Free shipping on most orders over $120 CAD
Locally Owned in Nanaimo, BC • Trusted Since 1986
Need help choosing? Ask the Pros

Saltwater Reels

(128 products) FAQ

Shop saltwater fishing reels in Canada at Harbour Chandler. Explore mooching, spinning, and trolling reels built for salmon, halibut, and West Coast saltwater fishing. Durable reels designed to handle corrosion, heavy loads, and coastal conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Saltwater Reels Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the best type of reel for saltwater fishing?

For most anglers, spinning reels are the best all-around choice for saltwater fishing because they are easy to use and versatile. For trolling and targeting larger fish like salmon or halibut, conventional reels are the better option.

Q. What size saltwater reel should I buy?

For salmon fishing around Vancouver Island, a medium to large reel in the 3000–6000 size range for spinning reels or a levelwind conventional reel is a reliable choice. Larger reels are better for deep water and bigger fish.

Q. Can I use a freshwater reel in saltwater?

Freshwater reels are not recommended for saltwater use because they lack corrosion protection. Saltwater reels are built with sealed components and materials designed to handle ocean conditions.

Q. What features should I look for in a saltwater reel?

Look for corrosion-resistant construction, a smooth and strong drag system, sealed bearings, and enough line capacity for your target species. These features ensure durability and performance in saltwater conditions.

Q. Do I need a special reel for salmon fishing?

Yes, salmon fishing typically requires a reel with a strong drag system and enough line capacity for trolling or deep-water fishing. Levelwind conventional reels and larger spinning reels are commonly used.

Q. How do I maintain a saltwater reel?

Rinse your reel with fresh water after every use and store it dry. Regular maintenance helps prevent corrosion and keeps your reel performing smoothly over time.

Let customers speak for us

from 1540 reviews
SEAGUAR Blue Label Fishing Line - 30lbs
Perfect for big Salmon

Perfect for big Salmon

Rob D.
SEAGUAR Blue Label Fishing Line - 30lbs
Westcoast Fishing Tackle Super Sex-E 2.5 Spoon - Bananaman
Great product and amazing shopping experience

Great product and amazing shopping experience . You’ll hear from me often I’m sure .

Anonymous
Westcoast Fishing Tackle Super Sex-E 2.5 Spoon - Bananaman
Yamashita Octopus - OG142R
Excellent hootchies for certain areas Wish we

Excellent hootchies for certain areas
Wish we could get them in cuttlefish again

David T.
Yamashita Octopus - OG142R
SmartPlug Boat Side 30A 125V Retrofit Kit
Safety and Peace of Mind

Awesome product very simple to install. A bit of wire cutting and splicing. Pretty much plug and play. Can’t put a price on safety of your family or protecting the value of your boat. Most insurance companies will also give you a discount if you use this product. This product is well worth the investment and peace of mind.

Jamie L.
SmartPlug Boat Side 30A 125V Retrofit Kit
Anchor Buddy
What a great solution for holding a boat offshore and being able to pull in

What a great solution for holding a boat offshore and being able to pull in. It

Erik A.
Anchor Buddy
Gamakatsu Octopus Hooks - Red
Octopus hooks

I use octopus hooks, tied in tandem, for my hootchies, trolling for Kokanee. They are strong and sharp. Thank you for the great pricing on these hooks.

Miles H.
Gamakatsu Octopus Hooks - Red
Shimano Tekota A Conventional Reel with Line Counter
Nice compact reel, good line capacity

Nice compact reel, using it for leadcore sink line.

Compact, good capacity for leadcore. Shimano reliability and quality

Anonymous
Shimano Tekota A Conventional Reel with Line Counter
Zaal Noflex Digestor - Sewage Treatment Odour & Sludge Eliminator
There is nothing more embarrassing than toilet odor on the boat

There is nothing more embarrassing than toilet odor on the boat. This really helped with a 20 year old toilet holding tank.

