Abu Garcia’s new Zenon BFS baitcaster is one of eight new reels featured. (Photo courtesy of Abu Garcia)
July 25, 2024
By Alan Clemons
Fishing reels should be strong enough to get the job done and reliable enough that you never even think about them. No hiccups, noises, pings, dings or anything to disrupt the task at hand: making casts and getting fish to the boat. The best fishing reels of the 2024 ICAST Show check all those boxes, and more.
The annual show is where fishing companies put their latest and greatest under the spotlight. Buyers, dealers, competitors and outdoors media scrutinize the reels, lures, rods, accessories and other products during the four-day show. Here are some of the top freshwater reels.
Abu Garcia Zenon Abu Garcia Zenon BFS One of my favorite spinning reels is a Zenon , now a couple years old, that works great for bass and even bluegills with micro jigs. Abu Garcia has gotten into the Bait Finesse System game this year with the Zenon BFS casting reel. It pairs with the new Zenon BFS rods. The BFS deal is a low-profile setup that casts lightweight baits for bass, trout and panfish. These may be 1/8th-ounce or lighter, which is fine on a spinning rod. But the new Zenon BFS casting reel also handles these just fine. It has a shallow, lightweight spool, tuned magnetic braking system, HPCR 9+1 bearing system and carbon handle. Zenon BFS has two gear ratios: 8.3:1 for small jigs, small plastics and Ned rigs, and 6.8:1 for spy baits, small cranks and hair jigs. The reel can be paired with one of three models of Zenon BFS rods, which have carbon blanks and a special reel seat to help detect sensitive bites. abugarcia.com
Whisker Seeker 60 Series Pro Whisker Seeker 60 Series Pro The Whisker Seeker Tackle 60 Series Pro round baitcasting reel was specifically designed for hardcore catfishing. It has a machined, one-piece aluminum frame that is lightweight for all-day action yet tough during crunch time. The goodies inside include four stainless-steel ball bearings, centrifugal and magnetic braking systems, and a tough carbon fiber drag system. It has a 5.3:1 gear ratio, oversized and comfortable handle for reeling, and is compatible with the Whisker Seeker Tackle Reel Accessory Kit for customization. whiskerseeker.com
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Seviin GSC Casting Reel Seviin GSC Casting Reel Six new models in the Seviin GSC casting lineup have a larger profile that allows for an upsized 95mm carbon fiber handle and spool designs to handle braided line of 40-pound test or larger. Seviin reels still have a sleek design and have been put to the test for everything from bass to muskies. The GSC line has a 1-piece aluminum frame, Japanese S-spool bearings and three gear ratios with right- and left-hand retrieve. The dual magnetic/centrifugal braking system is easy to adjust, too, by simply removing the reel sideplate and making the change. Gear ratios include 6.6:1, 7.3:1 and 8.1:1. seviinreels.com
Daiwa Tatula SV 100 Daiwa Tatula SV 100 You’ll find many of the top features in Daiwa’s reels in the new Tatula SV 100, but at a more affordable price. The SV 100 includes Daiwa’s “Hyper” technology, used in the gearing system for smoother retrieves and the clutch for more consistent engagement. A swept handle design puts the paddles closer to the rod’s centerline, meaning less rod-reel wobble and wasted energy during a retrieve. Daiwa’s unique T-Wing level-wind/guide system assists with longer, smoother casts and better retrieves, and the drag system employs carbon washers, alloy and aluminum drag plates and special grease for strong, smooth performance. The new SV 100 reels come in right- or left-hand in 6.3:1, 7.1:1, and 8.1:1 gear ratios. daiwa.com
Shimano Vanford FA Shimano Vanford FA The new Vanford FA spinning reel continues the Shimano legacy by elevating the MagnumLite spinning reel lineup with technology from its flagship series. The lightweight CI4+ body and MGL Rotor on the Vanford FA offer heightened performance with jig-pause finesse techniques or when you need to burn a lure. InfinityXross and Infinity Drive enhance winding efficiency and smoothness on retrieves. DuraCross technology increases drag durability by combining the smoothness of felt with the wear resistance of carbon. fish.shimano.com
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SPRO JC Elite SPRO JC Elite Accomplished pro angler Jason Christie’s new line of JC Elite baitcasting reels from SPRO will be available in four gear ratios, all built on the same durable, lightweight GV-5H resin frame. The knobs of each reel handle come in a specific color-code. Each color represents a different gear ratio, making it easy to quickly identify which speed a particular reel will be. This color-coded system helps promote efficiency on the water and improves reel management. Each reel is equipped with nine ball bearings, has a line capacity of 120 yards of 12-pound test, weighs just 7.9 ounces and has a max drag setting of 20 pounds. Gear ratios include 5.6:1, 6.6:1, 7.3:1 and 8.1:1. spro.com
Bates Salty Hundo 100 Bates' Salty Hundo Saltwater Reel New from Bates Fishing is the Salty Hundo 100, a pretty gorgeous and sleek baitcaster for inshore action. The low-profile reel has a one-piece anodized bar-stock aluminum body, shallow design and should be great for those who like to palm a reel during the retrieve and fight. It has an adjustable dual-brake system, maximum drag of 15 pounds, and brass, ceramic and stainless steel internals to ward off the effects of saltwater. Gear ratios are 7.1:1 and 8.1:1. The Salty Hundo weighs a dainty 5.8 ounces and wears a sporty Nautical Blue-Gunmetal Gray finish. You can spool 100 yards of 30-pound braid, and then go snatch fish. batesfishingco.com
Okuma X-Series Okuma X-Series Okuma’s X-Series spinning reels are crossovers, pulling double-duty for saltwater and freshwater action. These reels are designed with a lightweight but rigid aluminum body, C-40X carbon-injected rotor and side plate, and multi-disk Carbonite drag washers. These have a 22-pound maximum drag on the 2500 and 3000 models, and 24 pounds on the 4000 model. The anodized AL70 aluminum drive gear and spool shaft are precision cut and help keep the weight down. Smooth retrieves are aided by stainless steel bearings, a machine-cut brass pinion gear and anti-reverse roller bearing. okumafishingusa.com
Abu Garcia Max X Spincast Combo Abu Garcia Max X spincast combo The new Abu Garcia Max X spincast reels offer a unique combination of a traditional spincast reel with the ergonomics and design of a low-profile reel. The Max X Spincast features a two-bearing system for smooth operation and peak casting distance. It has an aluminum handle with co-molded handle knobs, and a star drag system similar to a standard low-profile reel. The Max X Spincast is offered as a combo combining a lightweight and durable graphite composite rod blank with a high-density EVA handle for increased sensitivity. An affordable price, at less than $40, makes this a great rod for beginners, too. $19.99 | abugarcia.com
