Spinning reel fishing is the best way to spend a day off of work. It is the fisherman's equivalent of a movie and popcorn. Unlike fly-fishing or baitcaster fishing, using a standard spool and axel reel with a simple bail takes almost no thought on the part of the fisherman. Simply flip the bail back holding the line with your forefinger, just above the reel, arch the rod back and fling it forward releasing your finger and you have liftoff. Spinning reel rods allows you to switch effortlessly between a lure and baited hook so you can enjoy variety.

If you are new to fishing, this is the place to start. Because of its simplicity reel fishing continues to be the most popular style and even for greenhorns of the saltwater, among the most productive. In contrast to other styles, it is hard to make a fishing mistake with the simple spinning rod. Maybe with a baitcaster you get a backlash, not so with spinning reel fishing. Possibly on a fly fishing trip all you will catch is a tree branch. Again, not the case with spinners. All you need to do for a great day on the beach is bait the hook, set the line, find a pitch, set the poll in the sand and wait for a fish to come to you.

Sure, you might not be embracing all the technical challenges associated with fishing, but when push comes to shove, most fishermen will be grateful to just snag a fish. It is not uncommon for folks to return home, after a day on the water, empty handed. Since there is no guarantee that you will be going home with a stocked cooler full of fish, you might as well enjoy the time on the sandy beach.

If you're looking for the best saltwater fishing reel you need to know who the top manufacturers are and here's a quick outline:

Shimano - A leader in the outdoor recreation business for many years this Japanese company has been in the forefront of manufacturing quality fishing equipment. And, with fish being the staple of the Japanese diet means that this is more than just a business to them.

Penn - Otto Henze started the company in 1932 and this American company has been one of the leading manufacturers of fishing equipment ever since. Serious anglers have been using their high quality tackle and reels for many decades, when they go out to sea to battle against large saltwater sport fish.

Daiwa - Another Japanese company, Daiwa has grown into one of the largest and most influential tackle companies in the world, since their first spinning reel rolled off the assembly line in 1955.

Abu Garcia - A Swedish company that was founded in the early 1920s. It originally made clocks and watches. It later switched manufacturing precision watches, to precision fishing reels. After eight decades, their endurance in this competitive industry is a testament to their dedication to fine craftsmanship and sturdy practicality.

Okuma - Yet another Japanese company in this highly competitive industry has one of the prestige brands for fishing reels and other fishing related equipment. A top priority for this company is to offer high quality gear at a very low price. This attracts many fishermen from around the world to see them as their outfitter of choice.