I was out in my kayak for a few hours yesterday, and along with catching a bunch of smallmouth and largemouth bass, I was thinking how fast the summer is going. Even though I’m looking forward to some great fall fishing, we all know what comes after that in Wisconsin. Since early May I’ve been on the water quite a few days chasing bass using a number of outstanding reels that match well with my style of fishing, which mostly involves chasing the big water smallies of Door County, WI (Lake Michigan) and my favorite Wisconsin smallie rivers. As I always note, I feel I’ve put enough hours on these reels to feel comfortable sharing my opinions. And, even though I fish the reels quite a few hours, I’m careful and not out to perform any torture tests.

Again this year I’m very impressed with all six reels I’ve had the pleasure to fish, and hope you enjoy my comments and can use the information when considering your next purchase.

Abu Garcia REVO Premier - $279.95

I fish spinning reels more than baitcast reels, but do enjoy baitcasters for spinnerbaits, topwaters and crankbaits. Just like my spinning reels, I look for lightweight reels and at 6.7 ounces the Revo Premier matched wonderfully with the 7’ medium action St. Croix Legend Tournament and Mojo rods that I fished it on. I spooled the REVO with 12# Stren Brute. Its low-profile stance is great for palming and I found it extremely easy to adjust to my casting needs. And, I’ve actually had “no” backlashes, which is appreciated and surprising.

The drag is very smooth through all the settings and I love the compact, bent-handle with the very comfortable EVA knobs. It comes in a high-speed version with a 7.1:1 retrieve/gear ratio, but I found the 6.4:1 ratio just fine for all my applications. Typically, I’m using spinning gear for lighter lures, but wanted to check the REVO out and was very happy with how it handled lures down to ¼ of an ounce, like smaller Booyah spinnerbaits and the newer Excalibur XR25 lipless crankbait.

If you give the REVO Premier a try you “will” not be disappointed. In fact the only disappointment might be in the reels you already own.

Features:

• Lightweight – 6.7 ounces
• 9 Stainless steel HPCR ball bearings
• Corrosion resistant instant anti-reverse bearing
• X-Cratic finish allow frame and side plate for corrosion resistance
• Carbon matrix drag system for ultra smooth drag
• Aircraft grade aluminum spool
• Infini brake design for extended castability and extreme loads
• Compact bent-handle and star
• Flat EVA knobs
• Max drag is 20lb. for non high speed models
• Right and left hand models available
• Line recovery per handle turn – 28”
• Line capacity – 145yds./12# mono, 130 yds./30# braid
• www.abu-garcia.com

Bass Pro Shops Johnny Morris Signature Series JMX10HD Caster Reel – $249.99, on sale for $159.99

Over the past few years I’ve had a chance to review a number of Bass Pro baitcast reels, including the previous version of the Johnny Morris Signature Series. I loved that version and can say, “I love the new version”. There are so many positives to this reel that I hate to even mention that, for me, I wish it were a little than its 8.6 ounces. But, with the great feel once on the rod, I really didn’t notice it much while fishing. Like the REVO, I used it on the 7’ medium action St. Croix Legend Tournament and Mojo rods and spooled it with 12# Berkley Trilene TransOptic. I like the carbon-fiber recurve handle and the comfort of the ribbed silicon knobs. I also like this style of knob on the Johnny Morris Signature Series spinning reel. The original version of this reel had a chrome look to the finish.

Again, I’m not as adept with baitcast reels as with spinning reels, but find the JMSSJX10 extremely easy to adjust to a variety of baits and weights, casting like a dream. The drag is very smooth through all the settings and the star designed drag adjustment is easy to use, even when fighting a big smallie. The reel I tested has the 6.4:1 retrieve/gear ratio and as noted earlier is just fine for all applications, but it does come in a 7.1:1 ratio, which some might like for certain presentations.

Like its predecessor, I can highly recommend this reel, and getting it on sale for $159 is quite a bargain.

