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On day two of ICAST 2024, we combed the ground for the most effective new fishing reels. Whereas there weren’t as many new reels as new rods, we nonetheless discovered a number of fashions value noting. Under are six freshwater reels, three saltwater reels, and one fly reel that we predict anglers needs to be looking out for.
All of those fashions caught our consideration, whether or not for innovation design, pursuit-focused functions, or for simply being fairly darn cool. In truth, we each selected completely different reels as our picks for the Better of Present awards. So whereas the enjoying subject was small, there are nonetheless loads of nice reels for contemporary and saltwater anglers to be enthusiastic about this 12 months. Listed below are the most effective.
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 nearly silent forged with out diminishing the power all through the forged. If set appropriately, this eliminates the necessity to thumb the spool.
This reel can also be full of the traditional options we count on 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 stress knob and a Pace Knot system for attaching the road to the reel. The Customized Professional is my favourite product of the present, and regardless that it didn’t take house 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 certainly one of Shimano’s most acknowledged freshwater reel collection. It’s unbelievably gentle 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 identify Seviin (pronounced “seven,” with Roman numerals “vii” in the course of the identify). I spent the final 12 months 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 incredible reel for braided line and energy fishing functions. After a 12 months 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 offered 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 carry 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 cloth that gives “a cost-effective different to die-cast alloy.” Essentially the most noticeable characteristic is the big spherical knobs on the deal with, not solely due to their form and dimension, but in addition as a result of the knob shade represents gear ratios. Every gear ratio is paired with a shade so the angler can simply establish which reel is geared at a sure velocity and rapidly pair baits and displays accordingly. A priceless characteristic 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 also 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 superb 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 proper 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 power whereas reducing load stress. All meaning is the reel will take the robust work out of the angler’s hand in order that they don’t tire as quick on large fish. The steered retail value is $600. —RC
Okuma Tesoro 4000 Measurement Spinning Reel
This 4000-sized spinning reel is ideal for inshore fishing. It’s absolutely 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 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 enormous. 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 ways 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 need to think about it. If you happen to’re like me and persist with fish which might be nearer to shore, then you’ll be able to simply admire a fairly 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 permits straightforward spool adjustments. It’s smooth 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 traces and lengthy leaders. It’s light-weight and silky clean with a drag that clicks into place so you recognize precisely what you’re set at. This was my vote not just for Greatest Fly Reel, but in addition for Greatest in Present. —RC
