Best Cod Fishing Reels of 2025

Luke Dobson Avatar
Luke Dobson
Last Updated: 6 Feb 2025

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Cod fishing is a popular activity for anglers around the world, and the right equipment can make all the difference. That's why we want to introduce you to a range of high-quality cod fishing reels that are designed to help you make the most of your time on the water. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, these reels offer a range of features and capabilities to help you catch more fish and enjoy your time on the water. So if you're looking for a reliable and effective cod fishing reel, read on to learn more about these great products.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Shakespeare SALT Pre-Spooled Spinning Reel 7000 Cover #TOP 1
Shakespeare SALT Pre-Spooled Spinning Reel 7000
ftb score rating icon 9.9
PENN Battle IV Spinning Reel for Saltwater Fishing Cover #TOP 2
PENN Battle IV Spinning Reel for Saltwater Fishing
ftb score rating icon 9.8
FISHN REEL 3000 Fishing Rod Spinning Reel Cover #TOP 3
FISHN REEL 3000 Fishing Rod Spinning Reel
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 6 Cod Fishing Reels

#TOP 1

Shakespeare SALT Pre-Spooled Spinning Reel 7000

1548353
Blue
7000
Shakespeare SALT Pre-Spooled Spinning Reel 7000 Cover
Shakespeare SALT Pre-Spooled Spinning Reel, Fishing Reel, Spinning Reels, Surfcasting Fishing, Pre-Spooled with Line - Mackerel, Bass, Pollack, Whiting, Cod, Unisex, Blue, 7000

The Shakespeare SALT Reel is designed for anglers seeking durability and ease of use. Its body and crank are made from corrosion-resistant graphite, ensuring longevity even in challenging environments. Pre-filled with mono line, this reel saves you time and effort when preparing for a fishing trip. The multi-disc drag system allows you to control the tension smoothly, making it easier to reel in fish like mackerel and cod. Additionally, stainless steel ball bearings provide a smooth operation, enhancing your overall fishing experience.

What We Like
Corrosion-resistant materials
Pre-spooled for convenience
Smooth drag system
Durable ball bearings
#TOP 2

PENN Battle IV Spinning Reel for Saltwater Fishing

BTLIV2500
Black/Gold/Smoke
2500
PENN Battle IV Spinning Reel for Saltwater Fishing Cover
PENN Battle IV Spinning Reel, Saltwater Angler Fishing Sea Fish Lure & Bait, Bass, Pollack, Cod, Mackerel, Wrasse, Aluminum Spool, Robust Ambidextrous 2500 Reel Size 6.2:1 Gear Black, Gold & Smoke

The PENN Battle IV Reel is designed to enhance your fishing experience with its impressive features. The CNC Gear Technology ensures precision and durability, allowing for smooth operation while you reel in your catch. The Hydro Armor Sealing System protects critical areas from water intrusion, giving you confidence in wet conditions. Featuring HT-100 Carbon Fiber Drag Washers, you can expect smooth and consistent drag performance, making it easier to handle bigger fish. With a 5+1 Sealed Stainless Steel Ball Bearing System, the reel offers reliable operation, ensuring your fishing trips are enjoyable and successful.

What We Like
Smooth operation and durability
Water intrusion protection
Consistent drag performance
Reliable ball bearing system
#TOP 3

FISHN REEL 3000 Fishing Rod Spinning Reel

Ghost Reel 3000
Reel 3000
FISHN REEL 3000 Fishing Rod Spinning Reel Cover
FISHN REEL 3000 Fishing Rod spinning reel - ideal for any rod with a casting weight between 20-100gr or as a towing rod, pike, catfish, walleye, cod or salmon

The FISHN REEL 3000 is designed for versatility, suitable for rods with a casting weight between 20-100 grams. With 8 + 1 ball bearings and a gear ratio of 5.2:1, you will experience smooth and efficient retrieval. The instant anti-reverse system ensures you have precise control during your catches, while the aluminium spool is both durable and lightweight. Additionally, the ergonomic EVA crank knob makes it comfortable for both left and right-handed users, enhancing your fishing experience.

