Spinning
UNDER $100 A ABU GARCIA ELITE MAX
One of the many key features on Abu Garcia’s Elite Max is its Im-c6 one-piece gear box, which houses computer- optimized gearing that’s not only highly efficient for controlled presentations but provides a lightweight and compact design for ease of use. In addition to featuring the company’s signature Rocket Spool Lip Design and Rocket Line Management system to deliver accurate casts, the Elite Max has a machined-aluminum spool that’s braid- ready plus a Carbon Matrix hybrid drag system for optimal stopping power. Five sizes are available, they weigh from 7.9 to 13.3 oz, are offered with 5.6:1 - 6.2:1 gear ratios, and have 6 + 1 bearing systems. Choose from right or left hand retrieves, and various line capacities are available for mono and braided lines. MSRP: $69.99 USD www.abugarcia.com
B DAIWA REVROS LT
While Daiwa’s Revros LT is tough to take on the most fiesty fish, it’s also light to allow for easy handling and casting. Models in the series range from 7.4 to 9.9 ounces thanks to its composite construction (while still providing solid framework for its strong gearing) and the company’s Air Rotor System that Daiwa says is 15 percent lighter than compatable rotors. You’ll also like the Revros LT’S ease of use with its machined aluminum handle that smoothly transfers power to the main gear, and the maximum drag rating which ranges from 8.8 to 26.5 lbs. Up to 12 reels are available, they weigh from 7.4 to 9.9 oz, are offered with 5.2:1, 5.3:1, and 6.2:1 gear ratios and have 4 + 1 bearing systems. MSRP: Starting at 49.99 to 59.99 USD www.daiwa.com
PENN PURSUIT III C
Offering durability at a great price, the 2019 Pursuit III features a lightweight, corrosion-resistant graphite body, reliable HT-100 drag system, and the company’s Super Line Spool and gasket, which allows you to tie braided line directly onto the arbor of spool to prevent line slippage. If you’re wondering, the “HT” stands for high-tech and the “100” means that 100 miles of line can be run off without showing any wear on the reel’s carbon fibre drag washers. The Penn III includes many other high points including metal side plates to ensure the gears stay in precise alignment and four, shielded stainless steel ball bearings to provide smooth retrieves. All reels in the series are also available in combos, with the accompanying rods featuring Penn’s once-piece stainless steel Dura-guides for added reliability. Six reels are available. They weigh from 9.8 to 29.1 oz, are offered with 6.2:1 gear ratios, have 4 + 1 stainless steel bearing systems and line capacities range from 165/10 - 310/25 (mono) and 180/20 - 390/65 (braided). MSRP: $39.99 to $69.99 USD www.pennfishing.com
UNDER $100 D SHIMANO CATANA FD
While Shimano’s Curado DC and Tekota 500 Levelwind reels received much of the lime light at 2018 ICAST, there were certainly other impressive models from the company as well. For instance, 2019 brings the updated Catana FD, which has a new, modern and striking black stealth design and a wealth of many Shimano designs. You’ll appreciate the FD’S Propulsion Line Management and 3-bearing systems, which combine to eliminate line twists and provide longer, smoother casts. Drag ratings range from 7 – 19 lbs (depending on the model), while a die cast aluminum spool and zinc die-cast handle are other appointments. There are 7 models are available, they weigh from 7.5 to 11 oz., are offered in 5.0:1 to 6.2:1 gear ratios and have 2 + 1 bearing systems. Retrieval rates in the series also range from 24 to 35 IPT. MSRP: $59.99 CDN http://fish.shimano.com
UNDER $200 E LEW’S CUSTOM INSHORE SPEED SPIN
Lew’s comes to the table for 2019 with it’s new Custom Inshore Speed Spin that the company says “has it all” for savvy saltwater anglers. In fact, after learning that it features an aluminum body and side plate, a seven-bearing system, and handy flush/ drain port that’ll keep it running smoothly, you just may want to consider this reel next season. Further features include high-strength Speed Gears and a sealed carbon drag system with a maximum drag of 24 pounds. It also has a Winn Dri-tac handle knob offering great control – and comfort – when the duty calls. Three models are available, all have 6.2:1 gear ratios and line capacities range from 160/8 to 230/10. MSRP: $129.99 USD www.lews.com
F OKUMA AZORES BLUE
Ready for saltwater right out of the box, the new Azores Blue spinning reels are available in a range of models and no matter which one you choose, each feature a die-cast, aluminum body, side plate and rotor, machine-cut pinion gear and the company’s Dual Force Drag system (DFD) with carbon drag washers. According to Okuma, this drag system can offer high-end pressure for overall smoothness and provide an output of up to 44-plus pounds (depending on the model). It also has a rigid, machined-aluminum handle to prevent flexing under heavier pressure. Some other highlights include a rubber-sealed, greased-packed bearing system to resist saltwater plus new, larger gearing for increased torque. Five saltwater models are available, are offered in 5.4:1 to 5.8:1 gear ratios, have 6 + 1 bearing systems and range in weight from 12 to 25 oz. MSRP: From $129.99 USD www.okumafishingusa.com
UNDER $200 G PFLUEGER SUPREME
