The kayak fishing space has grown by leaps and bounds over the last decade, and no topic has garnered more debate in that time than propulsion methods. Whether it’s paddle, pedal, or motor, everyone seems to have an opinion on which the best option is. And the debate about motor power versus manual power can get pretty divisive.

This dividing line has been one that many companies have struggled with over the years, with few having a solution that wasn’t some variation of “stick a motor on a kayak and call it a day”. Old Town has bridged that gap in a truly unique way with their new ePDL+ drive system. This new system essentially works like an electric bike. It utilizes a battery-powered motor that assists with your pedaling, but you can also cruise at five different speeds without pedaling at all. Putting your own leg power into the pedals extends battery life, of course.

I consider this the first advancement in the motorized kayak fishing space in years that can be deemed truly new and innovative.

Last winter, I was given the opportunity to test the new Old Town BigWater ePDL+ 132 in the backcountry around Tampa. Having several days to put the boat through the paces, I was able to really play around with its capabilities and dial in where it excelled and where it may need some work. I fished with both spinning gear and fly rods. I was on the kayak through multiple tide swings and weather conditions. Here’s what I found when using the new BigWater ePDL+ 132.

Old Town BigWater ePDL+ 132 Specs and Features

Old Town

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• Length: 13 feet, 2 inches
• Width: 36 inches
• Weight (assembled): 143 pounds
• Capacity: 500 pounds
• Battery: 36V, 20Ah Lithium Ion
• Colors: Steel Camo, Ember Camo, Marsh Camo

ePDL+ Drive

Old Town’s ePDL+ drive is a legitimately impressive and functional innovation that performs well. It takes a minute to get used to the dynamics of having both pedals and a motor integrated, but once you settle in, you’ll get the hang of it quickly. Using the simple interface that’s stationed between the pedals, you can alternate between five speeds.

It would be easy to overcomplicate the motorized component (see: any trolling motor or fishfinder installation video on Youtube), but Old Town has done a great job keeping the ePDL+ interface clean. You navigate the settings through a polarized-sunglass-friendly control panel and a simple two-tone UI that more closely resembles an original Nintendo Game Boy than a modern touch screen. The five speeds allow you to jump from slow trolling to throttling down to get to a new location quickly.

Hull Design

Beyond the drive itself, Old Town made a smart move by basing the BigWater ePDL+ 132 on an already proven design. The original Old Town BigWater (and older Predator series) have been around for years and are a tried-and-true platform, which relieves many of the concerns about launching a totally new boat. The hull has been tested and tweaked many times over, allowing the ePDL+ drive functionality to be integrated without worrying about the overall functionality of the boat. Additionally, the existing hull design allows for backwards compatibility with older Old Town PDL drives, which is a nice feature for anglers fishing in “no motor” tournaments or who simply want a backup drive.

Safety

Safety can be a concern with any motorized craft, and the ePDL+ has several built-in safety mechanisms to ensure your boat doesn’t drive off without you. As with most motorboats, there is a magnetic kill switch on a key fob that the user wears while kayaking. Should the angler fall off the craft, ideally the fob will be yanked free and the motor will stop. Secondly, there’s another kill switch built into the motor mount itself. If the drive is lifted from its down position, this connection is severed and the motor will automatically turn off. Additionally, if you start pedaling in reverse the drive will automatically cut the motor, which is a critical feature to avoid being launched out of the boat on a whim.

Testing the Old Town BigWater ePDL+ 132 in the Field

Simply put, there is no perfect kayak for every situation. While that will probably always remain true, some are more well-rounded than others. The ability to do many things comfortably goes a long way in the world of kayak fishing, so I believe it’s important to evaluate how a boat handles a variety of situations.

As an avid kayak angler with years of experience across a wide range of styles and fisheries, I have a set of criteria that I’m always looking for when trying out a new boat. To accurately test the BigWater ePDL+, I tried to replicate the average experience of kayak fishing on a day-to-day basis as closely as possible. This means both pedaling and paddling, standing, poling, and casting from a variety of different positions. It also means fishing with both spinning gear and fly, as well as covering a lot of water searching and getting technical with casts. Basically, it means beating both myself and the boat up to find fish at all costs.

Cruise Control Mode

The drive system on the BigWater ePDL features a “cruise control” mode, which is really where it separates itself from traditional pedal or motor crafts. Essentially, once you start pedaling, you just pick a speed setting you want and hit the cruise control button. Then, once you stop pedaling, the boat will continue moving at that rate until you start pedaling again or stop. In practice, it’s pretty darn cool. It adds a whole new dynamic to the pedal kayak experience, while maintaining the same built-in muscle memory and functionality that many kayak anglers are used to.   

Versatile Speed

There are five speeds. Essentially, settings one through four are what I would deem “fishable,” while speed five, for lack of a better term, absolutely hauls ass. While the top-end speed will vary based on load, this boat can flat out move.

Weight and Bulk

While Old Town did base the BigWater 132 design on older models, they slightly tweaked some aspects, improving a few features that the original BigWater hull was lacking. The biggest improvement comes in the size of the stern tankwell, which has been significantly increased to accommodate a much wider variety of crates and coolers.

The new BigWater 132 hull design has its drawbacks, primarily bulk. The hull design is streamlined and tracks well, but it’s undeniably heavy at 143 pounds fully loaded. This hinders the maneuverability and also makes it a beast to manage solo. Additionally, while the craft is very stable, its center of gravity while seated is much higher than many other kayaks in the class, increasing its tipping ability. The inability to adjust the seat height beyond the basic settings doesn’t help this, and it somewhat limits the boat’s range of use.

Despite some of the drawbacks of the BigWater 132 hull, it’s certainly a great platform for the initial showcasing of the ePDL+ drive. It functions well for its intended use and provides excellent proof of concept for the drive itself, perhaps opening the door for a wider range of uses in different boat models in the near future. It would be exciting to see this drive implemented in a smaller craft, something lighter and nimbler that can really move.

What the Old Town BigWater ePDL+ 132 Does Best

Perhaps the biggest advantage of the ePDL+ drive is that it eliminates one of the most frustrating elements of adding a motor to a kayak: lack of intuitive control. One of the biggest drawbacks to any motorized kayak is the lack of fluidity between fishing, paddling, and controlling a motor. Typically, the motor is controlled by a small remote of some kind, usually worn by the angler or mounted on the craft. No matter how effective the motor is, this method of controlling the boat will always result in some level of distraction and can be downright annoying when you’re trying to focus on fishing.

The ePDL+ drive provides an exceptional workaround for this, allowing the user to preset the speeds and then control the motor solely by foot pedal. This cuts out the frustrating element of fumbling with a remote fob or screen and allows the angler to focus on fishing while also covering more water efficiently. Once you settle into the pedal rhythm, it doesn’t take long to forget that the kayak is motorized at all. I can see this functionality being particularly helpful in the tournament angling world, where every second spent messing with motor controls can cost you.

Unlike some other primarily pedal or motor driven craft, the BigWater ePDL+ paddles reasonably well when the drive isn’t in use. Being based on the older existing Old Town Predator series definitely helps from a design standpoint, as that series was fully intended and sold as a paddle boat originally. It’s streamlined hull shape and tracking ability allow for paddling without suffering should the drive go down. It certainly doesn’t have the same awkwardness that some more modern motor-based designs do when forced to paddle.

While a somewhat superficial benefit, one of my favorite parts of the ePDL+ drive is that it allows you to have the benefits of a motorized kayak while not looking like you have a motorized kayak. I’ll acknowledge that this is more of a personal preference, but I have always hated the appearance of motors on kayaks. The appeal of kayak fishing to me is simplicity, and the more external stuff added to the craft, the more you lose that connection to the water and the fish that makes kayak fishing special. However, the combining of the pedal and motor has advantages beyond cosmetic and ideological reasons. It eliminates bulk and cuts down on extraneous material on the craft. This simplicity helps keep the boat streamlined when not using the motor and removes potential snags and failure points that traditional motors add. 

Where the Old Town BigWater ePDL+ 132 Can Improve

The ability to stand and fish is critical. As a sight fishing junkie, I think this is an area the BigWater ePDL+ could improve. Now, before I get criticized for my lack of balance or inability to stand in a kayak, hear me out. My critique is actually unrelated to its stability. Yes, the BigWater ePDL+ is incredibly stable, making it very easy to simply stand and fish. No problem there. The issue arises if you want to change positions or angles while standing. While it’s very comfortable to stand and cast from the designated deck space within the console, it’s incredibly unwieldy to do so from literally any other position on the boat.

As someone who likes to change positions and sight fish, the limited range of comfortable standing spots became somewhat frustrating. Even the seat is limiting, having only the standard adjustments to allow for back angle and leg space. Most larger fishing kayaks generally have a high and low seat setting, some even offering a range of different angles and heights to make long days on the water more comfortable. The seat on the BigWater ePDL+ is comfortable enough, but it really needs to have more adjustability to accommodate a wider variety of angling styles. 

Another area of improvement would be adding some form of wearable remote control. To be clear, one of the boat’s best assets is its ability to be controlled without a remote. That said, there’s nothing wrong with giving the user both choices. It would be nice to at least have the option of a small remote removed from the actual drive, allowing the user to control the motor without the need to get into pedaling position.

The speed jumps between settings one through five are somewhat uneven. The first four settings provide a fairly clean increase, while five jumps significantly. It’s not the most pressing problem in the world, but it would be nice to see a wider range of speed settings that can be more finely tuned down the line.

Finally, it would be impossible to discuss the downsides to the BigWater 132 ePDL+ and not bring up cost. There’s no way to sugarcoat it, the $6,000 price tag is more than many people will be able to justify. It’s understandable that a totally new technology combined with an existing top-end fishing kayak will be pricey, but still there’s a threshold for what most anglers will be willing to pay for a kayak. The industry is getting packed with more and more expensive options, and it will be interesting to see when that threshold is reached.

Read Next: The Best Kayak Fishing Accessories of 2023

Final Thoughts

Regardless of your attitude on motorized kayaks, I would highly recommend all kayak anglers find somewhere to at least test out the ePDL+ drive. Honestly, it’s difficult to put into words, because the drive functions so differently than other pedal systems, while at the same time feeling no different at all. It’s a three-dimensional functioning oxymoron, a seamless marriage of proven technologies and entirely new ideas. It may not be perfect, but it is a rare and legitimately progressive innovation in the kayak fishing space, and one that opens the door to a host of new possibilities.

The all-new Old Town Sportsman BigWater ePDL+ 132 will begin shipping in January 2024

The post Old Town Sportsman BigWater ePDL 132: The Most Innovative Motorized Kayak to Hit the Market in Years appeared first on Outdoor Life.

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Best Premium		Daiwa Steez A 100	SEE IT
Best for Swimbaits		Shimano Curado 300K	SEE IT
Best Saltwater		Shimano Tranx	SEE IT

The best baitcasting reels of even a decade ago pale in comparison to today’s top models, which have the precision of a Swiss watch, the styling of an Italian sportscar, and the dependability of American-made tools. 

Whether you want to sling giant 6-ounce glide baits or toss tiny lures that were once only castable on ultralight spinning gear, there’s a purpose-built baitcaster for you. Not only are baitcasters designed for specific jobs, the drag systems are better, the components are more durable, and you usually get more power in a smaller package, along with a wider range of gear ratios.

Baitcasting reels can catch nearly every species that swims in North America, but we’ve decided to focus on low-profile reels for bass and inshore saltwater. Experts in their respective fields explore both reel categories in separate sections. Each category also includes thorough hands-on testing. 

Here are our picks for the best baitcasting reels:

Bass Reels

• Best Premium: Daiwa Steez A 100
• Best for Swimbaits: Shimano Curado 300K
• Best Bait Finesse Reel: Lew’s Custom Lite SS
• Best High Speed: Abu Garcia Revo Rocket LP
• Best Computer Controlled: Shimano Curado 150 DC
• Most Innovative: Ark Gravity 5
• Best Budget: H2OX Premier

Saltwater Reels

• Best Overall: Shimano Tranx
• Best for Jigging: Penn Fathom
• Best Finesse Inshore Reel: Shimano Chronarch G

Best Baitcasting Reels for Bass: Reviews & Recommendations 

How I Chose the Best Baitcasting Reels for Bass

Here are the top picks from OL contributor, Pete Robbins who has chased bass all over the continent.

I’m not necessarily brand-loyal in this space, because I’ve learned that certain manufacturers do better than others in certain spheres and at different price points. Over the past six months I’ve tested a slew of them, both in their intended purposes and outside of them, to see which ones could best be integrated into savvy anglers’ arsenals far and wide. 

I used fluorocarbon, braid, and/or copolymer lines where appropriate, and didn’t do a darn thing in terms of maintenance. I wanted to see if they performed as advertised, not only fresh out of the package, but also after being banged around through big waves and nasty stump fields. The reels that aced the torture test with flying colors can be found below.

Best Premium: Daiwa Steez A 100

Daiwa

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Key Features

• Left- and right-hand retrieves
• 7.1:1 and 8.5:1 gear ratios
• 6.7 ounces
• 11 bearings

Pros

• Lightweight
• Spool specifically engineered for long casts
• Large gearing makes it super smooth

Cons

• Price tag may put it out of the reach of many anglers

Daiwa’s Steez lineup is their workhorse array of premium baitcasting reels, relied upon by weekend warriors and top pros alike when money is on the line. The T-Wing system disengages during the cast for effortless long casts, and the audible click of the drag ensures that it’s set where you want. 

They’ve spared no expense in any of the components, from the G1 Duralumin Mag-Z spool to the ergonomic swept handle, and it shows. From the moment I picked it up, I could tell this reel was special. My biggest regret was that I couldn’t justify the price of two of them, because I found myself wanting to use it for the full range of techniques, everything from flinging microscopic baits in clear water on light fluorocarbon to punching thick matted vegetation with heavy braid. It’s a fantastic combination of brains and brawn.

Best for Swimbaits: Shimano Curado 300K

Shimano

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Key Features

• Left- and right-hand retrieves
• 4.7:1 and 6.6:1 gear ratios
• 10.4 ounces
• Six total bearings

Pros

• Curado monicker stands for the intersection of technology and value
• Doesn’t weigh much more than traditional standard baitcasters
• Great line capacity
• Smooth drag

Cons

• Less than ideal for light line techniques
• No high-speed option

Savvy anglers have relied upon the Curado series of reels since the 1990s, but most of the models bearing that name have been 200-sized versions. Those can handle big baits in a pinch, but don’t necessarily have the heft to do it day-in, day-out. This one, on the other hand, is built for power, despite not weighing much more than the standard versions of a generation ago. Fill it up with 17-, 20-, or 25-pound line, mate it to your favorite swimbait rod, and you’re prepared for everything from rigged soft swimbaits to the giant glides. It’s a great Alabama Rig, too, and excels with giant crankbaits, especially when casting with the wind and smaller reels don’t have adequate spool capacity. My only regret is that they don’t have a high-speed option like many of the best baitcasting reels. I rely on the 6.6:1 but don’t have much use for the 4.7:1.

Best Bait Finesse Reel: Lew’s Custom Lite SS

Lew’s

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Key Features

• Left- and right-hand retrieve
• 7.5:1
• 5 ounces
• 11 total bearings

Pros

• Lightweight
• 11 stainless steel double shielded ball bearings for smoothness
• Shallow spool turns easily 

Cons

• Only one gear ratio available

Count me among the BFS doubters. While I would always rather use baitcasting gear than spinning tackle if possible, I thought that the latter was the only way to go with super light lures, especially when casting into the wind. Then I tried the Custom Lite SS. It has what I’d characterize as “big reel feel.” It has smooth performance, rigid tolerances, powerful draft, and premium components, but allowed me to cast and feel tiny lures at a distance. It’s extremely quiet and has a six pin centrifugal brake system that lets you completely dial in your casting. I tried it with micro-jigs, small crankbaits, and various wacky worms, and reached for it much more than expected. Rather than becoming a novelty or an occasional lark, I started to scheme new ways to use it.

