retrieves 32.5 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 140/14 | L-C Braid 185/15 |
| Model 5000 |
Weighs 13.3 oz |
| Drag 26 pounds | Retrieves 32.5 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 180/20 | L-C Braid 280/20 |
The Daiwa Crossfire is an above-average freshwater spinning reel at a reasonable price point. For typical freshwater fishing, I would recommend getting the Crossfire 4000. It weighs 10.2 ounces and is good for medium to medium-light fishing action. The drag is 26 pounds which is more than enough to catch big fish. This is a perfect reel for bass fishing.
This reel is 20 percent lighter than the previous version of the Daiwa Crossfire. It is made with a graphite frame, aluminum spool, and aluminum handle. The advanced tournament drag is both smooth and strong. The 5000 series reel can catch large freshwater species like catfish and hybrid striped bass.
Daiwa Conventional Reels
5. Daiwa Saltist Conventional Reel
| Model 20 |
Weighs 15.0 oz |
| Drag 15.4 pounds | Retrieves 35 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 350/14 | L-C Braid 200/50 |
| Model 30 |
Weighs 19.4 oz |
| Drag 15.4 pounds | Retrieves 35 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 295/20 | L-C Braid 280/50 |
| Model 40 |
Weighs 23.1 oz |
| Drag 22 pounds | Retrieves 47 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 270/30 | L-C Braid 490/50 |
| Model 50 |
Weighs 24.0 oz |
| Drag 22 pounds | Retrieves 47 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 310/40 | L-C Braid 630/50 |
The Saltist ultra-high-speed reel has a level-wind. This reel has a fast retrieve and the gears also have high winding power. The 3o size reel can hold 280 yards of 50-pound braided line or 230 yards of 25-pound monofilament line. This reel would be great for trolling with downriggers or for trolling on the reef offshore. It has fast line retrieve rates of 35 inches and 47 inches of line per handle turn.
This reel contains a level wind that puts the line evenly on the spool without having to guide it by hand. This is a great size reel for trolling for fish such as salmon, walleye, striped bass, etc.
6. Daiwa Seagate Level-wind Conventional Reel
| Model 50 |
Weighs 19.5 oz |
| Drag 20 pounds | Retrieves 42.9 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 430/25 | L-C Braid 430/40 |
| Model 60 |
Weighs 22.0 oz |
| Drag 20 pounds | Retrieves 48.2 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 450/30 | L-C 700/60 |
The Daiwa Seagate with level-wind is a great option for trolling and bottom fishing rods. Having a level-wind makes fishing easy without having to push the line back and forth while reeling. The size 50 reel can hold 650 yards of 50-pound braided line. The max drag for this reel is 20 pounds. This is a good all-around reel for trolling and jigging and has a soft-touch reel handle.
7. Daiwa Seagate Conventional Reel
| Model 30 |
Weighs 15.0 oz |
| Drag 15.4 pounds | Retrieves 35 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 295/20 | L-C Braid 280/50 |
| Model 35 |
Weighs 20.4 oz |
| Drag 19.8 pounds | Retrieves 48 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 300/20 | L-C Braid 360/50 |
| Model 50 |
Weighs 21.9 oz |
| Drag 19.8 pounds | Retrieves 48 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 350/30 | L-C Braid 630/50 |
The Daiwa Seagate conventional fishing reel does not have level wind and is great for jigging and bottom fishing. This reel comes in sizes 20, 30, 35, 40, and 50 depending on the size of fish being targeted. This is a topless reel similar to Avet reels and is designed for spool control while jigging.
Topless reels are becoming more popular for offshore fishermen. When jigging on the reef this reel style offers good spool control to reduce bird nests and backlash. These are conventional reels that are small enough for stand up fishing and large enough for big game offshore trolling.
Daiwa Baitcasting Reels
8. Daiwa Megaforce Baitcasting Reel
| Model 7.3 |
Weighs 8.8oz |
| Drag 8.8 pounds | Retrieves 31.5 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 125/14 | L-C Braid 130/30 |
Megaforce is a quality baitcasting reel at a reasonable price. The twitching bar allows for slack to be brought in quickly or for action to be added to the lure such as a jig or soft plastic. This reel has a super-fast 7.3 to 1 gear ratio which allows for a fast lure retrieve speed. The reel comes in left-handed and right-handed configurations.
