New Freshwater Fishing Reels from ICAST 2021

Here are 11 new reels featured at the annual fishing-tackle trade show.

July 20, 2021 By Scott Bernarde

Note: Product descriptions from manufacturers

Savage Gear SG8 BC

With power, style, performance and a wide range of unique features, this baitcasting reel has it all. The 100- and 400-size versions are designed perfectly for casting light lures, such as soft-plastics and small crankbaits, but they can also handle medium-to-heavy baits, giving anglers great versatility. Built strong and rigid with one-piece aluminum frame.

MSRP: $199.99

Shimano Curado MGL 150

The newest edition to the tournament-tested lineup, the Curado MGL 150 offers versatility in the lightest Curado to date. The combination of the 150 size pool from MagnumLight Spool enables anglers to fish a variety of lures with greater casting distance and accuracy. Built to handle giants with a rigid HAGANE body and durable Cross Carbon Drag the Curado MGL 150 features precise gearing combine with X-Ship MicroModule gearing and SilentTune for an unmatched reeling experience.

MSRP: $199.99

Fitzgerald Fishing FX8 Casting Reel

The FX8 casting reel is designed to be an affordable quality quality reel to suit the needs of all anglers. With 8 ball bearings for extreme smoothness and 16 pounds of fish-fighting drag, it is ready for a smooth battle with any fish you hook. Available in 7.2:1 gear ratio in both right- and left-hand versions.

MSRP: $129.99

ProFISHiency Sniper

Fast just got faster with the ProFISHiency Sniper. So, here's how it started. When no one was looking our baitcaster reel and our spincast reel hooked up had a baby and named him Sniper. Sniper quickly grew up to be the fastest spincast reel in the world with a 6.5:1 gear ratio and remarkable 31 IPT. Features include 12+1 steel bearings, all metal gears, double anodized Alu cone, carbon washer drag system, Alu star drag, 85 yards. 10-pound line and weighs just 9.9 ounces.

MSRP: $99.99

KastKing MegaJaws Elite

The new KastKing Mega Jaws Elite might just be the most versatile baitcasting reel in the world. The low-profile, all-aluminum frame is the perfect palm-sized reel. The reel features 11 BB, an aluminum main and pinion gear, and a new game-changing braking system called AMB. AMB is an automatically controlled centrifugal system that works with both friction and magnetics. It is available into gear ratios 7.2: one and 9.1:1.

MSRP: $119.99

Zebco Bullet MG Reel

Zebco has revolutionized its fastest spincast ever to create the Bullet MG reel. The Bullet hauls 29.6 inches of line per turn of the handle, at 20% lighter weight. This reel allows you to fish using many different techniques because of its speed. Designed with an ultra-lightweight magnesium body, precision-machined aluminum gears and a Glideline ball bearing. the Bullet is machined for silky casts and lightning-fast retrieves.

Team Lew's redefines exceptionalism with the upgrades to a fan favorite. A mainstay since 2012, the new BB1 Pro offers additional features. The 27-position QuietCast Adjustable Centrifugal Braking System offers precise control of spool braking and quick adjustments on the water. This reel also features a dual-stage titanium-coated line guide position farther away from the spool for reduced friction and maximize casting performance.

MSRP: $199.99

Daiwa Zillion SV TW

Featuring a brand-new frame design improving palmability as well as Daiwa's new Hyper Drive Design for maximum position and power. The real also features the new SV booster system that gives you all the control you know and love from our SV Concept, now with the added benefit of longer casting distance. Complete with an aluminum frame, T-Wing system, G1 Duralumin SV spool and Zero Adjuster. The Gazillion SV TW is a combination of years of innovation.

MSRP: $349.99

Okuma Hakai DT Low-Profile

At Okuma a new era takes flight with the new Hakai DT Low-Profile reels. This collaboration with Dream Fishing Tackle has been a long time in the works. Weighing in at only 5.9 ounces, these lightweight baitcast reels are feature-packed and ready for battle. Available in 10 different SKUs and configurations. Offering a 6.2, 7.1 and 8.1:1 gear ratio in both left- and right-hand retrieve.

