Baitcast reels are popular not just with freshwater bass fishermen, but also with many saltwater anglers who fish inshore waters, often in situations similar to those in lakes — around cover such as vegetation and docks — where flipping and skipping work well. These eight new models of low-profile reels geared to saltwater anglers were introduced at the 2017 ICAST international tackle trade show in Orlando. Some are available already; others will be available later this year or early next.
Key Features
No ball bearings; the Concept Z uses high-tech CZB polymer bearings
Use of non-metals and a protective coating offer high resistance to corrosion
Weighs just 6.2 ounces, with a 7.3-to-1 gear ratio
Price
$200 (Tackle Direct)
Availability
February 2018
Key Features
6 corrosion-resistant stainless bearings
Upgraded power stack Carbon Matrix Drag System and a C6 carbon palm side plate
7.8 ounces, gear ratios vary by model from 5.4-to-1 to 7.3-to-1
Price
$249.94 MSRP
Availability
Now
Key Features
7 corrosion-resistant stainless bearings
Lightweight yet rigid alloy frame and a Carbon Matrix hybrid drag system
7.9 ounces, gear ratios vary by model from 5.4-to-1 to 7.3-to-1
Cost
$99.95 MSRP
Availability
Late 2017
Key Features
7 bearings
Max drag 25 pounds
Weighs 15.3 ounces; gear ratio 6.3-to-1
Price
$249.99 MSRP
Availability
August 2017
Key Features
10 + 1 ball bearings
25 pounds max drag
Weighs 9.2 ounces; 6.3-to-1 gear ratio
Price
$99.9 MSRP
Availability
Now
Key Features
Lew's lowest-profile design to date
One-piece aluminum frame, 11 bearings
Weighs in at just 5.8 ounces; 7.5-to-1 gear ratio
Price
$259.95 (Tackle Direct)
Availability
Now
Key Features
New MicroModule gearing offers great efficiency and smoother performance
8 +1 ball bearings
Weighs 6.5 ounces; gear ratio is 7.1-to-1
Price
$279.99 (Tackle Direct)
Availability
Mid-August 2017
Key Features
New MicroModule gearing for better engagement between drive and pinion gears
Upgraded Shimano SVS Infinity centrifugul brake system
Weighs range from 7.6 to 7.8 ounces and gear ratios from 6.2 to a blazing 8.5-to-1, depending upon model
Price
$179.99 (Tackle Direct)
Availabilty
Mid-August 2017
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