Low-Profile Baitcasters for Inshore Fishing

Five baitcasting reels built for skinny water fishing trips.
redfish caught on baitcaster
Inshore anglers who have switched from spinning reels to baitcasters rave over tighter drags and increased casting accuracy. Sam Hudson

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

Penn Fathom
Penn Fathom Jon Whittle

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 Tranx 150 Jon Whittle

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
Daiwa 150 SV Coastal Jon Whittle

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
13 Fishing Concept TX Gen II Jon Whittle

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
Okuma Komodo SS Jon Whittle

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.