The Most Expensive Fishing Reels in The World – 5 High End Models

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Every reel manufacturer has its flagship series. They are designed to be the ultimate in fishing and compete with the best on the market.

Most of us would like to fish the absolute best there is. Unfortunately, the best tends to come at an aspirational price point that takes our breath away.

Whether the most expensive is equivalent to the best or the best for our application is seriously debatable – a 25-dollar 3000 spinning reel will generally catch the same fish as a 600-dollar 3000 spinning reel.

Whatever the case, we do love premium kits. Who’d say no to a Stella, Saltiga, or the new Okuma Makaira spin? But why are they so expensive?

The expense comes from a mix of precision componentry, the quality of the raw materials used to make the components, and the quality of the engineering, design, construction, and size.

Let’s have a look at 5 of the most expensive fishing reels available. I won’t be covering collectibles, such as the $58,000 Holy Grail purchased at auction a decade ago. We’ll be looking at reels available in retail.

Keep in mind that price variation, fluctuation, and supplier do impact price, so when I say “most expensive” it’s a relatively nominal description.

I won’t necessarily look at specific year models either. For example, I’ll suggest the Stella, not the SW or FJ necessarily.

What Are The Most Expensive Fishing-Spinning Reels?

Here is a list of some very expensive high-end fishing reels.

Daiwa SALTIGA G Spinning - Saltwater Reel
Daiwa SALTIGA G Spinning - Saltwater Reel
SALTIGA G SPINNING - SALTWATER REEL; SALTIGA G SPINNING - SALTWATER REEL; SALTIGA G SPINNING - SALTWATER REEL
Daiwa Marine Power 3000 - 24 Volt Power Assist Deep Drop Reel (MP3000-24V)
Daiwa Marine Power 3000 - 24 Volt Power Assist Deep Drop Reel (MP3000-24V)
24 Volt System, Momentary winding power = 198 lb, Max winding power = 53lb; 16 Bearing System ( 1MBB + 1CRBB + 14BB), Magsealed ball bearing (MBB)
Shimano Tiagra 130 A 2 Speed Offshore Multiplier Seafishing Reel, TI130A
Shimano Tiagra 130 A 2 Speed Offshore Multiplier Seafishing Reel, TI130A
TIAGRA 130A TROLLING 2 SPD; TIAGRA 130A TROLLING 2 SPD; TIAGRA 130A TROLLING 2 SPD; TIAGRA 130A TROLLING 2 SPD
Daiwa Exist Right Hand 18 Exist-G LT 4000D-C Spinning Reel
Daiwa Exist Right Hand 18 Exist-G LT 4000D-C Spinning Reel
Reel size: 4000D-C; Gear ratio: 5.2:1, Weight: 205 grams / 0.45 pounds; Line capacity (millimeters/yards): 0.37/164

Last update on 2024-03-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Most Expensive Fishing Reels in the World

1. Daiwa Saltiga

Price Point $950 to $1050 (Depending on Supplier)

Daiwa’s flagship spinning reel is traditionally the Stella’s closest rival. For those not familiar with the latest 2020 model you should be aware that sizes have changed.

Daiwa 2020 Saltiga Saltwater Spinning Reels

The old 4500 is now the 8000, and the old 8000 is now the 20,000. This is a little confusing but all good, once you’re aware.

There are 9 reels in the series, with all but the biggest (20,000 H) having two-speed options, H, and P, with H being high speed and P being for heavier cranking.

Models 8000 and 10,000 are general-purpose rock, surf, pier, rock wall, and light to moderate offshore

It will suit those casting big stick baits, setting live and dead baits, or fishing big swimbaits for things like spillway monsters.

The 14000 through to 20000 offer anglers a chance at serious offshore species from wahoo, and Spaniards through to dog tooth and marlin.

The Saltiga series has equal measures of refined precision and brute strength. There are 12 bearings housed in a supremely rigid alloy monocoque body. 

The rotor is alloy too, ensuring incredible rigidity as well as keeping the weight down.

