Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Spring, and now summer, have gone “way” too fast. But, I’ve had a chance to get on the water on all or part of 50 days and am having a great year for smallies as well as largemouth. I’ve had an opportunity to do eight other reel review articles, plus including reels in a variety of other articles. All-in-all, I’ve fished and reviewed over 50 during the past nine years.

The last four months I’ve fished the five spinning reels in this article almost exclusively, putting many hours on each. I feel this has given me plenty of information to form a strong opinion. I do want to mention that, in general, I’m careful with my equipment and was not out to perform torture tests on this group of reels, except for the 53 four to six-pound smallies I caught during May and June in Door County, WI., along with another almost 400 between two and four pounds.

I was extremely impressed with this group of reels and hope you find this information helpful. Over the nine years I’ve been reviewing reels I feel the quality just keeps getting better, especially those in the $50 range and up.

Abu Garcia Soron STX10 - $129.99

Two years ago I fished a ton, and then wrote a review on the Abu Garcia 801 spinning reel. I commented that I felt the 800 series was the first Abu Garcia reel to fall into what I call the “higher-end” category. I loved the 800 series, as well as the 700 series that I tested last year. The Soron STX10 feels very similar to those reels, with some upgrades.

I fished this reel on a St. Croix 7′ medium-light Legend Xtreme and 7′ and 7′6″ medium- light Legend Elite rods. I used Stren Microfuse 10/4 and the “new” Berkley Fireline Tracer Braid 15/4. One interesting “new” feature, that many will love, is the Superline Spool System. With the Fast Tie Design, two elastimetric rings are built into the spool to keep superline or braid from spinning on the spool. This eliminates the need for any type of taping. I tested and liked it, but because I don’t put the full compliment of superline/braid on any reel, I stayed with mono backing, attaching it to the superline/braid with the Double Uni knot. The spare spool is the same, but without the Fast Tie Design. It is noted to be designed for fluorocarbon. I used it for superline/braid and either spool will also work fine for monofilament or copolymer line. I actually don’t use fluorocarbon on spinning reels, except as a leader for superline/braid, something that has worked great for chasing big Lake Michigan smallies in super-clear water.
I’m a smallie guy and like a reel that is somewhat small in profile, lightweight and holds at least 110 yards of 6-pound diameter line. This reel meets all three of my criteria, with the weight at a light 8.2 ounces. This year I’ve actually downsized my line on reels of this size to 3 and 4-pound diameter superline/braid. It casts better and these diameters in superline/braid have the strength equivalency of 8 to 15-pound diameter monofilament. I do feel the smaller diameter catches more fish.

One thing that is immediately noticeable over the 800 and 700 series is the “jazzed-up” look. The 800 series in particular had a very conservative look. The Soron is an eye-catcher, without overdoing it. In recent years I’ve loved the feel of the smaller tubular bails, which the Soron has. I usually back reel rather than rely on the drag, but for test purposes, I used the drag on all the review reels, and can tell you the drag on the Soron is extremely smooth across the drag settings. Also, I like thread-on handles. For me, this has always been an easier method of breaking down the reel for storage.

As noted, I’m careful with my reels, but for you guys who are tough on yours, you will like the X-Cratic frame. It’s super durable and has the most comfortable feel of any reel I’ve used. The 5.1:1 gear ratio is a little slower than I prefer, but when a reel feels this good, I really didn’t think about it. Below each review you can see a list of each reel’s features.

For me this reel is a definite winner. In fact, I liked it so much out of the box, I ordered a second even before using it. If you like the 700 series or liked the 800 series, you will love the new Soron STX10. For me great size for chasing smallies, but if you like something with a little more line capacity take a look at the STX20, which is rated for 130 yards of 8-pound diameter line and jumps to 9.6 ounces.

Features:

• SuperLine with Fast Tie Spool Design
• Carbon Matrix Drag
• 11 HPCR Bearings
• X-Cratic Frame
• Duragear Brass Gears
• 5:1:1 Gear Ratio
• 8.2 ounces
• Line recovery per handle turn - 24″ (STX10) and 27″ (STX20)
• Line Capacity - 110 yds./6#

Pflueger President 6730 XT - $79.99

For a number of years I’ve been asked a number of times if I’d ever done a review on the Pflueger President. So, when I saw the introduction of the President XT, I decided to give it a try. I was already somewhat familiar with the Pflueger spinning reels having reviewed and liked the Supreme and Supreme XT.

