Without even knowing it, you’re probably not casting as far as you should.

That could be the difference between a skunk trip and the fish of a lifetime.

Take a closer look!!

#1 Most Common Mistake Cutting Down Your Casting Distance [VIDEO]

Not a member? Then click here to join the Insider Club today so you can get access to Smart Fishing Spots, discounts on the tackle in our shop, and much more.

Access the Salt Strong Fishing Curriculum HERE!

The #1 mistake anglers overlook is not having enough line on their spinning reel.

This severely cuts into your ability to cast as far as possible.

We’re talking about the gap between the line on your spool and the edge of the spool itself.

If that gap becomes larger than 1/8th of an inch, you’re losing casting distance.

In my studies and tests, I’ve lost right around 10% of my casting distance on reels with not enough line.

The reason for this is the bigger the gap, the more friction on the line as it peels off the spool which reduces how far you’re able to cast.

Why is this important?

If you’re a land-based angler, the amount of water accessible to you is already limited.

If you’re casting distance is cut down by a line gap issue, then you’re really at a disadvantage.

When it comes to fishing off of a kayak or vessel, the easiest fish to catch are the ones that don’t know you’re there.

These are the fish furthest away from you.

So being able to reach these fish accurately is critical to your success.

For most inshore saltwater fishing reels, we recommend between a 1/16th and 1/8th of an inch line gap.

This gives you the maximum casting distance with the least amount of headaches.

FINDING THE FISH HELP

In order to help make sure that you are targeting the right areas based on the latest feeding trends and upcoming weather forecasts, make sure to use the following 3 resources because they will save you a ton of time.

1. WEEKEND GAME PLANS (UPDATED WEEKLY)

These regional game plans will show you exactly what types of spots to target in under 10 minutes… just click the video to start, and you’ll be informed on what to do on your next trip.

Weekend Game Plan Lessons

2. SMART FISHING SPOTS PLATFORM (UPDATED EVERY 15 MINUTES)

This exclusive software literally shows you where the most fish are likely to be feeding based on exactly when you’ll be fishing. It factors in the tides, wind, and weather to help you quickly see which areas to target throughout the day.

Smart Fishing Spots App

3. COMMUNITY REPORTS (LIVE FEED)

The Insider Community platform is what you can use to see what is biting near you, and you can get to know other members who fish in your area. Plus, you can use it to keep a log of your catches so you can use past trips to help predict future catches.

Community Platform 

90/10 ZONE INSHORE FISHING NEWSLETTER

Oh, and be sure to sign up for FREE Access to Salt Strong’s 90/10 Zone Newsletter!

It’s the Ultimate Inshore Fishing Blast with the MOST RECENT on-the-water updates, weekly trends, hot lures, catches of the week, fish tales, conservation news, and everything else for Inshore Fishing…

Sent to your inbox free 2x per week!

90/10 Newsletter

The post #1 Most Common Mistake Cutting Down Your Casting Distance appeared first on Salt Strong Fishing Club.

More importantly, what’s best for YOU?

Let’s talk about the pros and cons of both!!

Check it all out below!

Baitcasting VS. Spinning Reels [VIDEO]

Not a member? Then click here to join the Insider Club today so you can get access to Smart Fishing Spots, discounts on the tackle shown below, and much more.

Gear Discussed:

• Daiwa Tatula SV (Baitcasting Reel)
• Daiwa BG MQ (Spinning Reel)
• TFO Pro C Professional Casting Rods

Pros Of Spinning Reels

Spinning reels are a popular choice and it is often the first reel people use when first starting to fish.

It is an easy reel to use, easy to teach others to use, and it works very well.

Another reason to get a spinning reel is the cost.

It is definitely cheaper to go with a spinning reel rather than a baitcaster.

Additionally, the typical spinning reel has more line capacity than a baitcaster.

Spinning reels are also interchangeable for either hand.

You can switch the handle to either side you’re most comfortable with.

Baitcasting reels come either left-handed or right-handed.

Another pro to spinning reels is casting distance.

They simply cast farther than baitcasting reels.