MSRP: $169.99

Abu Garcia MAX Pro

With a 7.1:1 gear ratio, the Pro is the fastest reel in Abu's Max lineup. That speed lets you quickly retrieve slack in your line for improved hooksets. Equipped with oversized co-molded soft touch knobs, the Pro provides long-lasting comfort on marathon days. With durable 7+1 stainless steel bearing and Mag Trax Braking systems, and at a price point even casual anglers can afford.

MSRP: $84.99

Lunkerhunt AUX Line of Reels

The AUX line of reels is everything an angler wants and needs for a day on the water. The spinning reels provide an offering of four colors matching the AUX rod lineup and come in two of the most popular size. Product features: 5.2:1 gear ratio, left-right interchangeability, 5 BB and OWC. CNC handle with rubber knob. Available in 2000 and 3000 sizes.

MSRP: $69.99

Cashion Icon Bait Finesse Rod

Gear

Cashion Icon Bait Finesse Rod

An on-the-water evaluation of a rod purpose-built for BFS presentations and designed to battle big bass

Gear

Dryshod Evalusion Hunt Boots Keep Whitetail Hunters on Top of Their Game

Gear

Dryshod Evalusion Hunt Boots Keep Whitetail Hunters on Top of Their Game

Dryshod's new super lightweight Dureva outsole provides sure footing and stealth by quietly flexing and conforming to different ground surfaces.

Gear

Tackle Junkie: Lew's Custom Pro Gen 3

Other

Light up the Salt

Other

Light up the Salt

A day of saltwater fishing often starts before sunup and can continue until well after dark. Flashlights—whether they be handheld or hands-free models—are vital items for safety and success in the salt. In this episode, we take a close look at several models from Streamlight that are up for the task.

Fishing

Caring for the Catch

Fishing

Caring for the Catch

Many saltwater species are excellent on the table, but only if you care for and clean them properly. Preparing your catch for a meal starts as soon as you land the fish, and knowing how to properly clean it back at the dock is vital in ensuring the best flavor. In this episode, we detail steps that will help you turn your catch into memorable meals.

Fishing

Snook on the Hook

Fishing

Snook on the Hook

The snook is an ambush predator of the saltwater shallows, often hiding among mangroves and attacking prey as it swims by or is swept past by current. Finding spots where snook like to hide is key to catching them, and in this episode we slide in next to an gnarly edge of mangroves and make precise drifts with our baits to pull fish from the cover.

Guns

TriStar Cobra III Field Pump Super Compact .410

Guns

TriStar Cobra III Field Pump Super Compact .410

With a 13-inch length of pull and 18 1/2-inch barrel, the Super Compact version of the Cobra III pump shotgun from TriStar is sized just right for young or small-framed shooters. We spent a few minutes with Eric Renander of TriStar to get a closer look at this new .410 bore and discovered it has many of the features found on full-size shotguns, which hunters of all ages will appreciate.

Gear

Federal Premium Freight Train Copper Sabot Slug

Gear

Federal Premium Freight Train Copper Sabot Slug

One of the most high-tech shotgun slugs to hit the market, the Freight Train is a polymer-tipped copper projectile designed for greater penetration and accuracy. We talked to Adam Moser from Federal Ammunition to get details on not only the slug, but also its wad and sabot, and to find out what the new Freight Train has to offer deer hunters.

Fishing

Saltwater Setup

Fishing

Saltwater Setup

Keep things simple when it comes to tackle for the salt by choosing one general-purpose rod and reel combo that will serve for a variety of gamefish and presentations both inshore and offshore. In this episode, Capt. George Gozdz provides tips on how to make that selection, and we put the combo to the test against sailfish, tarpon, snook and more.

Fishing

Jacks to the Max

Fishing

Jacks to the Max

The jack crevalle often doesn't get the respect it deserves when compared to species like sailfish and snook, but jacks can provide thrilling action on light tackle—especially when fishing topwater baits. In this episode, we go in pursuit of jacks to show you why these ravenous brawlers are well worth your time and attention.