I used this reel on a variety of St Croix rods, including the “new” 6′9″ MLXF Mojo, 7′ medium-light Legend Elite, 7′ medium Legend Elite and 7′ medium Legend Tournament. I spooled it with 15/4 Power Pro Hi-Vis Yellow line. It has performed great all season. Its retrieve ratio of 5.2:1 is not at the speed of the two Supremes, but still fairly fast. The drag is smooth and even, with most of the tightening comes at the very end of the range. I like the fact that this reel has the screw on handle and the light tubular bail. At 9.0 ounces it is not quite as light as some of the other reels, but doesn’t come with their price-tag. I should also note that the soft touch knob is comfortable and seems to be the same one as the two Supremes.

Because I’d been asked a number of times about the original Pflueger President, I thought I’d also spend the season fishing it, along with the XT. I can see why, at $59.99, so many seem to love the President. I fished it with all the same rods as the XT and spool it with Stren Microfuse 10/4. Except for the wire bail and Rosewood knob, I really couldn’t tell any difference in the reels. I probably fished the President more than the President XT and found it to be a great reel.

These reels confirm the point that I’ve been telling people for a long time. You can find outstanding reels with many great features for reasonable prices. Both these reels are loaded with features, perform great and are not going to produce any sticker shock.

Features:

• 9 stainless steel ball bearings
• One-way clutch instant anti-reverse bearing
• Lightweight aluminum construction, provides the strength of an all aluminum body without the weight
• Anodized aluminum spool with distinctive hole pattern for lighter weight
• Titanium spool lip for added line protection
• Large diameter titanium coated roller
• Sure-Click Bail
• Corrosion-resistant stainless steel shaft and components
• Machined aluminum handle with soft touch knob
• Spare aluminum spool
• 9.0 ounces (President XT) and 9.1 ounces (President)
• 5.2:1 Gear ratio
• Line capacity - 110 yds./6#
• Line recovery per handle return - 25″

Shimano Symetre FJ 1000 - $99.99

Prior to fishing the redesigned Symetre FJ 1000, I had a chance to put many hours on the Saros FJ 1000 and Stradic FJ 1000 in the boat and wading rivers. I love both those reels and was hoping for big things with the re-designed Symetre. I liked and used the previous two versions of the Symetre extensively in the past. Well, let me tell you, I have not been disappointed. I’ve fished the “new” Symetre many hours since early May and love it. Except for not having the screw on style handle, which I do like, I’ve found it hard to distinguish it from the Stradic and Saros.

As I noted earlier, I began my fishing season chasing the big smallies of Door County, Wisconsin. For most of my 14 days on the beautiful clear waters of Green Bay in May and June I matched this reel with a 7′6″ St. Croix medium-light Legend Elite. I got this longer rod specifically for throwing Kalin’s Lunker Grubs on 3/32 ounce Gopher Tackle Big John jigs. Most days I had all five reels in this review set-up with this presentation rub and the results, as I told you earlier were special.

Once my time in Door County was over I’m back to wading rivers or hitting lakes west of Milwaukee in my Wilderness Systems Tarpon 140 Angler, which has added a great new dimension to my fishing activities. So now I’m not only throwing the Kalin’s, but also my beloved Rebel Teeny Wee-Crawfish. I moved the reel to a 6′6″ St. Croix light-action Legend Elite, which may be the best rod I’ve ever used for throwing the Teeny Wee-Crawfish. In the kayak and wading I also used it on the 7′ medium-light Legend Elite. For the entire four months I’ve fishing the Symetre I had it spooled with 18/3 Daiwa Samauri braid, which is smoothest braid I’ve ever used and adds extra distance to my casts, especially when throwing the 1/10th ounce Teeny Wee-Crawfish. In all situations, the 7.1 ounce Symetre performed perfectly, and from earlier comments you know I like the 5.6:1 gear ratio.