Daiwa’s famous Mag-Sealed is present in the bearings, Line Roller, and Body. While not waterproof like a Van Staal, it’s the next best thing.

The Saltiga won’t just take four meters of hammerhead on the beach, it’ll back up and do it again tomorrow, season after season.

The 20000 holds 300 meters of PE 10 and has a max drag of 30kg. All you need to tackle the ocean’s largest, season on season.

Features

  • Bearings: 12 (6xCRBB & 2x MSBB)
  • ABS Long Cast Spool
  • Aluminium Air Rotor
  • Air Bale
  • Monocoque (MQ) Body
  • G1 Duralumin Drive Gear
  • Automatic Tournament Drag (ATD)
  • Mag-Sealed Bearings, Line Roller, and Body
  • Twist Buster II
  • Silent Oscillation
  • Metal Ball Knob
  • Infinite Anti-Reverse

>>Check Latest Price on Amazon<<

2. Shimano Stella

$700 to $1120 (Depending on Supplier)

I don’t think there is a more famous flagship reel available. If you’re into fishing you know the Stella.

While many Stella fans are lamenting a drop in quality, this has done little to dissuade the general fishing public from its top-dog status.

20 Stella SW 6000XG

Unfortunately, there have been some corners cut in recent years, suggesting Shimano is riding on the status of the label and tweaking downwards to increase profits.

That said, the Stella remains a formidable reel, refined and powerful and built to last under the toughest of loads and conditions wherever it is fished.

There are 13 sizes available (SW), starting at the 4000 through to the massive 30000 game-size monster weapon.

The Stella is a phenomenal marriage of a classical dancer and Abrams tank. You can troll it for Marlin, then re-rig and cast massive poppers for yellowfin chasing baitfish on the surface.

If you were chasing GTs from the rock using live baits or the biggest of stick baits, there is arguably no better reel.

With 14 bearings, up to 28kg of drag, and massive spool capacities, there’s no fish, shark, or sea-dwelling behemoth that’s off-limits.

The 30,000 will hold 570 yards of 100 pounds braid, and it’s backed up by Shimano’s flagship drag technologies including Heatsink, Rigid Support, and X-tough.

It’s an astonishing reel series. The 4000 and 5000 are enough to handle massive surf-dwelling drum with the casting manners to get well beyond the breakers.

The 6000 and 8000 are great for lightweight rock action as well as brilliant offshore for the likes of Dorado.

10000 through to 18000 will handle more common-sized big tuna, sailfish, and marlin, whereas the 30,000 is built for the ocean’s biggest game.

Check out the feature list. If ever there was a reel to aspire to, it’s the famous Stella. Take care of it, and it will outlast you.

Features

  • Ball Bearings: 13+1 SA-RB Bearings
  • Hagane Gear and body
  • Infinity Drive
  • Silent Drive
  • Heatsink
  • Rigid support
  • X-tough
  • X-Protect
  • E.I. Surface Treatment
  • X-Shield
  • X-Ship gearing
  • One-Piece-Bail
  • AR-C Aluminium Spool
  • Can be configured for both right and left hand

>>Check Latest Price on Amazon<<

3. Daiwa Marine Power MP 3000 12v

Up to $3500 (Depending on Supplier)

The rise of electric reels has been pretty steady over the last decade. While the selection has grown considerably, the niche market means that many of us will not come across them or have an application suitable for such a machine.

Daiwa Marine Power 3000 - 24 Volt Power Assist Deep Drop Reel (MP3000-24V)
  • Machine-cut aluminum frame, sideplates and spool. Powerful, machined stainless steel gear drive
  • 24 Volt System, Momentary winding power = 198 lb, Max winding power = 53lb
  • 16 Bearing System ( 1MBB + 1CRBB + 14BB), Magsealed ball bearing (MBB)
  • Daiwa’s unique Power Lever for instant control of winding speed and power. Digital readout measures line let out and distance retrieved from the bottom. Programmable Auto Stop feature stops winding when lure reaches the surface

Last update on 2024-03-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The benefits of an electric reel are plentiful for those who bounce the bottom in very deep water.

