Casting
UNDER $100 A ABU GARCIA SILVER MAX LOW PROFILE BAITCASTING REEL
Abu Garcia’s Silver Max Low Profile Baitcasting Reel features a graphite frame, machined-aluminum spool plus the company’s Duragear brass gear system to offer toughness at reasonable value. You’ll no doubt appreciate the Silver Max’s compact, ergonomic design and what the company call its “Rocket Clutch,” which allows convenient one-handed operation that’ll come in handy if you fish from kayaks or similar watercraft. Some other key features include its Magtrax brake system for more precise casting, as well as the Power Disk drag system for all-around smooth performance. Two models are available in right- and left-retrieves, both weigh 7.30 oz, are offered with 6.4:1 gear ratios, and have 5 + 1 bearing system. Retrieval rates are 66 cm (26 in) and have 145/12 (mono) and 140/30 (braid) line capacities. MSRP: Starting at $59.99 USD www.abugarcia.com
B DAIWA CR80
Daiwa has expanded it offerings for 2019 with the all-new CR80, an economical, sturdy and compact baitcaster that will prove its worthiness for bass, lake trout or other feisty species. While it weighs just under 7 oz and can literally fit in the palm of your hand, a closer look at its ergonomic design will reveal hefty strength thanks to the double-anodized aluminum spool and Carbon Resin frame and side plate. Casting will also be impressive (and easier) with its magnetic cast control. And, when you feel that strike, it’s bound to stop that trout or bass with its maximum drag of 15 lbs. Three models are available in left and right hand retrieves, they weigh 6.8 oz, offered in gear ratios from 6.8:1 to 7.5:1, and have a 7+ 1 bearing system. Retrieval rates range from 26.8 to 29.7 IPT and have 110/12 – 100/14 mono line capacities. MSRP: $79.99 www.daiwa.com
C KASTKING ROYALE LEGEND
Whether you’re just getting into fishing or in the market for a second reel, the value of the Kastking Royal Legend is hard to beat. To start with, the Legend’s dual brake system features an easily-adjustable, dual centrifugal and magnetic brake system for the utmost reliability and to help eliminate backlash, while its carbon fiber drag system has 17.5 Ibs. of stopping power. You’ll also appreciate the brass gear system and machined- aluminum spool with a stainless steel main shaft to ensure toughness. If you want more performance in a bait casting reel, perhaps look at one of Kastking’s latest launches, which includes the Speed Demon Pro offering many features including a 9.3:1 Gear Ratio, 12+1 stainless steel bearing system, CNC Aluminum Spool and a Magnetic Braking System. In right- and left-retrieval, weighs 7.51 oz and has a 7.0:1 gear ratio, a 11 + 1 Maxidur shielded bearing system and retrieval rate of 31.5 IPT. MSRP: $49.98 CDN www.kastking.com
UNDER $100 D QUANTUM THROTTLE II
For 2019, Quantum introduces its Throttle II baitcasting reel, which is built on a graphite body and hosts many of the company’s popular features. For example, the Magnetic Cast Control can adjust casting preferences while its Zero Friction Pinion design holds the gear precisely in place (by two bearings) to eliminate contact with the spool shaft, thus reducing friction for longer casts. It also has a maximum drag of 15 lbs. and a weight of just under 8 oz. The Throttle II is available in combo packages featuring new Suregrip rod handles and IM8 high-modulus graphite blanks. The reels are available in left and right retrieves, weigh 7.6 oz, and are offered in gear ratios from 6.6:1 to 7.3:1. They have 7+1 bearing systems, retrieval rates range from 28 to 31 IPT and all come with a 135/12 line capacities. MSRP: $79.99 USD www.quantumfishing.com
UNDER $200 E ABU GARCIA REVO X INSHORE
Abu Garcia remains competitive in the casting reel market with its Revo X Inshore. Showcased at this year’s ICAST, this baitcaster features a lightweight, rigid and corrosion-resistant X2-craftic alloy frame, making it hardy for a variety of saltwater fishing applications. Once offshore, you’ll appreciate the Magtrax brake system that offers optimal line control as well as the Carbon Matrix hybrid drag system, which provides up to 18 pounds of drag, making it especially handy for those larger saltwater species. For added convenience, its 95 mm aluminum handle means extra cranking power and even added comfort under heavier pressure. Two models are available in right- and left-retrieves with 6.6:1 gear ratios and 6 + 1 bearing systems. Retrieval rates are 27 IPT. MSRP: Starting at $129.95 USD www.abugarcia.com
