Lightweight wonders of engineering, low-profile saltwater baitcasting reels cast quickly and accurately without backing down to sizable opponents.

Penn Fathom

The Fathom features a full metal body, carbon-fiber drag, and stainless-steel bearings. The pinion gear is supported by ball bearings and brass gears for extra cranking power.

Shimano Tranx 150

Shimano packed their best technology into the Tranx 150, including a centrifugal casting brake capable of launching a quarter-ounce jig into the wind, a triumph for any casting reel.

Daiwa 150 SV Coastal

The Coastal 150 SV uses a cool T-wing line guide that opens up for unimpeded casting. To maximize line capacity, Daiwa shoved a 150-size spool in a 100-size reel.

13 Fishing Concept TX Gen II

Inspired by Texas wade-fishermen, 13 Fishing designed the TX2 with carbon frame and side plates, along with zero-corrosion bearings, gears and spool to survive constant exposure to salt water and sand.

Okuma Komodo SS

With an emphasis on corrosion resistance, the Komodo features stainless-steel bearings, gearing and drive shaft. A six-pin centrifugal brake and lightweight aluminum spool control casting power.

The post Low-Profile Baitcasters for Inshore Fishing appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

I remember the moment I made the transition. After years of slinging a spinning reel for striped bass, speckled trout and redfish, the first time I used a baitcasting reel for saltwater, I switched allegiance and never looked back.

A baitcasting reel is smaller, lighter, faster and more powerful. But, the precision reels are susceptible to corrosion.

To overcome these challenges, the latest generation of saltwater baitcasting reels are built tough. Reinforced construction, corrosion resistant components and increased line capacity make saltwater baitcasting reels small and strong.

The best way to see this technology is looking at the best saltwater baitcasting reels.

Offshore fishing is the ultimate test of a saltwater baitcasting reel. Captain Ben Florentino of Coastal Charters uses his baitcaster against California’s feisty calico bass and big bluefin tuna.

“The last few years, we’ve had great bluefin tuna fishing,” Florentino says. He targets bluefin with topwater lures. “We look for fish foaming on the surface and cast a popper into the mix,” he says.

The key to success is accurately landing a long cast. “If you go in there too hot, you will push down the fish,” he warns. To launch his lure maximum distance, Florentino uses a nine-foot rod and a Shimano Tranx 400, 500 or PG spooled with 80-pound-test PowerPro.

Florentino remembers the early days of saltwater baitcasting reels. “I started out using a Shimano Bantam for calico bass,” he says. Even though the Bantam is designed for freshwater, the sturdy little reel became popular for delivering quick, accurate casts. He laughs when he recalls, “We were using 30-pound monofilament, so the reel didn’t have much line capacity.”

Modern baitcasting reels have increased line capacity by reducing the size of internal components. With a larger spool and precision parts, baitcasting reels are ready for big game.

“Today’s baitcasting reels are a great piece of technology,” Captain Florentino celebrates. He points to Micro Module gearing which uses fine-tooth gears for improved smoothness and sensitivity. “I can choose a gear ratio to meet my needs,” he says. A faster reel is better for topwater lures while a slower reel is best for finesse fishing.

Recently, Shimano took its Tranx technology to inshore fishing. The new Tranx 150 is an instant hit with wade-fishing anglers.

Captain Brian Barrera of South Texas Saltwater Experience has high expectations for an inshore baitcasting reel. “I need a baitcasting reel for both long casts and close quarters fishing,” he says.

Wade-fishing anglers put their gear to the test. Anglers standing waist deep in saltwater require a precision reel for long casts that can withstand the rigors of salt, mud, sand and fish slime.

Barrera also prefers a baitcasting reel to pitch baits into potholes and under boat docks.
“The baitcasting reel has a faster retrieve and is quicker to make a cast,” he says. This is also helpful when he spots a fish and needs to make a quick-draw cast. “For fish that decide they want to start the party when they show up right next to me.”

“Baitcasting reels allow me to make cast after cast and fish for a long time without tiring out,” Barrera starts. Comfort is one of his top requirements. “The reel should fit in the palm of my hand,” he says.

Fishing in close contact with saltwater requires an extra level of corrosion protection. In addition to corrosion resistant materials, the Tranx 150 uses Core Protect coating to repel water. The water just beads up and rolls off.

Another new reel inspired by Gulf Coast wade fisherman is 13 Fishing’s Concept TX2. But reel designer Matt Baldwin says an inshore baitcasting reel is great for fishing mangrove lines, docks, points and shorelines anywhere. “A competent angler will make more accurate casts with a baitcasting reel,” Baldwin says.

Baldwin’s explanation is scientific. “When I cast, the delivery of line is a straight shot off the reel and through the line guides,” he says. The smooth and efficient delivery provides a longer more accurate cast.

The challenge is making a baitcasting reel tough enough for saltwater. Baldwin tackled the problem with a full carbon fiber body and treated ball bearings. “The reel is 100-percent corrosion resistant,” he says.

Hard-anodized and precision-cut gears combine with the advanced polymer drag system to put out 20 pounds of drag in a 200-size reel. It’s not about stopping power, but smoothness through the drag range. A larger, stronger drag reduces temperature to produce consistent pressure at lower drag settings.

