Top 5 Most Expensive Fishing Reels in the World

Many anglers will say that it’s not the fishing gear but the skills that matter in sport fishing. It is true, up to a point, because we can’t deny that a good set of fishing rods and reels can significantly affect your performance on the water. It won’t guarantee a catch, but it doesn’t hurt.

When choosing a fishing reel, you need to consider the type of fishing you want and the fish species you want to catch. Generally, there are three types, each ideal for different techniques: the spinning reel, the conventional reel, and the baitcaster reel. Blowing your budget on an expensive fishing reel should not be your top priority, especially when there are many good options in the market. You may consider investing in a good spinning rod and reel combo to get your proverbial feet wet if you're a beginner. Then, when you're ready to get more specialized, get a good baitcasting reel or fly fishing reel.

Beyond the standard and reasonably priced gear, there's a world of fishing gear for the hyper-specialized angler. And even if you're not one just yet, you’re probably curious about the most expensive ones in the world. What makes them so pricey? And how do they differ from the standard fishing gear? In this article, we’ll list some of the most expensive reels available in the market and find out why they’re a cut above the rest and worth their hefty price tags.

1. Daiwa Dendoh Marine Power (MP3000) Fishing Reel (Deep Sea Power Assist) (valued at $3,280 - $3,500 USD)

The Daiwa Dendoh Marine Power 3000 is a state-of-the-art electric reel, and is the most expensive one available today. Electric reels have become quite the rage among fishing gear connoisseurs recently. More and more of them are entering the market, even though the standard angler on a budget may not have heard of them.

Electric reels are perfect for deep-sea anglers who target big bottom-dwelling fish in deep water. Fishing in the deep takes a lot of time and effort, and having an electric reel makes dropping your rig and pulling your large fish into the boat a little easier. 

The Daiwa Dendoh Marine Power 3000 is top-of-the-line with its machine-cut side plates, spool, aluminum frame, and stainless steel gear drive. Its maximum winding power goes up to 53 lbs., with a momentary coiled capacity of up to 198 lbs. It’s also equipped with a proprietary Power Lever that gives the angler control over the wind speed and power. Its spool can carry up to 1000 yards of a 120-lb. braid and boasts 88 lbs. of drag. It has digital features that allow you to control your gear more efficiently and is even furnished with a protective shield to keep dirt and debris from sticking to it.

2. Shimano Stella Spinning Fishing Reel (valued at $1,100 - $1,400 USD)

The Stella is one of the market’s most popular flagship fishing reels, and for a good reason. This expensive reel is lightweight and can handle power smoothly, making it an anomaly in the spinning reel world. This is made possible due to its silk aluminum reel handles and one-piece shaft. It has a great drag capacity of 55, making it the ideal ally when landing saltwater fish and freshwater fish.

What anglers particularly love about Stella is how versatile it is. You can use the same reel with different rigging to catch your surface yellowfin and your trophy blue marlin.

The Stella holds 570 yards of 100 lb. braid. Like many Shimano fishing reels, it’s equipped with the brand’s signature drag technologies such as Heatsink, Rigid Support, and X-tough.

3. EatMyTackle Saltwater Fishing Reel - Blue Marlin Tournament Edition (valued at $600 - $1,000 USD)

This saltwater fishing reel is designed specifically for long-time deep-sea or offshore anglers. It’s made to catch big fish with a line capacity of up to 1025 yards or 1740 yards of 2000 lb. braids. It has a CNC machine-cut aircraft-standard aluminum frame and spool, with a drag system at a maximum of 155 lbs. 

Its two-speed function that allows you to retrieve your line quickly makes it uniquely suited for heavy offshore fishing. This feature is handy for when you encounter those unexpected runs with fish approaching closer to your boat.

4. Shimano Force Master 9000 (valued at $1,800 USD)

The Shimano Force Master 9000 is another electric fishing reel at a slightly lower price than the Daiwa Dendoh MP3000. It is still pretty pricey, though, compared to standard fishing reels. Like other electric reels, it’s excellent for bottom fishing. Its main selling point is its incomparable hoisting power, its maximum at 72 kg., and speed at a maximum of 135m per minute.

5. Daiwa Saltiga Spinning Fishing Reel (valued at $800 to $1,000 USD)

Considered Stella’s archrival in the luxury spinning reel world, the Daiwa Saltiga’s 2020 upgrade has nine reels in the series, with each model catering to different target fish and fishing techniques. Models 8000 and 10000 are designed for multipurpose fishing and light to moderate deep sea fishing, while the higher you go, the better equipped you are to handle game fish such as wahoo, common dolphinfish, and other bigger fish. All the reels in the Saltiga series have rigid alloy monocoque bodies and rotors. They have 12 ball bearings, giving anglers supreme precision and strength, capable of handling heavy trophies repeatedly.