When 20-pound and 30-pound-class offshore fishing reels don’t have the stopping power or line capacity to stop a hard-charging marlin, 50-pound-class reels are the go-to for anglers who still want the versatility to pitch a bait or fight a fish comfortably in stand-up mode, although they are equally adept for use from a fighting chair. See below to find out which models from Penn, Shimano, Fin Nor, Okuma, Accurate, Alutecnos, Duel, Daiwa and Avet made our list of the best big-game offshore fishing reels.
Accurate ATD-50T Platinum Twin Drag
Accurate’s ATD-50T Platinum Twin Drag reels features the company’s patented TwinDrag system, which provides smooth drag pressure from each side of the spool. The offshore fishing reel features seven class-5 ABEC stainless-steel bearings and stainless-steel gears. The AccuDrag system provides upward of 65 pounds of drag at full, and boasts a gear ratio of 3.1-to-1 in high gear and 1.2-to-1 in low. Manufactured and assembled in the United States, the reel is also available in a left-handed model or without a crossbar.
Specifications:
- Maximum Drag: 65 pounds
- Gear Ratio (High/Low): 3.1:1 / 1.2:1
- Weight: 58 ounces
- Mono Capacity (60lb): 500 yards
Accurate ATD-50W Platinum Twin Drag
The wide version of the ATD-50 adds additional capacity to the reel and holds 500 yards of 80-pound mono. The reel features the same gear ratios of 3.1-to-1 and 1.2-to-1, and the weight only increases by two ounces for the added size and capacity. The ATD-50W is available in both right and left-handed models.
Specifications:
- Maximum Drag: 65 pounds
- Gear Ratio (High/Low): 3.1:1 / 1.8:1
- Weight: 60 ounces
- Mono Capacity (80lb): 500 yards
Alutecnos Albacore 50W Two-Speed
The Albacore series of reels from Alutecnos are designed with the serious angler in mind and constructed with some of the finest materials. The 50-pound-class reels come in four different configurations, with both narrow and wide configurations with single or two speeds. The wide two-speed reel holds 1,094 yards of 50-pound mono and has a gear ratios of 3.3-to-1 and 1.7-to-1. Just like the rest of its models, the Alutecnos 50W utilizes carbon-composite drag washers and incorporates five tempered stainless-steel bearings in its construction. Made in Italy, these offshore reels are held to the highest of quality-control standards.
Specifications:
- Gear Ratio (High/Low): 3.3:1 / 1.7:1
- Weight: 73 ounces
- Mono Capacity (50lb): 1,094 yards
Avet T-RX 50/2W
The Avet T-RX 50/2W shares many of the same features as its larger brother, the T-RX 80/2W, like a dry carbon fiber drag system for terrific stopping power, unmatched smoothness and wear resistance. The two-speed gear transmission has a user-friendly quick-shift mechanism to rapidly and easily change between the high and low gear ratios, perfect for a stubborn marlin or tuna pinwheeling deep below the boat. A large ergonomically angled reel handle makes the fight a bit more comfortable, too. All Avet reels are made in the U.S.
Specifications:
- Mono Capacity (80-pound): 610 yards
- Braid Capacity (130-pound): 1,400 yards
- Gear Ratio (High/Low): 3.2:1 / 1.3:1
- Maximum Drag: 116 pounds
- Weight: 79 ounces
Daiwa 50 Saltiga Two-Speed
The Saltiga two-speed reel from Daiwa is one of the lightest reels of the group, weighing just 25.7 ounces. The machined-aluminum spool holds 220 yards of 50-pound mono and Ultimate Tournament Drag (UTD) provides a max drag at strike of 28.6 pounds and a max full drag of 40 pounds. The helical-cut stainless-steel gears provide the highest gear ratio of 6.3-to-1, allowing the reel to pick up 46.9 inches of line per crank.
Specifications:
- Maximum Drag at Strike: 28.6 pounds
- Maximum Drag at Full: 40 pounds
- Retrieve Per Crank (High/Low): 46.9 / 22.8 inches
- Gear Ratio (High/Low): 6.3:1 / 3.1:1
- Weight: 25.7 ounces
- Mono Capacity (50lb): 220 yards
Daiwa Saltist 50 Two-Speed
Even lighter than the Daiwa Saltiga, the Saltist 50 weighs in at only 23.0 ounces. The frame and left-side plate of the reel are constructed from a solid piece of aluminum for increased strength. Matched with a speed knob, the helical-cut stainless-steel gears and six ball bearings produce a high gear ratio of 6.3-to-1, retrieving 46.9 inches of line per crank. With only 26.4 pounds of drag at full, the reel does not have the backbone that other reels do, but sure makes up for it in weight and quickness.