One reason for the trend in improved baitcasting reels for saltwater is elementary. “Anglers are getting better at fishing,” Marc Mills, marketing manager at Daiwa points out. According to Mills, the surge in fishing’s popularity has led to more anglers pushing their skills.

For Mills, the key to a saltwater baitcasting reel is the casting brake. “I need to make a long cast, into the wind, with a light lure without a backlash,” he says. As an example, Mills highlights Daiwa’s Coastal 150 sv. “The reel uses a combination of centrifugal and magnetic brakes to control the spool’s speed.”

Another casting aid included on the new Coastal 80 reel is a bushing instead of ball bearings. “Ball bearings offer too much risk of corrosion,” Mills says. On the other hand, the bushing is made of corrosion resistant nylon. For example, the Coastal 80 uses a nylon bushing between the main shaft and the side plate without losing any performance.

Line capacity is another issue. Mills says the Coastal 200 has a deep spool to cast ½ to 2. ½-ounce lures to calico bass with line capacity to hold onto a surprise yellowtail or white sea bass.

That includes a sturdy, smooth drag system, the Coastal reels use stacked, grease-impregnated carbon fiber to produce heavy drag in a small reel. “We advertise 15 pounds of drag, but the 200 will get 20 pounds all day long,” Mills adds.

My own experiences with low-profile baitcasting reels started in skinny water with light tackle and moved to open water and heavy gear for big red drum, cobia and striped bass.

Read Next: Benefits of a Baitcaster Reel in Saltwater

Looking for a reel with lightning fast reaction time for sight fishing, I paired the PENN Fathom 300 with a seven-foot, medium-heavy St. Croix Premier rod.

The reel holds 165 yards of 50-pound braided line and I can still palm it in one hand while applying pressure to a big fish.

The reel uses carbon fiber drag washers to produce 24 pounds of drag. The full-metal body and ball-bearing supported pinion gear to prevent the body from twisting under pressure. The reel sits low on the rod, with a large handle providing more leverage for fighting a big fish.

When I’m jigging big drum in the kayak, the compact reel is more comfortable to hold for hours. Another advantage for kayak anglers, the baitcasting reel lies flat on the deck, ready for quick action.

To cast bucktails to marauding cobia, the baitcasting reel offers lightning fast reaction time. Just depress the line release with my thumb and launch a cast.

If I don’t make a perfect cast, I can slow the line with my thumb to adjust the lure’s trajectory mid air.

For a larger low-profile reel, the Fathom 300 has a two-stage casting brake I adjust with a dial on the sideplate. Turn up the brake to cast heavier lures, then loosen the system when I need to lob a live eel, I get maximum distance without messing with a backlash.

As saltwater baitcasting reels get better and easier to use, more anglers will find more ways to fish with them. Reels have responded with lighter, stronger and smaller reels capable of surviving the harsh conditions and ruthless predators that hunt in saltwater.

The post The Best Low-Profile Baitcasting Reels appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Yeti Camino 50 Carryall

The ultimate boat bag, this 50-liter heavy-duty Yeti tote helps organize gear and transport it between truck and vessel. Made from the same waterproof, ultra-durable, and easily cleaned material as the Panga Duffel, the Camino 50 features an EVA molded bottom, two interior zippered pockets, CrossBar handles, and deployable dividers to keep gear such as reels separated from bulkier equipment. The $200 bag measures 16.5 inches high by 22 inches long and 12 inches wide and comes in navy or storm gray.

Shimano Tranx 150

The Shimano Tranx 150 expands this low-profile-reel family to deliver a versatile model perfect for lighter inshore presentations. The metal Hagane Body adds durability while enhancing smoothness. The smallest Tranx, the 150 weighs 6.7 ounces, carries 150 yards of 20-pound braided line, and offers 13 pounds of max drag. The reels also feature Shimano’s cross carbon drag material and will be available in three gear ratios — 6.3-, 7.2- and 8.2-to-1. They cost $209.99.

Bubba Tidal Series

Bubba has officially released its three-model series of inshore fishing rods: Tidal, Tidal Select and Tidal Pro. All three models feature spinning and casting options in multiple lengths, actions and powers. Tidal rods ($139.99) feature graphite construction and come with stainless-steel guides and a split reel seat. Tidal Selects ($199.99) feature Fuji components and 24/30 Toray graphite construction. They also employ Bubba’s Non-Slip Grip material. Tidal Pros ($329.99) come with top-of-the-line Fuji reel seats and guides, 30T Toray graphite construction, ergonomic carbon-fiber handles with Non-Slip Grip, and a lightweight design.

Fin-Nor Bouncer

Fin-Nor, one of the most storied brands in big-game fishing, has introduced a line of performance sunglasses that includes 20 styles, several designed with iconic captains such as Miami’s Bouncer Smith. Bouncer frames (pictured) feature a large-to-extra-large fit, an integrated spring hinge, adjustable rubber nose pads, rubber temple tips and low-profile side shields. They come in three colors and with either glass or plastic lenses in gray or copper and with three mirror options: silver, green, or blue. All Fin-Nor sunglasses will offer Lateral Line Lens Technology, which reduces blue light transmission for sharp, distortion-free color. They also feature enhanced abrasion resistance, hydrophobic/oleophobic coatings on both sides of glass lenses, and five- or seven-layer anti-reflective coating. Available in April, the sunglasses will cost $159 to $209.

