ESPN Freshwater

This is the second in a series of articles looking at 2007 new fishing gear.

Check out the 2007 rods
Check out the 2007 lures
Check out the 2007 accessories

Overall, the new fishing reels shown at this year's ICAST tackle show represented one of the finest collections exhibited in years. New technologies were clearly evident and overall quality has improved dramatically.

The talk of the show and winner of the Best of Show award in the reel category was Shimano's Calais DC, which like its Calcutta DC predecessor of several years ago, features a miniaturized circuit board sealed inside that controls spool speed to eliminate backlashes.

You can dial in the setting that suits the conditions, and fine-tune it until it's perfect.

Best of all, the Calais will handle tricky situations like short-distance pitching and skipping, which the Calcutta had trouble doing.

Last year, the fast-retrieve 7:1 reels suddenly re-appeared, after Daiwa had introduced the concept many years ago. Now many manufacturers offer them (including Shimano on that new Calais), and in low profile models.

The problems of power loss inherent with earlier high speed retrieves has been solved. Do you really need a high-speed reel? Well, every serious fresh and inshore saltwater fisherman should at least consider one.

These reels do provide new ways to present old baits, they help bring impulse strikes, and they also let you retrieve line faster so you can make another cast. And, of course, you don't have to crank the handle fast if you don't want to.

Many baitcasters this year have 10 or more ball bearings. This may seem like an unnecessarily large number, but increasing the ball bearings does help your reel perform smoother.

A smoother reel means less effort and longer distance when casting, as well as increased durability.

Manufacturers are also courting the entire saltwater market much more seriously, and most of them realize the largest part of that market is inshore and shallow water tackle (translation: trout and redfish).

That means the years ahead will see more R&D in this category, such as improving drag systems, better spool braking, and more corrosion resistance.

If it seems like there's a disproportionate amount of spinning rods and reels out there, part of it is because of the retrieve speed spinning reels offer and also because they're easier to use in the wind.

All in all, it's a great time to be a fisherman, and it's only going to get better.

Here's a look at some of the toys you can play with in the months ahead:

ABU GARCIA

The new Abu Garcia baitcaster, the Revo, gained a lot of attention at ICAST, and Elite pro Kelly Jordon liked his test reels so much he didn't want to return them.

In short, this low profile, 11-ball bearing, high-speed reel is the one A-B fans have been waiting for.

The Revo STX and SX models have a 7:1 ratio; the Revo S is slightly slower at 6.4:1.

High speed retrieve ratios usually mean a corresponding lost of power in low profile models due to design limitations, but Abu has taken care of that with an oversized brass main gear, and when you hook something big, the Carbon Matrix Drag takes control.

Casting control is easily adjusted, something you may need to do since the specially-coated pinion shaft smooths out everything for longer casts.

Over in the spinning department, Abu Garcia offers the Cardinal 800, a 9-ball bearing open face reel available in four models. Gearing is 5.1:1, so it's really designed for heavy freshwater and moderate saltwater species.

Everything's been coated with Armor Guard, and the ball bearings are shielded against salt and grit. (877/777-3850; www.abugarcia.com).

ARDENT REELS This new Missouri-based firm provides something different in bass fishing gear: reels made in America.

Two products highlight their first models: the XS baitcaster and the S-400M open face spinning reel.

The XS has a quick-release side plate for easy centrifugal brake adjustment, instant anti-reverse, 6:1 gearing, and a magnesium frame.

The spinning reel is equally as impressive, featuring an extra-smooth Strike Saver drag system, High Strength Worm Gear Drive for a more even line retrieve, 5:1 gears, and an aluminum alloy frame.

Both models are backed by a 3-year warranty, too. (660/395-9200; www.ardentreels.com).

DAIWA

Daiwa describes its new line of Steez bass gear as the lightest in the world, and it certainly feels like it.

The 103HA baitcaster weighs in at just 5 ½-oz. and the two open face spinning models come in at 6.9 and 7.1-oz. Magnesium and titanium construction allow this.

The baitcaster (available in both right and left hand versions) has 12 ball bearings, a 6.3:1 gear ratio, and holds 100 yards of 14-lb. line.