What We Like
Smooth retrieval with ball bearings
Lightweight and durable design
Comfortable for all users
Versatile for various fishing types
#TOP 4

PENN Clash II Lightweight Spinning Reel

CLAII2500
Grey/Black
2500
PENN Clash II Lightweight Spinning Reel Cover
PENN Clash II Spinning Fishing Reel, Sea - Inshore Fishing, Lightweight Saltwater Shore and Kayak Fishing Reel for Lure Fishing - Sea Fishing Reel for Bass, Pollack, Cod, Wrasse, Grey/Black, 2500

The PENN Clash II Reel is designed for sea and inshore fishing, offering a durable full metal body and sideplate that ensures longevity. Its CNC gear technology provides smooth operation, making it easier for you to reel in your catch. The HT-100 carbon fibre drag washers deliver reliable drag performance, allowing you to control your line tension effectively. With an 8+1 stainless steel bearing system, you’ll experience enhanced smoothness and reduced friction, making your fishing experience more enjoyable.

What We Like
Durable metal construction
Smooth gear operation
Reliable drag performance
Enhanced smoothness
#TOP 5

Spro ZaltArc 7000 Sea Reel for Cod Fishing

Spro
7000
Spro ZaltArc 7000 Sea Reel for Cod Fishing Cover
Spro ZaltArc 7000 Sea Reel for Pilk & Spin Fishing, Cod Fishing, Stationary Reel for Pilk Fishing for Cod

The Spro ZaltArc 7000 Reel is designed specifically for sea fishing, particularly for cod and other sea fish. Weighing just 607g, it is lightweight yet robust, making it easy to handle during long fishing sessions. With a line capacity of 200 m and a gear ratio of 5.0:1, you can efficiently retrieve your catch with an impressive line retrieve of 87 cm. The durable Tuff body aluminium housing and strong bracket system ensure that you can rely on this reel, even in challenging conditions.

What We Like
Lightweight and easy to use
Strong and durable construction
Efficient line retrieval
Designed for sea fishing
Suitable for cod fishing
#TOP 6

FISHN REEL 1000 Spinning Reel for Fishing

Reel 1000
1000
FISHN REEL 1000 Spinning Reel for Fishing Cover
FISHN REEL 1000 Fishing spinning reel - ideal for any rod with a casting weight between 20-100gr for pike, catfish, walleye, cod or salmon

The FISHN REEL 1000 is a versatile fishing spinning reel, perfect for rods with a casting weight of 20-100g, ideal for catching pike, catfish, walleye, cod, or salmon. It features 5 + 1 ball bearings, ensuring smooth operation for a more enjoyable fishing experience. The instant anti-reverse system allows for quick hooks, providing reliability when you need it most. With an ergonomic EVA crank knob, you can fish comfortably for hours, whether you are left- or right-handed. Additionally, the computer balanced rotor technology enhances performance and reduces fatigue.

What We Like
Smooth operation with ball bearings
Quick hooks with anti-reverse
Comfortable ergonomic design
Versatile for various fish types
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What kind of rod do you use for cod fishing?

The rod should be 6'6″-7'6″ with a fast to extra-fast action. We prefer a rod that has a little more beef to the rod to handle big diamond jigs and large sinkers up to 20oz. The reel should have at least a 5:1 ratio.

2. What do you use for cod fishing?

Cod have large mouths, so hook size may vary, but the bait need not be large—a good sized ocean clam will do for almost any size cod. Other good baits include strip baits of squid, fish, crabs, sand eels, and capelin.

3. What is the best bait for cod fishing?

Best baits are lugworms, squid and peeler crabs, although other baits catch codling in some regions but are not so effective countrywide. 'A large bait for a big fish' holds true for cod because it helps prevent small nuisance fish taking your offering.

Editor's Notes

During our cod fishing reel research, we found 113 cod fishing reel products and shortlisted 6 quality products. We collected and analyzed 6,197 customer reviews through our big data system to write the cod fishing reels list. We found that most customers choose cod fishing reels with an average price of £26.68.

The cod fishing reels are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of cod fishing reels, including SHAKESPEARE, Penn, FISHN, Spro. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 402 consumers with an average rating of 4.5.

Written by
Luke Dobson Avatar

Luke is a runner, a climber, hiker, hunter, and a lot more. Luke Dobson is Celtic-born and has lived most of his life in Scotland. However, his sporting endeavours have taken him to several countries around Europe. He serves as a tour guide for countless companies and owns a couple of gyms and recreational centres in Scotland. Luke Dobson is proficient in 7 different languages. He maintains many sport article columns where he shares his wealth of experience in the sport industry.