Toadfish Elite Guide Series

Toadfish’s new Elite Guide Series spinning reels — in 2500 and 3000 sizes — feature an aluminum body, a carbon rotor and handle, and a sealed carbon drag. Both models come with 7+1 sealed stainless-steel ball bearings and a gear ratio of 6-to-1. They carry 240 yards of 10-pound braid, weigh 7.8 ounces and offer 16 pounds of max drag. Elite Guide Series reels cost $150.

G. Loomis GCX Inshore

Each G. Loomis GCX Inshore rod blank uses the company’s multi-taper design process that allows engineers to reinforce potential stress points while reducing extra material. The process makes these rods lighter with more precise lengths, powers and actions. Available in three casting and 11 spinning models, the rods feature solid cork handles, Fuji reel seats and an optimized SeaGuide guide train. Casting rods come in 6 ½- and 7-foot medium and medium-heavy versions; spinning rods come in 7-, 7 ½- and 8-foot models in a wider range of powers. The rods cost $289.99 to $339.99.

Huck Performance Bucket

Huck makes its performance buckets from an impact-modified, UV stabilized material called SpryTech, designed to outperform typical disposable 5-gallon containers made from high-density polyethylene. The company says it’s nearly impossible, in fact, to break its buckets. Other features include non-skid feet with finger indents on the bottom, “spaghetti-pot” side handles with finger indents, and a stay-put main handle system with finger indents. You can just grab the bottom or sides of the bucket rather than the handle and still control emptying or filling. The 5-gallon Huck measures 13 5/8 inches high, and has a base diameter of 10 ½ inches and a mouth diameter of 11 ½ inches. It weighs 3 pounds. Available in gray, blue, olive, tan, or white with tan, white or black handles, Hucks cost $99.95 (customized versions available).

Daiwa D-Vec Dry Bag

Daiwa’s new waterproof D-Vec dry bag backpack is made from a tarpaulin/nylon with PVC coated material. It features a waterproof zippered front compartment, an easy-access pliers holder, a nylon top handle, padded shoulder straps, and a rollover-and-snap design. It measures 16-by-27 inches and weighs 2 pounds. Available in black, it costs $79.99.

RedFin Sanibel

RedFin’s Sanibel frames were designed for larger faces. They feature heavy-duty, two-way stainless-steel hinges, no-slip, Megol rubber nose pieces, and under-the-cap ear stems. Manufactured by Carl Zeiss Vision, the nylon polarized lenses help eliminate glare and come with a coating that repels water, fog, sweat and oil; an anti-scratch protectant helps resist abrasion. Sanibel frames are available in matte black or black tortoise. Lenses come in coastal blue (dark gray/blue mirror), Gulf blue (light green/Caribbean blue mirror), shallow mirror (yellow/light green mirror) and dark shad mirror (gray base w/ silver mirror). They cost $229.

Read Next: More Saltwater Fishing Gear

Zerofit Heatrub

Zerofit has released two new baselayers — Heatrub Ultimate and Heatrub Move — for cold-weather protection and comfort on the water and anywhere in the outdoors. Ultimate ($90) has been independently tested to be five times warmer than competitors, with a heat-retention rating of 0.78. Standard baselayers have a 0.1 to 0.14 rating; a sweater would be about 0.3. Heat threads inside the garment are activated by movement. Recommended temperature range is 14 through 50 degrees. The Move baselayer ($76) has been tested to be twice as warm as similar products. The fabric on the inside is 45 percent polypropylene; the shell is a hollow polyester. The garment removes sweat from the skin, and its recommended range is 23 to 53 degrees. Ultimate comes in black, white, red, blue and gray; Move comes in black, white or titanium.

The post New Fishing Gear for Spring 2022 appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Few experienced anglers can spend enough time on the water to keep their casting accuracy and distance tack sharp. And with many new anglers entering the sport over the last two years, we decided to offer some tips on how to cast a spinning reel and how to cast baitcasters and conventional round-spool reels.

We checked in coast to coast with four inshore specialists and one offshore expert, and gathered their insights. Many had similar concepts about how to cast a fishing rod, whether spin, baitcast or conventional, though some had unique ideas and others provided advanced tips. Here are their thoughts in their own words:

Inshore

Capt. CA Richardson

Shimano pro

Tampa, Florida

With spin tackle, try this variety of casts and techniques:

Dart Cast: A short, compact casting motion that starts at 1 o’clock and stops at 11 o’clock abruptly, then follow the lure with the rod tip. This allows for pinpoint accuracy on medium to long casts to fish or cover. It’s the most important cast you should master, if you love swinging artificial lures.

