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

Saltwater Reels

(127 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.

Categories

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 1909 reviews
Octagon Crab Trap – Heavy-Duty 31" x 31" x 10" Crab Pot
Crab Trap

Awesome.
Well built trap.
Looking forward to giving it a try.
Highly recommend.

Randy D.
Octagon Crab Trap – Heavy-Duty 31" x 31" x 10" Crab Pot
Scotty Downrigger Plug 2121 - 12V Plug & Socket
Scotty products are the best

Scotty products are the best, I like that they continue to innovate. Love Harbour Chandler. The folks there remember who you are, cashier called me by name.

David G.
Scotty Downrigger Plug 2121 - 12V Plug & Socket
Harbour Chandler Okuma Custom Downrigger Rod Red 10'6"

Amazing rod at this price, handles more on the medium side of medium heavy, love the colour too, so easy to see contrasted to the world around you. Boated some pretty mid August springs with it

Spencer
Harbour Chandler Okuma Custom Downrigger Rod Red 10'6"
SIMRAD Halo 20 Radar
Replacing my 3G radar

In replacing my 3G radar, the entire process was easy- HC staff were extremely helpful throughout the process. From testing the old unit to identifying a 'plug and play replacement and required adapter, everyone was available and informative. I'm almost looking forward to the next foggy day.

Jim S.
SIMRAD Halo 20 Radar
Harbour Chandler Okuma Custom BLACKOUT Downrigger rod - Medium Heavy 10'6"
Fantastic Rod

Absolutely amazing rod and craftsmanship! I am so glad I found your site. No one in the US sells a rod like this!

Daniel F.
Harbour Chandler Okuma Custom BLACKOUT Downrigger rod - Medium Heavy 10'6"
Harbour Chandler Okuma Custom Downrigger Rod Red 10'6"
Won't try until next summer but they look good

Won't try until next summer but they look good. Online purchasing is great.

Melvyn K.
Harbour Chandler Okuma Custom Downrigger Rod Red 10'6"
SS60 50/200kHz, 600W, Navico 9-Pin, DT
Customer service was amazong

Called with transducer questions and the guy was amazing

Matt C.
SS60 50/200kHz, 600W, Navico 9-Pin, DT
Vertex Marine Grade Wire - 6 AWG
Excellent cable

Excellent cable quality

JP
Vertex Marine Grade Wire - 6 AWG
Simrad NAC-2 VRF Core Pack
Autopilot

I received excellent advice from the tech at HC, very helpful and knowledgeable. He put together a comprehensive list for me. Appreciate having someone guiding me through this project of the boat autopilot.

Mark B.
Simrad NAC-2 VRF Core Pack
Coated Cannonball 20lb
👍

👍

Anonymous
Coated Cannonball 20lb
O'ki Big Shooter Flasher - Green Jellyfish Kinetic Yellow Green Mist
great

great flasher

Christopher J.
O'ki Big Shooter Flasher - Green Jellyfish Kinetic Yellow Green Mist
Superfly Premium Dry Flies Assortment 2

As expected and delivered on time

John
Superfly Premium Dry Flies Assortment 2
Gibbs Zak Attack - Assorted 10pk
Great

Great bargin

Tom D.
Gibbs Zak Attack - Assorted 10pk
Gibbs Delta #0 Dodger - Silver Hex
Dodger looks

Dodger looks great

Mike R.
Gibbs Delta #0 Dodger - Silver Hex
Gibbs Highliner #1 - "A" Guide Series - Spring Roll Flasher
Gibbs Highliner

Great flasher at a great price!

Allan M.
Gibbs Highliner #1 - "A" Guide Series - Spring Roll Flasher

What customers think about the store

Well-stocked marine and fishing retailer with extensive product selection. Fast shipping, knowledgeable staff, and responsive customer service. Competitive pricing with frequent sales. Highly recommended by fishing enthusiasts and boaters across North America....

AI-generated from customer reviews.

Quality Service Shipping Staff

Steve's Weekly Fishing Report

View all
  • Prawning is Hot!!

    Prawning is Hot!!

    For the last month I've been getting lots of really good prawning reports from all over Georgia Straight. The word is there are loads of prawns, and they are extra...

  • The Rain is Here, and so are the Salmon!

    The Rain is Here, and so are the Salmon!

     We are finally getting the needed rain to pull this years salmon into the rivers and stream. Every river system will now be loaded with fresh salmon and followed by...

  • Time to Hit the River!

    Time to Hit the River!

    River fishing was great this week, despite the low water. The forecasted rain kept getting delayed, but it's finally starting to arrive. This will cause a big push of fresh...

  • River Fishing is about to Pick Up!!

    River Fishing is about to Pick Up!!

     With some rain in the forecast river fishing is about to kick into high gear! It's been a dry fall so far, so while the saltwater salmon fishing season has...

  • Ocean Salmon Fishing Still Going Strong!!

    Ocean Salmon Fishing Still Going Strong!!

    With the nice weather conditions, our ocean salmon fishing is still going strong! Most salmon runs seem to be running a bit late this year, giving us extra time to...

  • Beach Fishing is Heating Up!

    Beach Fishing is Heating Up!

    The beach fishing on Vancouver Island has kicked into high gear! The rain last week has got the fish moving and fishing has been excellent. The rivers have some fish...

  • Beach Fishing Season is Here!

    Beach Fishing Season is Here!

    With the change in weather, beach fishing is heating up! This is my favourite time of year when the salmon stage at river and creek mouths, bringing fishing opportunities even...

  • Large Chinook Fishing is Peaking!

    Large Chinook Fishing is Peaking!

    Fishing for large Chinook has been excellent in Georgia Strait for the last week. Some of the fish have moved in closer to shore, but the outer islands and rocks...