If you’ve ever hooked into a big bottom-dweller over a few hundred feet down, you’ll be well aware of the effort required to bring it to the boat. It’s exhausting and time-consuming.

Just getting your heavy rig to drop to the desired massive depth takes plenty of time and effort.

The electric reel reduces the effort involved in fishing deep considerably, and of all the electric reels on the market, the Daiwa MP 3000 is by far the most expensive.

At 196 ounces, this is one heck of a heavy reel, even though it’s built from machined aluminum. 

The Mag sealed 16 bearing system has a huge stainless main gear, and a stainless line guide with all electronics completely sealed from the elements.

The spool holds a whopping 1000 yards of 120-pound braid. There are 88 pounds of drag, and the real has a max winching power of 53lb.

Digital features such as programmable auto stop and line measurement make controlling depth far easier.

With a ratio of 1.7:1, this is definitely a reel designed for cranking the heaviest of fish over long distances.

This type of reel isn’t for everyone, and the price will hold back plenty more. 

However, if you’re cashed up and hitting the deep stuff for some of the ocean’s most delicious fish, why not do it with the best…well, most expensive.

Features

  • Pre-set Lever Drag
  • 16 Bearing System (2CRBB + 14BB)
  • Machine-cut aluminum frame, sideplates, and spool
  • Powerful, machined stainless steel gear drive
  • Stainless steel line guide
  • Rod Clamp
  • Daiwa’s unique Power Lever™
  • Digital readout measures line let out and distance retrieved from the bottom
  • Programmable Auto Stop™
  • Manual winding option
  • Convenient 12 Volts DC operation
  • Washable design with sealed electronics
  • Power cord and reel bag included

>>Check Latest Price on Amazon<<

4. Shimano Tiagra 130A Game Fishing Reel

Up to $1400 (Depending on Supplier)

For those of us over the age of 50, the most recognizable name in game fishing reels has to be the PENN International. With countless records and wins behind it, the International is a game fishing icon.

Shimano Tiagra 130 A 2 Speed Offshore Multiplier Seafishing Reel, TI130A

While it still packs a hefty price, it sits behind the very expensive Shimano Tiagra 130A, which doesn’t leave much change for game lures from 1500 dollars.

The Tiagra isn’t just designed for game fishing, it’s designed for breaking records. When you’re chasing 1000 plus pounds of Marlin, this is the reel you strap yourself to.

This is the sort of expensive reel you deploy from the largest of game boats equipped with a game fish fighting chair.

Capacities are enormous as you might expect. The spool holds 914 meters of 59kg mono and 3040yds of 150-pound braid.

There’s 45 kilograms of the best Twin Disk Drag System in the business – enough to arrest the biggest of ocean dwellers.

The 7mm machined alloy frame is profoundly strong, with its rigidity protecting machined stainless gears.

The dual-speed system offers heavy cranking 1.15:1 for when the going is super tough, and a high speed 2.2:1 for when you have a chance to get some line back.

At just short of 5kg, this is a heavy reel. It’s not the sort of reel you’ll stand and fish – this is sit down, strap in and hang on.

You’re bolting this reel to a game rod rated to at least 65kg, and you’re trolling the edge of the shelf for genuine monsters.

This is a serious reel, for the most serious of game anglers.

This sort of fishing is a team sport, the stakes are high, the costs are higher, and the Tiagra 130A is the sort of engineering brilliance you require to wrestle the ocean’s most powerful fish hundreds of miles offshore.

