Reel Repair by Alan Tani

I tell ya I've seen more than I can remember kayak reels come through the shop. Some have been just dunked, some underwater for while until they find them. In my area Kayak fisherman go out 5 miles from the beach. Most commonly 3 miles to some man made reefs and live bottom. 60 feet of water.

Red Snapper, Mahi, Kingfish, Sailfish, etc.

Most here use spinning reels. The Shimano reels of any nature rarely have water inside them. The bodies fit that tight. No seals at all. There bearings are crap and need changing often no matter how they are fished.

The SSV reels come in full of water and corrosion. I have many pictures like shown above.

When conventional reels are used they are usually Avet's.

Just my nickel's worth, (inflation you know).

I don't kayak, but if I did I would use a 501 with bars, grease it up and call it good.  No way I'm going to risk losing a quality reel, and the quick take apart feature is priceless.  (The Boss Tani already said so earlier).

And great white sharks don't like Penn reels.......

Don't have any sealed reels. After "Tanizing" my reels, 'bout at least 3 times a year, gotta check bearings, including ARB's, esp. anything that's inna "sink". Spinners esp. sensitive to line roller problems, gotta check 'em every other trip at least, lube 'em(inox m3) at that time, mabey take 'em apart 'bout 4 times/year.

Best conventional; based on limited exp. what Rancanfish said. No ballbearings, easy disassembly.
Best spinner; ?, for me: Shiminao Static, but exp. very limited. Kinda a complicated line roller to reassemble.
Gfish