Pitch or Pendulum Cast: A must for close-quarters casting and very handy for fishing marshy zones or around cover like docks and mangrove edges. I like to hold my lure with a length of line that puts it even with the spinning reel. Then pendulum swing the lure smoothly at a low angle to the target area—generally within 15 to 20 feet of your position.

Feathering Line: This not only gives you greater casting accuracy but reduces wind knots in a big way. When casting, just use your index finger gently to feather or slow the line down especially before the lure hits the intended landing zone. This reduces the surface impact from the lure’s entry and places the lure in the strike zone efficiently.

With baitcasters, here are some tips for better casting:

Lure-to-Rod Balance: Know the sweet spot of your casting rod. The lure-weight spec of your rod is important. Try to choose a lure that accommodates the mid-range of that lure-weight spec. For example, if the lure-weight range is ¼ to 5/8 ounces, find a lure for that rod that weighs 3/8 to ½ ounces, and you’re in the sweet spot. You’ll get your best performance out of that rod with those lures.

Understand Rod Actions for Specific Techniques: If you’re fishing cover like mangrove shorelines or docks, then medium-heavy to heavy actions are best.

Topwater plugs are typically heavy by nature so a heavier-action rod is required to cast these lures accurately and efficiently. But you still need a moderate-fast tip to walk the bait properly.

When fishing suspending treble-hook lures, you need to choose medium-action rods with fast tips to generate good hook sets but still allow for some forgiveness when it comes to pulling the hooks.

Smart Casting: Place your lure in a landing zone that doesn’t alert the targeted fish. Then work or manipulate the lure into the strike zone.

Capt. Jot Owens

Penn pro

Wrightsville Beach, NC

Sometimes distance can be as important as accuracy and sometimes even more important. Distance casting will help you cover more area and also get a lure to a fish that might be easily spooked. If you cover more area you’ll catch more fish.

But how do you get more distance? One mistake I see many anglers make is trying to use just one hand to cast spinning tackle. Your accuracy and distance will greatly improve by using two hands to cast spinning tackle.

I hold the reel seat part of the combo with my dominant hand. I grab the line with my pointer finger and open the bail, just like on any other cast. I hold the bottom section of the rod butt with my other hand. My dominant hand controls where I cast the lure. My other hand—on the rod butt—is the power behind the cast.

The real challenge of power casting is timing. Knowing when to let go of the line with your finger and release the lure. If the lure slams into the water, you let go too late. If the lure flies high in the air and falls, you let go too early.

And one final tip I can give you for power casting: I’m usually a 7-foot rod guy for general types of all-around inshore fishing. I do appreciate a Fenwick HMG Inshore 7-foot-6-inch medium-action rod when casting topwater lures, especially trying to achieve greater distance with my casts.

Capt. Joshua Taylor

Okuma pro

Tampa, Florida

Baitcaster backlashes are merely a side effect of being new to a reel. Have patience and give yourself time to practice. With proper control and subtle adjustments to a baitcaster, you can tune your reel to avoid the bird’s nests.

The cast control mechanism, the spool tension knob, and the reel-brake system can all be fine-tuned. The brake system allows you to adjust the speed of the spool rotation, giving you a considerable amount of control over line tension.

You will have to tune your reel settings to each lure you’re using, as the different weights will require their unique settings.

Start with the brake system and the tension knob. Adjusting these pieces controls the velocity of the lure. Ideally, you should be able to freespool your reel, and the bait should fall to the ground without backlash. If you can accomplish that, then you should not get any backlash when you cast. Make adjustments until you reach the desired speed.

Now do some test casts. Do a simple overhead cast, and feel out the distance, adjust the brake accordingly. Eventually, you can begin to loosen the brake a bit and control the spool with your thumb. Start practicing with a heavier fishing lure for an easier time.

Capt. Trevor Hastings

Okuma pro

Sebastian, Florida

Not only does skipping a lure across the water with a spinning rod look awesome but it’s also very beneficial for getting into tight spaces. Inshore game fish love structure and shade, which is commonly provided by docks and mangroves. These lure traps can be quite challenging to access with a traditional overhand cast. This is where skipping comes into play.

Like anything, it will take some practice but it’s a lot easier than most people think and a lot like skipping a rock across water. Much like rocks, the shape and size of the lure is crucial—a smooth surface is the key. Anything with a bill or lip is going to give you problems much like a jagged rock would. I recommend topwater lures and soft plastics.

Think of your rod like a hockey stick and the lure is a puck. If you’re familiar with a wrist shot, it’s very similar. (You create momentum before releasing with a wrist shot). It all happens parallel to the water.

Pick your target and then draw a visual line. Now create a little momentum going back with your rod parallel to the water with your bail open, line on your pointer finger and take your shot. It won’t have the power to travel far at first, but the more you get comfortable, the more speed and distance you can incorporate. You’ll soon realize you don’t need as much force as you need a smooth confident motion. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll realize this technique is more essential to catching fish than it is flashy.

Ben Secrest demonstrating a long offshore cast with a conventional reel. Courtesy Ben Secrest / Accurate Fishing

Offshore

Ben Secrest

Accurate Fishing

Corona, California

Casting, in general, can be a difficult feat for any angler—beginner to best. Casting into a head wind is always challenging as is casting conventional tackle, especially when the pressure is on.