Specifications:
- Maximum Drag at Strike: 17.6 pounds
- Maximum Drag at Full: 26.4 pounds
- Retrieve Per Crank (High/Low): 46.9 / 23.1 inches
- Gear Ratio (High/Low): 6.3:1 / 3.1:1
- Weight: 23 ounces
- Mono Capacity (20lb): 360 yards
Duel Big Game 6/0
The Duel 6/0 reel features Duel’s patented automatic gearbox that allows reversing the rotation direction of the handle while still gaining line. A different gear ratio is engaged in reverse, but prevents an angler from getting stuck in a stalemate with a stubborn fish. Clockwise, the handle gives a rapid recovery. Counter-clockwise, the recovery is slow, but powerful. The reel also features a stainless steel and carbon fiber multiple-disc clutch.
Specifications:
- Gear Ratio (High/Low): 3.4:1 / 1.4:1
- Weight: 72 ounces
- Mono Capacity (50lb): 850 yards
Fin-Nor Marquesa 50
Fin-Nor’s Marquesa 50 is machined from 6061-T6 aluminum and features one of the strongest drag systems of the group, providing 50 pounds of maximum drag. The Marquesa two-speed model features a fast 5.2:1 retrieve that picks up 50 inches of line per crank as well as a powerful 2.8:1 low gear to provide an extra edge during a stalemate. The reel is available with or without a top bar to meet angler preferences.
Specifications:
- Maximum Drag at Full: 50 pounds
- Retrieve Per Crank (High/Low): 50 / 27 inches
- Gear Ratio (High/Low): 5.2:1 / 2.8:1
- Weight: 34.2 ounces
- Mono Capacity (40lb): 470 yards
Fin-Nor Santiago 50
Available in both narrow and wide varieties, the Fin-Nor Santiago reels are the flagship model of the brand. Finished with the classic anodized Fin-Nor gold finish, the Santiago is constructed from a one-piece aluminum frame that incorporates a forged-aluminum spool. Weighing in at 83 ounces, the reel holds 730 yards of 50-pound line. The reel utilizes four hybrid ceramic stainless-steel ball bearings, and the reel incorporates a push-button and dial-release two-speed shift system to change from a high ratio of 3.2-to-1 to a low ratio of 1.8-to-1.
Specifications:
- Maximum Drag at Strike: 50 pounds
- Maximum Drag at Full: 85 pounds
- Gear Ratio (High/Low): 3.2:1 / 1.8:1
- Weight: 83 ounces
- Mono Capacity (50lb): 730 yards
Okuma Makaira 50W Two-Speed
The T6-machined-aluminum frame and forged side plates of the Okuma Makaira are made to withstand a beating. Backed by a five-year warranty, the helical-cut stainless-steel gears provide a high gear of 3.2-to-1 and a retrieval rate of 37.8 inches of line per crank. Combined with a ratcheting drag lever that precisely engages the Carbonite Dual Force Drag system, it can produce upward of 60 pounds of drag at strike and 85 pounds of drag at full. The machined-aluminum spool holds 900 yards of 50-pound mono, more than enough for almost any situation.
Specifications:
- Maximum Drag at Strike: 60 pounds
- Maximum Drag at Full: 85 pounds
- Retrieve Per Crank (High/Low): 37.8 / 15.3 inches
- Gear Ratio (High/Low): 3.2:1 / 1.3:1
- Weight: 65 ounces
- Mono Capacity (50lb): 900 yards
Okuma 50SEa Two-Speed Special Edition
The Makaira SEa (Special Edition) adds some additional features to the Makaira II, including an open-spool design and the use of TSI-301 oil to increase free-spool speed. Most notable is the gunsmoke-and-black anodizing on the aluminum frame, rather than the gold finish.
Specifications:
- Maximum Drag at Strike: 60 pounds
- Maximum Drag at Full: 85 pounds
- Retrieve Per Crank (High/Low): 37.8 / 11.9 inches
- Gear Ratio (High/Low): 3.2:1 / 1.1:1
- Weight: 65 ounces
- Mono Capacity (50lb): 650 yards
Penn International VISX 50W Two Speed
The Penn International VISX 50W is the wide-bodied variety of the popular line of reels from Penn. Constructed with a one-piece aluminum frame, the two-speed reel provides 34 inches of line per crank with its 3.1-to-1 gear ratio. One of the heavier reels, at 73 ounces, the reel holds 825 yards of 50-pound line and features 45 pounds of stopping power thanks to its Dura-Drag system.