This may sound silly but spinning reels also give off a cool sound when fish are peeling off drag.

There is something special about that click as a fish pulls the line off the spool.

Cons Of Spinning Reels

Now for the cons.

The biggest con is wind knots.

There are ways to mitigate wind knots but you’ll inevitably run into them here and there.

Especially when fishing braided line on spinning reels, wind knots are an issue.

Another con to spinning reels is weight.

They are a bit heavier than baitcasting reels.

Pros Of Baitcasting Reels

Right off the bat, you can tell baitcasting reels are more compact and streamlined.

These reels fit nicely in the palm of your hand.

For topwater lures and other hard-body lures where you need contact to the plug, baitcasting reels are a great choice.

You have contact with the plug and more control.

Another pro is less fatigue on you because they are lightweight when working lures.

Moreover, baitcasting reels are overall more accurate than spinning reels.

The reel acts as an extension of your hand giving you more accuracy when casting.

Furthermore, you can present your lures much softer than spinning gear with a baitcaster.

Because you can feather the line off the spool, you can have your bait land much softer than spinning reels.

This makes baitcasting reels an excellent sight fishing choice.

Cons Of Baitcasting Reels

The #1 con to baitcasting reels is backlash.

If you are new to baitcasting reels, backlash is inevitable.

As I mentioned earlier with spinning reels, line capacity is a con to baitcasting reels.

Baitcasting reels typically do not hold as much line as spinning reels.

Additionally, the drag systems on baitcasting reels are not ideal.

I find the drag systems in spinning reels to be a bit smoother than baitcasters.

Another con to baitcasting reels is the cost.

In my experience, cheaper baitcasting reels do not last very long while inshore fishing.

Getting a quality baitcasting reel is important and those can cost upward of $150+.

Due to the lack of sealing on baitcasting reels, maintenance and upkeep is a con.

Water and debris can get into the reel more easily than spinning gear.

You’ll have to take the reel apart and clean them more often.

What’s Better For YOU?

I personally use whichever reel the situation calls for.

If I’m throwing lighter lures trying to get as much casting distance as possible, I’ll go with a spinning reel.

But if I am fishing a hard-body or topwater lure, I’ll go with a baitcasting reel.

Lately, I’ve relied heavily on the baitcasting reel for accurate sight fishing.

It all depends on the style of fishing you do.

Also, it can’t hurt to have both types of setups available and at the ready.

There is no RIGHT answer.

It depends on what fits the bill for you and the application you need your gear to fulfill.

The post Baitcasting VS. Spinning Reels [What’s The Better Inshore Option?] appeared first on Salt Strong Fishing Club.

Can you notice the difference between the two reels in the video below??

Which one will help you catch more fish and why?

Let’s dive into it!!!

Impact Of The Amount Of Line On A Reel Spool [VIDEO]

Not yet a member? Then click here to join the Insider Club today so you can get access to Smart Fishing Spots, discounts on the tackle shown below, and much more.

Check out all the Reels in the Fish Strong Shop

Long story short, the more line on a spool (meaning the closer the line is to the outer edge of the reel), then the further you will be able to cast.

Especially if you are fishing with artificial lures, the longer you can cast the more ground you can cover and increase your odds of catching more fish.

It is one of the few factors we have complete control over when it comes to catching fish.

This seems like a minor detail but it can help you catch more fish in the long run.

If you aren’t an Insider Member yet, what are you waiting for?!

Insider Members that purchase a spinning reel from our Fish Strong Tackle Shop get FREE line and spooling plus FREE shipping!

You also can save 20% OFF or more on everything else included in the shop.

Check out all the Reels in the Fish Strong Shop

Finding The Fish Help

In order to help make sure that you are targeting the right areas based on the latest feeding trends and upcoming weather forecasts, make sure to use the following 3 resources because they will save you a ton of time.

1. Weekend Game Plans (updated weekly)

These regional game plans will show you exactly what types of spots to target in under 10 minutes… just click the video to start, and you’ll be informed on what to do on your next trip.

