The Game & Fish tackle test utilized a comprehensive 10-criterion matrix to evaluate each rod and reel. (Photo by Ron Sinfelt)
February 12, 2019
By Dr. Todd Kuhn
Baitcasting reels are marvels of mechanical engineering.
These diminutive machines manage a vast array of baits, from petite plastics to slammer swimbaits on a wide variety of lines. They do so while remaining nearly bulletproof, and capable of weathering harsh use under demanding conditions.
Likewise, contemporary casting rods benefit from decades of material science advancements. Their blanks are engineered supramolecularly: resins and carbon fibers are amalgamated on a nanotechnology level.
Their componentry is equally impressive, as it is virtually indestructible — yet it remains unimaginably light. Together, these casting implements are capable of launching lures to impressive distances while delivering crisp sensitivity.
Advertisement
Game & Fish sent our gear experts into the briny marshes of Louisiana where the crew tested the latest bass gear against the largest and hardest-fighting redfish in North America.
After days of exhaustive testing (somebody had to do it, right?), we reached these conclusions.
VIDEO: WHAT WE LEARNED After testing baitcasting gear, a few things really ticked us off. You should know them before you buy another stick.
Advertisement
G&F Editor’s Choice: Best Overall Baitcasting Reel Abu Garcia Revo Rocket Abu Garcia Revo Rocket The Rocket, fueled by 10.1:1 gearing is fast, really fast. This hungry cranker gulps line at an absurd 41-inches per turn.
Testers were enamored with this reel’s hustle, letting you cover considerably more water while making substantially more casts per day than its more leisure counterparts.
The Revo’s blistering retrieve will not be a drawback for those who opt for slower reels, as you can turn the handle slower for less pace.
While you can slow this reel down, however, you cannot comfortably speed up a slower reel’s with exaggerated cranking.
The Revo turns as smoothly as the best in the business. The drag has plenty of gristle, enough to grind the hardest charging bass to a halt or haul buried fish from the thickest slop.
At $299, some will find the retail hard to swallow, however, if it helps you cash more tournament checks or catch more fish, the price is quickly forgotten.
Hits: Blazing speed adds more casts to your day.
Misses : The EVA knobs will be a bit too bulky for some.
On Newsstands Now Our test team comprised of salty veterans of the fishing industry tested 51 rods and reels to find the best all-around and affordable baitcasting gear.
See how our testers ranked them in the March issue of Game & Fish magazine, on newsstands now at local retailers.
Click Here: Subscribe to Game & Fish Magazine
VIDEO: BIG FISH HOOKSETS Dr. Todd A. Kuhn gives you a baitcaster tip to make sure you get the best hookset possible and the fish doesn’t break off on the first run.
G&F Editor’s Choice: Best Overall Baicasting Rod Kistler Z-Bone Kistler Z-Bone The 7’3” Z-Bone is Trey Kistler’s best offering to date, wowing everyone who touched it. The heart of the Z is the North Fork Composite LMX X-Ray blank, touted as possessing the highest strength-to-weight ratio in the industry.
When casting this creation, you’re stunned by its agile demeanor. The medium-modified fast rod loads effortlessly and unloads without chatter or vibration — reflecting the rod’s optimized mechanical efficiency.
The Z is rated for 1/16- to 1/2-ounce baits on 6- to 12-pound mono or 15-pound braid. We feel its sweet spot in the 1/4- to 3/8-ounce area. The tip section is delightful, one which transfers bait and bottom data flawlessly to the user. The Grade A cork split-grip is shaped and sized smartly and contributes greatly to the rod’s clairvoyant sensitivity.
Attention to quality of construction is seen in the nine running guides (plus the stripper guide and tip) which guarantee a symmetrical flexure along its length.
Hits: Uncompromising performance and the best blank in the business.
Misses: At $520, the Z-Bone is not for the weak-kneed.
VIDEO: HOODIE TECH Columbia Sportswear has a shirt that is full of technology, like a built-in neck gaiter and tiny titanium sun deflectors. John Geiger and Brent Brauner of Columbia tell the story behind the very cool fishing hoodie.
Meet the Team The Game & Fish tackle test utilized a comprehensive 10-criterion matrix to evaluate each rod and reel. Our test team is comprised of salty veterans of the fishing industry, professional guides and editors. Scores were tallied after each day on the water; once we crunched the numbers (and after some heated debates), winners in each gear category were named. The Editor’s Choice award goes to the best all-around gear, and the Great Buy award goes to those products in each category that performed the best and provided the greatest value.
The team:
Captain Jamie Harris: Considered a master of Florida’s Mosquito Lagoon and has been fishing for more than 40 years.Captain Joe DiMarco : Spends more than 220 days a year fishing and guiding fishermen to reds, bass and sea trout.Captain Cody Obiol: A fishing guide out of Cajun Fishing Adventures in Buras, Louisiana. He has been at it full-time for more than nine years.Todd Ceisner : Editor of the bass-tournament site, BassFan.com. He is considered a major gearhead. He's been fishing for 20 years.Dr. Todd Kuhn: Game & Fish state editor who holds a Ph.D. in environmental engineering. He has been fishing in excess of 50 years.John Geiger: Game & Fish editor in chief and former gear editor for the magazine and web site. He's been fishing for 30 years..
VIDEO: GAITER BAITER Neck gaiters, we love them. And we also love quality sunglasses. But the two don’t mix because your lenses get steamed up — unless…
