Gear Guide: Bait Casting Reels - Over $300

By Perry Mack

Abu Garcia Revo Rocket

It’s all about speed with the aptly named Rocket. A 9.0:1 gear ratio delivers a blistering 37” per handle turn, necessary if you are targeting fish that make hard runs to the boat. Corrosion resistance takes the form of High Performance Corrosion Resistant (HPCR) stainless steel bearings and their X-Cräftic™ alloy frame and side plates. Right- or left-hand drive, with a max drag of 20 lb rounds out this 6.75 oz low profile reel.

MSRP: $300 USD - Abugarcia.com

Daiwa Zillion SV TW

The SV stands for “Stressfree and Versatile,” and it’s used to describe a reel that is virtually impossible to backlash with the development of Daiwa’s Air Brake system. The ‘no backlash’ makes it perfect for an angler of any skill level but the reel is also built to be incredibly light, very corrosion resistant and durable. Available in two models weighing in at 6.9 oz, 13.2 max drag with gear ratios of either 6.3 or 7.3 and respective retrieval rates of 26.3 or 30.5 in.

MSRP: $300 USD - Daiwa.com

Shimano Metanium MGL

A great choice for bass anglers and avid fishermen alike, the new Metanium MGL baitcasting reels are all about versatile performance and lightweight. The new, Magnumlite Spool creates a very low moment of inertia, improving casting distance by 20%, while enhancing the light, smooth feel of turning the handle. Loaded with Shimano high-end features like Hagane Body, Micro-Modual Gearing, Silent Tune, X-Ship and all new SVS Infinity braking, and available in three gear ratios from 6.2 to 8.5:1, the Metanium MGL is the optimal choice for a wide range of presentations, conditions and species.

MSRP: $420 USD - fish.shimano.com

Abu Garcia MGXtreme

It ain’t cheap but there’s no denying it’s a top quality reel. It’s extremely lightweight at just 4.5 oz and drag racer fast at 32 in per handle turn. It is an class all it’s own for casting lighter lures with ease. The low weight, strength and rigidity come from the C6 carbon side plates, bent carbon handle, and aircraft grade aluminum main along with Abu Garcia’s super light weight concept (SLC) spool design.

MSRP: $500 USD - Abugarcia.com