Best High Speed: Abu Garcia Revo Rocket LP

Abu Garcia

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Key Features

• Left- and right-hand retrieve
• 10.1:1
• 7.6 ounces
• 11 total bearings

Pros

• One of the fastest reels on the market
• 18 pounds maximum drag
• Quality braking system

Cons

• Not useful for many moving bait techniques.

The earliest iterations of reels faster than 7:1 or so left me confused because I recognized their advantages, yet felt I could not trust them completely. Something had to give, and usually the addition of more speed meant less overall torque. Abu Garcia seems to have addressed those past concerns, and they’ve done it in a reel that’s faster than the rest. Whether I’m working a popper around precise targets, dragging a Carolina Rig, or pitching a Senko to shallow boat docks, I consistently find myself making more presentations and keeping a bait in the strike zone longer as the direct result of this reel. I’ve had no problems with body flex or drag slippage. Any time I’m working a lure that’s manipulated with the rod rather than the reel, within typical lure weight confines, I’m looking for excuses to use this one.

Read Next: Abu Garcia Revo Rocket Spinning Reel Review

Best Computer Controlled: Shimano Curado 150 DC

Shimano

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Key Features

• Left- and right-hand retrieves
• 6.2:1, 7.4:1, and 8.5:1 gear ratios
• 7.8 or 7.9 ounces
• Seven total bearings

Pros

• Near backlash-free performance
• All of the benefits of Shimano’s legendary Curados, plus some
• Multiple gear ratios
• Remarkably dependable, even after abuse

Cons

• Whining noise on the cast annoys some anglers

Even bass anglers with trained, veteran thumbs occasionally end up with the dreaded “professional overrun,” some of them requiring major tools and surgery to remove. They’re not only annoying and potentially costly, but picking them out requires time. Now, for a comparatively insignificant additional cost over Shimano’s traditional Curado, it’s possible to add the “Digital Control” (DC) system, which uses a microcomputer to provide optimal braking pressure. Frankly, no matter how good you are, this is a huge bonus, as it means this reel is more or less “set it and forget it.” I expected that the computerized portions would malfunction or degrade in some manner after substantial usage. But I’ve put mine through the wringer, and some heavy abuse, yet they still prevent backlashes and cast as far as they did straight out of the box.

Read Next: Shimano Curado DC Review

Most Innovative: Ark Gravity 5

ARK

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Key Features

• Left- and right-hand retrieves
• 5.4:1, 6.4:1, 7.1:1, and 8.1:1 gear ratios
• 7.1 ounces
• Nine total bearings

Pros

• Wide range of gear ratios
• Reasonable price point
• Extensive range of adjustability
• Line indicator

Cons

• Only one spool size

Ark made their name in the rod space first, but rather than their reels just being a perfunctory add-on, they took their introduction as an opportunity to change things up. Ark’s patented magnetic Gravity Control braking system allows up to 60 different settings depending on lure weight, wind conditions, and angler preference to dial things in and make long casts a breeze. The spool is super-light, and the “floating cast shaft” disengages during casting to further increase the ease of lure presentation. In fact, even though there’s only one size available (in four different gear ratios), these reels act like models both bigger and smaller. They’re rock solid, with a cone-shaped line guide and a carbon fiber side plate, both of which are comfortable to use all day and won’t flex or give at inopportune times.

Read Next: Best Baitcasting Reels Under $100

Best Budget: H2OX Premier

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Key Features

• Right-hand retrieve
• 6.6:1 and 7.3:1 gear ratios
• 7.4 ounces
• Six bearings

Pros

• Ultra-long casting performance
• Tight tolerances and rigid fame
• Comfortable EVA paddles on handle

Cons

• No left-hand version
• Not saltwater-suitable

After fishing this graphite framed reel for a while, I had to go back and make sure that the price tag hadn’t been a misprint. I consistently found myself grabbing it instead of reels that cost three, four, or five times as much. Out of the box, it was a jackrabbit, able to cast midrange lures longer distances than anything else I owned without backlashing. In fact, I had to tune it down to prevent lofting some of my prized topwaters into the woods. It’s comfortable and feels solid, even after several months of hard use. I used it not only for bass but for catfish and stripers, too, and the drag never balked or seized. 

Read Next: Best Baitcaster Combos

Best Baitcasting Reels for Saltwater: Reviews & Recommendations 

Here are the best baitcasting reel picks from OL contributor, Kevin Hughes. Read his full best saltwater baitcaster review for more information.

How I Chose the Best Saltwater Baitcasting Reels

Having spent most of my life fishing saltwater from Texas up through Virginia and everything in between, I’ve seen firsthand what happens when reels get exposed to salt over time. This experience helped me better evaluate the reels we tested, looking for key qualities and specs that made them suitable for the task. Components such as drag material, gearing, and frame material were critical. Functionality like drag pressure, brakes, and retrieve ratio were also key factors for consideration. 

I also put these reels through the paces with real-world testing. Over several months, these reels got used in a variety of inshore environments, from the marshes of the Outer Banks in North Carolina, the flats of Biscayne Bay and the Everglades in Florida, and the oyster-filled backwaters of the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia. We caught everything from speckled trout and redfish to snook, tarpon, and striper.

Best Overall: Shimano Tranx 

Scott Einsmann

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Key Features (150HG size)

• Weight: 6.7 ounces
• Line Capacity: 150 yards of 20-pound braid
• Bearings: 3+1
• Max Drag: 13 pounds
• Gear Ratio: 7.2:1
• MSRP: $219.99

Pros

• Extremely durable
• High-end gearing and seal
• Lightweight
• Smooth
• Large range of sizes (150-500)

Cons

• Limited drag strength
• Limited tuning ability

The Tranx lineup from Shimano has gained a well-earned reputation for withstanding anything thrown at them. The smallest reel in the series, the 150, is no exception. Despite its lightweight and smaller size, this reel still feels rock solid in your hand. It’s designed to cast and fight fish in the salt all day, every day. 

The Tranx 150 is a reel for anglers pushing their gear to the limits. It lacks some of the smoothness and featherlight feel of the Chronarch G, but it more than makes up for its durability. The delicate internal components are housed within a rigid metal frame that prevents flex and warping, making this reel ideal for intense fights and long days on the water. It also utilizes Shimano’s CoreProtect technology, which is a protective coating that prevents corrosion and adds extra strength to the core components of the reel. 

While the reel does boast a smooth carbon dag, the stopping power is somewhat lacking at 13 pounds. That’s not terrible, but it is a little less than one would expect for a reel designed with such heavy-duty use in mind. That said, this reel will have more than enough power for most inshore applications. Additionally, the Tranx comes in several sizes, from 150 all the way up to 500. The 150 is ideal for inshore casting applications, the 300 is perfect for bucktailing fluke and throwing big topwaters for stripers, and the 400 size with the power handle is the best saltwater baitcasting reel for deep jigging. The larger sizes provide significantly more drag and are a great option for expanding beyond light inshore use. 

Read Next: Best Saltwater Fishing Rods

Best for Jigging: Penn Fathom 

Scott Einsmann

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Key Features (300 size)

• Weight: 9.2 ounces
• Line Capacity: 310 yards of 20-pound braid or 240 yards of 12-pound mono
• Bearings: 6+1
• Max Drag: 30 pounds
• Gear Ratio: 7.3:1 or 9.2:1
• MSRP: $269.95

Pros

• Extremely strong drag
• Impressive gear ratios and retrieve rate
• Incredible line capacity
• Large range of sizes/specs

Cons

• Very heavy
• Lacks finesse

Penn has long been a staple in the saltwater world, with its line of spinning and conventional reels setting the standard for balancing cost with performance. Despite this, they’re relatively new to the low-profile baitcaster scene, but you’d never know it after using the Fathom. This reel is packed with all the quintessential Penn traits that make it feel like a true saltwater tool while still maintaining an impressive balance and comfort that are essential to low-profile reels. It’s a powerful, comfortable reel ideal for cranking on big fish at depth.

With a full metal body and beefy frame, the Fathom feels like a workhorse. This saltwater baitcasting reel boasts 30 pounds of drag strength; it’s easily the top of this list when it comes to pulling ability. With the 9.2:1 ratio model also reeling in a ridiculous 43 inches of line per crank, this reel is tailor-made for jigging and bottom fishing. Add to that the enormous line capacity, and you have a reel that can winch up powerful fish at depth. 

All that power and strength does come at a cost, unfortunately. This reel is much heavier than other reels in the class, making it tough to imagine casting all day long. It also lacks the smooth feel and finesse qualities of the other inshore low-profile reels on this list. Ultimately, this reel is designed with jigging in mind, and that’s where it will excel. 

A unique combination of power, torque, and comfort, the Fathom is a versatile option for anglers looking to fish inshore to nearshore wrecks and reefs. 

Best Finesse Inshore Reel: Shimano Chronarch G

Kevin Hughes

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Key Features (150HG model)

• Weight: 6.5 ounces
• Line Capacity: 150 yards of 20-pound braid, 120 yards of 10-pound mono
• Bearings: 8+1
• Max Drag: 11 pounds
• Gear Ratio: 7.1:1
• MSRP: $299.99

Pros

• Extremely lightweight
• Durable salt-resistant Ci4+ carbon frame
• Exceptionally smooth

Cons

• Limited drag capacity
• Limited size range
• Expensive

Simply put, this saltwater baitcasting reel is a joy to fish. Its lightweight design and ultra-smooth feel make it one of the most comfortable reels I’ve ever used inshore. It’s loaded with advanced modern reel technology and has proven quite capable of handling long days on the salt. It’s the ideal reel for casting lighter lures and finesse fishing inshore. 

The Chronarch G is made of ultra-light yet durable carbon material and features MicroModule gearing, which makes this reel as smooth as it gets. It also has a buttery soft feel on the cast. I’ve cast everything from light swimbaits to heavy topwaters on this reel, and the braking system was easy to tune to keep the spool backlash-free. Despite its lightweight feel and complex gearing, this reel is sealed and durable, designed to withstand inshore saltwater use. 

The 11-pound drag strength won’t stop big fish from heading back into the magroves or around bridge pilings. That said, as a reel aimed primarily at light inshore use, the drag isn’t as critical as overall performance. The narrow spool also helps the reel with casting accuracy and allows the use of lighter lines. 

Read Next: Best Saltwater Baitcasting Reels

Things to Consider Before Buying a Baitcasting Reel

Line Capacity

Whether you’re using braid, monofilament or fluorocarbon, your reel has to hold enough line to handle your longest casts, and also to deal with the occasional break off or clip off with a retie. 

Gear Ratio

A reel’s gear ratio refers to how many times the spool turns for each turn of the reel handle. A 7.1:1 gear ratio means the spool makes 7.1 rotations for each rotation of the handle. The higher the gear ratio, the faster the reel.

While gear ratios in the 6:1 and 7:1 range will handle most applications, and some anglers are comfortable with their entire arsenal being the same speed, sometimes faster or slower provides an advantage. With flipping and pitching or topwaters, a faster reel will get you more casts in the course of the day. Historically, faster reels sacrificed power, but that’s not always the case anymore.

Spool Size

A narrow, deep spool may hold the same amount of line as a wide, shallow spool, but they may not perform the same way. The former may have a substantially different amount of inches of line retrieval at different points in the cast. Find a reel that fits your hands and where the line pulls off smoothly and evenly.

Bearings

There’s been an arms race of sorts to see who can cram the most bearings into a baitcasting reel, and while there’s still some debate as to how many are necessary or even helpful, assume that more equals better.

Final Thoughts on the Best Baitcasting Reels

Sometimes our reel choices are a matter of what we’re used to, or what feels best, not necessarily what performs best. We get used to certain brands, styles, and sizes, to our own detriment. I’m a big advocate of keeping things simple, and if possible I’d like to have the same reels for everything across the board. I also realize that you can be more efficient in some instances with a 10:1 gear ratio than with a 5:1 gear ratio. Realistically, multiple baitcasting reels are a necessity for most of us, and it pays to compare features, price, and yes, feel. Use our reviews to help you choose the best baitcasting reel for your needs and budget.

Bass Reels

• Best Premium: Daiwa Steez A 100
• Best for Swimbaits: Shimano Curado 300K
• Best Bait Finesse Reel: Lew’s Custom Lite SS
• Best High Speed: Abu Garcia Revo Rocket LP
• Best Computer Controlled: Shimano Curado 150 DC
• Most Innovative: Ark Gravity 5
• Best Budget: H2OX Premier

Saltwater Reels

• Best Overall: Shimano Tranx
• Best for Jigging: Penn Fathom
• Best Finesse Inshore Reel: Shimano Chronarch G

The post The Best Baitcasting Reels of 2023, Tested and Reviewed appeared first on Outdoor Life.

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Best Overall		Shimano TranX	SEE IT
Best for Jigging		Penn Fathom	SEE IT
Best Finesse		Shimano Chronarch G	SEE IT

While I’m sure plenty of our West Coast saltwater anglers will disagree, the reality is that baitcasters have been made and marketed primarily for the freshwater world for quite some time. Sure, you’d find the occasional angler dedicated to using them, but most inshore guides and anglers had a quiver full of spinning gear and not much else. 

Today a renaissance of sorts is happening in the inshore angling world. New materials and high-end machining techniques have paved the way for low-profile baitcasters that are not only built for heavy saltwater use but excel in it. Slowly but surely, low-profile baitcasters have found their way into the regular rotation of many inshore anglers. Modern inshore gurus like Captain C.A. Richardson have embraced them to the point where they rarely use spinning gear. 

With this new age of inshore baitcasters has come a bevy of reel options on the market. Finding the right low-profile baitcaster can be challenging, and making the wrong choice could lead to a disastrous day on the water. To help you make that decision, I tested many of the top low-profile saltwater baitcasters on the market and sat down with guides and anglers who use them daily. Through this process, I’ve compiled a list of the best saltwater baitcasting reels for every type of salty situation you might encounter. 

• Best Overall: Shimano Tranx
• Best for Jigging: Penn Fathom
• Best Finesse Inshore Reel: Shimano Chronarch G
• Lew’s Custom Inshore
• Shimano Curado K

How I Chose the Best Saltwater Baitcasting Reels

Having spent most of my life fishing saltwater from Texas up through Virginia and everything in between, I’ve seen firsthand what happens when reels get exposed to salt over time. This experience helped me better evaluate the reels we tested, looking for key qualities and specs that made them suitable for the task. Components such as drag material, gearing, and frame material were critical. Functionality like drag pressure, brakes, and retrieve ratio were also key factors for consideration. 

Of course, specs only take you so far, so I also put these reels through the paces with real-world testing. Over several months, these reels got used in a variety of inshore environments, from the marshes of the Outer Banks in North Carolina, the flats of Biscayne Bay and the Everglades in Florida, and the oyster-filled backwaters of the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia. We caught everything from speckled trout and redfish to snook, tarpon, and striper. Through this process, gear editor Scott Einsmann and I were able to dial in just what makes these reels tick and what they are each best suited for during a day on the water. Using that knowledge and interviews with inshore baitcaster experts like Captain C.A. Richardson of “Flats Class TV,” I compiled this breakdown to help you understand what to look for when choosing a low-profile reel. 

