New Reels For 2007

The trend in new fishing reels this year is toward products that are faster, more durable, less likely to backlash and easier to cast over longer distances. Several companies have also come out with reels that incorporate new designs or materials that allow them to be made smaller and/or lighter so they're less likely to tire the user during hours-long fishing trips. The happy result is a new crop of fishing reels that are sure to rise to the top of your must-have list.

Here's the inside scoop on some of these introductions, which include reels of every sort, from freshwater baitcasters and spinning reels to inshore and offshore saltwater gear and reels for fly-fishing.

ABU GARCIA

(AbuGarcia.com)

Abu Garcia is billing its new Cardinal 800 spinning reel as the most durable open-faced reel on the market. It's built with high-performance gearing for strong, smooth retrieves, a smooth Carbon Matrix Drag System and aluminum alloy components. Armor Guard coating on the body and rotor prevents corrosion. In addition, the eight shielded stainless-steel ball bearings keep grit and salt crystals out. Five sizes are available -- larger sizes for tackling inshore saltwater species, and smaller sizes that are great for any freshwater fish.

Also new from Abu is the Revo series of low-profile baitcasting reels, the fastest the company has ever designed. They're available in either 6.4:1 or 7.1:1 gear ratios and include linear magnetic-brake adjustments, brass gears and a Carbon Matrix drag. Another new high-quality, durable baitcaster is Abu's Ambassadeur EXT. A one-piece X-Frame and aluminum side covers provide toughness while keeping gears and bearings aligned. The reel also features an Anti-Distortion Spool system that allows for easier distance casting.

ARDENT REELS

(ArdentReels.com)

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Ardent's new XS baitcasting reel is backlash-resistant and provides outstanding castability. A quick-release sideplate allows easy access to the centrifugal braking system, resulting in quick cast-control adjustments for various fishing conditions. Features include a continuous anti-reverse high-speed 6.0:1 gear ratio, great cranking power and a spool capacity of 120 yards for 12-pound-test monofilament. The XS is designed to fit easily in the palm of the hand, and the lightweight magnesium frame design contributes to fatigue-free fishing.)

BASS PRO SHOPS

(BassPro.com)

Bass Pro Shops' newest reel is a flashy titanium-finish baitcaster, the Johnny Morris Elite. This beauty has lightweight alloy gears; 11 ball bearings; an aluminum frame and sideplates; a forged handle, spool and drag star; and a beefed-up drag system. It's made for 10- to 20-pound-class angling, freshwater or inshore saltwater.

CABELA'S

(Cabelas.com)

The Tournament ZX baitcasting reel from Cabela's features a slim, low-profile design and is built to withstand the rigors of hard use. A soft-touch black finish covers the lightweight machined-aluminum frame. An eight-bearing drive provides smooth cast-and-retrieve performance. The Tandem Cast Control uses magnetic and centrifugal brakes to prevent backlash. Trulon multi-disc drag puts the hurt on both freshwater and saltwater fighters. It also includes a titanium-shielded line guide and a flipping switch.

DAIWA

(Daiwa.com)

Daiwa just introduced four new Team Daiwa Zillion baitcasting reels. Right- and left-hand retrieve models are available in an all-purpose 6.3:1 retrieve or a super-high-speed 7.1:1 version. Of special note is the new Swept Handle. Both sides of the handle sweep back slightly toward the reel, moving the paddles closer to the reel's centerline (closer to the rod). The result is that more of the energy you put onto the handle is turned into winding power rather than being wasted in wobbling the reel and rod in your hand.

Also new from Daiwa is a complete system of spinning and baitcasting reels under the Steez logo. The baitcasters weigh just 5.5 ounces. Spinning reels starting at 6.9 ounces are said to be the lightest reels of their kind, thanks to components of magnesium, titanium and super-lightweight composites.

EAGLE CLAW

(EagleClaw.com)

Eagle Claw has introduced a new mini-reel to its Featherlight Series. This reel features four ball bearings, an aluminum spool and extra graphite spool, 5.2:1 gear ratio, left- and right-hand retrieve, infinite anti-reverse and front drag. This reel is ideal for panfish enthusiasts.

Eagle Claw has also released a new series of trolling reels called the Beast. They feature a 4.1:1 gear ratio, a multi-disc drag, two stainless ball bearings, brass main gear for stronger and smoother retrieve, a counter-balanced alloy handle with large comfort grip and a large-capacity spool preloaded with 20-pound line. They're great for freshwater and light saltwater use.

MITCHELL

(FishMitchell.com)

Anglers who use the popular Mitchell 300 reel may want to upgrade this year to the new 300Xe or 300XGe. Both reels feature an advanced lightweight polymeric body and rotor, which is stronger than conventional polymeric and graphite materials, for more durability and better gearing and bearing alignment. The 300Xe has an 8-bearing drive, while the 300XGe boasts a 10-bearing drive, both with instant anti-reverse. In addition, the 300XGe has the Carbon Matrix drag system for durability and smoothness.

OKUMA

(OkumaFishing.com)

Okuma's new aluminum Salina reels are built using Alumilite construction, which allows these lightweight reels to withstand tremendous amounts of pressure and torque, plus an Elliptical Oscillation system, or "EOS," which uses elliptical gears to provide exceptional line lay and stability. The Salina uses 10 double-shielded, stainless-steel bearings for smooth operation and maximum corrosion resistance. Additional features include a machined-aluminum handle and Dual Forced Drag System, with a new Okuma Blade Body Design. This feature narrows the reel's frame, reducing weight and mass and giving it a much lighter and compact design. The reels come in six models with a variety of line capacities.

Also new from Okuma are Alumina low-profile baitcasting reels, featuring eight bearings, aluminum frames, brass gearing and a powerful 6.2:1 gear ratio.