If you're wondering what a 6.3:1 gear ratio is really like, on this reel it retrieves a full 26 inches of line with one full turn of the crank.

Both spinning reels likewise have 12 ball bearings but slightly slower 4.8:1 gearing, and both will handle lines down to about 6-lbs. (562/802-9589; www.daiwa.com).

LAKE FORK TACKLE REPAIR

This nationally-known little company on the shores of Lake Fork doesn't sell reels; they repair them.

This year, however, they can teach you how to do it yourself and provide a kit with everything you'll need to do it.

You can start with their "Fishing Reel Maintenance 2" video that gives you step-by-step, well-illustrated instructions, and you can do all the work with their repair kit, which includes oil, swabs, wrenches, pliers, and everything you need to do the job.

Company owners Tommy and Connie Kilpatrick are highly-respected throughout the fishing world, and their shop handles warranty repairs for major reel makers; the video and kit are a culmination of their years of work in the business. (903) 383-2120; www.lakeforktacklerepair.com).

OKUMA

Okuma spinning reels have always been known for their smooth performance, and this year their new Vsystem(a) technology makes them even better.

They're made of Alumalite, which allows absolutely precise machining tolerances while maintaining strength and lightness, which is really what spinning reels are all about.

Okuma's patented elliptical oscillation gearing improves the way line lays on the spool, and that means longer and smoother casts to reach fish 'way out there.

The dual force drag system utilizes both sides of the spool, and up to 12 high performance ball bearings make sure everything keeps turning as it should.

There are 11 models to choose from to match your style and targets.

The new VSystem(a) baitcaster utilizes much the same construction technology, including a one-piece aluminum frame, machine-cut brass gearing, and a centrifugal braking system.

Four models are offered, each with 9 ball bearings and 6.2:1 gearing. (909/923-2828; www.okumafishing.com).

PFLUEGER

The new Summit baitcasting reel should satisfy a lot of high-speed enthusiasts; it has a hot 7.1:1 ratio, and it'll do it with 130 yards of 12-lb. line spooled on.

Features include 9 double-shielded stainless steel ball bearings, instant anti-reverse, a titanium line guide for smoothness, both magnetic and centrifugal braking choices, star-type adjustable drag, and even an optional wide spool in case you hook a real runner.

A new low profile baitcasting reel has also been added to the Contender Saltwater Series.

Designed for light saltwater action, it has five stainless steel ball bearings, aluminum frame, a six-pin adjustable centrifugal brake system, and moderately fast 6.3:1 gearing. It'll hold 170 yards of 14 lb. line, in case you hook a real runner, too.

There are also five new Infusion spinning reels designed for saltwater action, ranging from light to heavy action. Five stainless steel ball bearings, a sealed drag system, and a spare aluminum spool are standard. The new Supreme spinning reel series of three open face models have magnesium body and rotor construction, 9 ball bearing construction, machined aluminum spools, and 6.2:1 gearing. There are five new Infusion open face spinning reels ranging from light to heavy freshwater action.

Features include 5.6:1 (heavier action) or 6.2:1 (light to medium action) gearing, 5 ball bearings, aluminum body construction, and a sealed drag system. These reels are also offered in combination with 7'0" IM8 graphite rods of different actions. (803/754-7000; www.pfluegerfishing.com).

MITCHELL

Over the years, more than 25 million Mitchell 300 spinning reels have been sold, and improvements in this fabulous workhouse this year are sure to increase that number.

The newest updates are the 300Xe and 300XGe, and features include 8 ball bearings (10 for the XGe), solid 5.1:1 gearing, a lightweight body, and Mitchell's own Comfort Touch body coating.

Instant anti-reverse and a Carbon Matrix drag that will whoa down any bass are also standard features on both models. (877/777-3850; www.fishmitchell.com).

QUANTUM

New this year are the Incyte and Array Series of open face spinning reels.

Incyte has 11 ball bearings so you'll never feel it wobble, a graphite body, aluminum Long Stroke spool for greater casting distance, and an adjustable front drag.

Four sizes cover everything you'll need between ultra-light and medium/heavy action. he Incyte is similar but with 8 ball bearings and the four models here also cover ultra-light to medium/heavy action.

Even though they're designed for inshore saltwater (redfish) use, two new low profile Energy PT baitcasters could also find fans in the bass world.