Best Saltwater Baitcasting Reels: Reviews and Recommendations

Best Overall: Shimano Tranx 

Scott Einsmann

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Key Features (150HG size)

• Weight: 6.7 ounces
• Line Capacity: 150 yards of 20-pound braid
• Bearings: 3+1
• Max Drag: 13 pounds
• Gear Ratio: 7.2:1
• MSRP: $219.99

Pros

• Extremely durable
• High-end gearing and seal
• Lightweight
• Smooth
• Large range of sizes (150-500)

Cons

• Limited drag strength
• Limited tuning ability

The Tranx lineup from Shimano has gained a well-earned reputation for withstanding anything thrown at them. The smallest reel in the series, the 150, is no exception. Despite its lightweight and smaller size, this reel still feels rock solid in your hand. It’s designed to cast and fight fish in the salt all day, every day. 

The Tranx 150 is a reel for anglers pushing their gear to the limits. It lacks some of the smoothness and featherlight feel of the Chronarch G, but it more than makes up for its durability. The delicate internal components are housed within a rigid metal frame that prevents flex and warping, making this reel ideal for intense fights and long days on the water. It also utilizes Shimano’s CoreProtect technology, which is a protective coating that prevents corrosion and adds extra strength to the core components of the reel. 

While the reel does boast a smooth carbon dag, the stopping power is somewhat lacking at 13 pounds. That’s not terrible, but it is a little less than one would expect for a reel designed with such heavy-duty use in mind. That said, this reel will have more than enough power for most inshore applications. Additionally, the Tranx comes in several sizes, from 150 all the way up to 500. The 150 is ideal for inshore casting applications, the 300 is perfect for bucktailing fluke and throwing big topwaters for stripers, and the 400 size with the power handle is the best saltwater baitcasting reel for deep jigging. The larger sizes provide significantly more drag and are a great option for expanding beyond light inshore use. 

Read Next: Best Saltwater Fishing Rods

Best for Jigging: Penn Fathom 

Scott Einsmann

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Key Features (300 size)

• Weight: 9.2 ounces
• Line Capacity: 310 yards of 20-pound braid or 240 yards of 12-pound mono
• Bearings: 6+1
• Max Drag: 30 pounds
• Gear Ratio: 7.3:1 or 9.2:1
• MSRP: $269.95

Pros

• Extremely strong drag
• Impressive gear ratios and retrieve rate
• Incredible line capacity
• Large range of sizes/specs

Cons

• Very heavy
• Lacks finesse

Penn has long been a staple in the saltwater world, with its line of spinning and conventional reels setting the standard for balancing cost with performance. Despite this, they’re relatively new to the low-profile baitcaster scene, but you’d never know it after using the Fathom. This reel is packed with all the quintessential Penn traits that make it feel like a true saltwater tool while still maintaining an impressive balance and comfort that are essential to low-profile reels. It’s a powerful, comfortable reel ideal for cranking on big fish at depth.

With a full metal body and beefy frame, the Fathom feels like a workhorse. This saltwater baitcasting reel boasts 30 pounds of drag strength, it’s easily the top of this list when it comes to pulling ability. With the 9.2:1 ratio model also reeling in a ridiculous 43 inches of line per crank, this reel is tailor-made for jigging and bottom fishing. Add to that the enormous line capacity, and you have a reel that can winch up powerful fish at depth. 

All that power and strength does come at a cost, unfortunately. This reel is much heavier than other reels in the class, making it tough to imagine casting all day long. It also lacks the smooth feel and finesse qualities of the other inshore low-profile reels on this list. Ultimately, this reel is designed with jigging in mind, and that’s where it will excel. 

A unique combination of power, torque, and comfort, the Fathom is a versatile option for anglers looking to fish inshore to nearshore wrecks and reefs. 

Read Next: Best Saltwater Spinning Reels

Best Finesse Inshore Reel: Shimano Chronarch G

Kevin Hughes

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Key Features (150HG model)

• Weight: 6.5 ounces
• Line Capacity: 150 yards of 20-pound braid, 120 yards of 10-pound mono
• Bearings: 8+1
• Max Drag: 11 pounds
• Gear Ratio: 7.1:1
• MSRP: $299.99

Pros

• Extremely lightweight
• Durable salt-resistant Ci4+ carbon frame
• Exceptionally smooth

Cons

• Limited drag capacity
• Limited size range
• Expensive

Simply put, this saltwater baitcasting reel is a joy to fish. Its lightweight design and ultra-smooth feel make it one of the most comfortable reels I’ve ever used inshore. It’s loaded with advanced modern reel technology and has proven quite capable of handling long days on the salt. It’s the ideal reel for casting lighter lures and finesse fishing inshore. 

The Chronarch G is made of ultra-light yet durable carbon material and features MicroModule gearing, which makes this reel as smooth as it gets. It also has a buttery soft feel on the cast. I’ve cast everything from light swimbaits to heavy topwaters on this reel, and the braking system was easy to tune to keep the spool backlash-free. Despite its lightweight feel and complex gearing, this reel is sealed and durable, designed to withstand inshore saltwater use. 

The 11-pound drag strength won’t stop big fish from heading back into the magroves or around bridge pilings. That said, as a reel aimed primarily at light inshore use, the drag isn’t as critical as overall performance. The narrow spool also helps the reel with casting accuracy and allows the use of lighter lines. 

Read Next: Best Saltwater Fly Rods

Lew’s Custom Inshore

Scott Einsmann

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Key Features (CI1SH model)

• Weight: 6.9 ounces 
• Line Capacity: 140 yards of 50-pound braid, 140 yards of 12-pound mono
• Bearings: 9+1
• Max Drag: 20 pounds
• Gear Ratio: 7.5:1
• MSRP: $219.99

Pros

• Strong drag
• One-piece aluminum frame
• Lightweight

Cons

• Not very smooth
• Limited size range

Despite being known as a primarily freshwater brand, Lew’s has ventured into the saltwater world with the Custom Inshore lineup. The Custom Inshore baitcaster is a solid, quality reel. It’s a great inshore reel for someone just dipping their toe into the saltwater baitcaster game.

Lew’s has always been known for providing anglers with quality gear at lower-than-average prices. The Custom Inshore reel is their attempt at doing this for the saltwater angling crowd, and it accomplishes that goal well enough. Made of anodized aluminum with a carbon sideplate on the handle side and graphite sideplate for palming, the frame is durable enough to withstand abuse. The carbon fiber drag system is a highlight, providing a remarkable 20 pounds of drag. This reel also provides a relatively high line capacity for a low-profile inshore reel, allowing it to be used for a wider range of applications inshore. 

While the drag is smooth, the casting and retrieving feel slightly clunky. Additionally, while the reel isn’t technically very heavy, its balance and frame feel a bit ungainly in the palm when compared to some of the more expensive reels on this list. Despite the drawbacks to this reel, the positive features more than balance it out. While I don’t recommended it if you plan to cast all day, the Lew’s Custom Inshore is the perfect option if you’re looking for a quality reel for casual use. 

Shimano Curado K

Scott Einsmann

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Key Features (200HGK model)

• Weight: 7.6 ounces
• Line Capacity: 190 yards of 30-pound braid, 155 yards of 10-pound mono
• Bearings: 6+1
• Max Drag: 11 pounds
• Gear Ratio: 7.4:1
• MSRP: $199.99

Pros

• Good line capacity
• Good range of sizes and gear ratios
• Reasonably priced
• Smooth

Cons

• Limited drag capacity
• Heavier than similar models in class

The Curado series is one of Shimano’s mainstays, building a reputation for reliability over the years. The lineup is a staple for many anglers, and the most recent iterations should do nothing to change that. The Curado is a solid, reliable, and comfortable reel at a reasonable price point. 

The Curado K series comes in a wide range of sizes and gear ratios, making it a versatile option for anglers looking to get into the low-profile saltwater game. It features many of the same high-end technology found in the pricier Shimano reels on this list, including MicroModule gearing, X-Ship, and the SVS Infinity braking system. The Curado K is also slightly smaller than previous versions, making it a very comfortable reel to fish and allowing for a high degree of control. 

While the more modern options in Shimano’s lineup, like the Tranx, have started to steal the show somewhat, the Curado’s reputation and quality will always have a place for many anglers. Simply put, it’s a quality reel that has very little downside at a reasonable price. I think the Curado K is the best saltwater baitcasting reel for someone who bass fishes some weekends and fishes inshore fishes on others. 

How to Choose a Saltwater Baitcasting Reel

Spinning reels became the standard inshore reel for saltwater for many reasons, but simplicity was a big factor. While having loads of dials and gears allows for baitcasting reels to be fine-tuned, they also leave the reels vulnerable to breaking down in ways that most spinning reels simply aren’t. 

Interestingly enough, that wasn’t always the case. For years, the original Everglades angling pioneers, legends like Flip Pallot, preferred to use baitcasters on short pistol-grip rods. These were the ideal tools to dissect the mangroves and wench trophy snook and tarpon from their hiding places. At some point, these setups fell out of favor, and the era of low-profile baitcasters inshore seemed to be no more. 

Fast-forward to today, and that’s no longer the case. Modern baitcasters have surged in popularity and revolutionized the inshore game. However, choosing one can be a little trickier than purchasing a spinning setup. Despite their complex nature, the key factors for choosing a baitcaster are essentially the same as any other saltwater reel. 

The right choice is usually decided by how often you’ll be using it and what you’ll be using it for. If you’re targeting hard-fighting fish like snook on a regular basis, things like drag strength and retrieve ratio are more important. If you’re only getting out a few times a year after less formidable species like speckled trout, something that’s lighter and more comfortable to cast may be a better choice. 

Then there is the salt factor. Unlike bass fishing, inshore baitcasters need to be able to withstand the elements at a much higher level. Salt corrodes everything it touches, and a complex bit of machinery like a baitcaster can be extremely vulnerable to deterioration. Corrosion-resistant materials and a quality seal are at the top of the list of important features to consider. 

FAQs

Final Thoughts on the Best Saltwater Baitcasting Reels

While spinning reels remain the most popular option, all saltwater anglers should consider trying one of the best saltwater baitcasting reels. Once you’ve gotten comfortable with one, you’ll find they are more than worthy of a place in your lineup.

• Best Overall: Shimano Tranx
• Best for Jigging: Penn Fathom
• Best Finesse Inshore Reel: Shimano Chronarch G
• Lew’s Custom Inshore
• Shimano Curado K

The post Best Saltwater Baitcasting Reels of 2023 appeared first on Outdoor Life.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best Overall		Z-Man DieZel MinnowZ	SEE IT	LEARN MORE	Summary Durable, simple, and floating, a weedless DieZel Minnow is hard to beat.
Best Non-Weedless Searchbait		MirrOlure MirrOdine	SEE IT	LEARN MORE	Summary The lure is one of the most effective presentations for enticing wary reds into vicious thumping strikes
Best Weedless Lure for Wind		Johnson Silver Minnow in Gold	SEE IT	LEARN MORE	Summary This flashy spoon stands out in any water conditions. To retrieve, just cast and wind.

Redfish are perhaps the most accessible inshore saltwater gamefish in America. Their range extends from the Laguna Madre in south Texas all the way around both coasts of Florida and up through the Carolinas to Virginia, even venturing as far north as New Jersey. Their wide distribution and bullish fighting tendencies make reds a favored target of many saltwater anglers. Redfish also frequent a variety of habitats, from deep wrecks offshore to six-inch deep muddy flats, and everything in between. That’s why it’s important to always carry a selection of the best redfish lures.

• Best Overall: Z-Man DieZel MinnowZ
• Best Non-Weedless Searchbait: MirrOlure MirrOdine
• Best Weedless Lure for Windy Conditions: Johnson Silver Minnow in Gold
• Best Topwater Lure for Redfish on Stillwater Flats: Rapala Skitter Walk
• Best for Pitching Structure: Berkley Gulp Shrimp
• Best Searchbait for Cloudy Days or Stained Water: Z-Man Chatterbait

The Best Redfish Lures: Reviews and Recommendations

Best Overall: Z-Man DieZel MinnowZ

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Key Features

• Lengths: 4, 5, and 7 inches
• Key Colors: The Deal, The Wright Stuff, Sexy Penny

Pros

• Extremely durable
• Great swimming action

Cons

• Cannot be stored with other soft plastics or in high heat

To find a redfish lure that is effective in just about any situation, you have to go back to the basics, and it’s hard to get more basic than a soft plastic swimbait. While there are hundreds of soft plastic swimbait options on the market, the Z-Man DieZel Minnowz are my choice for one simple reason: durability. While their profile is essentially the same as many other options, the proprietary ElaZtech plastic is super-efficient for inshore saltwater fishing. These plastics will last through dozens of fish before needing replacement, and can withstand the chomping bites of many toothy critters. While the time wasted changing plastics seems negligible at first, it really starts to pile up when the fish are biting, or you’re being picked at by nuisance critters like pufferfish or pinfish. Keeping a lure in the water is the most important factor to getting bit, and these lures help you do that. 

I’ll admit that I was not a fan of the ElaZtech material at first, primarily because it’s difficult to rig compared to more traditional soft plastics and requires a few tricks to be effective. While they can be used on a basic jighead and swam or bounced around, my go-to method for rigging them is weedless on a Mustad Weighted Grip Pin hook. The Grip Pin is important because it keeps the material from sliding down the hook shank and fouling up. 

The four-inch DieZel Minnow fits perfectly on a 3/0 Grip Pin, and they come in a variety of weights that allow you to work the lure throughout the water column. I’ve found a ¼-ounce weighted hook provides the ideal weight to make the lure keel just right and allows it to be fished at most depths inshore. The ElaZtech material floats, which allows you to let the lure hang on the bottom and wiggle it enticingly at an approaching red. This rigging method is also almost entirely weedless, something that can’t be overlooked when targeting a fish that loves grass and oyster bars as much as redfish do. Equally effective for subtle sight casting to tailing fish in heavy cover, or blind casting with a steady retrieve in open water, a weedless DieZel Minnow is hard to beat.

Best Non-Weedless Searchbait for Redfish: MirrOlure MirrOdine

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Key Features

• Lengths: 2 5/8, 3 1/8, 3 3/4 inches
• Weights: 3/8, 9/16, 1 ounce
• Key Colors: Green Back/White/Silver, Electric Chicken, Shad

Pros

• Great selection of colors
• Go-to searchbait for reds

Cons

• Hooks can foul in grassy areas

The Mirrodine is a staple in most inshore tackle boxes from Texas to Virginia. The lure has proven itself as one of the most effective presentations for enticing wary reds into vicious thumping strikes. The profile mimics a variety of common inshore baitfish, and the incredible range of color options allows for an angler to tailor the lure to any level of water clarity. While it can certainly be used as a finesse sight fishing option, the most effective way to fish the Mirrodine is to blind cast it as a searchbait when you’re fishing a new area. The most common method of retrieval, commonly referred to as the “twitch-twitch-THUMP,” is to retrieve the lure with several quick twitches and then let it pause and suspend in the water column. Often reds will strike on the pause with a vicious thump, hence the name. This lure is effective in many habitats, but the treble hooks can foul easily in grassy areas. The lure can also be tough to effectively work in the wind, which leads us to our next option. 

