Gear Guide: Bait Casting Reels - Under $300

By Perry Mack

Concept C Low Profile Baitcaster

This reel features Airfoil Carbon sideplates, stainless gear shaft, nine total ball bearings include 4 anti-corrosion and a Dead Stop Anti-Reverse bearing. Their proprietary Arrowhead line guide, 22lb Bulldog drag system, and 6-way centrifugal braking system round out the highlights on this silver-pearl 6.1oz reel. The new left handed Concept reels feature the all new Beetle Wing side plate for easy braking adjustment.

It comes in four sizes, 5.3:1, 6.6:1,7.3:1 and 8.1:1, with the three largest in both left and right-handed versions. 13fishing considers the 7.3:1 saltwater worthy, providing a 28.9 in per handle turn retrieval rate.

MSRP: $230 USD - 13fishing.com

Ardent Apex Grand Casting Reel

The bigger, better brother to the Apex Ranger, but a at a big jump in price, offers a high strength aluminum frame, deep V machined aluminum spool, carbon fibre swept back handle and star drag but it’s lighter and carries a 12 + 1 ball bearing. A dual braking consists of a 6-pin, internally adjustable centrifugal system plus an externally adjustable 270-degree magnetic system, delivers good cast control for a wide variety of lures and techniques. Get yours in either right or left hand models with a gear ratio of 7.3:1 weighing in at 5.9 oz.

MSRP: $200 USD - ardentoutdoors.com

Lew's Custom Pro SLP

This is the Best of iCast 2016 winner for freshwater reels. The SLP stands for Super Low Profile as it is Lew’s lowest profile design by about 10%. It’s composed of a lightweight aluminum frame with carbon sideplates and features Lew’s externally adjustable SpeedCast® Adjustable Centrifugal Breaking (ACB) system.

Keeper Hook Keeper a nifty little place to attach your hook off the rod when you’re not actively fishing.

There are four sizes, weighing in at a paltry 5.8 oz, having gear ratios of 6.8 to 7.5:1 and retrieval rates of 27 to 33”.

MSRP: $260 USD - Lews.com

Quantum Smoke HD (heavy duty)

This low profile baitcaster is the heavy duty (HD) upgrade from last years’ smoke. It’s built to handle a larger line capacity with a longer, deeper spool, perfect for long casts while still providing good retrieval rates using an extra long handle and over-sized knobs. Available in three sizes weighing 6.9 oz with gear ratios from 5.3 to 7.1, max drag of 15 to 17 lbs, retrieval rate of 28 to 31” per turn

MSRP: $200 USD - http://shop.zebcobrands.com/quantum