A few years ago Shimano started pushing the envelope in the sub-$100 baitcasting reel arena. Offerings like the Caius, Caenen, and Casitas have reinvented what quality for under $100 looks like. The newest offering from Shimano is the Shimano SLX, a $99 baitcasting reel that has a different look and feel than other models. I spent a couple of days Continue Reading
reels
REVIEW: Daiwa Tatula 100 Baitcasting Reel
Daiwa introduced the redesigned Tatula 100 at ICAST 2018 and users of the previous subtypes of the Tatula rejoiced. Dropping some weight and height, the 100 promised to be a perfect reel for smaller handed anglers and anglers looking for an easily palmed, finesse reel. Last week we talked about the Daiwa CR80 which shares similar height and weight as the Continue Reading
REVIEW: Daiwa CR80 Baitcasting Reel
The CR80 is a new baitcasting reel from Daiwa that is packed with tons of great specs at a sub-$100 price point. Most retailers are offering the CR80 at $79.99. The real question is how does it perform? We’ve all seen bargain reels and the oversaturation of the budget reel market so is it a good buy or not? I put Continue Reading
NEW: Shimano Tekota 500 and 600 with Line Counters
Anglers in the Pacific Northwest, on the Great Lakes, and up and down the East coast have relied on the durability and trouble-free performance of Shimano Tekota star drag reels for well more than a decade. They are now being offered the newest in Shimano technology and manufacturing capabilities with the fully redesigned Tekota (TEK) 500 and 600 reels. Now Continue Reading
ICAST 2018 : Some of My Favorite Finds
ICAST 2018 is in the books and new products, as well as new revisions were in full force. Some companies seemingly came out of nowhere while other mainstays continued their winning ways. Below you’ll find a lot of the things I really liked at the show. More in depths write-ups are in the works but I wanted to get you Continue Reading
Shimano Introduces New SLX Reel at $99
LADSON, S.C. – ICAST 2018 Introduction — Anglers looking for a versatile, easy-to-use, lightweight and durable baitcasting reel, Shimano’s new SLX reels are the one more fish, one more cast, ‘Can’t Stop Fishing’ option. The series is offered in six models in three different gear ratios, including the 6.3:1 SLX150 and left-hand retrieve SLX151, the high-speed SLX150HG and 151HG with Continue Reading
Shimano Brings Digital Control ( DC ) to the Curado Reel
LADSON, S.C. – ICAST 2018 Introduction – Available Mid-August — Utilizing a microcomputer to control brake force at every moment of the cast, Shimano brings its digital control technology (I-DC4) to a new series of Curado baitcasting reels. Built upon a reel already known for its durability, dependability, and versatility, the new Shimano Curado DC reels will quickly allow all Continue Reading
My Picks: $100 Casting and Spinning Reels
You’ve got about $100 for a new casting or spinning reel but which one should you buy? Lots of companies are vying for your business but which ones are a good investment? Which ones can I narrow it down to? I’ve tested a lot of reels, both casting reels and spinning reels. Some I really like. Some I don’t. If Continue Reading
Shimano Introduces Bantam MGL Reels
LADSON, S.C. – Spring 2018 Introduction – Available Late March – Going back 40 years, Shimano introduced anglers to Bantam – its first low-profile baitcasting reel. It began Shimano’s connection to bass anglers. A new chapter for Bantam reels begins with the introduction of the Bantam 150 MGL, now being offered in six models – the Bantam MGL150, 151, 150HG, Continue Reading
Shimano Announces Stella FJ
LADSON, S.C. – Spring 2018 Introduction – Available Early April – Like its counterparts in automobiles and electronics, Shimano is constantly evolving its products, and now showcases the ‘next’ in technological advancements in the new Stella FJ reels. The flagship in Shimano’s spinning reel line-up, the five new models – in sizes for everything from trout and panfish, to bass Continue Reading
