These 10 new models of conventional reels range from beefy, heavy-duty offshore trolling machines to lightweight little powerhouses for fishing live bait and dropping jigs, where they’ll be used from nearshore reefs to the blue waters offshore. All were on display at the 2017 ICAST international tackle trade show in Orlando. Some are available already; others will be available later this year or early in 2018.
Accurate Valiant BV 600
Key Features
Designed/built specifically for braid, features 32 pounds max drag
AdvertisementUSA-built, with a sleeved spool for outstanding castability
Weighs 19 ounces; gear ratio 6-to-1; holds 500 yards of 65-pound braid
Available: Now Doug Olander / Sport Fishing
Accurate Valiant BV 600NN
This variation of the 600 described above is a very narrow-spool version. It retrieves a whopping 53 inches of line per turn of the handle, also offering 32 pounds of max drag. The NN holds 300 yards of 65-pound braid.
Alutecnos Gorilla 30W 2S
Key Features
Silver anodized two-speed trolling reel with 5 stainless ball bearings
Multi-drag disc system can produce more than 50 pounds of drag (with full free spool)
AdvertisementWeighs 62 ounces; gear ratios of 3.3-to-1 and 1.7-to-1; holds 950 yards of 90-pound braid and more than 1,000 yards of 30-pound mono
Available: Now Doug Olander / Sport Fishing
Avet SX 5.3 MC Lever Drag Casting Reel
Key Features
Precision-machined 6061 T-6 marine-grade aluminum and stainless steel components
AdvertisementOne-piece frame, 14 pounds max drag
Weighs 14 ounces; gear ratio 5.3-to-1; holds 350 yards of 50-pound braid
Available: Now Doug Olander / Sport Fishing
Fin-Nor Primal Lever Drag
Key Features
Super-light, super-strong conventionals with sealed Megadrag delivering up to 30 pounds max drag
Heavy-duty stainless-steel gear
10 size weighs 13.7 ounces; 5.8-to-1 or 7.3-to-1 gear ratios; holds 320 yards of 14-pound mono
Available: Mid-August 2017 Doug Olander / Sport Fishing
Italcanna Gladiator OZ103
Key Features
Corrosion-resistant alloy with 6 stainless-steel high-speed bearings
Cam-operated carbon drag designed to prevent spool jamming
Weighs 56.4 ounces; 3.1-to-1 gear ratio; holds 710 yards of 30-pound mono
Available: Now Doug Olander / Sport Fishing
Okuma Makaira SE Special Edition
Key Features
6061-T6 machined aluminum frame with forged side plates
Blue color is new, limited number available
Weighs 26.8 ounces; 2.1-to-1 and 4.7-to-1 gear ratios; holds 410 yards of 25-pound mono
Available: Now (limited) Doug Olander / Sport Fishing
Okuma Tesoro
Key Features
6061-T6 machined aluminum frame, sideplate and spool
17-4 grade stainless steel helical cut gearing and multi-disc Carbonite drag system
Weighs 19 ounces; 6.1-to-1 gear ratio; holds 245 or 295 yards of 30 pound mono, depending upon model
Available: November 2017 Doug Olander / Sport Fishing
Penn International 12 V1
Key Features
Machined and anodized aluminum body and sideplates, lighter for 2018
Versa-Strike adjustable strike stop
Weighs 31 ounces; 6.75-to-1 gear ratio; holds 1,030 yards of 12-pound mono or 840 yards of 50-pound braid
Available: October 2017 Doug Olander / Sport Fishing
Shimano Torium HG 14
Key Features
Lightweight, rigid, compact body
Cross Carbon drag and extra layer of surface treatment after anodizing
Weighs 15 ounces; 6.3-to-1 gear ratio; holds 270 yards of 16-pound mono and 370 yards of 50-pound braid
Available: September 2017 Doug Olander / Sport Fishing
Tsunami Forged Reel
Key Features
Lightweight, power-forged aluminum frame, precision-machined for braided line
Stainless-steel drive and pinion gears with 30 pounds max drag
Weighs 18.8 ounces; 5.21-to-1 gear ratio; hold 580 yards of 40-pound braid
Available: Now Doug Olander / Sport Fishing