9. Daiwa Tatula TWS Baitcasting Reel
| Model 6.3 |
Weighs 7.6 oz |
| Drag 13.2 pounds | Retrieves 26.3 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 120/14 | L-C Braid 140/40 |
| Model 8.1 |
Weighs 7.6 oz |
| Drag 13.2 pounds | Retrieves 33.9 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 120/14 | L-C Braid 140/40 |
The Daiwa Tatula Type-R is a very popular baitcasting reel and is used by many pro anglers. It is a high-end reel and that comes in left-hand or right-hand reel configurations. The retrieve speed options for the reel are 6.3, or 8.1 to 1. The max drag is 13.2 lbs. This reel has a level wind for easy line retrieval. Spool resistance settings can be adjusted to account for different weight lures. This reel is known for its smooth casting with no backlash.
10. Daiwa Tatula CT Baitcasting Reel
| Model 5.5 |
Weighs 7.4 oz |
| Drag 13.2 pounds | Retrieves 23.3 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 120/14 | L-C Braid 130/30 |
| Model 6.3 |
Weighs 7.4 oz |
| Drag 13.2 pounds | Retrieves 26.3 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 120/14 | L-C Braid 130/30 |
| Model 7.3 |
Weighs 7.4 oz |
| Drag 13.2 pounds | Retrieves 30.5 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 120/14 | L-C Braid 130/30 |
The Daiwa Tatula CT is a baitcasting reel with a low profile design. Key features include the free flow line of the reel with the wide T-wing system, ultimate tournament carbon drag, swept handle, and Magforce-Z. It is made with an aluminum frame, aluminum side plates, 7+1 ball bearings, and soft-touch knobs. This is a top-quality baitcasting reel at a reasonable price point.
Daiwa Electric Reels
11. Daiwa Tanacom 1000 Electric Reel
| Model 1000 |
Weighs 53 oz |
| Drag 48 pounds | Retrieves 16.5 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 500/40 | L-C Braid 880/80 |
The Daiwa Tanacom is a great value electric reel. Deep dropping is a great way to catch tilefish, snowy grouper, barrelfish, queen snapper, and swordfish. The power cable for the reel can be easily connected to and 12-volt battery. This reel can be used to deep drop to over 2000 feet. The line capacity is 550 yards of 80 lb braided line. The max drag is 48 lbs which is quite impressive. Many fishermen do not deep drop due to the cost of the electric reels.
At around $500 this reel makes it possible to fish deep at a reasonable cost. This is a very popular reel as is used on many charter fishing boats. The battery does need to be charged to the full 12 volts for the reel to retrieve properly. If you are just getting started into deep fishing this reel is a great option. When deep dropping it is common to have a 2 to 8-pound cylindrical weight just below a chicken rig with multiple baited hooks. The weight is often bounced off the bottom to attract fish. Depending on the size of the fish the bites can be subtle to see but with practice, it can be a very fun and productive way to fish.
12. Daiwa Tanacom 750 Electric Fishing Reel
| Model 750 |
Weighs 44.4 oz |
| Drag 48 pounds | Retrieves 16.5 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 450/30 | L-C Braid 550/65 |
The Daiwa Tanacom 750 is the size between the 1000 and 500 series electric reels. It is still small enough for stand up fishing but large enough to fight fish up to around 100 pounds. The LCD display is in English. Features include auto-stop, variable speed power level, line counter, and programable jigging settings. It has a level wind to automatically place the line evenly on the spool as do the other Daiwa electric reels.
13. Daiwa Tanacom 500 Electric Reel
| Model 500 |
Weighs 28.2 oz |
| Drag 33 Pounds | Retrieves 22.3 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 100/14 | L-C Braid 440/50 |
The Tanacom 500 is a new reel on the market and has many great potential uses for electric reels that are not currently being utilized. This reel is pretty small and can still hold 440 yards of 50-pound braided line. With this price point, it can now be possible for multiple poles to be fished deep while actually holding the rod and feeling the bite. This would be a perfect reel for fishing for halibut and cod at 300 plus feet deep with multiple rods. With the size being so small it can be used for stand up fishing.