Features:

• Diecast aluminum frame and sideplates
• Black carbon-titanium deposition finish
• Double anodized aluminum spool
• Premium Japanese stainless steel ball bearings
• 100% double-shielded 10-bearing system
• Powerlock instant anti-reverse
• Duralumin drive gear
• Dual braking system
• Beefed-up, super smooth carbon drag system
• 10 bearing system
• Lightweight carbon-fiber recurve handle with ribbed silicon knob
• Padded clutch bar
• Titanium-nitride guide
• Line recovery per handle turn – 28”
• Line capacity – 145yds./12# mono
• Weight – 8.6 ounces
• www.basspro.com

Bass Pro Shops Pro Qualifier Spinning Reel - $69.99, sometimes on sale

I have had the opportunity to review a number of Bass Pro Shops spinning reels over the past ten years, including previous versions of the Pro Qualifier. Back in 2007, when I first reviewed this reel, which was Bass Pros first with the Mag Spool technology, I was intrigued and impressed. Since then, I’ve also tested the Johnny Morris Signature Series Spinning reel with this technology and now the current Pro Qualifier. I continue to be very impressed with the Mag Spool and can tell you that the new version of the Pro Qualifier is noticeably smoother and a more “quality” feel than the original in 2007. I’ve mentioned this in the other reviews on reels with the Mag Spool technology. The larger diameter spool enhances casting distance and offers a smooth and quick retrieve with the 5.6:1 retrieve ration.

I’ve fished the PG10 a good deal over the last three months, matching it with St. Croix 7’ and 7’6” light and medium-light action rods. I spooled the reel with Berkley Tracer Braid 10 pound/3 pound equivalent diameter. If you haven’t tried Tracer Braid, you should. Along with being very easy to work with I love how easy it is to see with the alternating moss and chartreuse colors. In more recent years I’ve had more trouble seeing the moss green braid, but have no problem with the white of Fireline Crystal, Stren Microfuse and Power Pro. Along with the Hi-Vis yellows and now Tracer Braid.

This reel meets my desire for light weight at 7.5 ounces, as well as a compact profile, yet still able to handle plenty of braid/superline, which is my preference. For the price, this is a very nice reel that you’ll love. And, occasionally you’ll find it on sale, which is even better.

Features:

• Ultra-slim body design – 7.5 ounces
• 8-bearing system with Powerlock instant anti-reverse
• Anodized aluminum body and side cover
• Machined aluminum handle and forged aluminum spool
• Stainless steel bail wire
• Titanium nitride-coated line roller
• Mag spool technology
• Advanced carbon fiber drag system
• Free spare aluminum spool
• 5.6:1 gear ratio
• Line recovery per handle return – 31”
• Line capacity – 90yds/6# mono
• www.basspro.com

Daiwa Exceler 2000 – TSH - $109.99, lower on-line pricing

I’ve had a chance to review quite a few Daiwa spinning reels from the $59 price point, all the way up to the $250+ Fuego. I have been impressed with all of them, but have made one consistent comment in each review and that is I do prefer a faster retrieve ratio. All the others reviewed Daiwa reels were 4.7:1, which some do like. Me, I like the faster retrieve so that when my lure is out of the strike zone, I can get it in fast for another cast. Well, I love the 6.2:1 ratio of the Exceler TSH 2000, and interestingly, I see that a number of Daiwa’s new reels, which were just introduced, also have the faster retrieve ratio.

This reel has performed outstanding spooled with 18 pound/3 pound equivalent diameter Daiwa Samurai braided line matched with St. Croix medium light 7’ and 7’6” Legend Elite and Xtreme rods. Daiwa Samurai isn’t an inexpensive braid, but you won’t find a smoother one out there. The Exceler is not a big reel and weighs at the higher end of what I prefer at 8.6 ounces. For chasing smallies I find the 2000 series in the Daiwa reels perfect holding 135 yards of 6 pound mono, which as with the other spinning reels in the review allows for plenty of smaller diameter braid/superline with the mono backing.

As with all the Daiwa spinning reels, the drag is very smooth throughout the settings. The handle is comfortable and I especially love having the “large” anti-reverse lever on the back of the reel. This reel does not have the tubular bail, but it is made of a larger diameter wire and nice and compact, which I like with the Daiwa reels.

The Exceler 2000 TSH is a quality reel at a nice price. And now with the 6.2:1 gear ratio gives those of us who like a faster retrieve another great option to consider.

Features:

• Fast, 6.2:1 retrieve ratio
• Digigear
• 4 CRBB ball bearings
• Twist buster
• Washable, waterproof drag with click adjustment
• Advanced locomotive levelwind
• Includes alternate-size spare aluminum spool for a wider choice of lines
• Line recovery per handle turn – 32.6”
• Line capacity – 135yds./6#
• Weight – 8.6 ounces
• www.daiwa.com

Pflueger Patriarch 9530 Spinning Reel - $199.95

Here’s a new “wow” reel from Pflueger that has performed wonderfully. I have loved the Pflueger Supreme XT in a past review and again in my review this year, so I had a great feeling getting ready to fish the Patriarch. I wasn’t disappointed. I spooled this reel with a favorite, Stren Microfuse 8 pound/3 pound equivalent diameter line and fished it on a St. Croix medium action 7’ Legend Xtreme and 7’6” Legend Tournament.