More than 20 parts in the freshwater versions of this reel have been changed to make it stronger and more usable in the salt, which means if you fish hard and often, it'll keep on ticking like that famous watch.

The model E770PT has the now-famous 7:1 Burner gears, the E760PT has a slightly slower 6.3:1 ratio. (918/836-5581; www.quantumfishing.com).

SHAKESPEARE

The latest new reels here include the Dimension, a 6 ball bearing low profile baitcaster with fully and easily adjustable magnetic and mechanical casting control, graphite frame for strength and low weight, a speedy 6.3:1 gear ratio, and an E-Z Cast thumbar spool release.

The machined aluminum spool, in combination with the titanium-coated line guide, insure longer, smoother casts; durability and functionality are the standards here.

For spinning fans, the new 4-reel Inspinity Series may be just what you're looking for. It's a 5 ball bearing open face, with an anodized aluminum spool for smoother casts, a multi-disc drag, and a nice 5.2:1 gear ratio.

The four models cover all your needs between ultralight and medium action.

There are new ultralight 8 ball bearing Agility and 2 ball bearing Prius open face reels this year, as well. Both have 5.2:1 gearing and will handle 4-pound line with ease.

The new Synergy Ti14 spincast reel is also new. Features include 2 ball bearings, titanium line guide and pickup pins, on-off anti-reverse, and an adjustable multi-disc drag.

This has been an extremely popular reel series in recent years; the Ti14 is suitable for medium/heavy action and thus fill a niche between earlier heavy and medium action Synergy reels in the series. ((800/334-9105; www.shakespeare-fishing.com).

SHIMANO

If you remember the digital control Calcutta of several years ago, Shimano's new low profile Calais DC represents the next evolutionary step in that type of sealed, and miniaturized computer-type technology.

Spool control for pitching and skipping were difficult with the Calcutta; that's been solved here, as the Calais has 32 different speed settings that ought to handle anything you do on the water.

Don't worry; you start with one of four broad "category" settings, then fine-tune it eight ways.

By contrast, the Calcutta offered users only one broad braking option with individual adjustments.

What all this means is that you can cast further, more accurately close-up, into the wind, and probably behind your back without backlashing.

Other features include 10 shielded ball bearings, 7:1 gearing for quick retrieves, and a lightweight aluminum spool.

The new Curado 300 DSV features a deep reel spool, quick 6.2:1 gearing, and an easily-adjusted variable brake system  all of which add up to a good redfish reel.

In fact, that's what this one was designed for. t'll hold 190 yards of 14 lb. line and has five ball bearings so it provides all the benefits of a larger reel in a sleek low profile model. (949/951-5003; www.shimano.com).

TICA USA

Bass fishermen may want to look at the new Scrambler SS/ST open face spinning reels here.

There are nine different reels available, all featuring 6-stainless steel ball bearing construction, aluminum alloy spools, anti-twist rotors, and a selection of gear ratios, depending on the model; actions range from light to extra/heavy. (800/390-5268; www.ticaglobal.com).

U.S. REEL

The SuperCaster open face spinning reel features an unusually large diameter spool that results in longer casts, faster line pick-up (29" per turn), and less line twist.

It has 4 stainless steel ball bearings, a carbon fiber body, and can handle braid lines up to 30-lb. Four models are offered. (314/962-9500; www.usreel.com).

ZEBCO

This year the famous Pro Staff line of spincast reels has not only been redesigned, but one baitcasting and two open face spinning reels have been added to the family.

The PS 3030 baitcaster has a 5.1:1 gear ratio, solid brass gears, and an adjustable star drag.

It's available in a combo kit, too, with a two-piece 6' reinforced graphite medium action rod. Both the PS 1030 and PS1020 spinning reels have 3 ball bearing construction, 5.1:1 gearing, and adjustable front drags.

The lighter PS1020 comes spooled with 6-lb. line; the slightly larger PS1030 comes with 8-lb. line, and each is also available as a rod/reel combo.

Both the spincast reels, the PS2010 and PS2020, feature 3 ball bearings, dual ceramic pickup pins, adjustable right/left hand cranking, and adjustable star drag systems. (918/836-5581; www.zebco.com).