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On day two of ICAST 2024, we combed the ground for the perfect new fishing reels. Whereas there weren’t as many new reels as new rods, we nonetheless discovered a couple of fashions price noting. Under are six freshwater reels, three saltwater reels, and one fly reel that we predict anglers must be looking out for.
All of those fashions caught our consideration, whether or not for innovation design, pursuit-focused purposes, or for simply being fairly darn cool. In reality, we each selected totally different reels as our picks for the Better of Present awards. So whereas the taking part in discipline was small, there are nonetheless loads of nice reels for recent and saltwater anglers to be enthusiastic about this yr. Listed below are the perfect.
New Freshwater Fishing Reels
Lew’s Customized Professional Baitcasting Reel
Out of all the brand new merchandise at ICAST 2024, I’m most excited concerning the new Lew’s Customized Professional Baitcasting Reel. What makes it so particular is their new braking system, which Lew’s dubbed the ParaMag ITB (Inertia Switch Braking). This expertise removes all friction from the braking course of, making a just about silent solid with out diminishing the drive all through the solid. If set accurately, this eliminates the necessity to thumb the spool.
This reel can be full of the traditional options we anticipate from Lew’s, just like the exterior brake management and light-weight one-piece aluminum body. It comes with a Pace Dial line dimension indicator on the spool rigidity knob and a Pace Knot system for attaching the road to the reel. The Customized Professional is my favourite product of the present, and although it didn’t take residence an award, it had my vote for Greatest Freshwater Reel within the new product showcase. —Shaye Baker
Shimano Vanford A
The all-new Vanford A provides to one in every of Shimano’s most acknowledged freshwater reel sequence. It’s unbelievably mild with low start-up inertia, good for finesse fishing and light-weight sort out pursuits. It cranks easily and comes constructed with a few of Shimano’s flagship expertise for improved sturdiness. —Ryan Chelius
St. Croix Seviin Baitcaster
St Croix spent the final 70 years designing, redesigning, and perfecting their manufacturing of high quality bass fishing rods. After seven many years, they lastly branched out into the reel market below the title Seviin (pronounced “seven,” with Roman numerals “vii” in the midst of the title). I spent the final yr or so testing out the corporate’s first baitcaster—the GF Collection—which was launched within the new product showcase at ICAST 2024.
The brand new Seviin baitcasting reel options three gear ratios obtainable in each right- and left-hand retrieves, all constructed on light-weight aluminum 150-size frames with 95 mm carbon fiber handles. All of this comes collectively to make an amazing reel for braided line and energy fishing purposes. After a yr of testing, it has proved greater than succesful whereas punching out of its $120 price ticket. —SB
Daiwa Tatula SV 100
The brand new Daiwa SV 100, which falls into the mid-range value class, has the texture of a premium baitcaster at a barely cheaper price. It is available in three gear ratios (6.3:1, 7.1:1, and eight.1:1) and is obtainable in each proper—and left-hand retrieves. The elements are strong, the deal with is comfy and clean, and the reel is constructed with Daiwa’s Hyperdrive System, which I’ve had nice expertise with on different Daiwa reels. The Tatula will retail for $220. —RC
Spro JC Elite Casting Reel
Spro partnered with Bassmaster Traditional Champion Jason Christie to convey their first casting reel to market—the JC Elite Casting Reel. There are 4 gear ratios obtainable: 5.6:1, 6.6:1, 7.3:1, and eight.1:1. All are constructed on GV-5H frames, a fabric that provides “a cheap various to die-cast alloy.” Probably the most noticeable function is the massive spherical knobs on the deal with, not solely due to their form and dimension, but in addition as a result of the knob colour represents gear ratios. Every gear ratio is paired with a colour so the angler can simply establish which reel is geared at a sure velocity and rapidly pair baits and shows accordingly. A beneficial function for event anglers and one which caught my consideration.—SB
Okuma X-Collection Spinning Reels
Whereas Okuma’s new X-Collection was entered into the freshwater class of the brand new product showcase, the reel can be marketed to inshore anglers. The chrome steel bearings and spectacular drag system (as much as 24 kilos) offered me on its saltwater potential. The light-weight design will make it a wonderful finesse-style reel for freshwater bass, and it’s greater than able to throwing plugs, swimbaits, and topwater lures for small to medium-sized inshore species. —RC
New Saltwater Fishing Reels
Shimano Ocea Jigger LD
Together with releasing their new Ocea Jigger Infinity Motive rod, Shimano additionally unveiled their Ocea Jigger LD reel. The 2 go hand-in-hand and make for the right slow-pitch saltwater jigging setup. The 2500 reel has an outsized deal with and a drag of as much as 44 kilos. Shimano additionally built-in their new drag design, which ought to improve drag drive whereas reducing load stress. All meaning is the reel will take the powerful work out of the angler’s hand so that they don’t tire as quick on large fish. The steered retail value is $600. —RC
Okuma Tesoro 4000 Dimension Spinning Reel
This 4000-sized spinning reel is ideal for inshore fishing. It’s totally waterproof with chrome steel bearings and a sturdy physique. It additionally has 55 kilos of stopping energy for controlling large runs from reds, snook, small tarpon, stripers, bluefish, and different inshore species. It feels comfy in hand, and I really like the outsized knob for simple cranking. Plus, it’s light-weight and can pair properly with most inshore rods. —RC
Penn Fathom Electrical Fishing Reel
The Penn Fathom instantly caught my consideration simply by its sheer dimension. This factor is big. It’s operated by an built-in battery that controls line depth, preventing energy, and different customizable settings. The highest of the reel options an LED show display screen that reveals you the way deep your bait is and what modes you’re in. It is available in three sizes (30, 50, 80), relying on what species you’re chasing. This isn’t the reel for the on a regular basis angler, however in the event you’re concentrating on deep-sea giants, you then would possibly wish to think about it. When you’re like me and keep on with fish which are nearer to shore, then you’ll be able to simply admire a reasonably cool innovation in fishing reels. —RC
New Fly Fishing Reels
Hardy Averon Fly Reel
I’ve a gentle spot for well-crafted fly reels like the brand new Hardy Averon. It options a big arbor with a half-frame design that enables straightforward spool adjustments. It’s modern and appears like a high-end fly reel ought to. The Averon is a freshwater reel that is available in a variety of sizes, together with a specialised 5000 euro nymph mannequin and a 9000 spey mannequin that helps accommodates specialty strains and lengthy leaders. It’s light-weight and silky clean with a drag that clicks into place so precisely what you’re set at. This was my vote not just for Greatest Fly Reel, but in addition for Greatest in Present. —RC
