Gear Guide: Mooching Reels

Fantastic new hardware for mooching.

By Perry Mack

Shimano Moocher Plus GT Reel

When it comes to a sturdy, affordable reel for mooching (drift fishing) for salmon, trout or walleye, this is it. It is a direct-drive whose large-capacity spool and quality internals can handle mono, fluoro, or braid; it’s geared for power, with a waterproof Dartainium® drag that engages only when the handle is not being turned—so you fight the fish, not the drag. Made tough all-around, with a graphite frame and spool, sturdy metal palming ring, and non-slipping rubber handle grips.

MSRP: $120 USD - Shimano.com

Amundson TMX5 - Trend X5 Mooching Reel

This mid-priced reel machined from aluminum can be converted to either left- or right hand retrieval. The spindle is machined from 316 stainless steel to enhance corrosion resistance and the patent pending nano carbon fibre drag system eliminates ‘reel creep’ while providing smooth, strong drag. Available in Blue, Black or Gold.

MSRP: $400 CAD - amundson.ca

Rapala Concept Mooching Reel

The Concept™ Series Moocher is custom designed and precision engineered to give you the ultimate tool for a successful day on the water. Crafted from bar-stock aluminum and double anodized for corrosion resistance, these reels are sure to perform in the toughest conditions. The large arbor spool design allows for 400yds of 25lb monofilament + backing, plenty to tackle the long runs of even the largest king salmon. Featuring a silky smooth, cork drag and reversibility from left to right hand retrieve, the Concept™ is as versatile as it gets.

MSRP: $610 CAD - rapala.ca

Islander ARMR2 Mooching Reel

A popular reel in the Pacific Northwest for salmon mooching, the ARMR2 from Islander Precision Reels is essentially the anti-reverse version of the MR2. The biggest difference is when your fish makes a run, the handles stand still. An anti-knuckle busting feature welcomed by less experienced anglers. The frame-side free spool lever is ideal for down-rigging and the free-spool lever allows the you to completely disengage the drag.

MSRP: $580 CAD - Islander.com

Islander MR2 LA Mooching Reel

This is a compact, large arbor mooching reel that is a single action , direct drive. It brings together all the features of the MR2 and MR3 relying upon the framework of the MR2 and its free-spool capabilities, but it also incorporates a large arbor like the MR3. This creates space for a larger sculpted drag knob allowing for easier drag adjustment.

From its fully anodized frame, spool and smaller components to the hefty brass clutch, all of the components are machined from materials that will last in a saltwater environment.

MSRP: $625 CAD - www.islander.com

Abel Moocher

For the serious coastal or Great Lakes angler targeting salmon, halibut Abel Reels builds the Abel Moocher built using their exclusive corrosion resistant anodizing process. The fully machined frame houses their patented cork drag system. Available in a variety of colours and optional custom engraving.

MSRP: From $900 CAD - Abelreels.com