Weekend Game Plan Lessons

2. Smart Fishing Spots Platform (updated every 15 minutes)

This exclusive software literally shows you where the most fish are likely to be feeding based on exactly when you’ll be fishing. It factors in the tides, wind, and weather to help you quickly see which areas to target throughout the day.

Smart Fishing Spots App

3. Community Reports (live feed)

The Insider Community platform is what you can use to see what is biting near you, and you can get to know other members who fish in your area. Plus, you can use it to keep a log of your catches so you can use past trips to help predict future catches.

Community Platform 

The post Spool Gap: What’s The Impact Of The Amount Of Line On A Reel Spool? appeared first on Salt Strong Fishing Club.

This reel has flown under the radar so I wanted to bring its features to light and break it down in today’s review!

It was revealed at last year’s iCast event and hit the market at the beginning of this year.

There is a WHOLE LOT going on in this reel that I can’t wait to show you!!!

13 Fishing AL13 Reel Review [VIDEO]

Get the 13 Fishing AL13 Spinning Reel

A lot of people aren’t talking about this reel and it made me wonder why.

We won’t be going over the specs of this reel (you can find those on the back of the box or on the Fish Strong shop page for this product).

Instead, we’ll get into the details and get under the hood to talk about the inner workings of this reel.

I met with Matt Baldwin, the Product Director for 13 Fishing, to talk about the aluminum construction of this reel in depth.

Also, we talked about the seals as well as the importance of the line roller.

Should this be the next inshore spinning reel in your arsenal?

Let’s find out!!

Overview & Body Construction

The AL13 is available in a few different sizes from 2.0 to 6.0.

For all intents and purposes, the sizes are very close to 2500 size all the way up to 6000 size.

This is generally speaking as the sizes are intrinsic to 13 Fishing but the 3.0 is similar to a 3000-size spinning reel.

The AL13 is an all-aluminum-bodied reel.

Other companies will say “aluminum construction” which means the body, spool, and handle are aluminum.

That is standard for the most part BUT 13 Fishing went a step further.

In addition to the parts I just mentioned, the rotor, bail wire, and bail armature – everything is aluminum.

Why does this matter?

This is designed to be a kick-it-around reel for captains, those that beat up their gear, or if you fish around heavy structure and run the risk of dropping it or dinging it on hard surfaces.

Aluminum is strong to withstand these elements and rigid enough to pull in big fish.

Most rotors are made using a composite-plastic material.

The fact that this reel has a metal rotor for under $200 is extremely unique.

Anglers that want aluminum everything in a reel have likely spent hundreds more on a reel of this build.

Cool-Stop Drag System

Traditionally, drag systems have been made using either felt or carbon fiber and sometimes cork.

In the case of the AL13, they used what they refer to as “Cool-Stop”.

This is a polymer material that is unique to the brand.

They found that, unlike carbon fiber, polymer maintains its integrity much longer under heat and pressure.

Traditional carbon fiber is etched and the discs are flat.

So the discs get stacked and pressure is applied from the top of the spool creating the drag.

Over time, that carbon fiber etching, will wear down from the center outwards.

Moreover, the polymer discs are beveled in shape.

They are stacked in such a way that when pressure is applied, the pressure will dissipate outward and slope downward.

This prevents the heat from concentrating in the center of the disc and disperses it evenly outward.

In turn, this extends the life of the discs and helps maintain their shape over time.

As a result, the drag will be smoother and cooler when under immense pressure.

Sealing

Anglers commonly want to know how well a reel is sealed and where those seals are located.

I was able to identify SIX different seals on the AL13.

I believe there are seven in total, however, I did not fully tear down the entire reel.

The seals are at the handle entry point, a seal on the cap opposite the handle, a seal on the top of the locking nut above the rotor, the fourth seal is just beneath the rotor, and the fifth seal is arguably the most important and that protects the pinion gear.

This reel is effectively stacked and water will have a difficult time getting down the main shaft and into the main gears.