F DAIWA TATULA 100
Also shining bright in the 2019 Daiwa casting reel series is the new Tatula 100, which according to the company is “the smallest, lightest Tatula ever built.” With its aluminum frame to increase durability and decrease weight, the Tatula highlights what Daiwa call its T-wing System that’s designed to eliminate the steep line angle and friction that commonly slows line flow when you cast. If you’re a big fan of baitcasters, you’ll also like the Zero Adjuster spool tension setting that holds the spool shaft without any side-to-side play to achieve an appropriate amount of braking power quick and easy with its magnetic dial. The Tatula 100 rounds out with a matte black finish, compact design, and a soft touch handle. Five models are available, all weighing 6.9 oz with gear ratios from 6.3:1 to 8.1:1 (right hand retrieve only). The reels also have 7 + 1 bearing systems, retrieval rates from 26.8 to 29.7 IPT and 150/12 – 125/14 (mono) and 140/30 – 100/40 (braid) line capacities. MSRP: $159.00 USD www.daiwa.com
UNDER $200 G LEW’S SUPERDUTY G SPEED SPOOL LFS SERIES
This series has a host of new features to include a more compact design, the addition of right- and left-hand models, Combat-style handle knobs and thumb bar, plus a new flipping speed switch on the XH and XHL models. When it comes to durability, there’s no doubt you’ll feel the strength thanks to the solid, one-piece aluminum frame, graphite sideplate featuring a Softtouch Armor finish and an aluminum machined-spool, measuring 34 mm (that’s braid-ready). Other structural components include a Titanium coated Zirconia line guide, a brass gear system, an anodized-aluminum “power crank” handle, and a rugged carbon fiber drag system that can offer up to 20 lbs. of drag. Four models are available, all weighing 7.7 oz and are offered in gear ratios from 6.8:1 to 8.3:1. They have 10 + 1 bearing systems, retrieval rates range from 28 to 35 IPT and come with 150/12 (mono) and 150/12 (braid) line capacities. MSRP: $179.00 USD www.lews.com
H QUANTUM ACCURIST S3 PT
Built on a sturdy, one-piece aluminum frame, the saltwater-friendly Accurist S3 PT comes with the new PT ACS 3.0 cast control system, which works in conjunction with the company’s proven Flippin’ Switch to deliver more efficient, precise casts. More casting power is provided by Quantum’s Zero Friction system that holds the pinion gear precisely in place with two bearings to eliminate contact with the spool shaft during casts, thus preventing friction and offering smoother, longer casts. When it comes time to react to those intense strikes, the Ceramic Drag System kicks in with its maximum pulling power of 18 lbs. What’s more, the Adjustable Centrifugal System (ACS) allows you to dial in the exact amount of braking force, even on the fly. The Accurist is available in right-hand retrieve models, weighs 7.8 oz and comes with a 7.0:1 gear ratio. With its 8+1 bearing system, retrieval rates are 29 IPT and offers 135/12 (mono) and 170/30 (braid) line capacities. MSRP: $99.95 (USD) www.quantumfishing.com
I SHIMANO SLX
While the Shimano Curado DC won the best of category – Freshwater Reels at 2018 ICAST, there’s no reason to overlook the new Shimano SLX, which is a compact, tough casting reel featuring Shimano’s proven Hagane Body design plus a series of rigid metals to reduce weight and eliminates reel flex. Some other key features in the SLX include the Variable Braking System (VBS) – to prevent backlashing and deliver extended casts – and a maximum drag of 12 lbs. It’s also available in three different gear ratios. Six models are available with a weight of 6.9 oz. and gear ratios range from 6.3:1 to 8.2:1. They also have a 3+1 bearing system and a maximum drag rating between 11 - 12 lbs. MSRP: $99.99 USD www.fish.shimano.com