Best Redfish Lure for Windy Conditions: Johnson Silver Minnow in Gold

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Key Features

• Lengths: 1.75, 2, 2.5, 2.75, and 3.75 inches
• Weights: 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 1 1/8, ounce
• Key Colors: Silver and gold

Pros

• Casts well in the wind
• Easy to fish
• Proven design

Cons

• Not great for clear water and calm conditions

It’s decades old, simple, and about as basic as a lure can get. But this classic spoon is far from outdated. It just flat out catches fish. This lure really shines when conditions turn against you as they often will: The wind kicks up, making casting and effectively working most hardbaits difficult, if not impossible. The water has turned the consistency of a frothy milkshake and all the beautiful but subtle presentations you normally rely on are worthless. 

In such a situation, you’d be hard pressed to find a better redfish lure than a ¼-ounce Johnson Silver Minnow Spoon in gold. The simple, aerodynamic design and compact profile of this lure lets you cast like a bullet into the wind, while the wire weed guard is extremely effective at keeping debris off the large single hook. 

The best part? The retrieve is as simple as it gets. Just cast and wind. The darting, rolling, flashy action of the spoon stands out in just about any level of water clarity and allows you to cover a huge amount of water in a relatively short time. No matter where I’m fishing for reds, I always have a few Johnson Silver Minnows in gold tucked away in the box. Weather forecasts aren’t always accurate, and this redfish lure has saved my day more than once when conditions have turned less than ideal.  

Best Topwater Lure for Redfish on Stillwater Flats: Rapala Skitter Walk

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Key Features

• Lengths: 3 1/8 inches and 4 3/8 inches
• Weights: 5/8 and 7/16 ounce
• Key Colors: Bone, Black/Chartreuse, Gold Mullet

Pros

• Deep tone
• Easy to walk
• Produces explosive strikes

Cons

• Low hook-up and landing ratio compared to single hook baits

If you cast a topwater lure on a glassy redfish flat in the morning, you may get one of the most thrilling strikes you’ve had. A redfish’s mouth is located low on its head, meaning that it has to raise its head fully above the water to engulf a plug. The result is unforgettable—and few lures draw these topwater strikes better than a Rapala Skitter Walk. 

While a variety of topwater lures will catch redfish, the Skitter Walk is one of the best topwater lures for redfish, for three reasons. First, it has a deeper knocking sound than many other walking baits, which seems to draw the reds in from a good distance. Second, it requires very little experience to make the Skitter Walk move the way it’s supposed to. Just about anyone can pick up a Skitter Walk and make it dance from side to side with ease. Third, it has a realistic baitfish profile, and sits in a slightly more submerged position than some more traditional walking baits. This is a subtle difference, but can certainly help entice a strike on the pause when the fish is inspecting the lure.

Best Redfish Lure for Pitching Structure: Berkley Gulp Shrimp

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Key Features

• Sizes: 3 and 4 inches
• Key Colors: New penny, white, white/chartreuse

Pros

• Gulp! scent
• Lots of rigging options

Cons

• Will get bit by interference fish

While a number of more realistic and seemingly advanced scented shrimp lures have hit the market in recent years, the classic Gulp Shrimp is still king. With a simple design that barely resembles a shrimp and a stiff body that emits almost no real action, it’s easy to dismiss the Gulp Shrimp at first. But it is the best artificial shrimp lure for redfish. lt can be rigged in a variety of ways and used to fish everything from wide open mud flats to tight mangrove pockets. 

However, this lure really stands out when pitching docks or other structure. Rigged on a ⅛- or ¼-ounce jighead, the Gulp Shrimp can be easily skipped up under the shadows and sinks quickly. While many soft plastics work well in this situation, the added benefit of the Gulp! scent clearly gives this lure an advantage and makes it one of the best soft plastics for redfish. While redfish feed in many ways, scent is one of their primary senses when searching out food. And anyone who has accidentally spilled a tub of Gulp in their car or tackle box can attest that one thing it has no shortage of is scent. When redfish are pressured, or the water temperature has them sluggish and coy, that little extra push of scent can be the difference in getting an eat versus a refusal. 

Best Redfish Lure for Cloudy Days or Stained Water: Z-Man Chatterbait

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Key Features

• Weights: 1/8, 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 ounce
• Key Colors: White, chartreuse, greenback shad
• Tip: Trim and thin out or remove skirt for a sleeker profile and pair with a DieZel MinnowZ

Pros

• Lots of vibration
• Good for stained water

Cons

• Limited casting distance

This is where the worlds of bass fishing and inshore saltwater fishing begin to collide. An unconventional option but becoming more and more popular among redfish anglers, the Chatterbait is a very effective lure. While spinnerbait style lures and bladed jigs have been popular redfish options for years, the Chatterbait is really starting to steal the show. Why? Because it does all the things that spinnerbaits do, only better. 

Looking for flash? The Chatterbait has it in spades. Need something that emits a potent vibration? The Chatterbait will make your teeth rattle on the retrieve. While it’s true that sometimes less is more, and the subtlety of a spinner blade can be the better option, most of the time redfish tend to act on their baser instincts. Essentially, if something is flashy and loud and makes them mad, they’ll eat it. The Chatterbait can be fished bare, with only a skirt, or with any number of different trailer styles. I prefer a shad-style swimbait trailer, but just about any appropriately sized soft plastic will do the trick. 

This lure is a great choice on cloudy days where you just don’t quite know where the fish are. Blind casting a Chatterbait around in various depths while moving from spot to spot will usually find the fish. The combination of intense vibration and flash seems to draw more strikes than similar presentations in these situations. The blade also deters the hook from snagging on weeds, so it’s a good choice in grassy areas.

What to Consider When Picking the Best Redfish Lures

When it’s time to choose a lure, the habitat you’re fishing is the first consideration. Is the water muddy and shallow, or crystal clear and deep? Will you be fishing over sandy bottom, or a treacherous minefield of oyster bars? Is there grass, and if so, how thick is it? 

Next is what’s in front of you. Are you seeing redfish, or will you have to search for them? Is there structure to fish? Then there’s the weather. Is it sunny? Cloudy? Windy?

The list of factors goes on, which is why you’ll need a selection of lures that will be effective in those varying habitats. That’s why there is a seemingly infinite number of redfish lures on the market, and you could easily buy hundreds. But if you keep your box stocked with these six lures, you’ll be in good shape no matter where you target reds.

FAQs

The quick answers to all your basic redfish fishing questions.

Final Thoughts on the Best Redfish Lures

The best redfish lures depend entirely on the situation. While reds will hit a simple old spoon as readily as a modern crankbait, you often can’t fish many lures effectively because the habitat, water clarity, and weather conditions make them ill-suited. Next time you hit the water in search of reds, consider your environment and the conditions, and then pull out one of these staples and put some redfish on the deck.

The post The Best Redfish Lures of 2023 appeared first on Outdoor Life.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Best Budget		Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite	SEE IT	LEARN MORE	Summary Keeps you dry on a budget.
Best for Women		Gill Women’s Coastal	SEE IT	LEARN MORE	Summary Designed specifically for women.
Best Packable		Simms Flyweight	SEE IT	LEARN MORE	Summary Minimal but serious rain gear.

The rain sometimes improves a bite, but it can also take the fun out of being on the water unless you have rain gear for fishing. Many beginning anglers make the mistake of buying subpar rain gear, figuring that it’ll be “good enough” or that they won’t ever get caught in a bad storm. That’s a mistake, and one of my fishing mentor pointed out to me early in my fishing career. When I asked him what I should buy with some extra cash, figuring he’d suggest a particular rod or reel, he replied bluntly: “The best rain gear you can afford.”

At that time, in the mid-1990s, there were relatively few top-notch options made specifically for anglers. Today, we live in a golden age of rain gear. Whether you want a heavy parka or light jacket, bibs or pants, there’s an option out there that will keep you dry. From my years of covering professional bass tournaments and as a tournament angler, I’ve tested nearly all the rain suit options on the market. Here are my picks for the best rain gear for fishing. 

• Best for Fly Fishing: Simms Challenger
• Best for Big Guys: AFTCO Big Guy Hydronaut
• Best for Women: Gill Women’s Coastal
• Best Budget: Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite
• Best for Saltwater: Grundens Ironclad
• Best Packable: Simms Flyweight

How We Chose the Best Rain Gear for Fishing

I’ve worn my rain gear in snowy bass tournaments and in 98-degree temperatures in the Amazonian jungle. Most importantly, I keep at least one set in my boat at all times, ready to go. I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t always take the best care of my gear, crumpling them all up in a ball and putting them away wet, but the best gear is remarkably forgiving. As noted above, get the best you can afford or you’ll end up buying more in the not-too-distant future. Ideally, you should look forward to fishing in the rain and the potentially positive impacts on the bite.

Best Rain Gear for Fishing: Reviews & Recommendations

Best for Fly Fishing: Simms Challenger

Simms

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Key Features

• Durable two-layer Toray shell with DWR finish
• Shell made of fully recycled material
• Waterproof, breathable 
• Comfortable polyester lining
• Adjustable storm hood rolls up behind collar
• Zippered chest pocket with interior sunglasses chamois
• Drawcord bottom hem with kill switch D-ring attachment

Pros

• Lightweight
• Ample pockets
• Comfortable, breathable 
• Fit nicely over waders
• Jacket shell fully recycled material

Cons

• Not fully sealed
• Not heavy duty

It can be a challenge to find rain gear that fits properly over waders, provides day long insulation, and is also comfortable. The Challenger rain gear from Simms checks all those boxes, at a relatively reasonable price point. Simms has had this line of rain gear for several years but it recently underwent an overhaul that includes using fully recycled material in the outer shell. While this could lead to some speculation about performance, I didn’t notice a difference throughout an entire season of heavy use. The fact that this rain gear is both sustainable and performs is impressive. 

The Challenger jacket is also surprisingly warm for being so light, and it kept me warm throughout long days on the water. The fleece-lined pockets are one of my favorite features and gave my numb digits relief while fishing in sub-freezing temperatures. Unfortunately, the pocket interiors are not fully waterproof, so be careful not to have them zipped down during heavy rainfall. 

The Challenger jacket shines when wading or fly fishing off a raft or drift boat. Its extra length and numerous adjustment points provide for a solid upper shell over waders while being lightweight and agile enough to cast and move about comfortably. 

The Challenger Rain Suit is an excellent option for anglers looking for comfort and warmth without extra bulk. While I wouldn’t recommend it for bushwhacking into a remote creek, it’s the perfect rain gear for an everyday angler who wants to stay dry and comfortable without being weighed down or dropping a fortune. If you need a durable and extremely waterproof rain suit, check out the Simms CX. —Kevin Hughes

Best for Big Guys: AFTCO Big Guy Hydronaut

AFTCO

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Key Features

• Two layer 100 percent nylon shell with 100 percent polyester mesh lining
• Vented hood
• Rubberized internal sleeve cuffs
• Optional camera mount
• Sizes: 3XL to 5X

Pros

• Comfortable adjustable shoulder system
• Adjustable leakproof side zippers on bibs
• Sizes up to 5X available

Cons

• Only comes in charcoal
• No tall sizes

AFTCO has a legendary history in saltwater, and they’ve made a heavy push in recent years to provide clothing aimed at freshwater anglers. This suit covers fresh and saltwater, and it’ll also cover up big guys without restricting their motion. The bibs cover your full chest, and both the bibs and the parkas provide pockets in all the right places. They’re easy-on, easy-off, and offer a full range of angler-specific options—like a place to mount your action camera and a pocket specifically made for pliers, so you don’t have to dig to find them when you need them most. Comfort shouldn’t mean that you have to sacrifice functionality, no matter your size, and guys up to 5X will appreciate that this rain suit is the best of all worlds. 

Best for Women: Gill Women’s Coastal

Gill

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Key Features

• XPLORE two-layer fabric construction
• Hi-Viz hood with two-way adjustment system
• Jacket available in Ocean Blue or bright red

Pros

• Built specifically for female body shapes
• XPel stain-resistant technology
• Wide range of sizes

Cons

• Bibs only available in graphite color

For decades women who wanted premium angling rain gear had to buy products tailored to a generic male physique. Gradually, that’s changed, and Gill has led the way with this high-quality trouser and parka set made specifically for female bodies. These aren’t just generic rain gear that fit women well, they’re one of the best rain gear for fishing—highly water-repellent, stain-resistant, and breathable. My wife, who’d worn ill-fitting male-centric gear for years, was thrilled with her Gill gear, and literally cried when it disappeared on a trip. It meant that much to her ability to withstand the elements. Fortunately, she quickly got another Gill suit, and while it’s not inexpensive, it still cost less than many comparable suits—many of which do not block out the elements nearly as well.

Best Budget: Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite

frogg toggs

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Key Features

• Adjustable hood with cord locks
• Storm flap over front jacket zipper
• Elastic cuffs and waist

Pros

• Lightweight material is remarkably durable
• Highly compressible and packable
• Elastic waist and wide cuffs make it easy to put on

Cons

• Lacks features like lined pockets available in more expensive rain gear

There are inexpensive rainsuits, and there are cheap rain suits—and no one can call this offering from frogg toggs cheap. It does a fantastic job of keeping the elements out at a fraction of the competition’s. You may give up some features, but the price point allows you to purchase multiples, so you’ll never get caught out in the elements. Want proof that it works? Plenty of top tournament anglers I’ve interviewed and fished with can afford the pricier best rain gear for fishing, but they choose this option because it allows for great comfort without sacrificing waterproofness. One important thing to note is that while the Ultra-Lites are one of the best rain gear fishing, they aren’t the most durable. If you’re going to be hiking through brush or are planning a trip to Alaska, invest in a more durable set of fishing rain gear. 

Best for Saltwater: Grundens Ironclad

Grundens

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Key Features

• 100 percent nylon with film lamination and Teflon
• Shingled neoprene cuff
• Seamless shoulder, neck, and side construction

Pros

• Reinforced knees and cuffs to stand up to decks and other abrasive surfaces
• Hi-visibility yellow fabric for emergency situations
• Sizes from XS to 3X available

Cons

• Hood not vented

The Grundens name is synonymous with saltwater durability, and while they’ve been making inroads in freshwater markets in recent years, the proof of their bulletproof quality resides in their salty heritage. You see their suits on deckhands from the party boats of the northeast as well as the commercial crabbers off Alaska. Outdoor Life staff writer, Tyler Freel, even used Grundens Tourney rain gear while caribou hunting in Alaska. 

Historically durable rain gear were bulky, non-breathable suits that could be hosed off and ready to go again. Now, the stain resistance and reinforcements persist, but with added breathability and comfort. Grundens offers a wide range of collections and various price points, but the Ironclad set is the most feature-packed of the bunch. If you want the best rain gear for fishing in saltwater, or extreme conditions they are the ones to buy. 

Best Packable: Simms Flyweight

Simms

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Key Features

• Gore-Tex Paclite Plus
• Dark stone and storm colors
• Zippered chest pockets and hand pockets

Pros

• Gore-Tex reliability
• Adjustable brimmed hood sheds rain when pulled up
• Self-stowing pouch with clips to attach to Simms waders and packs

Cons

• More expensive than many other packable suits

Whether you’re traveling into the Amazon rainforest or the Alaskan bush, you may be limited on packing weight and space, but you’re nevertheless almost certainly going to be exposed to the elements. That makes premier and packable fishing rain gear a must-have. Even if you never visit either of those places, you still may not be in a position to bring a bulky suit wherever you go. Simms has sacrificed nothing in constructing their Flyweight products, yet they take up minimal space. If I’ve learned one thing over 40 years of fishing is that you never leave home without some sort of rain protection, and the diminutive size of this set means you’ll always have space to stuff it. The components fit securely and keep the rain out.