The “new” Symetre comes with many of the features found on the Stradic and Saros, including one that I’ve found to enhance casting distance. Within the Shimano Propulsion Line Management System, first introduced in 2007 with the reels above the Symetre price point, is the Propulsion Spool Lip. This beveled lip faces outward and adds distance when casting. I have been spooling my line up to the bottom of the bevel, which Shimano tells me is the way to go. Also, the Power Roller III does a great job eliminating line twists, although this is more important using monofilament, which I have used with the Saros and Stradic. Many of the great Shimano features are included in this reel and one has been added that I’ve loved on the Stradic, and that’s the Maintenance Port. This makes it very easy to service the Symetre. I should also mention that like the Stradic 1000 and Saros 1000, the Symetre has a very light tough to the bail. This means it’s easy to close, but on occasion during a hard cast closes on its own. I haven’t notice this with any of these models in the 2500 size.

I can’t write this review without noting that in the process of adding all the great new features, Shimano increased the price and doesn’t include the spare spool. The spare spool on past Symetre’s was graphite and for me almost never used. In fact I would have no problem if all reels came with just one spool. I almost never use the spare spool on reels. It will be interesting to see what comments Shimano gets on this. My guess is, not many. With the upgrades included in the re-design, this reel is a great value for under $100. I wish the re-design would have included the screw on style handle, but this is personal preference.

From day one, years ago, when I first fished the Symetre, I loved it. This is the third version I’ve fished still love this reel. I think you will also.

Features:

• Propulsion Line Management System: Propulsion Spool Lip, SR One-Piece Bail Wire, Power Roller III, Redesigned Bail Trip, S-Arm Cam
• Slow Oscillation
• SR Concept: SR One-Piece Bail Wire
• S A-RB Bearings (Shielded A-RB)
• Aluminum Frame (GR on 500 & 1000)
• Lightweight Graphite Sideplate & Rotor
• Cold Forged Aluminum Spool
• S-Concept: S-Rotor: S-Guard: S-Arm Cam
• Machined Aluminum Handle
• Rubber Handle Grips
• Maintenance Port
• Fluidrive II
• Floating Shaft
• Dyna-Balance
• Super Stopper II
• Repairable Clicker
• Approved for use in Saltwater
• Rated for use with Mono, Fluorocarbon and Power Pro lines
• 7.1 0unces
• Line capacity - 110yds./6#
• Line recovery per handle turn - 28″

Team Daiwa Fuego 2000-A - $279.99

Over the past five years I’ve tested and written about five Daiwa spinning reels from the $49.99 Regal XiA to the $199.99 Team Daiwa Sol, and except for noting that I like a little faster gear ratio, have loved them all. Now after spending many hours with the Team Daiwa Fuego 2000-A, I can say that this is the best spinning reel that I have ever used. Yes, as with the other Daiwa reels it has the 4.8:1 retrieve ratio, but this is such an exceptional reel, that I haven’t given it much thought. Swiss watch comes to mind with this reel.

I primarily fished it on a three ounce St. Croix 7′ medium-light Legend Xtreme rod and with the 7.0 ounce Fuego 2000-A, this for me, may be the ultimate smallie set-up. I had it spooled with 15/4 Power Pro and it performed flawlessly. The Fuego 2000-A has a line capacity that will meet all your needs. It is rated for 135 yards of 6-pound diameter and handles both 4 and 8-pound diameter. As I have noted, I’ve been using primarily 3 and 4-pound diameter braid, so I simply added some mono backing and was set. The reason this reel comes in at just 7.0 ounces is Daiwa’s proprietary “Zaion” construction. The body, rotor and sideplate are composed of this technologically advance super carbon, allowing for lightweight magnesium-like feel, with maximum durability and superior corrosion resistance. I’ve really come to love and appreciate carbon fiber. My Adventure Technology Xception kayak paddle is constructed of carbon fiber and weights an amazingly light 29 ounces. What a bonus with all the paddling I do while fishing.

