Ball bearings are small steel balls inside which make the operations smooth. I usually prefer reels with five or more. I usually get more expensive reels cause I do a lot of heavy duty fishing and need some dependable reels and rods.

When choosing the type of saltwater reels you want to use, you may want to consider where you'll be fishing. Different reels, much like other saltwater equipment, are geared toward different uses and will come in handier in some areas of the open waters than others. For example, Daiwa has a line called Steez that produces reels, rods, and line, all of which it touts as bass gear.

However, if you are going to be fishing for inshore saltwater species, the lightweight powerhouse spinning reel works as one of the best reels available. There are two models of this particular line of reels, one weighing 6.9 ounces and the other 7.1 ounces. They are made of magnesium, titanium, and other lightweight composites and inside, they contain super-corrosion-resistant ball bearings, great for saltwater use.

One of the most well known, recognizable names is Penn Spinfisher. The latest in this line of reels is the Spinfisher SSm, available in three different sizes. It has a full-metal body, five ball bearings, and infinite anti-reverse for solid hook-sets and smooth performance.

These saltwater reels are made purposely to withstand a harsh saltwater environment and have a balance rotor for wobble-free performance. This reduces the fatigue caused to the angler. Coupled with Penn's Leveline spool-wrap, the throw is consistent and the line will lay a flat and level spool wrap on every retrieval, making this combination one of the best you can use.

The frames of these are made from a lightweight aluminum alloy that is also a high-strength material, meaning that you have a reel that is incredibly strong while still maintaining a minimal weight. The full-metal body of Penn's reels is superior to those of other companies that manufacture their reels of either graphite or a combination of graphite and metal because the aluminum alloy is stronger and will hold up better against the force and pressure of a trophy-sized saltwater fish, some of which can be extremely large and vicious in their fight for freedom.

Even under extremely intense pressure and loads, these saltwater reels maintain their alignment and have the torque to reel in whatever may be on the other end of the line.

One of the reasons that the Spinfisher SSm reels are so well thought of is the redesigned drag knob, which seals out saltwater and contaminants and is supported by a stainless steel main shaft.

This maintains the integrity and alignment of the SSm saltwater reels, even during huge drag loads caused by hard fights between fish and anglers.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best saltwater fishing information possible. Get more information on saltwater reels here: http://www.asksaltwaterfishing.com