Gear

New Fishing Reels at ICAST, the World’s Largest Tackle Show

A sampling of some of the enticing reels in exhibitors’ booths at the 2019 ICAST show

By Doug Olander

Updated: July 17, 2019

Perhaps nothing in an angler’s tackle and gear arsenal is more near and dear to him than his reels. Probably no gear causes us to agonize more over our choices than when we’re considering a new reel, so a look at this sampling should be of keen interest. The trend this year seems to be smaller, stronger and smoother, as you’ll note in most of these 11 new reels shown at this year’s ICAST show. (Prices may have been rounded by pennies.)

Accurate Tern

Accurate’s recent addition of Tern star-drag reels to its lineup proved so popular, the manufacturer introduced at ICAST its 600 and new 500 sizes. The Tern is the first reel to feature a twin star drag, using stainless-steel and carbon-fiber drag washers on each side of the main gear. Terns are made from 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum and, inside, boast heat-treated steel gears and gear shaft. Retrieve ratios range from 4.7- to 6-to-1. Expect more than 30 pounds of max drag.
Available: by late July 2019
MSRP: $380 for 600s Doug Olander / Sport Fishing

Alutecnos Gorilla 20W

The new Gorilla 20-Wide V_2S offers a 6.5-to-1 retrieve ratio at high speed and a 3.4-to-1 retrieve at low speed. Its double drag discs provide up to 45 pounds of max drag. The reel weighs just under 48 ounces and holds 765 yards of 90-pound braid or 656 yards of 30-pound mono. Choose from seven colors.
Available: Now
MSRP: $739 Doug Olander / Sport Fishing

Daiwa Certate LT

Daiwa’s premier spinning reel series, now smaller and more compact, boasts a magnetic-oil Magsealed main shaft and line roller plus 10 corrosion-resistant ball bearings, a lighter air rotor design and a monocoque one-piece body. Six sizes from 2500 to 5000 feature a retrieve ratio of 5.2 to 6.2 to one and weighing 7.2 to 10.4 ounces.
Available: Now (5000 size in October, 2019)
MSRP: $449 to $499 Doug Olander / Sport Fishing

Okuma Cavalla

These two-speed lever drags are compact-bodied reels featuring a rigid 6061-T6 machined-aluminum frame and side plates, a cold-forged anodized machined-aluminum spool and a stainless man and pinion gear. The carbonite drag system, using Cal’s drag grease, puts out 24 to 34 pounds at max. The Cavalla 5 offers 3.8- and 6.4-to-1 retrieve ratios; the 12 has ratios of 2.1- and 4.7-to-one. The reels weigh from 16 ½ to 25 ounces.
Available: late July 2019
MSRP: $240 and $340 Doug Olander / Sport Fishing

Okuma Cedros

Okuma’s updated Cedros spinners feature corrosion-resistant magnesium and aluminum-alloy construction for lighter weight and rigid performance. They offer a precision Dual Force Drag system with oiled multi-disc felt washers, 4 + 1 stainless ball bearings, elliptical gears and a Hydro Block watertight drag seal, with up to 44 pounds of max drag. Sizes 8000, 10000 and 14000.
Available: Now (14000 in October 2019)
MSRP: $160 to $180 Okuma

Omoto Vantage 20

Light and compact, the Vantage V20 from Japan-based Omoto is designed for jigging, with a machined T6 aluminum frame, sideplate and sppl, helical-cut gears and multi-disc wet-carbon-fiber drag system. It offers a 6-to-1 retrieve ratio and weighs 400 grams (14 ounces).
Available: N/A
MSRP: $285 Doug Olander / Sport Fishing

Penn Fierce III

Penn’s latest iteration in its line of Fierce spinning reels offers a full-metal body with HT-100 carbon-fiber drag, and a Techno-Balanced rotor for smooth retrieves, as well as a computer-balanced Rotor Equalizing system. Weights range from 7.8 ounces for 1000 to 28.7 ounces for the 8000 size.
Available: Now
MSRP: $60 to $120 Doug Olander / Sport Fishing

Penn Torque 15XN and 60

Penn’s popular two-speed lever-drag Torque line now includes two new sizes, a 15XN (20 ounces) and a 60 (28 ounces). Made in the USA, the reels feature a machined/anodized aluminum body and sideplates, stainless-steel main and pinion gear and a Dura-Drag system. Choose from the traditional gold or, new this year, silver.
Available: Now
MSRP: $550 and $600 Doug Olander / Sport Fishing

Quantum Reliance

Quantum’s new Reliance spinners — available in a 30 and 40 size with a 6.2- and 6.0-to-1 retreive ratio — are intended for use in fresh and/or saltwater. A proprietary SCR alloy deters corrosion. Inside, five Performance Tuned bearings provide smooth action. The reels weigh 9.7 and 14 ounces.
Available: Late fall 2019
MSRP: $100 to $110 Doug Olander / Sport Fishing

Shimano Stradic

This reel took the award for best saltwater reel at ICAST 2019. The many loyal fans of Shimano’s Stradic reels will appreciate this newest iteration’s even-smoother rotation thanks to Shimano’s MicroModule II gear system and Silent Drive, added durability and enhanced casting distance. The new Stradics share many features with the company’s vaunted Stella line. Sizes range from the little 1000 to a 5000 size, weighing 6.5 to 10.4 ounces.
Available: now
MSRP: $200 to 230 Doug Olander / Sport Fishing

Tsunami SaltX

The manufacturer says 14 internal seals make these reels entirely sealed and watertight. The SaltX series feature a machined A6061 aluminum boyd and rotor and what it calls a sealed hammer drag system, plus digitally optimized stainless face and pinion gears. The reel comes in a 4000 and 6000 size (14 ½ to 18 ounces) with 50 pounds of max drag.
Available: Now
MSRP: $350 and $380 (Tackle Direct) Doug Olander / Sport Fishing