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After chasing bass for nearly 40 years, I’m aware of my proclivity to jeopardize any fishing trip as a weather jinx. When extended the offer to captain the 2024 Game & Fish Tackle Test in sunny central Florida, I jumped at the chance to try all the best new rods and reels on shallow, pre-spawn bass in mid-January. The subsequent midwinter suntan being the envy of friends and family upon my return home would be icing on the cake.

Instead, we were greeted with temps in the 40s and 50s, sustained winds exceeding 30 mph and even a tornado warning. With apologies to my fellow Tackle Test team members, I even managed to jinx a trip to “sunny” Florida.

However, the weather challenges proved beneficial in a couple of ways. The high winds provided a legitimate test of the anti-backlash technologies within the baitcasting reels, and the chunky bass caught among the scattered clumps of coontail in open water challenged the rods’ action and performance.

Over the course of a week, we put 29 rods and 19 reels from household names in the tackle game, as well as a few entrants aspiring to become household names, through the paces. Among the themes observed, attainable quality was pervasive across the field. This season, consumers can expect to find rods and reels packed with premium features at very reasonable prices. Meanwhile, a handful of high-end outliers tilted toward the enthusiast niche impressed us almost universally.

To standardize the reel test with uniformity in fishing lines, we spooled the baitcasters with 15-pound Seaguar AbrazX fluorocarbon and the spinning gear with 15-pound Smackdown braid. The lines performed flawlessly all week.

Finding separation among the volume of excellent products submitted for review was a labor of love. However, as my dad says about his grandkids, there’s not a dog in the bunch. After a week on the water, here’s how things shook out among the tested baitcasting rods and reels.

• See the best spinning rods and reels from Tackle Test 2024

THE WINNERS

Editor’s Choice Baitcasting Rod | Duckett Jacob Wheeler Select

When the question circulating among the test team at lunch is, “Have you tried the Duckett Jacob Wheeler rod yet?” you know it’s scoring well with everyone. The Select Series is a step up from Duckett’s previous Wheeler Signature Series, with an impressively lightweight, well-balanced feel that gives the impression this rod could retail for more than its $249 price tag.

The split cork handles offer premium traction and look great against the royal blue butt section. Our specific rod model was the 7-foot-1-inch medium-heavy, a configuration that’s right in the sweet spot for myriad bass-fishing techniques and excelled when casting a variety of lures during our evaluation. The Sensi-Touch rod blank is ultra-sensitive, with plenty of power for crisp hooksets and just enough flex at the tip to cast a 3/8- to 1/2-ounce lure with ease.

The open design of the reel seat was popular among the test team, as it reduces weight and gives complete access to the rod blank with the fingertips. Lightweight, single-foot micro-guides adorn the blank.

Quite simply, the Jacob Wheeler Select Series rod fished comparably to, and even better than, rods with significantly higher prices. ($249; duckettfishing.com)

Editor’s Choice Baitcasting Reel | Bates Fishing Co. Hundo

If you’re not yet familiar with the Bates Fishing brand, you need to be. The company turned heads at the 2023 ICAST fishing industry trade show with a display showcasing the process of milling its reel frames from solid blocks of aluminum. The result is a frame and reel seat that’s incredibly strong and resistant to torque under an applied load.

The brand’s flagship baitcasting reel is the eye-catching Hundo, with a simple yet beautiful anodized gunmetal gray finish. The fit and finish of the reel is akin to that of a Swiss watch, with tight tolerances between the frame, spool and side plate. Anti-corrosion stainless steel ball bearings provide a silky-smooth, whisper-quiet retrieve.

Ergonomically, the 100-size frame virtually melts into the hand, and at just 5 ounces the reel almost feels weightless. Additionally, the textured paddles on the reel crank offer excellent traction when chunking and winding.