Things to Consider Before Buying Rain Gear for Fishing

The best rain gear for fishing is gear you’ll have for a long time, so consider the options carefully and choose wisely. Here are some factors consider when making your choice.

Pants vs. Bibs

I strongly believe that all other things being equal, bibs will keep you drier than pants and that makes them an obvious choice for most situations. However, I also get that they’re harder to get on and off, they make it harder to relieve yourself, and they tend to be bulkier. Don’t sacrifice breathability or dryness, but figure out which you’ll want to keep on through the rain.

Jacket vs. Parka

A parka will hang lower across your back, which means your butt won’t get wet if you sit on a damp seat, but again, it’s typically heavier and a bit more restrictive.

Price Point

What can you afford to spend? Sometimes it doesn’t pay to be pennywise and pound foolish. Believe me, early in my fishing life I bought a bargain basement, untested rain suit, and quickly found out that it wasn’t much better than having nothing at all. It was a sunk cost, and it’s long been relegated to the dustbin of history and replaced by better gear.

What Features Matter

If you use a GoPro or another action camera, a proper mounting point may be critical, but if you don’t it may just get in the way. In cold weather, fleece-lined hand warming pockets are essential but maybe not so much if you live in Florida. Most of these features cannot be ordered a la carte, so find the one that has all of your “must haves” and fewer of your “don’t needs.”

FAQs

Why Trust Outdoor Life?

Since 1898, OL has been a leading authority in testing and reviewing hunting gear, fishing tackle, guns and shooting equipment, and much more. We have more than a century-long history of evaluating products, and we’re now bringing that expertise to online reviews. Our editors are experienced outdoorsmen and women, and most importantly, we’re trained journalists. We prioritize field testing and objective data when reviewing products. We conduct interviews with gear manufacturers and engineers as well as outdoor experts so that our readers have an understanding of how and why a product works—or doesn’t.

Advertising does not influence our gear reviews and it never will. While we always focus our coverage on standout products—because we want our readers to be aware of the latest and greatest gear—we also cover the flaws and quirks of any given product.

Final Thoughts

You could send me on a fishing trip to the desert in the dry season, and I’d still take one along a rainsuit. Squalls seemingly have a way of popping up when they’re least expected, and even if it’s not cold you can quickly get uncomfortable. In a worst-case scenario, you could suffer from hypothermia. So, invest in the best rain gear for fishing and you’ll never have to worry about rain ruining your day. 

• Best for Fly Fishing: Simms Challenger
• Best for Big Guys: AFTCO Big Guy Hydronaut
• Best for Women: Gill Women’s Coastal
• Best Budget: Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite
• Best for Saltwater: Grundens Ironclad
• Best Packable: Simms Flyweight

The post The Best Rain Gear for Fishing of 2023, Tested and Reviewed appeared first on Outdoor Life.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

Thirty years after introducing the first pair of Gore-Tex waders to the market, Simms still sets the standard for quality and comfort on the water with their flagship G3 Guide Waders. Despite a host of new competition, Simms’ G3 series has been a reliable staple for 20 years. 

The lineup was updated in 2022 with distinct improvements. Through first-hand use and interviews with industry experts, I’ve broken down the new Simms G3 Guide Waders to help you get a better idea of what these waders bring to the table. 

Simms G3 Guide Waders Specs and Features

Simms

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• Weight: 3.7 pounds
• Three-layer Gore-Tex upper, Four-layer Gore-Tex Pro lower
• Adjustable spacer air-mesh suspender system
• Top access zippered pocket and zippered, micro-fleece lined hand-warming chest pocket
• Built-in gravel guards
• Neoprene stockingfeet with anti-microbial finish
• Warranty: 60-day replacement for leaks, no questions asked. 1 year of free repairs
• Large array of sizes 
• Custom options available
• Price: $699.95

Gore-Tex

True Gore-Tex still has the ideal combination of comfort and functionality. The G3 series utilizes the highest quality Gore-Tex and pairs it with top notch tailoring, and the result is an exceptionally comfortable set of waders. When tested alongside another high-end name brand wader in a similar price point, the difference in comfort was distinct. The G3’s feel like a natural extension of your daily fishing apparel, rather than a protective outer shell. 

Gravel Guards

The built in gravel guards are snug but provide a nice level of support when pulled over wading boots. Simms finally had the good sense to do what many other brands should and removed the boot hooks. Essentially vestigial tools on most waders at this point, gravel guard hooks rarely work as intended and always manage to catch your fly line. The G3 gravel guards work just fine without them while also feeling less clunky.

Air Mesh Suspenders

The new and improved Air Mesh suspenders are significantly more comfortable than the solid fabric suspenders of the older models. They also have a built-in net caddy. 

Testing the Simms G3 Guide Waders in the Field

When testing waders, there are three primary things that matter most: comfort, insulation, and durability. If a pair of waders fail in any one of these categories, it doesn’t matter how many extra pockets or fly patches they have, at the end of the day you’ll probably regret buying them. 

So I tested these waders with those three categories in mind through a variety of environments during winter in Virginia. While it may not get as cold here as it does in Montana, there were several days of single digit weather. While what you wear under your waders is just as important for insulation as the waders themselves, it’s critical that your waders work well with your underlayers. The breathability of the G3 Guide Waders plays a crucial role here, allowing you to layer up while not sweating excessively. The four-layer Gore-Tex lower portion was incredibly resistant to the cold, providing warmth and comfort despite the water being nearly frozen solid. The G3’s ultra-breathability also allows you to wear them when it’s hot without sweating to death. 

The foot section of the waders are made of standard neoprene. While they certainly aren’t bad, they aren’t any warmer than other comparable waders on the market. Of course, it’s hard to fault Simms until someone comes up with a warmer neoprene substitute (preferably before next winter, please?). 

Most manufacturers will tell you outright that waders are not intended to be used as body armor. That said, I like to be realistic when testing gear, and the hard reality is that most waders will be forced into that role at some point. It’s important to note that the types of abuse dished out on waders can vary drastically. For my purposes the ultimate wader durability metric is The Virginia Bramble Test. 

This test is exactly what it sounds like; I truck up and down thorn-covered riverbanks and slide down thorn-covered rock faces until the waders inevitably spring a leak. I like this test because, in addition to being extremely tough on gear, it’s also realistic. I doubt there are many wade anglers reading this who can’t relate to being forced through an unexpected bramble patch while exploring a section of river. Unfortunately, it only took a couple of trips through the brambles before I noticed a pinhole in the lower thigh portion of the Simms G3 Guide Waders. An easy fix, and not unexpected, but still disappointing given the price point and otherwise exceptional quality. 

Beyond this pinhole, there were no other durability issues during testing. Durability doesn’t necessarily equal longevity. It’s very possible these waders would last for many seasons, even probable given their predecessors’ track record. Simms also boasts an impressive warranty; they offer a 60-day window for a complete replacement in case of any leaks, no questions asked. And Simms covers any repairs within the first year. 

What the Simms G3 Guide Waders Do Best

Without a doubt, these are the most comfortable waders I’ve ever worn. The breathability and tailoring combine with several well thought out design decisions to make for an exceptionally well-rounded pair of waders. When properly fitted, the G3 Guide Waders are hard to beat for long days on the water. They also have a host of storage pockets, including a removable inner tippet pocket that doubles as a cell phone or wallet holder. 

The G3 also comes in both men’s and women’s models. While this isn’t unusual, the fact that they are actually designed with proper fit in mind is. Most “women’s” waders are just the same model as the men’s with different colors thrown in. Simms took the time to re-design certain elements of the women’s G3 line, like adding a stretchable fabric to the upper portion rather than using standard men’s chest measurements. Women have always been a large part of the fly-fishing community, and it’s nice to see manufacturers catering to that fact. 

Where the Simms G3 Guide Waders Can Improve

It’s hard to find too many areas for improvement, but durability is certainly at the top of the list. That said, it would be foolish to sacrifice the lightweight comfort of these waders by adding extra padding. I’d like to see just a little additional material in more vulnerable areas, such as the knees.

The wading belt was another area that could use some tweaking. Attached with a single, centrally located belt loop in the lower back, the belt tends to fall out when not clipped into place. This may be a result of Simms overthinking things. The logic of using only one central loop makes sense when you consider that it’s the best way to make sure the belt fits all body types with as little awkwardness as possible. That said, you could accomplish the same thing with two separate loops placed parallel and close together. That way you wouldn’t lose your belt every time you need to use the bathroom. 

READ NEXT: The Best Waders of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Final Thoughts

Fishing waders are one of the most intimidating purchases an angler can make. They can make or break your day on the water, and they can put quite the dent on your budget. So it’s important to know what you’re getting before committing to a pair. 

Despite some relatively minor flaws, the Simms G3 Guide Waders are the best all-around option for a dedicated angler looking for high-end quality without dropping top dollar. The G3 Guide Waders excel in the most important categories and will undoubtedly be a favorite of wading anglers for years to come (just try and avoid falling down a rock face covered in thorn bushes while wearing them).

The post Simms G3 Guide Wader Review: These Classic Waders Put Fit and Comfort First appeared first on Outdoor Life.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

After testing over a dozen waders in flooded timber, backcountry streams, and large rivers we picked the six best waders for hunting and fishing. If you’re interested in reading more options, we have buying guides on the best duck hunting waders, best fly fishing waders, and best waders for women.

• Best for Fly Fishing: Simms G3 Guide Waders
• Best Budget Fishing Wader: Frogg Toggs Canyon II
• Best Duck Hunting Waders Overall: Sitka Delta Zip Wader
• Best Priced Duck Hunting Waders: Frogg Toggs Grand Refuge 3.0
• Best Women’s Wader for Cold Weather: Patagonia Women’s Swiftcurrent Waders
• Most Rugged Women’s Wader: Orvis Pro Wader

How We Chose the Best Waders

The below waders were tested by Outdoor Life staff and writers while hunting and fishing. Durability, fit, and comfort were the key attributes tested.

Best Waders Reviews and Recommendations

Best for Fly Fishing: Simms G3 Guide Waders

Simms

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Key Features

• 3- and 4-layer Gore-Tex fabric
• Exterior fly patch
• Air mesh suspenders
• Large array of sizes

Pros

• Breathable
• No lace hooks
• Durable

Cons

• More expensive than some competitors

Simms is the unquestioned leader in the industry when it comes to waders. Some notable updates to these G3 waders include the addition of air mesh suspenders, which are significantly more comfortable than the solid fabric suspenders of the older models. Simms also managed to make the waders more supple and comfortable using a 3-layer Gore-Tex fabric upper section and improved the durability of the lower section using 4-layer Gore-Tex material. This results in a more comfortable, breathable wader that’s noticeably more tear and puncture resistant. 

Simms always focuses on building waders and products that solve problems or otherwise improve the angling experience. While it’s one of the smallest updates, nowhere is this mindset more noticeable on the G3 than with the removal of the pesky lace hooks on the built-in gravel guards. These hooks come standard on nearly all waders, and for the life of me I can’t figure out why. They rarely accomplish their limited task, and when they inevitably come unhooked, they create a seemingly magnetic attraction to fly line and cause constant foul-ups. 

There are a number of other quality additions, from zippered and fleece lined side pouches to the exterior fly patch, and all of them create an excellent wader with all the features a hardcore angler needs for a successful day on the water. The Simms G3 aren’t the top-of-the-line wader on the market, nor are they the cheapest. However, they do provide the absolute best all-around option for a dedicated recreational angler looking for high-end quality without dropping high-end money. – Kevin Hughes

Best Budget Fishing Waders: Frogg Toggs Canyon II

Frogg Toggs

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Key Features

• Sizes: S-2XL
• Gravel guards
• 4mm neoprene booties
• 4-ply nylon upper
• Stocking foot
• Includes a wading belt

Pros 

• Breathable
• Lightweight

Cons

• No waterproof pocket

I rarely need chest waders, so it doesn’t make sense for me to drop $600 on them. But, I also want waders that will perform the few times of year I do throw them on. At around $130, my Frogg Toggs Canyon II waders fit those requirements perfectly. I bought them ahead of a Salmon River trip and lived in them for three days as I stalked salmon in the riffles. I’ve since used them for my winter trout fishing with no leaks or issues. I like the comfortable shoulder straps, and the breathability is nice to prevent sweating while hiking into un-pressured waters. The Canyon II has two small pockets—one internal and one external. I typically use the internal pocket for important items like my license and keys. I use the water resistant external pocket to keep my phone at easy reach for photos. The Canyon II lacks the pockets, reinforced knees, and refined fit of premium waders, and you’ll also need to layer underneath them when fishing in cold water. But if your type of fishing doesn’t demand those added features or you’re just getting started, these waders will fit the bill nicely. —Scott Einsmann

Best Duck Hunting Waders Overall: Sitka Delta Zip Wader

Sitka

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Why it Made the Cut

Delta are the best duck hunting waders overall because it’s an incredibly comfortable and durable wader that will keep your feet and body warm as long as you layer appropriately.

Key Features

• Lacrosse insulated boots
• GORE-TEX
• Waterproof YKK AQUASEAL® zipper
• Reinforced knee and shin pads
• Adjustable no-buckle suspension
• Water-resistant zippered storage pockets
• Handwarmer pocket
• Boot sizes: 9 to 13
• Sizes: Small to XXL and tall sizes 

Pros

• Extremely comfortable and lightweight
• Boot fit and warmth is unmatched
• Zip front is convenient

Cons

• They’re expensive
• The service program can be slow at times
• D-Ring placement not ideal

The sticker shock on the Delta is unlike almost any other piece of duck hunting gear in waterfowl. It’s tough to get past $1,000 for waders, but it is the most comfortable hunting wader I’ve worn. It’s uninsulated, which is a negative for some, but if you want to be able to move more freely, a breathable wader is the way to go. You must layer up to stay warm when it’s cold. The zip-front also makes putting on and taking off the Deltas easy. And when nature calls, it’s nice not to have to worry about your waders falling in the water. The knee and shin guards are ideal when you must break ice, or if you fall and must take a knee, it saves your joints. The Lacrosse boot is incredibly warm. While wearing these waders, I’ve never had cold feet, and the tread offered exceptional grip.

The wader straps are a hassle at first. It’s not a buckle system. A piece of steel slips into the pockets located on the straps, which gives you more adjustability, but the straps tend to fall out every time you take the waders off. There is a small hook at the top of the steel that holds the straps in place, but the strap can come loose. That is until you get them good and muddy, and they stiffen up or dry mud sticks them to the steel insert. Also, the zipper can get stiff. There is zipper lubricant Sitka makes and sends with the waders that will help. I have sprayed it down with WD-40 or gun oil, and it slicks up. The D-ring on the elastic belt isn’t ideal. If you hook too many decoys it stretches away from the wader. Having the D-ring integrated into a steel insert on the upper or fabric of the wader would give it more strength.

There are three different color options for the Delta—Optifade Marsh and Timber or the new Earth solid. It also is available in boot sizes from 9 to 13, and comes in 11 different body sizes from small to XXL. MSRP: $999 -Joe Genzel

Best Priced Duck Hunting Waders: Frogg Toggs Grand Refuge 3.0

Frogg Toggs

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Key Features 

• Adjustable suspenders with low-profile buckles and D-rings
• Internal zippered flip-out, see-through pocket
• 4-ply polyester upper
• Zippered front storage pocket with quick-access, 10-count shell holder
• Internal fleece-lined hand warmer pocket
• Adjustable wading belt with locking buckle
• 120-gram quilted insulated liner
• Patented zip-in, zip-out removable insulated liner
• Heavy-duty, abrasion-resistant nylon in the shin, knee, and seat areas
• 5mm, 1,200-gram Thinsulate Ridgebuster boot

Pros

• Zip-out liner
• Affordability
• One-year warranty

Cons

• Boot seal is unprotected
• Boot slightly heavy
• Small chest pocket

I have several frugal friends that wear these affordable, durable waders. None of those buddies reported a failure in the first season of hunting in them. The boots are excellent considering this is a $300 wader, though they are slightly heavy if you must walk into the blind. But I would put the tread and warmth of the boot up against any in this review except for Sitka, Lacrosse, and Chêne. The internal fleece-lined handwarmer keeps your hands much warmer than the pass-through types on the outside of waders. Since the warmer is on the inside of the wader you have the added warmth your own body heat provides.

