Light spinning reels for inshore or nearshore fishing have devotees on all coasts. This year at ICAST 2017, a range of smaller spinners were introduced, from pricey high-end reels to the more basic and budget-minded. This gallery shows new reels from 11 different manufacturers who displayed at the international tackle trade show in Orlando. Some are available already; others will be available later this year.
13 Fishing Prototype TX 3.0
Key Features
Includes what 13 Fishing calls a 4D forged drive gear
AdvertisementA “FREAK drag system”
Weight not available; 5.2-to-1 gear ratio; holds 260 yards of 8-pound mono
Available: Not available Doug Olander / Sport Fishing
KastKing Sharky Baitfeeder III 2000
Key Features
11 ball bearings
39.5 pounds max drag
Weighs 8.5 ounces; 5.1-to-1 gear ratio; holds 185 yards of 8-pound braid
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Available: Later in 2017 Doug Olander / Sport Fishing
Lew’s Fishing MCR300 Mach Crush Speed Spinning Reel 300
Key Features
Smooth, sealed, six-disc drag; 11 ball bearings
High strength, lightweight C40 carbon skeletal speed rotor
AdvertisementWeighs 9.1 ounces; 6.2-to-1 gear ratio; holds 145 yards of 10-pound braid
Available: September 2017 Doug Olander / Sport Fishing
Okuma Epixor XT 40
Key Features
8 ball bearings; Cyclonic Rotor Flow
TCA: Torsion Control Armor frame design with slow-oscillation system
Weighs 10.7 ounces; 5.0-to-1 gear ratio; holds 220 yards of 10-pound mono
Available: September 2017 Doug Olander / Sport Fishing
Penn Conflict II
Key Features
High strength RR30 graphite body and rotor design
HT-100 carbon fiber drag washers
CNC machined aluminum gear system
Slow Oscillation – Leveline System
Available: July 2017 Courtesy Penn Reels
Quantum Smoke Inshore SE 30
Key Features
Aluminum uni-body construction with asymmetric precision PT high-strength aluminum gears
New CSC3 Drag System combines ceramic, carbon fiber and stainless steel including Plasma Arc drag washers for unmatched smoothness
Weighs 8.3 ounces; 6.0-to-1 gear ratio; holds 150 yards of 10-pound mono
Available: November 2017 Doug Olander / Sport Fishing
Shimano Exsence 4000
Key Features
Magnesium body will not corrode; Hagane process ensures rigidity
11 bearings, 24-pound max drag
Weighs 8.6 ounces; 6.2-to-1 gear ratio; holds 130 yards of 8-pound braid or 120 yards of 200-pound braid
Available: September 2017 Doug Olander / Sport Fishing
Tsunami Armr 4000
Key Features
Lightweight, solid aluminum body with carbon-infused side plates
7 ball bearings, double-anodized ported aluminum spool
Weighs 11 ounces; 5.8-to-1 gear ratio; holds 260 yards of 20-pound braid
Available: unknown Doug Olander / Sport Fishing
Van Staal VR50
Key Features
Completely sealed and waterproof, forged/machined from 6061-T aluminum
Hardened stainless steel gears, stainless shaft, 25 pounds max drag
Weighs 8.9 ounces; 6.8-to-1 gear rato; holds 360 yards of 20-pound braid
Available: October 2017 Doug Olander / Sport Fishing
Wright & McGill Sabalos Pro Carbon Spinning Reel 300
Key Features
Carbon fiber body with eight bearings
Titanium main shaft, titanium-coated anti-twist line roller
Weighs 8.3 ounces; 6.0-to-1 gear ratio; holds 140 yards of 12-pound mono
Available: Now Sam Hudson / Sport Fishing magazine