Our test reel was the 7.1:1 version that loads 28 inches of line onto the spool per crank. The Hundo also comes in an 8.1:1 retrieve, and both ratios are available in right- and left-handed retrieves. All versions hold 100 yards of 14-pound-test line. The Hundo also features a drag that “clicks” as the line is being pulled from the spool. The audible feedback is especially helpful when a quality bass on light line surges near the boat.

The Hundo boasts what Bates calls a Dual Matrix Braking System, with an external dial on the palm plate that’s responsive to light thumb pressure—even with clumsy fingers in the Florida winter chill. When casting against the wind, a slight adjustment to the tension knob and brake quickly corrected slight overruns; when facing downwind, the Hundo bombed a lightweight jerkbait virtually out of sight.

While the Bates Hundo is not inexpensive, its components and build quality suggest this reel will pay for itself multiple times over decades of hard use. ($375; batesfishingco.com)

Great Buy Baitcasting Rod | Falcon EVO

A 100 percent graphite blank, Fuji guides and reel seat, and a full cork handle are just some of the quality features that make the new Falcon EVO the unanimous choice for the Great Buy award in baitcasting rods. Did we mention it’s only $80?

With five casting and two spinning models that fill every application in bass fishing, the value-priced EVO complements an already robust product lineup from this popular rod maker. Our test rod was the 7-foot medium-heavy model that is well suited for everything from spinnerbaits to light Texas-rigged worms.

The test team raved about the lightweight feel and performance of the EVO, which we all agreed could be priced considerably higher. The matte-black blank gives the rod a high-end appearance, while the hook keeper above the foregrip is a simple but welcome addition for such a value-priced rod.

You won’t find any exotic high-end frills on the EVO, just a balanced, lightweight rod that feels great while performing every necessary task on the water with ease. The Florida bass we wrestled to the boat with the EVO never knew the rod they fell victim to was priced well under $100. Attainable quality, indeed. ($79.99; falconrods.com)

Great Buy Baitcasting Reel | KastKing Skeet Reese Icon

KastKing has been undergoing a transformation from an online-only, low-cost reel maker to an innovation company selling advanced fishing reels through brick-and-mortar retail venues in addition to e-commerce. The Skeet Reese Icon will accelerate those efforts once the fishing public gets wind of this value-packed baitcaster.

KastKing’s partnership with former Bassmaster Classic winner and MLF pro Skeet Reese is reflected in the iconic splash of yellow on the seamless, no-slip paddles, which all testers noted are extremely comfortable.

Just as impressively, the Icon features an Automag Dual Braking System, which is a unique internal centrifugal brake paired with a traditional adjustable magnetic dial on the carbon-fiber palm plate. While no reel can completely eliminate overruns in extreme wind, the dual brake instilled confidence to cast aggressively into the wind without danger of the dreaded train-wreck backlash.

The 7-ounce Icon, available in right- and left-handed retrieves, is an all-purpose workhorse of a reel that anglers could pair with multiple rods for a wide range of techniques—and still have gas money to get home. All testers applauded the quality, castability, aesthetics and ergonomics at a $100 price point, making it the clear winner of the Great Buy award in baitcasting reels. ($99.99; kastking.com)