Specifications:
- Maximum Drag at Strike: 28 pounds
- Maximum Drag at Full: 45 pounds
- Retrieve Per Crank (High/Low): 34 / 14 inches
- Gear Ratio (High/Low): 3.1:1 / 1.3:1
- Weight: 73 ounces
- Mono Capacity (50lb): 825 yards
Penn International 50VISW Liberty
This is a limited-edition 50VISW Liberty from Penn International, with a custom American flag-wrapped spool and side plate engraved with “Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death.” It arrives in a custom hinged wood display box. The reel also features Penn’s stainless-steel main and pinion gears and Quick-Shift II two-speed system. It’s limited to 1,000 pieces, and it’s made in the US of domestic and imported components.
Specifications:
- Maximum Drag at Strike: 28 pounds
- Maximum Drag at Full: 45 pounds
- Retrieve Per Crank (High/Low): 34 / 14 inches
- Gear Ratio (High/Low): 3.1:1 / 1.3:1
- Weight: 73 ounces
- Mono Capacity (50lb): 825 yards
Penn Squall Two Speed
The Penn Squall Two Speed incorporates a graphite frame and side plates to reduce its weight to 47 ounces, in contrast to the heavier International line of reels from Penn. The aluminum spool holds 890 yards of 50-pound mono and incorporates capacity rings into the spool, which allow an angler to determine how much line is left with just a quick glance. The quick-shift system allows anglers to effortlessly switch from a high gear of 2.9-to-1 to a low gear of 1.5-to-1, allowing them to quickly gather line or dig in on a fish. The Dura-Drag system eliminates hesitation in changes in drag and can provide a maximum of 40 pounds of drag at full.
Specifications:
- Maximum Drag at Strike: 30 pounds
- Maximum Drag at Full: 40 pounds
- Retrieve Per Crank (High/Low): 33 / 17 inches
- Gear Ratio (High/Low): 2.9:1 / 1.5:1
- Weight: 55.6 ounces
- Mono Capacity (20lb): 890 yards
Shimano Talica 50 II
Shimano’s Talica 50 reel is built to meet the highest level of requirements from anglers wanting a smooth and powerful drag system. Packed with a total of six ball bearings and a gear ratio of 3.8-to-1, the Talica is one of the fastest of the group and picks up 45 inches of line per crank so anglers can keep up with a captain backing down fast. Weighing just 46 ounces, the Hagane body combines with a one-piece frame and oversized gears for added stiffness to prevent reel flexing.
Specifications:
- Maximum Drag at Strike: 53 pounds
- Maximum Drag at Full: 60 pounds
- Retrieve Per Crank (High/Low): 45 / 20 inches
- Gear Ratio (High/Low): 3.8:1 / 1.7:1
- Weight: 56.0 ounces
- Mono Capacity (60lb): 440 yards
Shimano Tiagra 50W
The Tiagra 50W reel from Shimano is the company’s top-of-the-line reel. Featuring a hydrothermal drag system that eliminates drag variances due to temperature changes, the TI50WLSRA produces a max drag of 44 pounds at full and max drag of 35 pounds at strike. At 86.3 ounces the reel is the heaviest of the group, but the Hagane body construction eliminates body flexing and combines with a cold-forged aluminum spool that can carry 550 yards of 80-pound mono. Incorporating four A-RB ball bearings and a gear ratio of 3.1-to-1 when in high gear, the reel gathers 37 inches of line per crank.
Specifications:
- Maximum Drag at Strike: 35 pounds
- Maximum Drag at Full: 44 pounds
- Retrieve Per Crank (High/Low): 37 / 15 inches
- Gear Ratio (High/Low): 3.1:1 / 1.3:1
- Weight: 86.3 ounces
- Mono Capacity (80lb): 550 yards
Shimano TLD 50 II
The TLD series has been a workhorse offshore reel for decades, thanks to Shimano’s penchant for durability and performance. With a 1.4/1 low gear ratio, downshifting the two-speed reel allows the angler to turn a stubborn game fish when it goes deep.
Specifications:
- Maximum Drag: 42 pounds
- Retrieve Per Crank (High/Low): 38/ 15 inches
- Gear Ratio (High/Low): 3.5:1 / 1.4:1
- Weight: 57.3 ounces
- Mono Capacity (80lb): 440 yards
Shimano Tyrnos 50 II
A favorite among the charter boat crowd, the Tyrnos line combines near-bulletproof reliability with a reasonable price point and excellent performance. The drags are especially smooth and do not overheat in a prolonged fight with a beefy pelagic.
Specifications
- Maximum Drag: 42 pounds
- Retrieve Per Crank (High/Low): 44/ 16 inches
- Gear Ratio (High/Low): 4:1 / 1.5:1
- Weight: 57.4 ounces
- Mono Capacity (50lb): 700 yards