14. Daiwa 3000 Power-Assist Electric Reel
| Model 3000 |
Weighs 196 oz |
| Drag 88 pounds | Retrieves 24.8 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 800/60 | L-C Braid 1500/100 |
The Daiwa 3000 Marine Power is one of the biggest electric reels on the market today. It comes in a 12 volt and a 24-volt version. The reel has momentary winding power up to 198 pounds. It is made with an aluminum frame, aluminum side plates, and aluminum spool. Key features include 88 pounds of max drag, auto-stop, and sealed electronics. The video below shows this reel being used to deep drop for queen snapper.
Daiwa Line Counter Reels
15. Daiwa Sealine Line Counter Reel
| Model 17 |
Weighs 12.9 oz |
| Drag 8.8 pounds | Retrieves 48-14 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 250/12 | L-C Braid 270/30 |
| Model 27 |
Weighs 16.2 oz |
| Drag 16 pounds | Retrieves 48-14 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 450/12 | L-C Braid 240/40 |
| Model 47 |
Weighs 17.5 oz |
| Drag 15.4 pounds | Retrieves 48-14 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 280/20 | L-C Braid 380/50 |
| Model 57 |
Weighs 19.6 oz |
| Drag 20 pounds | Retrieves 48-14 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 580/20 | L-C Braid 560/50 |
The Daiwa Sealine with line counter and level wind is a popular line counter reel for both saltwater and freshwater. Sizes of the reel include 17, 27, 47, and 57. The corresponding drag is 8.8, 16, 16 and 20 pounds. The corresponding line capacity is 180, 210, 280 and 580 yards of 20-pound mono. This reel is also available with a left-handed reel and a wide spools to hold more fishing line. Line counters are great for flat lines, mooching and trolling.
This is a good reel for freshwater salmon fishing and walleye fishing. Having a line counter is very helpful to know line depths. This reel will also work in the ocean for pacific salmon.
16. Daiwa Accudepth Plus-B Line Counter Reel
| Model 17 |
Weighs 12.7 oz |
| Drag 8.8 pounds | Retrieves 24.8 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 200/14 | L-C Braid 200/40 |
| Model 27 |
Weighs 15.4 oz |
| Drag 15.4 pounds | Retrieves 24.4 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 210/20 | L-C Braid 300/40 |
The Daiwa Accudepth is a line counter reel that is great to use in the Great Lakes to fish for salmon, steelhead, and walleye. It reel comes in two sizes the 17 and the 27. The reel is made with a graphite composite frame, a ball bearing drive, brass gears, Teflon impregnated felt drag washers, and an auto-engage clutch. This reel can work on downriggers, flat lines, and dipsey divers.
17. Daiwa Lexa Line Counter Baitcasting Reel
| Model 100 |
Weighs 8.5 oz |
| Drag 11 pounds | Retrieves 25.7 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 120/14 | L-C Braid 140/40 |
| Model 300P |
Weighs 12 oz |
| Drag 22 pounds | Retrieves 23 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 120/14 | L-C Braid 140/40 |
| Model 300H |
Weighs 10.5 oz |
| Drag 22 pounds | Retrieves 28.8 in/turn |
| Line-capacity (yd/lb) 120/14 | L-C Braid 140/40 |
The Daiwa Lexia is a one of a kind reel in that it is a true baitcasting reel that also has a line counter. This reel can be used for trolling, mooching, or casting lures. It is made with an aluminum frame, aluminum side plate, 7+1 ball bearings, and carbon fiber drag. The reel can be used in both freshwater and saltwater.
Frequently asked Questions
Which Daiwa reel is best?
The best Daiwa reel depends on whether the angler is looking for a conventional, spinning, baitcasting, electric, or line counter reel. Daiwa’s most popular reel is the Daiwa BG saltwater spinning reel. Their electric reels are also the most widely used by recreational fishermen due to their reasonable price point.
The best Daiwa electric reels include the Tanacom 1000, 750, and 500. For conventional are the Daiwa Saltis is great for trolling in both freshwater and saltwater. Finally, the best Daiwa line counter reels include the Sealine, Accudepth, and Lexia.
Are Daiwa reels any good?
Yes, Daiwa reels are known for having high-quality affordable fishing reels. Their electric reels are very popular when fishing deep and as a kite fishing reel when targeting sailfish.