One thing I have learned to date is that I will never know it all, and keeping my ears open and mouth shut help my fishing every trip.

When casting conventional gear, it is key to learn as much about your reel as possible. Be able to adjust the reel so you maximize your cast but also minimize any backlashes. Most reels have a tension mechanism that controls the speed of the spool. One easy adjustment to do is to put the lure or bait on the line with the tension knob tightened and slowly loosen it until the lure or bait slowly falls to the water.

An even slow fall is what you’re looking for to slow the initial startup speed of the spool when you’re casting. This will alleviate the loops created by the spool spinning faster than your thumb can regulate. This is an easy step to take and will help your frustration level for sure.

Another tip to help with both conventional and spinning tackle is to make sure your line is tightly spooled on the reel. Casting loosely wound braid can cause very nasty backlashes.

One thing to do when you get on the boat is put the line in the water behind the boat, away from the prop and let it out until it seems tight on the spool. Let out no more than a third of the spool generally, and evenly wind it back on the reel. This does two things: tightens your line on the spool and wets the line, making it easier to cast.

Read Next: Pros’ Tips for Sight-Casting to Cobia

A big problem I frequently see involves using leaders with large knots going through the guides. This will cause you problems, especially when casting to feeding fish. You cast the lure, and the knot hits a guide, throwing a loop, causing a backlash. The bait stops mid-air after the line tightens because of the backlash, and then a monster eats the bait, resulting in a Zing-Pow moment.

Make shorter leaders with the knot outside the rod tip. Braid is tough enough to cast, so get your knots situated. (Check out the FG knot or Pena Knot—both are low profile and cast easily through guides once they’re cinched.)

Additional Tips:

• Position your boat upwind of the target for easier more effective casting.
• When fishing artificial baits that twist on retrieve, use a small swivel to attach the leader to avoid line twist, which will cause wind knots.
• Learn to follow through with your cast like throwing a ball. Jerking actions cause backlashes. Practice makes perfect so go to the park, or get on the water and cast.

The post Pro Casting Tips: Spinning Rod vs. Casting Rod appeared first on Sport Fishing Mag.

Now that Halloween is over, it’s time to shop for the winter holidays. We’ve compiled a list of fishing tackle and gear ideas from your favorite brands that any angler would love. From reels and tools to clothing and sunglasses, and with prices ranging from $30 to $300 — this is your ultimate guide to gift buying.

(Products are listed by MSRP from least to most expensive.)

Plano Edge Flex Tackle Box

$15-$30

The first StowAway to allow full customization, the Flex Series includes the Edge 3600 and 3700. Each comes with five 4x, six 3X, nine 2x and 18 1x dividers. These interlocking dividers can create small or large, short or long storage bays within the box, creating room for everything from tools, large lures, terminal tackle, weights and hooks. All boxes come with rust-preventing technology molded into the base. A watertight seal and a supplemental desiccant divider help ward off moisture. The clear lid allows easy identification of the contents. Heavy-duty steel-pin hinges, a one-hand latch and a ribbed base add durability. The 3600 measures 11-by-7.25-by-1.63 inches; the 3700 measures 14-by-9-by-1.38 inches.

Calcutta Keeper Dry Waterproof Duffle

$40 – 50

Made from TPU, Calcutta’s duffle is abrasion resistant and fully waterproof at the seams and zipper. It features a removable and padded shoulder strap, large exterior web pocket and second sealed exterior pocket. It measures 12 inches wide by 12 inches high and 23 inches long and offers 35 liters of internal volume. The bag is gray and black and comes with four webbed loops on the sides for attaching to a boat or vehicle.

Bluefin USA Performance Solid Sportshirt

$57-$59

Made from 100 percent microfiber, these fast-drying Bluefin USA shirts incorporate anti-bacterial and cooling technology, as well as UPF40 sun protection. Features include two front chest pockets with flap closures and a vented back panel for breathability. Available in short- or long-sleeve versions, the shirts come in sizes S through 2XL. Colors include navy, black, light blue or white. Bluefin USA says the shirts run slightly large.

Pelagic Blue Water Camo Fishing Short

$69

These Pelagic boardshorts feature four-way stretch for maneuverability, an internal drawcord that acts like a belt for a custom fit, and water repellency with stain guard to ward off the elements. Made with recycled fibers from plastic bottles, these shorts come in waist sizes 30 to 40, and in eight colors (pictured is slate fish camo).

AFTCO Reaper Windproof Softshell Jacket

$99

The next generation of technical cold-weather gear in the Reaper line, the softshell jacket still incorporates a built-in face mask and neck warmer but is lined with Hexatron fleece. The fleece is fused to the 94 percent polyester 6 percent spandex water-repellent outer shell. Features include laser-cut underarm ventilation and a zippered side vent. The jacket is available in sizes S through 3XL and in charcoal, oak or black.