13 Fishing placed these seals in such a way that when you turn the handle, you don’t feel much resistance at all.

A lot of times in other spinning reels, you sacrifice smoothness for the sake of sealing.

Line Roller

The last piece I want to discuss is also what I believe to be the most overlooked on any spinning reel.

That is the line roller.

Most line rollers are made using a stainless material and are often coated in gold or silver.

In the case of the AL13 and a couple of other reels from 13 Fishing, it is a full ceramic line roller.

Why is that important?

A lot of the coatings used on other reels can wear down over time being exposed to the elements.

When the coating starts to wear down on the line roller, it’s going to corrode and impact your mainline.

The braid you’re fishing with is making constant contact with the line roller.

The fact that 13 Fishing uses a ceramic line roller means it will maintain its integrity indefinitely.

It won’t chip or crack and this is something I feel is overlooked by reel manufacturers as well as anglers.

Let’s Address The Cons

In truth, the AL13 is NOT a lightweight reel.

It is not a finesse spinning reel but that is not really what it was designed to be.

It is heavier than other aluminum reels on the market.

If you’re looking for an aluminum-bodied reel and you want that rigidity, these reels are on the heavier side.

The other thing to consider is that these reels are very new (only 6 months out on the market).

I’ve only been fishing with my personal AL13 for 6 months which is too short of a time to make a final determination.

At the one-year mark, I will put together another review video to talk more about the AL13 after 12 months of use.

In the meantime, have you heard of this fishing reel yet?

Have you used the AL13 Spinning Reel?

Please let me know your thoughts and if you have used this reel, please go ahead and leave a comment below!!

For Insider Members as well, we are offering FREE line and we’ll spool it up for you beforehand on all saltwater reels so you can hit the water immediately.

Not only that, we’ll also ship it to you FREE of charge.

Simply add a reel to your cart and follow the steps from there and we’ll have your reel ready for action!!

Please let me know if you have any questions down in the comments section!!

Get the 13 Fishing AL13 Spinning Reel

Get Instant Access to Smart Fishing Spots

Finding The Fish Help

In order to help make sure that you are targeting the right areas based on the latest feeding trends and upcoming weather forecasts, make sure to use the following 3 resources because they will save you a ton of time.

1. Weekend Game Plans (updated weekly)

These regional game plans will show you exactly what types of spots to target in under 10 minutes… just click the video to start, and you’ll be informed on what to do on your next trip.

Weekend Game Plan Lessons

2. Smart Fishing Spots Platform (updated every 15 minutes)

This exclusive software literally shows you where the most fish are likely to be feeding based on exactly when you’ll be fishing. It factors in the tides, wind, and weather to help you quickly see which areas to target throughout the day.

Smart Fishing Spots App

3. Community Reports (live feed)

The Insider Community platform is what you can use to see what is biting near you, and you can get to know other members who fish in your area. Plus, you can use it to keep a log of your catches so you can use past trips to help predict future catches.

Community Platform 

The post NEW Spinning Reel Breakdown: 13 Fishing AL13 Reel Review appeared first on Salt Strong Fishing Club.

These are just a few small things you can do to keep your spinning reel running smoothly.

This video is not a deep dive into the mechanics of a reel – we will not be taking one apart in this video.

But there are some little things you can do to keep your reel clean and functioning properly.

Take a look!!

Basic Spinning Reel Maintenance Tutorial For Beginners [VIDEO]

Become A Better Angler While Saving Time & Money

Daiwa BG MQ 3000

The reason I leave the interior of the reel to the experts is that you could end up doing more harm than good if you don’t know what you’re doing.

Also, some reels require specific grease and if you use the wrong one it could lead to further damage.

But here are a few tips to keep the main exterior components of your reel running smoothly.

The reel I am using for this demonstration is the Daiwa BG MQ 3000.

This is a high-quality inshore reel that is great for fishing with artificial lures, live bait, or cut-bait.

The materials you need are a clean cloth or rag, a spray bottle with fresh clean water inside, a small screwdriver, and reel oil.

I prefer to use Lew’s Reel Oil because the bottle design includes a precise applicator on the tip which is super helpful.