Features

  • Mono capacity 59kg / 914m
  • Capacity power pro 150lb / 3040yds
  • Dual Speed Gearing Low Gear Ratio of 1.15:1. High Gear Ration of 2.2:1
  • Retrieve per crank: Low Gear 56cm. High Gear 99cm
  • Bearings 6 A-RB (Anti-Rust Bearings)
  • Max Drag Power 45kg
  • Weight 4936g
  • Machined Aluminum Frame
  • Machined Aluminum Sideplates
  • Cold Forged Aluminum Spool
  • Clicker
  • Ratcheting Drag Lever
  • Twin Pawl Anti-Reverse System
  • Twin Disk Drag System
  • Offset Ergonomic Power Grip

>>Check Latest Price on Amazon<<

5. Daiwa Exist (Editor’s Choice)

Priced from $860 to $930 (Depending on Supplier)

I could have put any number of more expensive reels on this list. However, this is the most expensive fishing reel and it’s one of the most impressive reels you can buy.

Daiwa Exist G LT 4000 Spinning Reel EXISTGLT4000D-C

The Exist is an inshore reel, yet has some surf, and nearshore applications due to its incredible performance.

This is an aspirational reel that an inshore angler would cherish for a lifetime, and it’s built to last for a lifetime of go-to fishing.

13 mag sealed bearings support tough DigiGear which is housed in a machined alloy monocoque body. 

The monocoque body is a revelation from Daiwa, allowing greater room for a much bigger main gear.

Depending on which year model you get, there are 8 models from which to choose. The 2018 models start at 1000 through to 5000, with the later series starting at 2000 size.

It’s not that the drag capacities and spool capacities are particularly huge. By modern standards, they’re quite modest, or standard.

However, the precision machining, sealing, balance, feel, and torque are astonishing. It’s butter in your hands, but ergonomically brilliant, with a crank that’s light as a feather.

Under load, it doesn’t budget and holds its form beautifully. Each size will punch well above its compact size, as the powerful internals, rigid body, and rotor give nothing back to the fish.

If I was asked to select any reel as my inshore go-to, and I didn’t have to pay for it, the Exist would be at the top of my list.

While Daiwa, Shimano, and others make reels of similar pedigree and performance for significantly less, the Exist doesn’t hide its superiority – you really can feel the difference. 

With its sealing and protection, I’d like the 4000 to fish the surf, even though spool capacities are a little light on in a traditional surf sense.

The Exist is full of Daiwa’s flagship tech and is an absolute joy to fish. If you have a grand in your pocket set aside for fishing gear, why not lash out on an Exist. Treat it with care and you’ll have it forever.

Features

  • 12+1 Ball bearing system
  • Tough Digigear
  • Monocoque Body
  • Mag Seal
  • Mag Sealed Line Roller
  • Magseal Bearings
  • Airbail
  • ABS II
  • Air Spool
  • Zaion Air Rotor
  • Rotor Brake
  • Silent Oscillation
  • Real Stopper
  • Aluminum machine cut handle
  • ATD – Automatic Tournament Drag

>>Check Latest Price on Amazon<<

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Most Expensive Reel That You Can Buy?

The most expensive fishing reel you can buy is the Daiwa Marine Power MP 3000 12v which retails for $3500 depending on the supplier and the time you purchase.

What is the Best Fishing Reel in the World?

In all honesty, there is no relevant metric that can help anybody make such a call. 

Firstly you have to compare apples with apples, which means you would have to categorize.  

In my opinion, and not to sound trite, the best fishing reel in the world is the one that allows you to catch the fish you target.

Do More Expensive Reels Help Catch More Fish?

It’s probably better to say that very cheap reels have the potential to hinder your ability to catch fish. 

More expensive reels are definitely of benefit at the extreme ends of each fishing application.

For example, the cheapest of cheap game reels will struggle against the toughest and biggest of game fish, whereas a brilliantly designed and engineered game reel, full of top-shelf components will stand up far better in the toughest battles.

Why Are Stella Reels so Expensive

I’m not sure I can answer that question effectively. Indeed, unless you worked at a high-level position in Shimano, I feel it would be a difficult question to answer.

While it has top-shelf tech, components, design, and raw materials, it’s not without fault. I feel the reason a Stella is SO expensive is owing to its reputation…you’re paying a premium for the badge. 

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