Jennifer B.
Zaal Noflex Digestor - Sewage Treatment Odour & Sludge Eliminator
*Calcutta Soft Sided Fish Cooler Bag
Love it

Love it

Ross J.
*Calcutta Soft Sided Fish Cooler Bag
I will do business with them again

I will do business with them again, to bad Americans who purchase have this ten percent tariff, now, but they got a great selection of salmon gear that can’t be found in the United States

Tony D.
The Harbour Chandler
Silver Horde Kingfisher Spoon - Silver Knight UV Green Spatter Back
The spoon just gets bite

The spoon just gets bite, great color, the 4 inch size

Tony D.
Silver Horde Kingfisher Spoon - Silver Knight UV Green Spatter Back
Lighthouse Mega Bite 11oz Replacement Head
Great

Great, caught Lingcod and Halibut!

Richard S.
Lighthouse Mega Bite 11oz Replacement Head
Victron MK3-USB-C VE.Bus Interface Programming Adapter
Harbour Chandler service was great

Harbour Chandler service was great, the Victron MK3 worked exactly as advertised, so all good. The question remains as to why I had to buy a programming interface to set the batteries to LiFePO4 instead of allowing the setting in Victron Connect iOS in the first place.

Steven G.
Victron MK3-USB-C VE.Bus Interface Programming Adapter
P-Line Halibut Drop Jig - Glow White
I couldn't keep the Ling cod off

I couldn't keep the Ling cod off

frank h.
P-Line Halibut Drop Jig - Glow White
Gamakatsu Octopus Hooks - NS Black
GREAT HOOK

Very sharp and strong hook, great to add for your trolling fly

TONY R.
Gamakatsu Octopus Hooks - NS Black

What customers think about the store

Store offers fast, efficient service with quality marine products at competitive prices. Customers praise helpful staff like Tim, quick delivery (often within 2 days), well-packaged orders, and excellent customer support. Products include fishing gear, boat eq...

AI-generated from customer reviews.

Delivery Product Quality Service

Steve's Weekly Fishing Report

View all
  • Chinook is Open in the Strait of Georgia!!

    Chinook is Open in the Strait of Georgia!!

    Chinook season has kicked off for Georgia Strait fishermen and the initial reports are great! We have been seeing lots of Chinook from 50ft to 230ft lately. The best location...

  • Chinook Opening Soon!

    Chinook Opening Soon!

    The summer Chinook openings have been released. It looks about the same as last year for area 17. Follow this link to read the fisheries notice The Chinook are mostly...

  • Summer fishing is here!

    Summer fishing is here!

    In Georgia Straight the Coho fishing continues to be great! The clipped fish are still running very shallow. Keep your gear in the top 30ft of water. If you drop...

  • Salmon Season in Full Swing!!

    Salmon Season in Full Swing!!

    With July right around the corner we are now in peak salmon season! In Georgia Strait the Coho fishing has been very hot. The clipped fish continue to hold shallower...

  • Coho fishing is on Fire!!

    Coho fishing is on Fire!!

    Georgia Straight Coho fishing is super hot right now. There are large schools of Coho following the bait throughout the entire strait. The only tricky thing is targeting the marked...

  • First Week Of Coho Fishing

    First Week Of Coho Fishing

    The first week of Coho fishing is well underway. It's looking like we should be in for a great season, with lot's of fish in most locations. I've had good...

  • Coho Countdown! The Harbour Chandler

    Coho Countdown!

      Everybody is gearing up for Coho opening on June 1st! The forecast is looking great with lot's of good sized Coho moving throughout Georgia Strait. Entrance Island and Five...

  • Lingcod Report & the Coho Opening Announced!! The Harbour Chandler

    Lingcod Report & the Coho Opening Announced!!

    Lingcod fishing is still going strong in all locations. I've had good reports from all throughout the east side of Vancouver Island. The new trolling lures are really catching on...

Back to top