The first thing you’ll want to do is get all the loose sand and dirt off of the reel.

I wouldn’t recommend spraying water on the reel directly.

Spray enough water to dampen the rag and lightly wipe down the reel.

This gets rid of any extra salt deposits and sand stuck to the reel.

I highly recommend doing this after every trip.

Then use the dry side of the rag to dry the outside of the reel.

Cleaning The Reel Handle

For most handles, you can unwind off or you have to unscrew the cap on the other side to release the handle.

Either way, take off the cap or bolt on the other side and remove the handle.

You’ll notice there is a small bearing on either side.

Now, take the reel oil and put a small drop on both sides.

You do not want to flood the bearing – emphasis on a SMALL drop.

A little bit of oil goes a long way.

Then, put the handle back together and screw on the cap.

It also doesn’t hurt to put a small dab of oil on the threads inside the handle.

If you fish with a reel that has a joint in the handle, unscrew that piece and place a drop of oil in there as well.

Also, you can do the same where the end of the handle meets the arm.

Place a drop there, spin the handle a bit, and wipe off any excess oil.

Spool Maintenance

Next up, screw off the spool cap and take it off.

When you do remove the spool, be careful not to lose any washers.

Sometimes they get stuck to the bottom of the spool.

Place the spool aside and spin the reel to make sure the shaft is at its highest point.

Put a small drop of oil right on the shaft and reel it a few times to disperse the oil.

Grab the spool that you put to the side and check again for any dirt or debris that might have snuck in there.

If there is anything in there, use a can of compressed air to spray it out.

Over time, that dirt and debris will make its way down the shaft and into the main gear which we want to avoid.

Cleaning The Bail & Roller Bearings

Then I focus on the bail.

Wherever you have a joint that moves, such as on either side of the bail, I would drop some oil in there.

Place a drop of oil on the outside of the screw and then on the joint itself.

Let the oil find its way into the joint.

Open and close the bail a few times to work the oil in there.

Then, wipe off both areas to remove excess oil.

The final step is the roller bearings.

I like to remove the bearing to clean it.

Whenever you do this, make sure you do it on a clean surface and don’t lose any pieces.

Take out the screw and put it somewhere safe so it doesn’t roll off and you lose it.

Remove the roller bearing and you’ll notice there is a tiny gap on the bearing itself.

That is where you want to place a drop of oil.

Another thing to take note of is the surface where your line comes off.

Make sure there is no debris here that will compromise your line.

Any corrosion will quickly tear up your line.

The roller bearing, aside from the rod tip, is where the most pressure is applied directly on the line.

Carefully place the roller bearing back inside the reel.

Put the screw back in and secure that snugly.

One of the last things I’ll do now is just go over all the screws on the reel to make sure they are secure.

You don’t want to overtighten anything but just make sure all screws are nice and snug.

Then, when I go to put the reel back on a fishing rod, I’ll place a tiny drop of oil on either side of the base of the reel.

This keeps the reel from corroding and becoming stuck inside the reel seat of your fishing rod.

All of these little things can help keep your reel clean and help it last longer.

I usually do this about once a month to the reels I regularly use.

Be sure to rinse down your reels with fresh water after every trip using a rag.

Daiwa BG MQ 3000

Do you have any other questions regarding reel maintenance?

What are some additional things you do to keep your reels working smoothly?

Please let me know down below in the comments section!!

Finding The Fish Help

In order to help make sure that you are targeting the right areas based on the latest feeding trends and upcoming weather forecasts, make sure to use the following 3 resources because they will save you a ton of time.

1. Weekend Game Plans (updated weekly)

These regional game plans will show you exactly what types of spots to target in under 10 minutes… just click the video to start, and you’ll be informed on what to do on your next trip.

Weekend Game Plan Lessons

2. Smart Fishing Spots Platform (updated every 15 minutes)

This exclusive software literally shows you where the most fish are likely to be feeding based on exactly when you’ll be fishing. It factors in the tides, wind, and weather to help you quickly see which areas to target throughout the day.