Okuma ITX Carbon

$105-$120

Lightweight and compact, Okuma’s ITX Carbon spinning reels feature a body, side plates and rotor made from rigid C-40X long-strand carbon fiber, making it 25 percent stronger than standard graphite reels. The ITX reels come with a multi-disc, carbon fiber drag system with Okuma’s Hydro Block Gasket, keeping water out. The 7HPG +1RB High Performance, grease packed bearings keep the reel running smoothly along with the precision machine cut brass pinion gear. The 1000-, 2500-, 3000- and 4000-size reels all come standard with 6:1 high-speed gearing.

Accurate Fishing Plier/Knot Puller

$125

Accurate has developed the ultimate tool package for anglers with its combo pliers/knot puller. Often when anglers tie a knot with braided line or heavy mono, they take a few wraps on their hands to cinch the knot tight, and that can cut the skin. The two-part knot puller threads together and is covered by rubber for a nonslip surface. It also comes with two holes atop the tool to secure hooks. Packaged with Accurate’s APXL-7 pliers, the duo solves most onboard rigging issues. Both tools are made from 6061 T-6 lightweight aluminum and anodized for corrosion resistance.

Bubba Multi-Flex Interchangeable Blade System

$126

A first-of-its-kind product, Bubba’s new Multi-Flex Interchangeable Blade System is designed to deliver the strength and durability of a full-tang traditional fillet knife while providing the ability to swap different styles of blades to tackle small, medium, or large fish in any environment. The kit includes a 7-inch tapered flex, an 8-inch ultra flex, a 9-inch serrated flex, and a 9-inch stiff blade. The non-slip handle features a aqueeze-and-slide mechanism that allows you to switch blades quickly. A locking mechanism keeps the blade secure. The kit comes with an EVA carrying case.

Grundens Deviation Ankle Boot

$130

Grundens designed its 6-inch Deviation Ankle Boot to provide anglers with a comfortable footwear option that performs on and off the water. The boots feature non-marking lugged rubber outsoles with razor-cut siping to clear mud and other debris while maintaining traction on a wet deck. The company says it prioritized a thicker insole to promote noticeable shock resistance. The anti-microbial cooling liner helps eliminate odor. Available in anchor and refraction camo stone and in sizes 8 through 14.

Garmin Striker Cast

$130-$180

Anglers who fish bridges, piers, the surf or jetties can now own Garmin fishfinding technology, and small-boat anglers have an additional option for sonar. The new Striker Cast castable fishfinder transmits sonar signals wirelessly to a smartphone or tablet. Compatible with Apple and Android devices, Striker Cast delivers returns in water up to 150 feet. It streams sonar and water temperature from up to 200 feet away. An available GPS model allows anglers to create their own 1-foot contour fishing maps and personalize them with free Quickdraw Contours software. Garmin recommends using the castable module with 20-pound test line or greater. The unit powers on when it’s floating and turns off when it’s not. It comes with a USB-rechargeable battery.

Columbia PFG Force XII 35L Rolltop Backpack

$150

Columbia’s new PFG Force XII Rolltop Backpack is a TPU-coated bag with fully welded waterproof construction to keep gear dry throughout the wettest conditions. The lightweight pack also comes with a front zippered pocket, bungee cords, outside mesh pockets, and internal-organizer pockets to hold phones, sunscreen, pliers and other smaller items. The mesh-ventilated straps and padded back panel make it adjustable and comfortable for all sizes. Available in city grey and vivid blue.

Yeti Camino Carryall 35

$150

Yeti’s Camino Carryall is made from the same waterproof, durable, and easy-to-clean material as the Panga Duffel. This tote bag keeps wet boots and gear contained, keeps dry gear protected and provides a tough barrier from sharp hooks and tools. The EVA molded bottom keeps water out and holds the bag upright. The front of the Camino features Molle loops for attaching accessories, and inside is a zippered pocket for smaller items. Carry Camino using the shoulder straps or the crossbar handle. The bag weighs 3.3 lbs and measures 18 1/8 inches wide by 14 7/8 inches high and 9 7/8 inches deep. It comes in navy, reef blue, storm gray and Everglade sand.

Gill Men’s/Women’s Hydrophobe Down Jacket

$169

Gill makes these jackets water-repellent nylon on the outside and fills them with water-repellent down insulation. Features include two hand-warmer pockets, micro-baffle construction and an adjustable hem. The lightweight jacket fits into its own internal pocket. Men’s sizes range from S through 3XL; colors include blue or black. Women’s sizes range from 4 through 14; colors include navy or orange.

Costa Ferg

$199 to $279

Fergs, named for Costa Sunglasses founder Ray Ferguson, offer a refined focus on performance details, including top and side shields, integrated textured Hydrolite rubber, and vented nose pads. Ferg’s large OmniFit frame and 360-degree nose-pad adjustability allow for a more comfortable and secure fit on a variety of face shapes and sizes. Available in four color options — matte black, matte tortoise, matte reef and shiny gray — with a variety of Costa color-enhancing 580 lenses.