A zip-out liner allows you to add insulation late-season or remove it during hot September teal hunts. The shoulder straps provide plenty of adjustment. I’m 6’4” and had plenty of stretch left in the straps. Frogg Toggs’ buckle system is a raised piece of plastic that fits into a hole on another piece of plastic affixed to the wader. You simply slide the strap up to secure it in place and it sits flat against your chest. A 10-shell holder on the chest of the wader keeps ammo at the ready, and there is also a small, zippered pocket above that for small items. There is a one-year factory warranty on the waders, which is remarkable for a $300 wader. Available in boot sizes 7 to 14 in slim, regular, or husky, and Mossy Oak, Realtree, and Natural Gear camo options. MSRP: $300 – Joe Genzel

Best Women’s Wader for Cold Weather: Patagonia Women’s Swiftcurrent Waders

Patagonia

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Key Features

• Recycled polyester microfiber shell 
• Single seam construction for durability
• Rear-buckle drop seat
• Velcro reach-through pocket

Pros

• Easy access for nature’s calls
• Comfortable
• Lightweight

Cons

• Baggy, especially in the chest portion

Choosing a stocking-foot wader for cold weather may feel like a fool’s errand. They’re all thin, and they all need to be big enough to fit over plenty of layers. But there’s a reason this pair made the list as the best wader for cold weather: the drop seat. 

Patagonia has figured out an imperfect solution to bathroom needs on the river. The drop seat likely isn’t as convenient as a front zipper in men’s waders, but it’s leagues better than the alternative. Too many winter days in below zero temperatures have I had to take off my raincoat and whatever else didn’t fit inside my waders to strip down to heed nature’s call. It’s never ideal and always very, very cold. Enter EZ-Lock suspenders and rear-buckle drop-seat. 

The EZ-Lock suspenders mean instead of clipping your suspenders on and off as you do with most waders, you slip them over your shoulder, pull up the front of the waders, and clip the lock closed. When you need to tuck behind a bush, you just undo the locks, reach around back, unclip the suspenders, then pull your waders down—no need to take off or even unzip your wading jacket. Just pull everything up when you’re done, reach behind and clip it back together. The suspenders are designed to stay put around your neck, and they do. 

The Swiftcurrent waders are plenty big in the top and legs, giving sufficient room for those critical cold-water-day layers, but they’re also light enough to navigate along slippery riverbanks and rocky bottoms. 

They have a minimalist design on the front with Velcro closing the hand warmer pocket and a zippered pocket for tippet, flies, and other gear. As one extra perk, the interior pocket is waterproof, which means you have a safe place to store your phone or other valuables. -Christine Peterson

Most Rugged Women’s Wader: Orvis Pro Wader

Orvis

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Key Features

• Removable knee pads
• Durable, 4-layer upper shell and 5-layer bottom
• Massive interior mesh stretch pocket
• Reach-through pocket with water-resistant zippers

Pros

• Durable
• Athletic, thoughtful design
• Knee pads 

Cons

• Can feel stiff

If you fish a lot, this is your wader. It’s called the PRO for a reason, and it’s because this is one of the best waders for women who spend their lives on the water. From top to bottom, from the sturdy buckles to the anatomically-correct neoprene booties, the wader has been carefully designed. 

It feels stiff at first, but it’s also the most durable wader I’ve ever worn. Bushwhacking through miles of thorny greasewood didn’t phase them, and neither did kneeling on sharp rocks and gravel. They’re also great for climbing in and out of boats and kneeling on docks. 

While the major reason for purchase should be their toughness, a close second is all the thoughtful add-ons throughout. 

The fleece-lined kangaroo pocket in the front is closed by water-resistant zippers, keeping it dry and warm unless needed. A large interior pocket fits so snug to the waders that it’s almost imperceptible, but if you need to start dumping fly boxes inside, it stretches to fit your needs. A removable interior pocket has space for spools of tippet and other accessories. There’s also a strip of Velcro on the inside to affix a waterproof pocket (sold separately). 

The travel guards have mesh backs, keeping water flowing in and out instead of trapping it inside, and neoprene booties are thinner than some other brands, meaning they’re less bulky and better fitting inside boots. 

If you need it all, these are your waders. -Christine Peterson

How to Choose Waders

First and foremost, consider how many days you’ll realistically use your waders and how much stress you plan to put on them. If you plan to spend as much time as possible in them, then you should probably invest in a high-end pair of waders that will handle the wear-n-tear. If you only plan to fish a couple of times throughout the year or a few quick trips, buy a pair of waders that’ll keep you dry and your wallet green. 

When it comes to dialing in the specific size and fit you’ll need, there are five key measurements to consider: chest, waist, hips, inseam, and foot size. Most wader companies provide a sizing chart that incorporates all of these and allows you to select the perfect wader size for you. For an additional fee, Simms takes this a step further by offering customized wader options to better accommodate anglers of all shapes and sizes. – Kevin Hughes

FAQs

Why Trust Outdoor Life?

Since 1898, OL has been a leading authority in testing and reviewing hunting gear, fishing tackle, guns and shooting equipment, and much more. We have more than a century-long history of evaluating products, and we’re now bringing that expertise to online reviews. Our editors are experienced outdoorsmen and women, and most importantly, we’re trained journalists. We prioritize field testing and objective data when reviewing products. We conduct interviews with gear manufacturers and engineers as well as outdoor experts so that our readers have an understanding of how and why a product works—or doesn’t.

Advertising does not influence our gear reviews and it never will. While we always focus our coverage on standout products—because we want our readers to be aware of the latest and greatest gear—we also cover the flaws and quirks of any given product.

Final Thoughts on the Best Waders

Waders need to be durable enough to last several seasons and comfortable enough to live in all day. Our best waders picks fit that criteria, and you’ll just have to choose the waders that are best for you.

• Best for Fly Fishing: Simms G3 Guide Waders
• Best Budget Fishing Wader: Frogg Toggs Canyon II
• Best Duck Hunting Waders Overall: Sitka Delta Zip Wader
• Best Priced Duck Hunting Waders: Frogg Toggs Grand Refuge 3.0
• Best Women’s Wader for Cold Weather: Patagonia Women’s Swiftcurrent Waders
• Most Rugged Women’s Wader: Orvis Pro Wader

The post The Best Waders of 2023, Tested and Reviewed appeared first on Outdoor Life.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.

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Best Lightweight		Abu Garcia Revo Toro Beastv	SEE IT
Best Budget		Lew’s SuperDuty 300	SEE IT

Musky. The name alone elicits a variety of reactions from anglers, some good, and some painful. However you feel about musky, there’s no denying their appeal as a top-tier freshwater sportfish that puts tackle, especially musky reels, to the test. The work to land these freshwater beasts often has anglers screaming in agony more than joy, and even with the proper gear, fishing for musky is a challenging enough pursuit on its own. The last thing you need is to hook into the fish of your dreams and find your reel isn’t up to the task. To help you avoid that fate, I’ve used my musky fishing experience as well as input from trusted guides to compile a list of the best musky reels. 

• Best Overall: Shimano TranX
• Best Lightweight: Abu Garcia Revo Toro Beast
• Best Baitcaster for Comfort and Versatility: Daiwa Lexa WN
• Best Budget: Lew’s SuperDuty 300
• Best Spinning Reel: Shimano Stradic FL
• Best Fly Fishing Reel: Redington Behemoth

How to Choose a Musky Reel 

To make your musky reel decision ask yourself two questions:

• How often will I be fishing for musky?
• How will I fish the reel and with what type of lures?  

There’s no denying musky gear can get expensive quickly, so there’s no need to spend a ton of money if you’re only going to fish for them a few times a year. You’ll probably be fine with one of the less durable but still extremely capable reel options. But, if musky are your new favorite species then it’s worthwhile to invest in the best musky reel you can afford. 

If you’re throwing larger lures and casting all day, something lighter and smoother is probably the best choice. If you are trolling and not casting as much, weight and castability are less of a factor. 

The Best Musky Reels: Reviews & Recommendations

Best Overall: Shimano TranX

Shimano

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Key Features (400)

• Max Drag: 18 pounds
• Weight: 12 ounces 
• Briad Capacity: 65/170
• Gear Ratio: 7:6:1 and 5:8:1

Pros

• Top tier quality
• Durability
• Variety of sizes and options for many lure styles

Cons

• Expensive

If you’re a serious musky angler who throws a variety of lures and spends a lot of time and effort chasing these fish, this is the reel for you. While pricey, it’s a step above all others in quality and functionality and well worth it for the dedicated musky angler. 

The Shimano TranX line has been around for over a decade, and when it first appeared, it immediately made a statement about the ability of low-profile baitcasters. While they had previously been in the realm of bass fishing, the TranX helped pioneer the new generation of purpose-built low-profile reels capable of handling big gamefish. 

The 300 and 400 models are ideal for throwing smaller finesse glide baits and spinners, as well as capable of handling some of the best musky lures like larger swimbaits and plugs that are notorious for making musky fishing so painful. The 500 is a reel designed to handle big saltwater gamefish. Still, its indestructible design and robust frame make it ideal for heaving the heaviest musky baits on the market while still allowing for a smooth retrieve and delicate touch during the fight. The only downside to the TranX series is the drag for the 300 and 400 sizes. While the reels are significantly lighter and easier to use than the 500 (around 12 ounces), they range from 18 to 22 pounds of drag, which is less than some competing reels in the category. The 500 tops out at 25 pounds of drag, which is solid but still not enough to target anything that swims. The TranX is also a great reel for throwing the best swimbaits for bass.

Best Lightweight: Abu Garcia Revo Toro Beast

Abu Garcia

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Key Features 

• Max Drag: 25 pounds
• Weight: 13.8 ounces 
• Braid Capacity: 200/50
• Gear Ratio: 4:9:1 and 6:2:1

Pros

• Lightweight
• Powerful drag
• Advanced gear system for extended life and less maintenance

Cons

• No power handle option
• Expensive
• Limited size range

The Abu Garcia Revo Toro Beast is an exceptional reel with an obvious purpose: to tackle big fish. This will be a good choice if you’re looking for one reel to target musky specifically. But if you’re trying to outfit an entire lineup, the lack of versatility may not work for you. The name may be a mouthful, but it’s certainly an accurate reel description. As it implies, this reel is more than capable of wrangling beasts, particularly musky.

The Abu Garcia Revo Toro Beast is another reel that pushes the boundaries of what a low-profile baitcaster is capable of, and it packs a ton of punch into a compact design. Weighing only 13.8 ounces, the reel boasts an impressive max drag of 25 pounds with a carbon fiber drag system. The exceptional drag and gearing system combined with a lots of line capacity gives this reel a ton of torque and versatility in a surprisingly sleek package.   

One of the few downsides to the Revo Toro Beast is the limited range of sizes. While it does come in a regular and high-speed model (gear ratios 4.9:1 and 6.2:1, respectively), it does not have a range of sizes for handling a wider array of fishing styles. When musky is the target, it’s generally better to be overpowered than under, and the Toro Beast more than fits the bill. 

Best Baitcaster for Comfort and Versatility: Daiwa Lexa WN

Daiwa

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Key Features (400)

• Max Drag: 25 pounds
• Weight: 16.2 ounces 
• Braid Capacity: 200/65
• Gear Ratio: 5:1:1, 7.1.1, and 6:3:1

Pros

• Reasonably priced
• Comfortable to fish
• Wide variety of sizes and styles

Cons

• Questionable durability

The Daiwa Lexa WN is an incredibly comfortable and reasonably priced reel with the versatility to handle many different fishing styles. It’s a great choice for the average angler who has musky on the mind but may not spend 365 days a year on the water. Sporting custom Winn Grip handles, you’d be hard pressed to find a musky reel that’s more comfortable to crank for hours during a long day on the water. When you’re talking about musky fishing, an endeavor notorious for its hours of grueling casting with large lures, having that extra bit of comfort can be a day saver.

Additionally, the Lexa WN has the option for both a traditional symmetrical baitcasting handle as well as a counterbalanced power handle for extra torque when working large lures or fighting big fish. In fact, the handle options are just one example of another feature that makes this reel series stand out: an impressive variety of size and style options. Sporting ten different models that run the gamut of gear ratios, retrieve styles, and sizes, the Lexa WN is a versatile and affordable option. 

While this reel is certainly intended for targeting big fish and throwing big lures, I did notice after several hard days on the water that it was beginning to show a little more wear and tear than some of the more expensive reels in the category. While no day-ending fatal flaws emerged, the amount of plastic and lighter material in the frame may not lend this reel to as much abuse as some others. 

Best Budget: Lew’s SuperDuty 300

Lew’s

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Key Features

• Max Drag: 24 pounds
• Weight: 9.2 ounces 
• Braid Capacity: 150/65
• Gear Ratio: 7.2.1, and 6:5:1

Pros

• Affordable
• Impressive drag and components for the price
• Comfortable to fish

Cons

• Durability
• Smoothness

The Lew’s SuperDuty 300 is a functional reel in an affordable package. It offers many of the same great features as higher-end models and would serve as a solid option for most casual musky anglers. It’s ideal for throwing smaller to mid-size musky lures but may not be suited for throwing larger lures on a consistent basis.

Any reel that falls squarely into the musky category is usually going to be on the more expensive side. That said, the Lew’s SuperDuty 300 is about as close as you can get to a reasonably priced option that still has all the function and backbone required to tackle those long, arduous days of musky fishing. Like the Lexa, the SuperDuty 300 has a solid variety of styles and options to choose from (though not as many). These include the counterbalanced Power Knob handle for better cranking power and torque, which is a real benefit when throwing big lures for big fish. Also, like the Lexa, the SuperDuty series includes custom Winn grips on the handles, which drastically improve comfort during use. Perhaps most impressively, the reel tops out at under 10 ounces, making it much lighter than any baitcaster on the best musky reel list. 

There’s no denying that weight matters when it comes to casting heavy gear all day long, and even a few ounces trimmed off can help alleviate some of the soreness inherent to the pursuit. Unfortunately, it’s hard not to notice that some of that weight may be due to a lack of structure-enhancing components. While the reel I tested has held up and done its job for a year of consistent use, some issues with the gearing and frame have led to slippage and warping. Particularly when using heavier lures or fighting bigger fish, the cranking ability seems to waver as the reel is under stress. This causes the reel to lose a lot of its smoothness and can lead to a jerkier fight that is less than ideal for musky. 

Best Spinning Reel: Shimano Stradic FL

Shimano

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Key Features (4000)

• Max Drag: 24 pounds
• Weight: 9.2 ounces 
• Braid Capacity: 180/30
• Gear Ratio: 6.0.1, 6.2:1, and 6:4:1

Pros

• Sealed, durable frame
• High line capacity
• Strong drag

Cons

• Not ideal for large lures
• Not made for cranking

Look, let’s get it out of the way right now; spinning reels generally don’t belong in the musky fishing category. This has always bothered me as a saltwater angler who targets fish considerably larger and stronger than musky with spinning gear. However, the reason for the lack of musky-oriented spinning gear is simple: it’s the size of the lures, not the size of the fish. When most people think of musky, they generally think of lures that are 1 to 2 ounces at the lightest and up to 12 ounces at the heaviest.

