Understanding Saltwater Reels - Retrieve Ratios, Reel Sizes, and Applications

N.B. Information current as of 2^nd December 2025

Saltwater fishing demands rugged, high-performance gear that can withstand the corrosive marine environment and the raw power of ocean-dwelling species. Thankfully these days there is a wide range of saltwater spinning reels that meet the needs of anglers across the globe — from inshore flats to deep offshore battles.

To choose the right reel, it's essential to understand two key specifications: retrieve ratios and reel sizes. These numbers aren't just technical jargon — they directly affect your fishing performance which in turn affects your success.

In this article we will explain what they mean and hopefully help you better understand the situations and applications that each reel will excel at.

What makes a reel saltwater specific

Saltwater Reels or SW as they are commonly referred to as, will generally have a larger drive gear, allowing for greater power and durability. They will also feature better weather sealing to withstand the harsh environments these reels are used in, and their drags are also designed to better cope with the heavier loads and heat generated by stopping bigger fish.

Retrieve ratio P vs H vs XH

Retrieval ratios can be a confusing subject for some people and are not always as obvious as they seem. The retrieval ratio refers to how many turns of the rotor you will get from one turn of the handle. For example, a reel with a ratio of 6.2:1 will achieve 6.2 revolutions of the rotor for ever one full turn of the handle. The lower the number will result in more torque, while the higher the number achieving greater line return. Getting this right for your application can make a huge difference to not only your enjoyment and productivity on the water but also the longevity of your gear. 

P - Power Gear usually around 4.8:1

Power gears are excellent for reducing the load on the angler when retrieving a heavy load such as jigs. There is quite a difference between using a power gear and extra high geared reel, especially when employing techniques such as mechanical jigging or trying to get a fish off the bottom. Surprisingly a power gear will allow you to bring a fish up from a depth quicker, as you will be able to sustain the fight for a longer period without fatigue.  If you intend on fishing deep or a lot of jigging, consider a power gear.

Best For: mechanical jigging, bottom fishing, slow-pitch jigging

Advantages: More torque for turning heavy fish and lifting weight from depth

H – High Gear usually around 5.7:1

High gears are an excellent allrounder, if you’re just starting out in saltwater fishing or want one reel to switch between a jigging one day and lure casting the next, the high gear is a great choice.

Best For: General purpose fishing, casting, jigs, plastics, or bait

Advantages: Versatile balance between speed and torque

XH – Extra High Gear usually around 6.2:1

XH gears are best suited in applications where lure speed and line retrial are the priority and fighting the fish secondary.

Best For: Fast-moving lures, topwater fishing, chasing pelagic species (like tuna or mackerel)

Advantages: Quicker line pickup allows for rapid presentations and reeling slack quickly when fish run at the boat.

Reel Size

The sizing used in this article is the current SW Sizing of 4000 – 25000 used from 2020 onwards. For a comparison of reels released before 2020 click the link below

https://daiwafishing.com.au/pages/light-tough

As you increase a reel’s size, you will gain an increase in line capacity, line retrial and gear size. Weight too will also increase as you move through the size range, so finding the right reel for the task at hand will ensure you don’t fatigue from fishing too heavier reel for the task required.

I find matching the line rating you wish to fish is a great way of determining which size reel will match your required task. Generally, I like to fit about 300m of my desired line on my saltwater reels.

SW4000, 5000 and SW6000

The 4000, 5000 and 6000 sizes share the same body size with the 4000 having the same rotor, while the 6000 has a larger rotor. Each of course have a different spool size.

4000 sizes will be familiar with many anglers, as they are a small reel that look very similar to what many may already have. This size reel would be ideal for those looking for a tough reel for barra, jack or more finesse saltwater applications like plastics or vibes.

4000 reels are ideal for fishing braided lines of PE1-PE2

5000 reels are ideal for fishing braided lines of PE2-3

6000 reels are ideal for fishing braided lines in the PE3-4

This size reel would excel at light jigging and lure casting applications where light line (20-40lb) are being used.

SW8000-SW14000

The 8000, 10000 and 14000 sizes share the same body, with the only difference between the two being spool capacity and gear ratio.

8000 sizes are ideal for fishing braided lines of PE4-5

10000 sizes are ideal for fishing braided lines of PE5-6

14000 sizes are ideal for fishing braided lines of PE6-8

These reel sizes are excellent for heavier jigging and casting applications (50-80LB), think GTs, Spanish mackerel and larger bottom species like red emperor and nannygai

SW18000-25000

The 18000, 20000 & 25000 sizes share the same body, with the only difference between them being spool capacity

18000 size is ideal for fishing PE8

20000 size is ideal for fishing PE10

25000 size is ideal for fishing PE12

18000-25000 size reels ideal when large line diameters and capacity is required. Dogtooth Tuna, Big GTs, Yellowfin Tuna

SW30000

The newest addition to the reel range delivers anglers Daiwa’s largest ever spin reel. Featuring a unique reel body, rotor, and spool size the 30000 is the reel to reach for when ultimate capacity and power is required.

Conclusion

Hopefully if you’ve got this far you have a better understanding of the mechanics behind retrieve ratios and reel sizes ensures you get the best tool for your fishing style.

Taking the time to match your reel to the rod, line, and species you're targeting, and you’ll be better equipped for success on the water.