THE FIELD

Baitcasting Rods

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• 13 Fishing Meta: The Meta is a solid addition to the 13 Fishing stable. It received high marks for its ergonomic handle and nice overall balance. Our test sample was a 7-foot-2-inch, medium-heavy, moderate-fast rod with flex points matching those specs. Premium components designed to perform but not break the bank include a Japanese EVA foam split grip, an Evolve custom reel seat and stainless steel guides. All told, the Meta is a very attractive value. ($149.99; 13fishing.com)
• 13 Fishing Muse Black: Scoring high for both performance and aesthetics, it’s clear the Muse Black is a quality rod from the moment you first pick it up. The all-black blank, components and branding give the rod a sleek appearance, while EVA foam grips, an Evolve Soft Touch reel seat and Fuji stainless steel guides are among the quality components. The Muse Black series consists of 10 models, ranging from 6 feet 8 inches to 7 feet 6 inches. ($224.99; 13fishing.com)
• Cashion ICON Chatterbait: The North Carolina rod maker’s 7-foot-1-inch, medium-heavy ICON Chatterbait rod scored well among the team for its aesthetics and ergonomics. Though it felt a bit stiff for a rod intended for moving baits, it did well ripping spinnerbaits out of grass beds. The split handle made from carbon fiber and fiberglass, intended to last longer than EVA or cork, gives the rod a no-slip feel and distinctive look. ($234.95; cashionrods.com)
• Daiwa Tatula Elite AGS: The rods in the Tatula Elite series are technique-specific and designed by Daiwa pro staffers; those with the AGS designation are billed as the lightest Tatula rods to date. Our test model was the 7-foot-5-inch, medium-heavy rod designed for soft stick baits and football jigs. A carbon AirSensor reel seat, AGS carbon-fiber guides and high-desnity carbon blank contribute to the weight savings. The upgrades elevate the price, but the rods will be popular with those seeking tour-level performance. ($299.99; daiwa.com)
• Denali Kovert LT: Denali has retooled its Kovert Series with a skeletonized reel seat to reduce weight and Winn grips to enhance comfort. Our test model was a 7-foot-2-inch, medium-heavy worm-and-jig rod that was well suited for such techniques. A sub-$200 price will find favor with anglers from coast to coast. ($179.99; denalifishing.com)
• Fenwick World Class: Contoured cork split-grip handles pop off a charcoal blank, and a looped hook keeper wrapped ahead of the foregrip completes the premium look of the Fenwick World Class. Testers enjoyed the lightweight feel and balance of our 7-foot-1-inch, medium-action sample. The action is spot-on, with the rod flexing nicely into the midsection yet remaining very responsive during casts and hooksets. This is, indeed, a world-class baitcasting rod. ($449.95; fenwickfishing.com)
• Fitzgerald FX8: The theme of attainable quality continues with Fitzgerald’s excellent and modestly priced FX8. The 7-foot-3-inch, medium-heavy blank is incredibly versatile and will handle a wide range of lures. With quality components such as an American Tackle reel seat and guides and a slightly longer rod handle for leveraging hook sets, this is a solid choice for the money. ($119.99; fitzgeraldrods.com)
• Kistler Kyrios: The Texas rod maker, known for high-performance bass rods, is bringing to market an entry-level product line called Kyrios. Our all-white test model was a 7-foot, “lite-medium-heavy” rod designed for a wide range of techniques, from spinnerbaits to Senkos and Texas-rigged worms. For those seeking a do-everything rod at a bargain, you’re not going to beat the Kyrios’ price. ($59.95; kistlerrods.com)