Smart Fishing Spots App

3. Community Reports (live feed)

The Insider Community platform is what you can use to see what is biting near you, and you can get to know other members who fish in your area. Plus, you can use it to keep a log of your catches so you can use past trips to help predict future catches.

Community Platform 

The post Basic Spinning Reel Maintenance Tutorial For Beginners appeared first on Salt Strong Fishing Club.

We will focus on the two types of reels that are most common and affordable for inshore saltwater anglers.

Learn more about choosing saltwater fishing reels below!!

How To Choose A Fishing Reel [VIDEO]

Featured Daiwa Reels:

• BG MQ 2500
• Fuego 2500
• BG 2500
• Legalis 2500

As far as the two types of reels featured in this video, we are talking about metal-framed reels and composite-framed reels.

Metal-framed reels are great for powerfishing, especially when you need a bit more strength to pull fish out of hard structure.

These types of reels are sturdy and provide the power needed to fight fish inshore, nearshore, and offshore.

I recommend these types of reels when you are fishing with 20lb braid and above.

But if you are more of a finesse angler, you should go with a composite frame because they are lightweight and low-cost.

If you are casting lures and fishing all day, composite reels actually make a big difference.

Top Reel Choices

As far as metal-framed reels go, aluminum is tough to beat because it provides strength while offering a lighter option.

The BG MQ 2500 is my favorite aluminum-bodied reel.

It is not quite as light as a composite reel but it comes very close.

The only con with the BG MQ is the price – these reels are just over $200.

When it comes to composite reels, the Daiwa Fuego is super lightweight at a little over 7 ounces with a price of $109.

As long as you are fishing with light braid, you can save over $100 and still have enough strength to reel up inshore fish.

If flex were to happen in the reel, it would happen in the arm.

If you put heavier braid on lightweight composite reels and lock the drag down tight, you will feel that flex.

I haven’t heard of reels breaking in this situation but it won’t feel as comfortable as metal-framed reels under a heavier load.

Budget Reel Choices

As far as a solid budget metal-framed reel, the original Daiwa BG is a great choice.

It is a bit heavier than the Daiwa BG MQ reel.

I personally use this reel for nearshore and offshore reef fishing.

Keep in mind they are heavier but come in at around $70-$80 less than the BG MQ.

As for finesse-style reels that fit into any budget, the Daiwa Legalis is an excellent choice.

This reel is $79 and has the same basic feel as the Daiwa Fuego.

The specs of both reels are nearly identical – the one major difference being the Fuego includes Daiwa’s MagSeal technology.

So you don’t get as much protection against saltwater contaminants but you do save around $30.

I personally own 4 Daiwa Legalis reels and for the inshore saltwater fishing, they are a really nice option.

Questions To Ask Yourself

Before making a decision, ask yourself if you need more power and strength or a reel for finesse purposes.

If you need extra power and strength for the type of fishing you do, then go with a metal-framed reel.

If you’re more of a finesse angler, the composite frame will check off all the boxes.

For ultimate performance, the Daiwa BG MQ has been my personal favorite.

When it comes to overall savings, I recommend the Daiwa Legalis.

Are there any other reels that you’ve found to fit the power need or finesse?

Please go ahead and share down in the comments section!!

Oh, and if you are a Salt Strong Insider Member, if you buy any reel in our tackle shop, we’re going to give you FREE braided line AND we’ll spool it up for you on top of FREE SHIPPING!

All you have to do is pair it up with a fishing rod, tie on a leader, and hit the water!!

If you have any further questions or comments, please leave them down below!

Finding The Fish Help

In order to help make sure that you are targeting the right areas based on the latest feeding trends and upcoming weather forecasts, make sure to use the following 3 resources because they will save you a ton of time.

1. Weekend Game Plans (updated weekly)

These regional game plans will show you exactly what types of spots to target in under 10 minutes… just click the video to start, and you’ll be informed on what to do on your next trip.