The complexity of a spinning reel and the physics of how it works are generally not designed to handle casting lures of this size. The bail and inner mechanics of spinning gear are designed for finesse, putting all the dirty work and heavy lifting on the rod. On the other hand, a baitcaster is essentially a glorified winch with mechanics that allow for a significantly higher workload. That said, modern spinning reels have come a long way, and many of the issues seen as inherent deal breakers for musky fishing have been alleviated or outright eliminated. Additionally, there are many anglers who are more comfortable fishing spinning gear or want something that’s more well rounded than the typical heavy-duty musky baitcaster. For those reasons, I think it’s important to include a spinning option on this list. 

All that being said, the Shimano Stradic FL, specifically in the 5000 size, is a great option for those looking to add a spinning reel to the arsenal. I’ve used the Stadic FL for tackling both fresh and saltwater giants and found it to be durable, well-sealed, and smooth. I’ve fought tarpon on mine so it’s more than capable of handling a musky on the line. With an impressive drag max of 24 pounds and 40 inches per retrieve, this reel is a formidable machine when paired with the right rod. While no spinning reel will be ideal for working the ultra-heavy swimbaits and plugs often used for musky, they can be a great choice for many of the lighter finesse musky lures, such as glide baits and smaller jerkbaits. If you want to learn more read my Stradic Fl review. 

Best Fly Fishing Reel: Redington Behemoth 

Redington

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Key Features (9/10)

• Weight: 10.8 ounces
• Backing capacity: 275 yards
• Drag: 30 pounds

Pros

• Fast line retrieve
• High line capacity
• Heavy-duty drag
• Affordable

Cons

• Slightly heavy
• Not sealed

While spinning gear may be out of place in the musky world, fly fishing gear certainly is not. In recent years it’s become so popular that many musky guides always have at least one fly setup rigged and ready on the boat. The Redington Behemoth is the perfect fly reel for those looking to target musky. As the name suggests, it’s a reel designed for tackling large fish in fresh or saltwater. The 7/8 or 9/10 sizes are what most anglers prefer for musky, and the large arbor allows you to use a size heavier rod and line than the reel size. So, the 7/8 will work well on 9 weight and the 9/10 will work on an 11 or 12 weight. 

The large arbor design allows for fast line retrieve, and the impressive carbon drag system boasts a 30 pound max, giving you serious stopping power with a fish on the line. The price is also remarkably affordable compared to many other reels in the category. Lastly, the unique V-shaped spool design holds an incredible amount of backing, making for an impressive line capacity. 

FAQs

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Advertising does not influence our gear reviews and it never will. While we always focus our coverage on standout products—because we want our readers to be aware of the latest and greatest gear—we also cover the flaws and quirks of any given product.

Final Thoughts on the Best Musky Reels

Musky fishing is one of the most daunting freshwater fishing pursuits in North America. There are many ways to target these fish, and most of them require serious dedication. The proper gear is critical to help ensure you make the most of every opportunity on the water, as musky don’t offer many. It’s important to have the best musky reel for the task to ensure you avoid heartbreak and hoist a trophy after a long day of musky fishing.

• Best Overall: Shimano TranX
• Best Lightweight: Abu Garcia Revo Toro Beast
• Best Baitcaster for Comfort and Versatility: Daiwa Lexa WN
• Best Budget: Lew’s SuperDuty 300
• Best Spinning Reel: Shimano Stradic FL
• Best Fly Fishing Reel: Redington Behemoth

The post The Best Musky Reels of 2023, Tested and Reviewed appeared first on Outdoor Life.

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Best Reel for Targeting Big Trout Deep		Daiwa Crossfire LT	SEE IT
Best Affordable High-Performance Reel		Abu Garcia Revo X	SEE IT
Best High-End Reel		Shimano Vanford	SEE IT

The first memory many anglers have trout fishing is hitting a creek full of stockers with a spinning setup in hand. There’s something timeless and satisfying about throwing an ultralight setup in a stream or lake full of hungry trout. Nostalgia aside, it’s also a highly-effective technique for catching trophy trout because a good spinning reel for trout helps you throw light lures and fight big fish in current. I’ve fished many of the best and surveyed top trout anglers on their favorites to help you choose your next reel. Here are my picks for the best trout spinning reels for a variety of situations. 

• Best Overall: Pflueger President XT 
• Best Reel for Targeting Big Trout Deep: Daiwa Crossfire LT
• Best All-Purpose Affordable Reel: Lew’s Speed Spin SS20HS
• Best Affordable High-Performance Reel: Abu Garcia Revo X
• Best High-End Reel: Shimano Vanford

How to Choose a Spinning Reel for Trout

Consider where you will be fishing for trout. Will it be still water (i.e., a lake or pond), or will it be moving water, such as a stream or river? If you’re trout fishing on a lake, the fish often hang extremely deep, and line capacity may be an important factor to consider in reaching the appropriate depth. If you’re fishing a small stream, line capacity may not matter as much as having a compact setup that is easier to manage on small water. 

How large are the trout you plan on targeting? If you’re fishing for smaller stocked fish, drag and reel size probably aren’t that important. However, if you think you may have a shot at hooking into a trophy brown trout, you should certainly consider the quality of the drag and gearing system in the reel.

What kind of environment will you be using the reel in? Will you be wading and submerging the reel often, or will you be relaxing on the bank? If the former, it may be good to consider the quality of the sealing in the reel to prevent water and grit from entering the gears. Maybe you’ll be fishing from a boat, jigging, or trolling. If so, the line capacity and drag quality will certainly be important factors to consider. All of these situations can dictate what the most appropriate choice of reel is for you.

With any reel you choose, it’s important to pair it with the best fishing lines and the best spinning rod.

Best Overall: Pflueger President XT

Bass Pro Shop

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Key Features (25 size)

• Braided Line Capacity: 140 yards of 6 pound
• Max Drag: 8 pounds
• Reel Weight: 6.6 ounces

Pros

• Lightweight
• Sealed drag
• Smooth 9+1 bearing system
• Reasonably priced

Cons:

• Weak drag
• Limited line capacity

The Pflueger President XT may not have the best of any one feature, but its combination of lightweight design with rugged capability and smooth performance allows for impressive functionality and quality. Top that off with a surprisingly low price tag for a reel with these features, and you have the most well-rounded trout spinning reel around. 

A classic reel designed for all-around freshwater angling, the Pflueger President series has been around for years. The 9+1 bearing system of the President has always stood out as impressively smooth for a reel at this price point, and the President XT retains that signature feel. Where the XT improves upon the original is in the component materials and drag system. 

Featuring corrosion-resistant aluminum for the shaft and pinion gear, as well as a carbon handle, the XT is incredibly light at only 6.6 ounces for the 25 size. While that alone is a nice improvement, the standout feature of the President XT is the sealed drag system. Sealed drags are primarily included in reels designed for saltwater use but having one in your trout reel has several distinct advantages. Throwing on the best waders and getting into the river is one of the most popular and common ways to target trout, and it’s a technique that exposes your gear to a lot of potential hazards. Having a sealed drag can help keep your reel smooth and prevent grit and grime from the river from entering the drag system. The XT also has a look that combines classic and modern aesthetics, with its carbon and aluminum components set off by a rubber cork handle. The old President had a signature wooden handle that was sadly eliminated in recent years, and the cork handle on the XT helps return some of that classic wood aesthetic.  

The combination of lightweight design and durability with functionality and appearance help make the Pflueger President XT the perfect all-around trout reel. When combined with a reasonable price tag, the President XT is hard to beat if you’re shopping for the best trout spinning reels. 

Best Reel for Targeting Big Trout Deep: Daiwa Crossfire LT

Bass Pro Shop

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Key Features (3000 size)

• Max Drag: 22 pounds
• Braided Line Capacity: 220 yards of 8 pound 
• Reel Weight: 11.04 ounces

Pros

• Good line capacity
• Strong drag
• Good value

Cons

• Slightly heavy
• Not as smooth due to fewer bearings

Daiwa markets the Crossfire LT as capable for both fresh and saltwater use, something shocking given its remarkably low price tag. While it’s a contender for best inshore spinning reel, its saltwater capability isn’t necessary for trout, the features that make it saltwater friendly sure are. Drag and line capacity, in particular, help this reel stand out. 

The Daiwa Crossfire LT frame is made primarily of a composite material, which helps keep its price tag low while not impacting performance in most freshwater situations. The spool and handle are aluminum, which is both light and strong. The aluminum components, combined with the composite non-metallic nature of the frame, are what lend this reel the “saltwater friendly” label, and they will certainly help against corrosion in other situations. 

While the corrosion resistance is nice, it’s not really all that important when fishing for trout. The drag capability and line capacity, on the other hand, certainly are. This reel holds a whopping 220 yards of 8-pound braid, with a max drag of 22 pounds. This combination is ideal for targeting the larger trout that tend to hold deep in lakes and rivers. Having enough line to get down to a big lake trout or jumbo brown on the bottom is key, while having the pulling power to get them up to the boat can be critical. Whether you’re jigging or trolling, line capacity and drag are both important factors for success when fishing larger bodies of water for trout. The Daiwa Crossfire LT provides both at a price that’s hard to beat.

Best All-Purpose Affordable Reel: Lew’s Speed Spin SS20HS

Bass Pro Shop

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Key Features

• Max Drag: 9 pounds
• Line Capacity: 145 yards of 8 pound mono
• Reel Weight: 9.1 ounces

Pros

• Reasonably priced
• Comfortable to fish
• Graphite components and 9+1 bearing system

Cons

• Questionable durability
• Low line capacity and drag

The Lew’s Speed Spin series has long been a preferred option for those looking for a comfortable and capable reel at an affordable price. It provides all the performance necessary for trout fishing without breaking the bank. 

Lew’s has always been great at manufacturing reels with the features most important to anglers while keeping costs down by eliminating unnecessary and expensive elements. The Speed Spin is the prototype for this design strategy, featuring an excellent ten-bearing system and oversized all-weather drag, along with a graphite body and aluminum components. These features allow for a lightweight reel that performs comfortably and smoothly in most situations. The signature Combat Grip handle adds an extra layer of comfort and grip when fighting fish in wet or cold conditions. 

While it may not have the durability to be used day in and day out at a professional level, it’s more than capable of performing adequately for most casual anglers. The Lew’s Speed Spin is the perfect setup for throw-and-go missions to the river, or as a pairing with a travel rod for those non-fishing trips where you might be able to sneak some angling in. 

Read Next: How to Catch Trout on Soft Plastics

Best Affordable High-Performance Reel: Abu Garcia Revo X

Bass Pro Shop

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Key Features (20 size)

• Max Drag: 10 pounds
• Braided Line Capacity: 175 yards of 8 pound
• Reel Weight: 7.7 ounces

Pros

• High-performance reel designed for professional use
• Carbon Matrix drag
• Lightweight frame
• Quality line management system

Cons 

• Not sealed
• Low max drag

While targeting trout with spinning gear is great because it often doesn’t require high-end performance, there’s something to be said for having a reel that you know is designed to be used by professionals. The Revo X gives you high-level performance capability and functionality at a surprisingly low price for its class. 

The Abu Garcia Revo X is designed to be used in a tournament setting, which means reliability is the goal. There are several key components that help ensure the Revo X will function reliably for long days on the water on a regular basis. The overall compact and ergonomic design, carbon body, and alloy frame create a comfortable and sturdy reel that feels almost tailor-made for any angler. 

Bail issues are one of the most common problems in lighter spinning reels, whether it’s warping, corrosion, or mechanical failure. The Everlast bail system in the Revo X is designed to tackle these problems. It ensures reactive and smooth bail functionality and helps keep your focus on fishing rather than fiddling with the bail all day. 

Lastly, one crucial element that is often overlooked on spinning reels is line management. The lighter line commonly used for trout fishing can be particularly nasty when dealing with wind knots or other common line issues. Having a reel that lays line evenly can help save a lot of wasted time and energy that would otherwise be spent untangling a bird’s nest. The Revo X excels in this area, with the Rocket Line Management System specifically designed to help lay lines of all sizes evenly and cleanly all day long. 

The Abu Garcia Revo X is a lightweight reel designed and intended to be fished hard and function reliably all day long. It’s not necessarily the lightest or strongest, but the overall design and attention to detail helps create one of the most comfortable and downright usable freshwater spinning reels around. 

Best High-End Reel: Shimano Vanford

Bass Pro Shop

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Key Features (2500 size)

• Max Drag: 20 pounds
• Line Capacity: 145 yards of 15 pound braid
• Reel Weight: 6.3 ounces

Pros

• X-Protect seal
• Incredibly light
• Strong drag
• Top tier performance

Cons

• Expensive

The Shimano Vanford is the lightest, smoothest, and most functional spinning reel on the market. While it is expensive, the level of quality and comfort it provides is unbeatable for freshwater use. Combining a ridiculously lightweight design with powerful drag and sealed internals makes for a reel that excels in almost any situation.

The Vanford is the descendant of Shimano’s ultra-popular Ci4 line of reels. The Ci4 lineup made waves for using all carbon components for the body and frame, making the reel ridiculously light while still incredibly strong. The Vanford is a worthy successor, taking all the elements that made the Ci4 line popular and improving upon them. It’s lighter and stronger than its predecessor and has a number of new Shimano features that help it stand out above anything else in its class.

Touted as the most versatile reel on the market, the Vanford can be used in both fresh and saltwater. As mentioned with some other reels on this list, the saltwater-friendly nature of this reel can be incredibly beneficial for many elements of trout fishing in freshwater. 

The X-Protect water-resistant seal is perhaps the most obvious example, helping keep water and grit out of the important inner mechanics of the reel and making it very practical for wading. As with the Revo X, the Vanford has a unique and practical bail design that helps it function properly all day long. Where it surpasses the Revo is in the One-Piece bail design, which helps keep the areas of potential mechanical failure to a minimum. Additionally, the Cross Carbon drag system is the same used in Shimano’s high-end saltwater reels. The drag system is as smooth as it gets at any level, and still provides an impressive degree of strength for such a lightweight reel. 

While it’s certainly not necessary to have top-of-the-line gear for trout fishing, there are some anglers who want to make sure they are fishing the best in any situation. The Shimano Vanford is the perfect option if you’re looking for the best performance and don’t mind spending extra to get it. The Vanford was also chosen as one of the best ultralight spinning reels.

Methodology

I chose the best spinning reels for trout, by fishing them in a variety of conditions and catching a lot of trout on them. I also talked to experts from around the country to get an idea of regional reel preferences. That allowed me to select the best reels for different applications.

FAQ

Final Thoughts

Trout are one of the country’s most widely available and accessible gamefish, and spinning gear paired with the best trout lures is a great way to target them. Even if you’re a hardcore fly angler, consider busting out a spin rod on occasion, because you might be surprised at how much you can learn about a fishery by expanding your repertoire. If you’re introducing someone to trout fishing or just getting into it yourself, having one of the best trout spinning reels and a good spinning rod can help you find success and enjoy your day on the water.

The post The Best Trout Spinning Reels of 2023 appeared first on Outdoor Life.