• Lew’s Custom Lite: This new rod from Lew’s can be summed up in two words: light and sensitive. The Winn Dri-Tac grip feels fantastic and provides a sense of control. The reel seat gives access to the blank for added sensitivity, and the muted black finish looks impressive. Our 7-foot, medium-power, fast-action test rod was perfect for lighter moving baits, weightless soft plastics and small swimbaits. It’s one of a wide assortment of rods of different lengths and actions from Lew’s to fit every technique. ($159.99; lewsfishing.com)
• Megabass Destroyer Daemos: With a lighter-than-air feel, nice balance and ample strength, elegant power is the term that comes to mind when handling the Destroyer Daemos. The high-grade cork handle fits the hand perfectly, while cutouts at the fingertips allow access to the rod blank. Our test rod was the 7-foot-2-inch version designed for 3/8- to 1-ounce lures. Its softer tip is geared toward swim jigs, Texas rigs and light flipping applications. A neoprene rod sock is included. The price tag is hefty but not surprising given the degree of quality in both components and build. ($499; megabassusa.com)
• Mustad BLF Instinct Elite: From a name most associated with hooks comes a line of rods loaded with high-end components up and down the blank, including an Alps carbon composite reel seat with dual locking nut and titanium-frame line guides. Our test model was a 7-foot-1-inch, heavy-action skipping rod that more than one tester commented felt a bit stiff for skipping, but it has plenty of power for horsing bass from grassy habitats. ($299.99; mustad-fishing.com)
• Shimano Intenza: Shimano has given the Intenza a cosmetic overhaul, reflected in the split cork grips and custom Shimano reel seat. The base of the rod blank is an attractive carbon-fiber crosshatch that also increases hoop strength in the blank and resists twisting. Our test model was a 7-foot, medium-action rod with a moderate-fast tip that would be excellent for bladed jigs, small cranks and other moving baits. ($149.99; fish.shimano.com)
• SPRO Slayer: SPRO’s affordably priced line of Slayer rods includes five baitcasters and four spinners. The 7-foot, medium-heavy model we tested, with its lightweight Toray carbon-fiber blank, will be a go-to option for anything from jerkbaits to Senkos. Split-grip EVA foam handles, an exposed-blank reel seat and a hook keeper round out the accoutrements. ($119.99; spro.com)
• St. Croix Mojo Bass Trigon: Building upon the popular Mojo Bass series, St. Croix’s Mojo Bass Trigon has a striking, custom appearance. Premium cork split-grip handles and a redesigned reel seat scored well with testers. Our 7-foot-1-inch, medium-power test sample felt lighter and better balanced than previous releases in the Mojo Bass series. The Mojo Bass Trigon has tons of options in terms of length and action, and the price will put this rod series within reach of a lot of diehard bass anglers. ($180; stcroixrods.com)
• TFO Taction Bass: Temple Fork Outfitters continues to pump out great fishing rods, as evidenced by the Taction Bass, which scored well in all categories. Contoured cork split handles offer great ergonomics and look clean against the no-glare graphite blank. There are 13 models in the new Taction Bass Series—nine casting and four spinning—and our test version was the 7-foot-4-inch, medium-heavy rod designed for moving baits. TFO nailed the action on this rod, with a slightly softer tip to absorb the strike from a bass during a fast retrieve and plenty of backbone to drive the hook home. The price struck us as quite reasonable given the quality of the rod. ($199.95; tforods.com)