PFLUEGER

(PfluegerFishing.com)

Pflueger has several new offerings for 2007, including the blistering-fast 7.1:1 Summit micro casting reel with nine double-shielded bearings, a titanium line guide and a combo centrifugal/magnetic brake system that reduces backlash. The reel is available in narrow- and wide-spool models with lightweight aluminum frames and sideplates.

Pflueger's top-end spinning reel this year will be the Supreme, with features that include a durable magnesium body and rotor, nine stainless-steel ball bearings, a double-anodized aluminum spool and a Sure-Click bail that provides an audible signal when the bail is fully opened and ready to cast. This one is available in three models (convertible right- or left-hand retrieve) with a fast 6.2:1 gear ratio.

Pflueger also expanded its line of fly reels with the four-model Summit Series. These reels are suitable for 4- to 10-weight rods and feature an anodized-aluminum frame and spool, a large arbor spool design, two ball bearings and a one-way clutch bearing, a center-disc drag system, a large rubber knob and an easy-release spool switch.

QUANTUM

(Quantum.com)

Quantum has rolled out two new high-performance spinning reels: the 11-bearing Incyte and the eight-bearing Array. Both feature a super-thin graphite body, an aluminum side cover and butt plate, a three-piece aluminum Long Stroke spool with a scar-resistant titanium lip, a machined-aluminum handle and continuous anti-reverse. All models have a front-adjustable drag system and come with a spare aluminum spool. There are four members in the Incyte family, a size for everything from ultralight fishing to medium-heavy needs. The Array family has four models, the smallest holding 125 yards of 4-pound line and the largest holding about 230 yards of 10-pound line.

Quantum also has two new Energy PTs low-profile saltwater reels with components specifically selected to perform in harsh, corrosive salt water. Each has two nitrogen-alloy bearings that last longer, crank smoother and provide protection from corrosion. Special ceramics make up the smooth-performing drag, and a Saltgard protective coating looks after the reels' finishes. The E770PTs feature a 7.0:1 gear ratio, and the E760PTs sport a 6.3:1.

SHAKESPEARE

(Shakespeare-Fishing.com)

One of several new Shakespeare products is the Dimension Low Profile Baitcast Reel, with five ball bearings, a 6.3:1 gear ratio, and a graphite frame and sideplates. Features include a one-way clutch instant anti-reverse bearing, a machined-aluminum spool, adjustable magnetic and mechanical anti-backlash control, a titanium-coated line guide and an E-Z Cast thumb bar spool release.

In the spinning reel department, Shakespeare's new Inspinity Series serves up four models from ultralight to medium freshwater. All come in a 5.2:1 gear ratio and feature five ball bearings, an anodized-aluminum spool, a graphite body with a metal side cover, an anti-twist titanium-coated line roller and Sure-Click Bail and a multi-disc drag system.

For panfishermen, Shakespeare's Crappie Hunter Reels are welcome introductions. The Crappie Hunter 20 features a chrome-plated metal frame, an on/off bait clicker and anti-reverse, adjustable spool tension control and left/right-hand retrieve, and a line capacity of 230 yards of 8-pound-test. The Crappie Hunter 10 features an ABS frame and spool, an on/off bait clicker, an adjustable disc drag system and a line capacity of 100 yards of 6-pound-test.

SHIMANO

(Shimano.com)

Foremost in Shimano's onslaught of new products are two new reels in the Citica series, the CI-100DSV and the 200DSV, both with fast 6.2:1 gear ratios. The deep-spool design provides line capacities from 180 yards of 10-pound test to 120 yards of 14-pound on the 200 size, and 165 yards of 8-pound to 100 yards of 14-pound on the 100DSV. The 200DSV will bring in 26 inches of line per crank, while the smaller Citica pulls in 25 inches per crank.

Shimano also added to its Curado series. The CU-100DSV has a spool capacity ranging from 165 yards of 8-pound test up to 100 yards of 14-pound test, and is equipped with four shielded stainless-steel ball bearings and a one-way stainless roller bearing. It weighs only 7.4 ounces. The 1/4 Turn Easy Access Sideplate allows quick access to adjust the VBS centrifugal brake weights, plus the sideplate remains attached to the reel when opened so it cannot be dropped.

TICA USA

(TICAGlobal.com)

Tica's new Cybernetic Super Sized Spinning Reel is specially made for bank-fishing where long casts and heavy line are required. The super-thin body has a Cybernetic Frame System constructed from aircraft aluminum, rigid graphite and fiber resin, which makes the reel lightweight and strong while cutting out unused internal space. The Intelligent Oscillating System (I/O system) uses an additional Oscillating Cam, with built-in speed adjustments. Additional features include an improved waterproofing system, a one-way clutch and an anti-twist rotor.

ZEBCO

(Zebco.com)

Zebco's Slab Seeker Depth Locator spinning and spin-cast reels include two new models for 2007 -- a pair of micro-sized reels, one for spinning and one for spin-cast. The spin-cast model is the SLDLM Micro. This ball-bearing reel has a star drag and multi-stop anti-reverse. Its Depth Locator feature allows anglers to "mark" a preferred depth by setting the DL switch so the bait can be dropped to that same spot again and again. The SDL10 Micro is the new ultralight spinning version. It has a ball-bearing drive and front adjustable drag. It, too, has the Depth Locator feature that can be set immediately when a strike is detected in order to return back to that magical fish-catching depth. Both reels can be changed for right- or left-hand cranking.

Zebco also redesigned its Pro Staff spin-cast line and added spinning and baitcasting reels to the family. There are now five reels in the line: two spin-casting, two spinning and one baitcasting.