Daiwa Ballistic MQ LT
Daiwa ’ s popular Ballistic spinning reel gets a hearty upgrade with the new Ballistic MQ LT , which is engineered around a new frame / body material – Monocoque Zaion ( the “ MQ ”) – that makes the Ballistic lighter , less susceptible to torque / flex and more durable . The lighter body allows for larger Digigear gearing , which produces an upgrade in cranking power , smoothness and durability while also allowing for higher gear ratios than other reels of the same size and weight . The Ballistic MQ LT is Magsealed , Daiwa ’ s internal-protection process that prevents water intrusion and guarantees smooth , long-lasting quality . Bottom line : a high-quality reel that will perform for years to come . $ 229.99 at TW / daiwa . us — The Editors
REELS
THE RIGHT REEL is the foundation of every gear system you fish , no matter the technique . All the right baits , line , hooks and rods in the world aren ’ t worth much if the workhorse of the system – the gear that actually brings the fish to the boat – isn ’ t up to the task . These are the reels we ’ ll depend on in 2022 .
Fitzgerald FX8
The FX8 has a very strong , lightweight graphite frame and a deep aluminum spool that holds plenty of line , and an all-metal handle so there ’ s no flexing or torquing . It has eight ball bearings and makes 16 pounds of drag – there ’ s just a lot of performance in this reel for a very affordable price . $ 129.99 at TW / fitzgeraldrods . com — Trevor Fitzgerald , MLF pro
Duckett Paradigm SB
If you have an angler in your life that ’ s looking to get into bass fishing – or even just looking to expand their arsenal – this reel is perfect for them . It ’ s not too pricey and you ’ ll be more than happy with the quality : eight ball bearings , lightweight , durable body ; I recommend this reel to people all the time . $ 99 at TW / duckettfishing . com — Jacob Wheeler , MLF pro
Abu Garcia Zenon
The Abu Garcia Zenon is the kind of spinning reel you keep in your arsenal for decades , which alone makes it worth the high-end price of about $ 520 . Factor in the weight ( 4.9 ounces for the 200-size option ), the smooth drag and 10 + 1 bearings and the Zenon absolutely lives up to the hype . Spend now , save later . $ 519.95 at TW / abugarcia . com — The Editors
13 Fishing Origin F1
Florida-based 13 Fishing went hard in the paint in the under- $ 100 price range in 2021 , with several new spinning and casting reels that provide excellent quality at legitimately great prices . The Origin F1 is the most notable entry into the price range , with seven ball bearings and a quality Venti 20-pound six-disc carbon drag system . Lots of good here for around $ 70 . $ 69.99 at TW / 13fishing . com — The Editors
Shimano Curado MGL 150
The new Curado MGL 150 from Shimano was designed with one thing in mind – versatility . The lightest-weight Curado ever made , the MGL 150 ’ s MagnumLite spool and precision gearing offer unparalleled smoothness and casting ability , and 13 pounds of drag paired with an aluminum HAGANE body make it a reel you can use to chase even the biggest bass . Available in three gear ratios in both left- and right-hand retrieves . $ 199.99 at TW / fish . shimano . com — The Editors
Lew ’ s Hypermag Magnesium Spinning
Lew ’ s new flagship spinning reel was introduced at ICAST 2021 and arrives hot on tackle store shelves even as you read this . The Hypermag Magnesium spinning model borrows the dependable name of its casting cousin , but on a lightweight , strong magnesium body . Its 11 ball bearings and forged main gear guarantee smooth , powerful performance . $ 159.99 at TW / lews . com — The Editors
DECEMBER-JANUARY 2022 | MAJORLEAGUEFISHING . COM 67