Baitcasting Reels

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• 13 Fishing Inception SLD2: The uniqueness of the Inception SLD2 lies in the SLIDE magnetic cast control tab, which is positioned within thumb’s reach next to the spool as opposed to on the side plate. The SLIDE adjustment proved handy when changing casting angles in strong wind. Additionally, the beetle-wing side plate rotates out of the way to provide access to an advanced six-way braking system, which is easily adjusted by turning the internal dial to the desired setting. The Inception SLD2 has an 8.1:1 gear ratio and is available in right- and left-handed retrieves. ($139.99; 13fishing.com)
• Abu Garcia Revo SX-SS: Made for skipping, pitching and flipping, the Revo SX-SS is a shallow-spool model, holding only 55 yards of 30-pound braid or 70 yards of 10-pound monofilament. Less line on the spool means less weight, as well as less of a mess when you inevitably backlash the reel when skipping a lure (see sidebar, page 78). An 8.1:1 gear ratio, taking in 35 inches per turn, gets the lure back in hand quickly once it clears the target area. The reel performed well as a traditional baitcaster, too. ($189.95; abugarcia.com)
• Bates Fishing Co. The GOAT: Another entry from the Bates lineup, the GOAT is a 7.7-ounce reel built on a 150-size frame, making it considerably larger than the Editor’s Choice Hundo. The GOAT has an extra-large, 120 mm titanium crank handle and cork grips that feel great and look sharp. A cork insert in the thumb bar finishes out the aesthetic appeal and pleasing ergonomics of the GOAT. It holds 140 yards of 12-pound-test line. We tested the GOAT in the 7:1 gear ratio, but it is also available in 6.3:1 and 8:1 ratios. ($299.99; batesfishingco.com)
• Daiwa Tatula 100: At 6.9 ounces, the Tatula 100 is the smallest and lightest Tatula ever built, thanks in part to a redesigned 7075 aluminum spool. The 100-size reel is ideal for casting lighter lures, which became evident when fishing smaller jerkbaits during our test. The T-Wing levelwind system has become widely popular in recent years, as its wide aperture results in minimal line friction and longer casts. The Tatula 100 is available in 6.3:1, 7.1:1 and 8.1:1 gear ratios and both right- and left-handed retrieves. ($179.99; daiwa.com)
• Denali Novus Pro: The 7.7-ounce Novus Pro is a workhorse reel from a brand known for premium rods. It has an oversized cranking handle and large spool capacity (150 yards of 12-pound mono/fluoro or 50-pound braid), making it ideal for power-fishing techniques. The dual brake system performed well in the Florida wind. Though the reel appears top heavy upon initial unboxing, it palms well when in use. The Novus Pro is available in a right-handed retrieve with gear ratios of 7.3:1 and 8.1:1. ($199.99; denalifishing.com)
• Lew’s HyperMag: Tipping the scales at 5.4 ounces, the HyperMag has a sublime in-hand feel thanks to a one-piece magnesium frame, carbon-fiber side plates and a carbon handle. Internally, the gears mesh almost fluidly to create a smoothness one would expect from a high-end reel. A Speed Knot line attachment groove in the spool makes adding line quick and easy. A line indicator dial on the tension knob is handy, as is a hook keeper at the bottom of the gear housing.The price tag is hefty but within reason considering the quality and performance. ($349.99; lews.com)
• Seviin GF: The Seviin series of fishing reels boast the quality one would expect from parent brand St. Croix. The GF offers quiet performance that handles the task of casting small, lightweight lures with ease. Our test model had a 7.3:1 gear ratio, consuming 28 inches of line per turn, though the GF is also available in 6.6:1 and 8.1:1 ratios and left- or right-handed retrieve. Subtle red accents against a matte black finish give the Seviin a nice visual appeal. ($120; seviinreels.com)
• SPRO Vortex-E NG: SPRO enters the baitcast reel arena with the value-priced Vortex-E series. Our test model had a 6.6:1 gear ratio, but there’s also a 7.3:1. Both weigh 7.9 ounces. Testers praised the oversized, flared paddles that felt great during the retrieve. The Vortex-E NG has a magnetic cast control, four ball bearings and an eye-catching gray frame with green accents. It’s available in right- or left-handed retrieves. This reel will appeal to those looking for a solid baitcaster at a bargain price. ($89.99; spro.com)

Trend Watch: First-Timers

Fishing brands not normally associated with rods and reels are elbowing for room in this highly competitive space. It makes sense, as fans loyal to a favorite fishing brand are likely to try a rod or reel under the same banner.

Mustad began its venture into specialty bass rods about a year ago and is now introducing the premium Instinct Elite series of spinning and baitcasting rods, which will have a lot of appeal with the hard-core bass angler. SPRO, known for its line of popular hard baits, enters the rod-and-reel market with the affordably priced Vortex-E reels and Slayer rods.

Meanwhile, premium rod makers are adding reels to their portfolios. St. Croix recently jumped into the game an impressive series of spinners and baitcasters under the Seviin brand. Denali and Kistler are bringing to market the Novus Pro baitcaster and Kyrios spinning reel, respectively.

Finally, brand new onto the reel scene is Bates Fishing Co., shooting for the premium niche with the introduction of the 100-size Hundo and the larger GOAT. Both are milled from solid blocks of aluminum, and the brand is quickly gaining a reputation for its attention to detail as well as the precise fit and finish of its reels.

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• This article was featured in the May 2024 edition of Game & Fish magazine. Click to subscribe.

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