UNDER $300 J LEW’S CUSTOM INSHORE SPEED SPOOL SLP SERIES
Just one of the latest entries from Lew’s for 2019, the Custom Inshore Speed Spool is positioned between the company’s higher end baitcasters and those that are more economical for entry-level enthusiasts. At first glance, you’ll notice its sleek profile and attractive colour scheme, yet a closer inspection will reveal a series of features to offer the utmost toughness. For instance, it has a one-piece aluminum frame, C45 gear and graphite palming sideplates, a double anodized aluminum spool plus a solid brass gearing system. It also sports the adjustable Multi-setting Brake (MSB) dual cast control system and a carbon fiber drag system that provides up to 20 lbs. of drag. More functionality is provided by its bowed lightweight aluminum reel handle with Winn Dri-tac handle knobs, the company’s Combat Grip Pad on the thumb bar and a titanium-coated Zirconia line guide. The Custom Inshore Speed Spool SLP weighs 6.9 oz, has a fast 7.5:1 gear ratio, a 9 + 1 bearing system, retrieval rate of 30 IPT and a line capacity of 140/12. MSRP: $199.99 USD
K OKUMA HELIOS SX
For 2019, the Helios SX from Okuma has a sleek, new profile plus a series of revamped internal functions to deliver longer casts, enhanced smoothness and reduced weight. For instance, the Helios SX has a rigid, die-cast aluminum frame and side plates, while the company’s Corrosion Resistant Coating (CRC) ensures protection – and durability – from the elements. Its light weight is provided in part by the ported spool and aluminum gears and when it comes to casting power, you’ll hit those sweet spots thanks to its Friction-free shaft system. Further casting convenience is provided by its 12-point adjustable velocity control, allowing you to set your casting preferences in a snap. Four models are available (including left-hand retrieves), all weigh 6.3 oz, are offered with gear ratios ranging from 6.6:1 to 8.1:1 and have 10 + 1 bearing systems. 130/12 mono, 130/30 braid, or 95/14 line capacities are also available. MSRP: $219.00 USD www.okumafishingusa.com
L SHIMANO CURADO DC
If you have ever experienced backlashes with a casting reel you know it can be a fury mess that takes away from precious fishing time. To prevent this, the Curado DC series from Shimano features what the company calls a Digitally Controlled Braking System. According to the company, the system precisely measures and controls the line every 1/1000 of a second and applies just enough braking pressure when needed, while still offering maximum casting distance and accuracy. Winning the best of category – Freshwater Reels at 2018 ICAST, the Curado DC reels are light to handle yet tough on the water thanks to the company’s solid and proven Hagane-built body (that’s also designed prevent flexing or warping). Six models are available and range in weight from 7.8-7.9 oz., are offered with gear ratios ranging from 6.2:1 to 8.5:1, have a 6+1 bearing system and 90/14 to 110/12 mono line capacities. MSRP: $250.00 USD www.fish.shimano.com
UNDER $400 M 13 FISHING CONCEPT TXZ
For 2019, 13 Fishing has combined previous, proven technology with recent developments to offer the Concept TXZ baitcasting reel, which is one tough, high- performing reel for serious saltwater anglers. One of the key components of the TXZ is the featured new CZB Comp Spool High Spin Bearings that are geared to deliver long, smooth casts. Plus, with the addition of its popular Black Seal bearings, the TXZ is designed to offer 100 percent corrosion-resistance. Other highlights include a one-piece aluminum frame, Airfoil carbon side plates to add toughness (as well as a lighter weight) and ergonomically-designed knobs that can stand up to the saltwater environment. Durability aside, you’ll be able to stop fish right at the strike thanks the 22 lb. Bull Dog Drag System and you’ll also appreciate the 6-way centrifugal braking system to ensure trouble free, unobstructed casts. Four models are available (including one left-hand retrieve) with 10+1 bearing systems, retrieval rates from 26.1 – 32 IPT, and a line capacity of 135/12. Price: $330.00 USD www.13fishing.com