Shimano Speedmaster

$250-$260

For those anglers who use heavy-pound-test braids with fluorocarbon topshots, Shimano has added the Speedmaster 12II and 16II reels to its two-speed, lever-drag lineup. The reels offer 5.7- and 3.1-to-1 gear ratios with plenty of spool capacity to battle big fish. The 12II holds up to 400 yards of 65-pound braid, and the 16II holds 450 yards of 80. Both reels feature 40 pounds of max drag pressure and Shimano’s Hagane Body with the S-Compact design. The 12II weighs 25.7 ounces and costs $249.99, and the 16II weighs 26.5 ounces and costs $259.99.

Penn Fathom Low-Profile

$250-$300

Penn has brought its Fathom brand to the realm of low-profile baitcasting reels for saltwater applications. The new reels feature a full-metal body and crank side plate, HT-100 drag system, and a brass main gear. They’re available in sizes 200, 300 and 400 with standard and high-speed options. Fathoms also come with a dual-action casting brake, TiN-coated levelwind system, and seven bearings. Max drags range from 24 to 30 pounds.

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Shimano says its new SLX baitcasting reels are built for anglers who demand bulletproof durability in their fishing tackle. The six new models feature solid-aluminum frames with the company’s six-pin Variable Brake System for casting control and Curado K-type long handle. Models include the 6.3-to-1 SLX150 and left-hand retrieve SLX151, the high-speed (7.2-to-1) SLX150HG and 151HG, and the extra-high-speed (8.2-to-1) SLX 150XG and 151XG. Each reel weighs 6.9 ounces; spool capacities range from 150 yards of 20-pound braid to 105 yards of 40-pound braid. They cost $99.99.

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Okuma has added a 200-size reel to its Komodo SS saltwater-baitcast-model lineup, which already includes 350 and 450 sizes. The new 7.8-ounce reel features an updated six-pin velocity cast-control system and a friction-free disengaging-spool-shaft system for longer casting. It offers a 7.3-to-1 gear ratio and 20 pounds of maximum drag pressure. Available in left- or right-hand-retrieve versions, the new Komodo SS model costs $219.99.

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Shimano has thoroughly upgraded its Calcutta Conquest round-reel series with faster gears and a synchronized levelwind as well as a wide range of brake adjustments for fine-tuned spool control. The four 300- and 400-size reels come in right- and left-hand retrieve models with 6.2-to-1 gear ratios that gather 33 inches of line per crank. Conquests feature Shimano’s S Compact Body Design and MicroModule gear system. The 300 and 301 weigh 11.6 ounces and handle 40- and 65-pound-test braid. The 400 and 401 weigh 12 ounces and carry 50- and 80-pound braid. The reels cost $579.99.

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I know I’m not the only angler who grew up fishing spinning reels, mostly ignoring baitcasters. Not because I had disdain for them, but because no one in my fishing circle used them. Why use a baitcaster when none of my fishing mates used them? I was catching fish, no problem. That all changed in the past decade.

A heavy mix of topwater-plug fishing, Gulf Coast inshore fishing and freshwater bass fishing brought to light the versatility and enjoyment of the revolving-spool, star-drag reels. Now, I consider myself a late adopter, and I’ve learned some things along the way, like exactly when to use a baitcaster.

Baitcasters necessitate touch and feel that’s simply not required with spinning reels. How to use a baitcaster takes practice initially. Get past that small snag and you’ll notice baitcaster advantages include lure-casting distance, accuracy with lighter offerings and even lure retrieves that require jerking actions.

Compact baitcasting reels feature key differentiating characteristics from spinners, such as levelwinds, lighter drags, spool-tension knobs and braking systems. When fishing, righties often cast baitcasters with their right hand, then switch the rod and reel over to their left hand and crank with their right hand. That may sound like too many motions after a cast, but I perfected the actions after a day of fishing. If I can do it, so can you.

A couple of fishing “hacks” to consider: If you have the dexterity, try cutting out some steps by casting with your left hand and reeling with your right. And if turning the handle on the right side of the reel — or working a lure with your left hand — proves too cumbersome, consider buying a lefty baitcaster. Pairing the proper casting rod and reel together is an entirely different process that’s not covered in this column. Light lures with stiff rods often necessitate a combo that’s comfortable for the angler to cast.

How to Use a Baitcaster

Reel manufacturers make it easier than ever to prevent the dreaded baitcasting blunder: the backlash. But anglers should be intimately familiar with two parts of the reel — the spool-tension knob and the brake — to help fine-tune and adjust their casts.

The spool-tension knob helps avert overruns by applying pressure to both sides of the spool. Some anglers set the tension control by tightening the knob just enough so that their lure falls slowly to the ground during free-spool.

The reel’s brakes have an even larger effect on cast control.

“The two most common braking systems, centrifugal and magnetic, behave slightly differently but serve the same purpose,” says Chris Littau, senior product manager with Quantum reels. “Centrifugal brakes rely on weights. Magnetic brakes utilize electromagnetic force. No matter the brake system, the faster the spool turns, the more brake pressure applied to slow it down.”

A baitcaster’s drag system is built into its gearing. Because of this, baitcasters with high gear ratios have lower drag settings, and lower-gear-ratio reels have higher drag maxes.

“The spool turns the pinion gear, the pinion gear turns the drive gear and the drive gear holds the drag system,” says Chris Littau, with Quantum. “The fastest way to wear out a baitcaster’s drag is to force or pull line out on a heavily set drag.”