Two additional features add to the incredible smoothness of this reel. One are the seven stainless steel ball bearings, including four corrosion-resistant CRBB ball bearings,
plus a roller bearing.  Daiwa’s Corrosion Resistant Ball Bearings are specially designed and shielded against impurities and last up to 12 times longer than ordinary stainless steel ball bearings in a saltwater environment. The second reason for this smoothness are the exclusive Digigear digital gearing. This insures that the oversized, high-strength gears mesh together perfectly for an exceptionally efficient retrieve and greater cranking power.

Many of you reading this review are river smallie enthusiasts and your reels take dunkings. So you’ll appreciate drag system which is waterproof and stays dry while water drains easily from other areas of the reel. You’ll also like the ultra consistent, micro-click adjustment of the drag system to give you just the right amount of fish-stopping pressure. With many reels most of the drag tightening comes near the end of the tightening spectrum, but with the 2000-A the full spectrum is used. In past reviews and when I’m talking about reels, I have extolled my love of Daiwa’s lightweight Air Bail. It is by far my favorite and has a light feel when closing it, but does not close on it’s own during hard casts.

I’ll go back to what I wrote earlier. This “is” the best fishing reel I have ever used and even though the gear ration is only 4.8:1, it actually has a line retrieve per handle turn similar to a number of reels with a faster retrieve ration.

Features:

• Lightweight, yet super strong “Zaion” body, rotor and sideplate construction
• Up to seven ball bearings and one roller bearing (four CRBB corrosion resistant ball bearings)
• Advanced Locomotive Levelwind
• ABS machined aluminum spool
• Free aluminum spare spool
• 7 Ounces
• Line recovery per handle turn - 25″
• 4.8:1 gear ration
• Line capacity 110yds./6#

Bass Pro Shops ProLite Finesse Baitcast Reel - $119.99

I fish spinning reels much more than baitcast reels, but truly enjoy getting out with a nice low-profile baitcast reel for a variety of presentations for smallies. In particular I use them for spinnerbaits, rattle-baits, tubes, swimming grubs and topwaters. A number of years ago I had a chance to test the original Bass Pro Shops ProLite Finesse Baitcast Reel and really liked it. For this reason, I was excited about testing the “new” ProLite. I’m impressed.

Just holding it in your hand and looking it over you see some of the upgrades from the previous version. The all new Recurve Handle is the first thing that jumped out at me and after using it, I love the tighter center of gravity with super comfortable round EVA handle grips. I fished this reel on a St. Croix Legend Tournament 6′6″ medium and 6′8″ extra-fast medium baitcast rods. The reel is impressively light at 6.6 ounces and I really appreciate the fast 6.3:1 retrieve ratio. I fished it with 10-pound Silver Thread Excalibur Copolymer line.

Most of my fishing with the reel was done in Door County, WI chasing big smallies. With a few five-pound smallies on this reel, the drag was super smooth and casting is a breeze with the Dual Braking System that maintains control during the entire cast. Because I’m more of a spinning guy, I feel that if I don’t have any casting problems, guys who are more into baitcasting will love this reel. Only a few of the reels I’ve tested over the years have a maintenance port. Bass Pro calls it a Lube Port on the ProLite and it’s a great feature for quick lubrication of gears with no disassembly needed.

I really liked the original ProLite Finesse Baitcast Reel and I like this one even better! For you guys who like a reel that can handle regular baitcast applications, but able to handle smaller lures, this reel is for you.

Features:

• Super-light Recurve Handle and Drag Star with super comfortable round EVA handle grips
• Super-hard/super-light Duraluminum Aircraft-grade gears and spool
• Acclaimed DBS Dual Braking System
• One-piece aluminum frame
• Titanium nitride-coated line guide
• 7-bearing system with double-shielded stainless steel ball bearings.
• Lube Port
• Powerlock instant anti-reverse
• Carbon drag washer
• 6.6 Ounces
• 6.3:1 Gear ratio
• Line recovery per handle turn - 24″
• Line capacity - 100 yds./10#

I hope you enjoyed this article and can use the information I’ve shared with you. As always feel free to email me with further questions. Now it’s time to stop writing and get out for some fishing.

Review by: Bill Schultz

I welcome emails at smalliecentral@gmail.com, if you have any additional questions.