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Best for Lake Run Trout		The Trout Bead	SEE IT	LEARN MORE	Summary A go-to for Great Lakes tributary anglers.
Best Brook Trout Lure		Panther Martin In-Line Spinner	SEE IT	LEARN MORE	Summary A lure especially effective for catching  wild brook trout in small streams
Best for Stocked Rainbow		The Trout Magnet	SEE IT	LEARN MORE	Summary The lure is perfect for targeting freshly stocked trout

Trout are one of the most sought-after gamefish the world over. Their diversity of species and the wide range of habitats they call home mean that many anglers have an opportunity to target them, regardless of their location. The techniques and lures used to catch trout are just as varied as their habitat. So, when I set out to compile the list of the best trout lures, I took a regional approach and talked to the best trout anglers across the country to get their top lures. You’ll find the best trout lures for catching everything from lakers to wild brookies. 

• Best Lure for Stocked Rainbow Trout: Trout Magnet
• Best for Lake Run Trout: Trout Bead
• Best Trophy Brown Trout Lure: Smithwick Suspending Rattlin Rogue
• Best Lure for Ice Fishing Big Lake Trout: Strike King White Tube Jig
• Best Lure for Trolling for Cutthroat Trout: Midliner Inline Spinner
• Best Brook Trout Lure: Panther Martin In-Line Spinner
• Best Swimbait: Keitech FAT Swing Impact

How We Picked the Best Trout Lures

The tricky apart about choosing the best trout lures is that the best for catching stocked trout in the Northeast is different from the best for catching a trophy brown trout in the Ozarks. To navigate the regional preferences, I interviewed trout experts from around the country about their favorite lures and techniques. You’ll not only find their go to lure, but you’ll also get tips on how to fish them.

The Best Trout Lures: Reviews and Recommendations

Best Lure for Stocked Rainbow Trout: The Trout Magnet

Trout Magnet

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 Key Features

• Simple rig
• Uniform size
• Large selection of colors

Pros

• Very easy to fish
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Doesn’t cover much water
• A one-trick pony for presentation 

The key to the Trout Magnet’s success is in the unique shape of the jighead, which allows it to dart and swim with minimal effort and entice wary trout. 

Rather than a standard round ball jig, the magnet body attaches to an angled dart-style head. The body is mealworm-shaped and comes in a variety of colors. The unique head allows the lure to swim and weave in the river current with effectively no effort from the angler. 

The best way to fish the Trout Magnet is by not working it at all. Position the trout magnet below the float of your choice and allow it to drift with the current through likely trout holes. Virginia angler Josh Dolin says, “Trout Magnets, and even the larger crappie magnets, are great for fish that are straight off the (stocker) truck.” However, he does note that the longer the fish are in the ecosystem, the less the magnets tend to work. When that becomes the case, Dolin prefers to switch to hand-tied marabou jigs fished similarly to the magnet (below a float) or jigged freely. 

The best rod for fishing a Trout Magnet measures seven feet or above and should be rigged with a very light line. Popular options are two to six pound monofilament, or 6- to 10-pound braid with a light 2- to 6-pound fluorocarbon leader. 

Best for Lake Run Trout: The Trout Bead

TroutBeads

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Key Features

• Simple presentation
• Huge variety of color choices
• Size: 8mm-12mm

Pros

• Simple to use and effective
• Relatively inexpensive

Cons

• Requires specialized gear to properly fish

You can catch lake-run trout in a number of ways, but one stands above the rest as the choice for most Great Lakes tributary anglers: the Trout Bead. 

Trout Beads imitate a trout or salmon egg. They’re essentially a single round ball of glass, usually orange or pink, that’s attached to the leader a few inches above a hook. Above that can be anywhere from three to 6 feet of leader (usually 6-pound fluoro) that’s attached to a small barrel swivel. Above the swivel is a small float with a split shot just below it to help maintain balance. 

Don’t let the rig’s basic appearance fool you. It’s astoundingly effective, and it requires a specific technique. Pat Kiehm of Pat Kiehm Guide Service specializes in putting anglers on trophy steelhead and brown trout in the Milwaukee area. He has several tips and tricks for effectively fishing a bead for big trout. His first tip is to use a technique called banding, which allows you to swap beads without having to retie. 

“Rather than pegging the bead to the line like most people do, I prefer to fold the line into a loop and push it through the bead hole,” Kiehm said. “Then I’ll take a rubber band, thread it into the exposed loop, and pull the line, so the band is pulled into the bead.” 

Occasionally, Kiem will use a double bead rig to find out which color the trout prefer that day. This involves rigging one standard bead and attaching a second a few inches below the first. 

Regardless of which color bead or rig you use, the technique for fishing them remains consistent. It’s essential to have a very long rod, usually referred to as a noodle rod, that can be anywhere from nine up to fifteen feet long. This is important to get the bead out and maintain the most natural drift possible. It also helps eliminate strain on the light fishing line (usually six to ten-pound mono) when fighting these large fish in moving water. 

While there are many bead manufacturers to choose from, Kiehm prefers the beads made by Bloop Bead Company. They’re hand painted, and they have an incredible variety of colors to choose from, most of which cater to the region. 

Best Trophy Brown Trout Lure: The Smithwick Suspending Rattlin Rogue

Smithwick

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Key Features

• Length: 4 ½ inches
• Weight: 3/8 ounces
• Can be fished in a variety of ways
• Long casting

Pros

• Covers a lot of water
• Targets larger fish

Cons 

• Requires some experience to present properly
• Three treble hooks can be messy and difficult to manage on thrashing trout
• Lots of hooks means lots of snags

Many jerkbaits catch fish, but one of the most classic and effective designs is the Smithwick Rattlin Rogue. The Rogue has the perfect combination of suspending ability and jerking action that draws strikes from the biggest trout in the run. 

The Rogue has a classic jerkbait design, with a long baitfish body that tapers to a slim tail. The shape of the Rogue differs from many other suspending jerkbaits in that the head is slightly more bulbous, which lends it a larger wobble on the pause than other similar lures. The body three treble hooks adorn the underside, which can be a little frustrating at times but are important to the sink rate of the lure. 

Donald Cranor of Cranor’s Guide Service has spent nearly 40 years guiding one of the big brown trout meccas of the world, the White River in Arkansas. This river is home to numerous record-setting brown trout, and it’s the destination of choice for many anglers looking to land a true trophy trout. Cranor has his clients throw a Rogue the majority of the time but is careful to note that the color choices can vary based on conditions. 

“On cloudy days, we like to throw the darker patterns, like the black and silver model with an orange belly,” Cranor said. “On sunnier days, we usually throw something a little lighter, usually the blue and silver model, still with an orange belly.” Cranor also notes that when the river is low and clear, it can pay to change up the presentation entirely. He switches from the Rogue to a Rebel Trackdown Minnow when these conditions are present. The smaller profile and shallower running lure can be more effective at these times. 

These lures can be fished on most standard medium spinning or baitcasting setups, and Cranor prefers a 10-pound braid mainline with a 10-pound fluorocarbon leader. 

Best Lure for Ice Fishing Big Lake Trout: White Tube Jig

Strike King

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Key Features

• Length: 3 to 10 inches 
• Soft plastic body
• Available in a large selection of colors—white or silver work best 
• Great for jigging through ice or open water

Pros

• Proven and effective
• Simple presentation
• Cheap and easy to find

Cons

• Popular use can make fish wary
• Easily torn up by toothy trout

Retired guide Bernie Keefe fished the famous Lake Granby in Colorado for over thirty years, specializing in targeting the giant lakers that call it home. He says that the classic 4-inch white tube jig setup has probably landed more lake trout through the ice than most other presentations combined. 

The tube can be fished in various ways, with the most common being “deadsticking.” This technique involves keeping the jig perfectly parallel to and just off the surface of the lakebed, moving it very little, if at all. 

If that’s not working, it can pay to jig the tube up and down at varying speeds and depths. Another very effective technique is to allow the jig to fall from the surface all the way to the bottom and then reel it up and drop it again until it gets eaten. The tube will spiral and dart as it falls, imitating a dying baitfish and enticing strikes from aggressive lakers. It’s worth noting that while these techniques are popular through the ice, they can be just as effective for lake trout in open water as well. 

The best tube size for trophy trout is four inches, in white or silver. They’re typically rigged on a tube jighead, weighted appropriately to the size of the tube (⅛ ounce up to 1 ounce). 

While the tube is a classic and proven lure, its popularity means that fish can sometimes become used to seeing it. When fish become wary of the tube, Keefe has a unique backup presentation that he says outfishes just about anything else: a 3-inch white Berkley Power Grub. While that may not sound unique at first, he fishes it with a twist.

 “One day we ran out of tubes, so we switched to some power grubs that I had in the box,” Keefe said. “They weren’t working too well at first, so I ripped the curly tail off and just fished the solid grub body. It immediately started getting bites.” Since then, he says that a tail-less white power grub rigged on a bright and contrasting 3/16 ounce jighead, usually orange, is his go-to lure when targeting numbers of fish through the ice. 

Best Lure for Trolling for Cutthroat Trout: Midliner Inline Spinner

SG Lures

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Key Features

• Extremely durable
• Unique glass body 
• Can be purchased with a variety of different hook styles
• Great for trolling

Pros

• Unique design creates more flash
• Covers a lot of water with minimal effort
• Very effective at a variety of depths

Cons

• Can be tedious 
• Relatively expensive compared to similar lures

When searching for trout in large, open bodies of water, there aren’t many methods more effective than going on the troll. The Midliner series of spinners stands out as a unique option for wary trout that have seen every spoon and spinner.  

Made by Shallow Glass Lures, the Midliner features a hand-blown glass bead body, which gives it a unique appearance and sound. Additionally, the glass is extremely durable and lined with metallic flash that draws fish in from a good distance. It’s larger than most inline spinners and uses brass or nickel’s #5 French blade. Positioned below the glass beads that make up the center of the spinner is a soft plastic squid body, a popular addition for many west coast anglers that target both trout and salmon. 

Annie Nagel, a pro kayak and trout angler from California, regularly targets cutthroat trout on many of the large lakes in the region, including the famed Pyramid Lake in Nevada. “From the kayak, I have success targeting cutthroat trout (and cutbows) trolling the shorelines in the wintertime,” Nagel said. “If I need to get the spinner down, I’ll attach a ¼ or ½ ounce bullet weight and a swivel three to four feet above the spinner.” 

She also points out that when trolling larger bodies of water, such as Pyramid Lake, you may need the addition of a downrigger to help get the spinner to the desired depth, usually between ten and thirty feet.  

Another great option: Yakima Bait Flash Glo UV Squid Trolling Spinner

Best Brook Trout Lure: Panther Martin In-Line Spinner

Panther Martin

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Key Features

• Classic simple design 
• Size: 1/32-⅜ ounce
• Easy to fish but still active presentation

Pros

• Simple design
• Good for small water
• Active fishing
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Not effective on larger water
• Only allows for one downstream presentation

While there are several classic spinners to choose from, the Panther Martin has stood the test of time. Its unique design has proven effective on trout across the country for decades, and undoubtedly will for decades to come. 

The Panther Martin comes in a number of patterns and colors, but the classic undressed version tends to be the favorite. It’s small, teardrop-shaped body is usually painted with one solid color and a few spots of a different color for accent. The blade design is what sets it apart from most other spinners on the market. The blade itself is fixed directly to the wire frame rather than being attached to the wire via a rotating swivel. This allows the blade to begin spinning quicker and also helps reduce line twist and tangles. 

The Panther Martin is effective for trout just about anywhere, but it’s advantageous when targeting the wild brook trout. Seasoned brookie angler Jordan Hanscom refined his spinner technique in one of the country’s premier brook trout fisheries, Maine. “It’s [Maine] one of the last strongholds for stream-dwelling populations of wild brook trout in the country. It boasts more than double the brook trout population of the other 16 states in the eastern range combined,” Hanscom said. 

Hanscom prefers to use small inline spinners like the Panther Martin because they are ideal for working the small pockets and seams in the streams the brookies call home. He says, “Look for deeper holes behind big rocks with current on either side, work those seams, and then hit the eddy. Fishing with spinners on super light gear, target the areas above your actual target and flash it right through. They will move fast to hit it, so be ready.”  

Author’s note: Sadly, Jordan passed away shortly before this article was published. One of his final acts was sharing his love of brook trout fishing with Outdoor Life readers. 

Best Swimbait: Keitech FAT Swing Impact Swimbait

Keitech

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Key Features

• 4-inch length
• Variety of 2-tone color patterns
• Ships in 7-pack
• Tight, wobbling action

Pros

• Unique presentation for educated trout
• Great for stained water
• Will trigger big fish to bite

Cons

• Not ideal for streams with smaller fish

Trout are used to eating smaller meals like bugs, so when they decide to make a move on a baitfish, they tend to quickly swipe at it and just “taste” it with a partially opened jaw. To avoid missing smaller fish, opt for swimbaits with thin profiles, like the Keith Swing Impact.

Soft-plastic swimbaits have become ubiquitous across practically all fisheries. There’s no predator species on the planet that won’t take a swing at one of these baitfish imitators, and that includes trout. In fact, in stained water, the thump produced by a paddle-tail swimbait can draw more trout strikes than traditional plastic and metal lures, but the caveat is that you must choose your trout swimbaits wisely.

My favorite is the 4-inch Keitech Swing Impact, which has a slim body, so there’s less bulk for trout to get their mouths around, but the ribbed flanks and paddle tails still produce plenty of vibration. I’ll pair my swimbaits with a slightly smaller jighead than recommended, and I lean on what are sometimes referred to as “quick strike” jigheads. Their hooks bend at a sharper angle, which creates less gap between the hook and the bait’s back, helping increase the odds that a glancing blow from a trout will result in a connection. -Joe Cermele

Read Next: How to Catch Trout on Soft Plastics

How to Choose the Best Trout Lure

Body of Water

Select the lure that provides the best presentation for the body of water you’re fishing. If you’re fishing in a large lake, a lure that covers a lot of water is helpful. If you’re in a small stream a lure, like a spinner that can be cast with precision and worked past a waiting trout is ideal. A vertical presentation like a jig is the best bet in deep water. 

Location

The fish in your area and even in your stretch of river have unique preferences based on the dominant forage and fishing pressure. Try to match your lure color and style to the type of food you see fish feeding on. If you have a lot of small bait fish, a spinner or jerkbait is a great start. If you see mostly insects, a Trout Magnet is a good choice.

Fish Size

Big trout like a big meal, and if you’re targeting that larger class of fish, throw lures in the 4 to 5-inch range. On the flip side, if you’re fishing small native brook trout, you don’t want to throw a giant plug. A small spinner or plastic is going to get bitten by those smaller fish.

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Final Thoughts

Trout are numerous and varied, and the lures used to target them are equally so. It would be hard to go wrong using any lure on this list but remember to consider the conditions and water you are fishing before you head out. Wild trout feed differently than stocked fish, and small streams fish differently than large rivers. This variation and the different opportunities it can provide is what helps make trout one of the most entertaining fish to target in the country. They are accessible to any angler, novice or experienced, so get out there and catch one. 

• Best Lure for Stocked Rainbow Trout: Trout Magnet
• Best for Lake Run Trout: Trout Bead
• Best Trophy Brown Trout Lure: Smithwick Suspending Rattlin Rogue
• Best Lure for Ice Fishing Big Lake Trout: Strike King White Tube Jig
• Best Lure for Trolling for Cutthroat Trout: Midliner Inline Spinner
• Best Brook Trout Lure: Panther Martin In-Line Spinner
• Best Swimbait: Keitech FAT Swing Impact

The post The Best Trout Lures of 2023 appeared first on Outdoor Life.

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