Although Pflueger didn’t introduce any new spinning reels for 2019, they have a vast arsenal of models for a range of budgets and fishing styles, which includes the Supreme, a proven workhorse whether you’re fishing offshore or inland at your favourite lake. Braid-ready with a high line capacity, some appointments include an aluminum handle and bail wire plus a magnesium body, making the Supreme strong and reliable. Added toughness – and weight savings – is provided by a machined ported, double-anodized aluminum spool and its “anti-twist” titanium line roller that offers smooth winding, even line lay and longer casts. Four models are available, they weigh from 6.6 to 9.6 oz., are offered in 5.2:1 to 6.2:1 gear ratios and have 8 + 1 bearing systems. They are convertible for left- or right-hand retrieve and retrieval rates range from 22.8 to 38.6 IPT. MSRP: $99.95 USD
H QUANTUM ACCURIST INSHORE
An all-around spinning reel whether you’re fishing fresh or salt water, the Accursit Inshore has many of the company’s popular designs yet has been upgraded with PT Anti- Corrosion Bearings and Saltguard protection. This Accurist also has the company’s Dura-lok Clutch, which provides enhanced lock-up and anti-reverse functions, plus its Maxcast 2.0 line management system that minimizes line twists for even line lay and longer casts. It even has Quantum’s Hot Sauce lubricant to ensure less friction. Two models are available in right and left hand retrieves, they have a 5.2:1 gear ratio, 6+1 bearing systems, and line capacities ranging from 150/8 to 150/10. MSRP: See local retailer www.quantumfishing.com
UNDER $300 I ABU GARCIA REVO IKE
With input from 2003 Bassmaster Classic Champion Mike Iaconelli and two years in the making, the Revo IKE from Abu Garcia not only looks cool with stylish cosmetics, but has a series of highlights including 9 stainless HPCR bearings, a lightweight IM-C6 body, plus the company’s AM Gearing and Carbon Matrix Drag systems to provide the utmost control when the trophy fish strike. Long, smooth casts are delivered thanks to Abu Garcia’s Rocket line management and Rocket spool lip design, plus there's a new carbon fibre handle for optimal grip and control. Some other features include a C6 carbon rotor, K-clutch Anti- Reverse, and Abu’s Carbon Matrix drag system that offers 11 lbs. of pressure. Four models are available, they weigh 7.58 oz., are offered in 6.2:1 gear ratios and have 10 + 1 bearing systems. Models are also offered in left- or right- hand retrieve. MSRP: $229.95 USD
UNDER $300 J PENN SPINFISHER VI
Another contender for offshore fishing is the Penn Spinfisher VI series that includes a range of sizes to meet various fishing styles and preferences. With many appointments, all reels in the series include the IPX5 sealing rating, which means the gearbox and drag system is safe from saltwater corrosion, as well the HT-100 drag system that’s also protected with a completely sealed spool. All reels also have a full metal body and side plate to ensure the CNC Gear System stays aligned under consistent heavy pressure and while aluminum gearing can be found on the smaller models, brass gearing is featured on the larger models. Penn also still managed to keep weight to a minimum as each model is said to be two to three ounces lighter than previous Spinfisher reels. Three main models are available – the Live Liner, Bail-less and Long Cast – for a total of nine reels. They weigh from 12.3 to 32.3 oz., are offered in 4.3:1 to 6.2:1 gear ratios and have 5 + 1 bearing systems. A variety of line capacities are also offered. MSRP: From $139.99 to 249.99 USD www.pennfishing.com
K DAIWA SALTIST BACKBAY 3000/4000 SERIES
There’s no doubt saltwater fishing takes you to new places for various species and experiences, and the Saltist 3000 and 4000 Series spinning reels are designed for heavy inshore duties where saltwater is prevailant and the fish active. All new, the models in this series come with Magsealed bearing systems for smooth operation with the ability to resist saltwater, an Aluminum Frame and Sideplate plus an anodized frame to prevent scratching and corrosion pitting. This series also features Daiwa’s balanced Air Rotor and Air Bail systems to keep the reels at a comfortable weight and if you prefer, they can be matched with the Backbay line of inshore rods. One model is available in each series. While the 3000 weighs 9.5 oz. the 4000 weights 10.6 oz. They are offered in 5.6:1 (the 3000) and 5.7:1 gear ratios (the 4000) and both have 15.4 lbs of drag. The 3000 has a retrieval rate of 33.2 IPT and the 4000 has a retrieval rate of 35.3 IPT. MSRP: $199 USD www.daiwa.com
UNDER $500 L TSUNAMI SALTX
While the Saltx was still in the final stages of development during press time, it is ready for the series of winter and spring fishing shows. One of the highlighted reels of 2018 ICAST, the Saltx literally shines of quality with its forged, Cnc-machined A6061 aluminum body and rotor, one- piece machined handle arm with a round, non-slip power knob, and titanium coated line roller. Hence its name, the Saltx can handle the salt water environment with ease thanks to its fully sealed design that includes seven sealed stainless ball bearings and a sealed hammer drag system. Other bullet-proof components include a rotor brake with a manually closing bail and a stainless steel face gear. Two models are available and technical highlights include a 7+1 bearing system, a 50 lb drag system and line capacity of 350/40 (799967504088 model) Suggested Retail: $349.00-379.00 USD www.biminibayoutfitters.com