There really shouldn’t be a baitcaster vs. spinning reel battle. In fact, a balanced inshore fishing arsenal has both types of reels. With the basics of baitcasters now in your rearview mirror, check out six inshore saltwater casters that push the envelope in technology and usability. Directly below is a chart that compares specs from six different reels. Below the chart, each reel is highlighted.

*Model represents slowest gear ratio in each reel line

Abu Garcia Revo Inshore Low Profile

“We use specialized high-­performance corrosion resistance (HPCR) bearings that resist rust and debris contamination,” says Andrew Wheeler, with Abu Garcia. “Plus, a longer 95 mm handle and oversize knob adds ­additional cranking power.”

An improved infinitely variable centrifugal (IVC) braking system offers anglers a wide range of adjustment. The C6 carbon palm side plate provides significant weight reduction. A power stack Carbon Matrix Drag System handles 24 pounds of drag, but also produces smooth drag pressures across the entire drag range.

“The drag washers are twice as thick as our standard drag washers to increase drag durability and resist washer distortion,” says Wheeler.

Daiwa Coastal TWS 200

Daiwa’s Coastal TWS 200 Inshore baitcaster incorporates a proprietary T-Wing System, best explained as a modified T-style levelwind with a large aperture to prevent line friction when casting. The line is forced back into a tight groove after the cast to make sure the line is positioned evenly along the spool when reeling.

Seven corrosion-resistant ball ­bearings and an aluminum spool and frame help fight off salt water, says Marc Mills, Daiwa’s marketing field specialist. A 100 mm handle with an EVA knob provides stout leverage when cranking. The TWS 200 spool offers 35 percent more line capacity than the 100 size.

Okuma Komodo SS

“The Komodo SS models work great for calico bass, yellowtail, white seabass and tuna in California, but just as well targeting tarpon, snook and redfish on the East Coast,” says John Bretza, director of product development at Okuma Fishing Tackle.

The “SS” in the series name stands for stainless steel. Okuma equipped Komodo models with main gear, pinion gear and shafts machined from stainless steel. Other vital features include an aluminum frame, spool and side plates.

“Different from other inshore ­baitcasters, our levelwind system does not disengage,” says Bretza. “With our reel, when you cast, the levelwind guide travels back and forth. This design was specifically meant for braided line and increased durability.”

Quantum Smoke Series 3

Quantum engineered a 35.5 mm spool, when the average spool size is 32 to 34 mm, into a compact frame to provide anglers with increased line capacity, longer casts and more inches of line pickup with the new Quantum Smoke Series 3 (S3). To protect against salt, the company utilized premium aluminum salt-guard multilayer corrosion protection and anti-­corrosion bearings. A unique PT thumb bar also sports special coating to prevent corrosion and binding.

“Our cast-control braking system minimizes the energy it takes to get the spool spinning on a cast, along with additional brakes that disengage around 5,000 rpm to maximize distance,” says Littau.

Sixteen different cast-control adjustments are available on an easy-to-see external dial.

Shimano Chronarch G

The Chronarch G baitcaster was built with Texas wade-fishermen in mind, and is meant to tackle redfish, speckled trout and other inshore species in close-quarters conditions.

This Chronarch G model is ­saltwater safe, says Shimano’s John Mazurkiewicz, with a newly incorporated corrosion-resistant spool, something that wasn’t available on past Chronarch models.

Key features include micromodule guiding, a gearing system with small, precise teeth that produces smooth engagement and efficiency. An X-Ship pinion-gear support maintains precise alignment with the gear drive for powerful retrieves under heavy loads. Lastly, the SVS Infinity brakes are dialed in for better cast control, spool control and brake force.

13 Fishing Concept TX

The 13 Fishing Concept TX series baitcasters are made specifically for saltwater use.

“It’s not the design that makes reels saltwater specific, but the quality of materials and protection processes,” says Matt Baldwin, product-development director of 13 Fishing. “Our saltwater-specific reels feature Ocean Armor 2 on aluminum frames, corrosion-resistant bearings throughout the reel and attention to materials on the small parts that could be affected by the harsh saltwater environment.”

Gear ratios are important to the angler, and Baldwin has noticed a trend toward higher-speed reels.

“I suggest, if battling inshore species with live bait, purchase a 6.6-to-1 reel,” he says. “If you work a lot of artificial baits, 7.3-to-1 is the sweet spot in our lineup.” 13 Fishing offers specialty TX reels in three gear ratios.

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Daiwa‘s new Coastal TWS 200 inshore bait caster features the company’s TWS long-cast system and eight corrosion-resistant ball bearings. It also comes with high-strength gearing material, a 7.3-to-1 gear ratio, and a swept-handle design with custom EVA knobs to provide better cranking power. The new 200-size reel offers about 35 percent more line capacity than the previous 100 (165 yards of 14-pound-test mono) and includes Daiwa’s Ultimate Tournament Drag, with up to 15.4 pounds of max drag to help you stop bigger fish. The Coastal TWS 200 costs $229.95.

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