I prefer reels that are lightweight and at 6.3 ounces the Patriarch 9530 is a dream to fish, and even better when matched with a 3.4 to 3.9 ounce St. Croix rod. The line capacity of 120 yards of 6 pound mono lends itself perfectly for those of us who like using the smaller diameter braid/superline with a mono backing. I don’t like large profile reels and the Patriarch is an excellent size to compliment my style of fishing. The spool is larger than most of the competitor’s reels that weigh less than 7 ounces, which adds to casting distance. The drag is super smooth through the settings and the reel has the thread on handle that I prefer, along with a very comfortable EVA knob.

The Patriarch has a 5.2: 1 retrieve/gear ratio, which is slower than I prefer, but didn’t notice it being too slow, and many anglers like this ratio. I’ve always liked light, smaller profile tubular bail wires, which this reel has. As noted earlier, this “is” a wow reel, and at $199.95 is not inexpensive, but seems to be a bargain in the higher end reel market. The list of features I’ve mentioned and those below are truly impressive. I’ve been fishing the Patriarch all summer, and you can bet it’s going to get a lot more time on the water the rest of this year and for seasons to come.

Features:

• Ultra lightweight magnesium body, rotor, and sideplate – 6.3 ounces
• Lightweight double anodized aluminum spool with carbon arbor
• 9 Stainless steel ball bearings
• XCR bearings in key locations
• Instant anti-reverse bearing
• Solid aluminum bail wire
• Sure-click bail provides an audible signal when bail is fully opened and ready to cast
• Anti-twist titanium coated line roller
• Lightweight carbon handle
• Durable EVA knob
• Solid titanium main shaft
• Sealed carbon drag system
• Convertible left and right hand retrieves
• Spring loaded line clip
• Neoprene protective bag
• Aluminum spare spool
• On/Off anti-reverse
• 5.2:1 gear ratio
• Line recovery per handle turn – 27”
• Line capacity – 120yds/6#
• www.pflueger.com

Pflueger Supreme XT 9230 Spinning Reel - $149.95

A few years ago I reviewed the previous version of the Pflueger Supreme XT and was very impressed. In fact, I’m still using that reel, as well as the smaller 9225 model. After fishing the “new” version the past few months, I found it very similar to the previous version, so it seems most of the changes are simply cosmetic. And, even though I like the bright gold finish, the new finish looks better and will appeal to more anglers. Also, having put many hours on the original Supreme XT, I can say with some confidence, you should expect great service for years.

The “new” version of the Supreme XT is not an inexpensive reel at $149.95, but in my opinion a great price for a top quality reel. It is basically the same size as the Patriarch 30 series, but holds a little more line at 145 yards of 6 pound diameter line. As with the original, I really like the 6.2:1 retrieve/gear ratio and is very light at 7.2 ounces. I’ve been fished this reel on a St. Croix Legend Elite 7’6” medium-light action rod and spooled it with Berkley Tracer Braid in 10 pound/3 pound diameter. Like the Patriarch this reel has a somewhat smaller profile, but large enough spool to facilitate long casts. It also has the tubular bail and thread-on handle with comfortable EVA knob. This may be picky, but the way the knob is attached to the handle is better than the previous Supreme XT, which sometimes would catch your forefinger between the knob and the handle shaft, which was annoying. The drag, as you would expect is very smooth throughout the spectrum.

I’m still fishing the original Supreme XT and expect to do the same with the new version for the rest of this season and beyond. I can highly recommend this reel!

Features:

• Lightweight durable magnesium body & rotor – 7.2 ounces
• 9 stainless steel ball bearings
• Corrosion resistant bearings in key locations
• One-way clutch instant anti-reverse bearing
• Smooth sealed carbon fiber drag system
• Double anodized machined aluminum spool with holes
• Aluminum side plate
• Sure-click bail provides an audible signal when bail is fully opened and ready to cast
• Large solid aluminum bail wire
• Anti-twist titanium coated line roller
• Lightweight carbon handle
• Durable EVA knob
• Spare aluminum spool
• Convertible right or left hand retrieve
• On/Off anti-reverse
• Neoprene reel bag
• 6.2:1 gear ratio
• Line recovery per handle return – 30”
• Line capacity – 145yds/6#
• www.pflueger.com

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.