The Daiwa BG is one of the highest quality saltwater spinning reels on the market for offshore fishing. The Tatula Type-R baitcasting reels is used by professional bass fishermen. Daiwa’s conventional reels can be used for both freshwater and saltwater fishing.
What is the best Daiwa baitcaster?
The best Daiwa Baitcaster is the Tatula Type-R. This reel is top quality and is even used by professional bass fishermen during tournaments. Other Daiwa baitcasting reels like the Megaforce and Tatula CT are good reels but not as high of quality as the Tatula Type-R.
Are Daiwa reels Made in Japan?
Daiwa electric reels and high-end reels are made in japan. Lower cost Daiwa products are often made in China, Thailand, and Malaysia. Some people think that fishing equipment made in Japan is of higher quality. However, in many cases, the equipment made in Japan has Japanese displays and user manuals so you are better off getting reels manufactures outside of Japan.
What type of fishing equipment does Daiwa Make?
Daiwa is a company that is world-renowned for its saltwater and freshwater fishing reels. It also makes fishing rods like the Daiwa Megaforce telescopic rod and Daiwa Emcast surf rods. The company also makes apparel like fishing hats, shirts, and backpacks. It also makes tools like the Sokkou knot tool, needle nose pliers, wire cutters, line cutters, and fishing rod holders. J-braid is a very popular braided fishing line made by Daiwa. Many people only think of Daiwa as a fishing reel company but they do have many other fishing related products.
What is the history of Daiwa fishing reels?
Daiwa was founded in 1958. It offered one of the first open face saltwater spinning reels that became widely popular. In the early 1980s, Daiwa began incorporation graphite into the reel frames and rotors. Daiwa released their latest carbon-fiber technology in 2007 and it is called Zaion. In 2010 the company released the Mag-sealed and Mag-oil to keep the reels sealed and operating smoothly.
What is the best Daiwa electric reel?
The most widely used Diawa Electric reel is the Tanacom 1000. This reel is powerful enough to catch swordfish in 2000 feet plus feet of water depth. The Tanacom 1000 was one of the first electric reels with an English display that offering autostop and jigging functions.
A much bigger and powerful Daiwa 3000 Marine Power is available but is less popular because of its expensive price point. For stand up fishing the Tanacom 500 is a great option since it only weighs 28.2 ounces. Even though it has a small size it can still hold 440 yards of 50-pound braided line to help catch big fish in deep water.
What is the best Daiwa Spinning Reel?
Daiwa makes three really good saltwater spinning reels. These are the Daiwa BG, Daiwa Saltist, and Daiwa Big Game Reel. The Daiwa BG is the most popular because it is of high quality and is found at a reasonable price point. The Saltist is the highest quality reel but is a bit more expensive. Lastly, the Daiwa Big Game reels offer 70 pounds of max drag which are strong enough to catch offshore big game fish. It is also a popular surf fishing reel.
For freshwater fishing, the Revros LT is the best Daiwa reel. However, the Crossfire LT has just been redesigned and is one of the best reels on the market at its price point.
What is the best Daiwa Line Counter Reel?
The Daiwa Sealine is the best line counter reel for saltwater. Line counter reels are notorious for breaking in saltwater. Not the reel itself but the line counter feature. Precautions should still be taken to not soak the reel in saltwater. If needed the line counter can be taken apart to be cleaned.
The Daiwa Accudepth is the best line counter reel for trolling in freshwater. This reel is very popular in the Great Lakes for trolling with diving plugs, and dipsy divers for walleye, steelhead, and salmon. Knowing how much fishing line is let out is very helpful to estimate lure depth.
Finally, the Daiwa Lexia is the best line counter reel for casting. It is often advantageous to know the line depth when fishing smallmouth bass, crappie, hybrid striped bass, and salmon fishing. A line counter reel is good to use when flat-lining, jigging, or mooching in deep water.
Captain Cody has worked on charter fishing boats in the Florida Keys, Virgin Islands, and Alaska. Growing up in Pennsylvania Cody has also done extensive freshwater fishing including bass fishing tournaments. Cody strives to provide detailed information about the best fishing gear and tactics to help both novice and experienced anglers have a more productive and enjoyable time on the water. Cody also has a background in aerospace engineering and neuroscience but really only takes pride in being good at one thing and that is fishing!