Weekend Game Plan Lessons

2. Smart Fishing Spots Platform (updated every 15 minutes)

This exclusive software literally shows you where the most fish are likely to be feeding based on exactly when you’ll be fishing. It factors in the tides, wind, and weather to help you quickly see which areas to target throughout the day.

Smart Fishing Spots App

3. Community Reports (live feed)

The Insider Community platform is what you can use to see what is biting near you, and you can get to know other members who fish in your area. Plus, you can use it to keep a log of your catches so you can use past trips to help predict future catches.

Community Platform 

The post How To Choose The Perfect Fishing Reel Based On Needs & Budget appeared first on Salt Strong Fishing Club.

We are beyond PUMPED to see these come into our shop.

This reel is just a few weeks old so you’re getting a first look right here!!

Unboxing The BRAND NEW Daiwa Tatula MQ [VIDEO]

Find NEW Saltwater Fishing Spots In Your Area In 60 Seconds or Less!!!

Get the Daiwa Tatula MQ Spinning Reel

I personally have fished with the original LT Tatula Spinning Reel before.

It is a lightweight Zaion body reel that is well-established in the freshwater realm.

But with the new addition of the MQ Series, it has made its way over to saltwater fishing!

Keep in mind – this reel is BRAND NEW and I myself can’t wait to get my hands on a 3000 size to hit my local waters.

The lightweight design is ideal for finesse presentations like small paddletails in skinny water.

The 2500 Daiwa Tatula MQ comes in at 6.7 ounces with the 3000 sitting right around 7 ounces.

All sizes are equipped with a high-speed gear ratio and include way more than enough drag than you need.

It is a lightweight, speedy reel in the MQ design.

Even with all that said, there is something else that makes this reel unique.

The Tatula follows the single-body design that is well sealed but in the Tatula MQ ONLY, Daiwa began to incorporate some of the features of their high-end Exist reel into the Tatula.

You won’t find that in the BG MQ, Saltist MQ, or Ballistic MQ.

Advanced Features & Updates

The Tatula MQ sits around the $200 price point from the 1000 size all the way to the 4000 sizes.

It is a singular one-piece body in the MQ design made using Zaion V material but does NOT include MagSeal Technology.

But this is the only Daiwa Series of reels that includes an AirDrive Design other than the Exist.

This is VERY new to the market as is the Exist (7 months on the current market at a retail price of $900).

There are specifically THREE features that Daiwa has chosen to trickle down to the Tatula MQ Series from the Exist.

AirDrive Design

The first is an AirDrive Bail which is simply a one-piece wire bail.

It is similar to the BG MQ with the only visible difference being the thickness of the bail is slightly thinner on the Tatula MQ.

Daiwa claims this design saves 30% of the weight compared to other wire bail designs.

Moreover, this is not to be confused with Daiwa’s AirBail Design.

The AirBail Design is actually a hollow bail designed to minimize weight and serve the same purpose as a one-piece wire bail would.

In terms of performance, I think they are both about the same.

I don’t see most anglers noticing a difference between the two bail designs.

I have always personally liked the feel and the sound of one-piece wire bails.

The AirBail Design, although lightweight, can sometimes snap shut on you if you are casting heavier jigs and lures.

AirDrive Rotor

The AirDrive Rotor is a bit thinner and slightly more compact than the rotor used in the past.

It is still made using Zaion V material to keep it lightweight while bringing the rotor a bit tighter to the spool.

This reduced the overall weight of the Tatula MQ by about 15%.

This may seem minor but it is a refinement aspect of this reel.

Streamlining a rotor serves two purposes.

The first is it helps makes sure there is no flex at the spool when under a heavy load.

The second is the reel will overall feel smoother and have a better feel when retrieving lures.

AirDrive Shaft Design

Lastly, the third feature included in the Tatula MQ from the Exist is Daiwa’s AirDrive Shaft.

This provides oscillation support around where the main shaft makes contact with the pinion gear and the main gear.

So Daiwa has added bearings and collars to enhance the smoothness and fluidity of the reel.

They refer to this as “frictionless contact”.

Final Thoughts

We’re definitely going to have to hit the water with this reel to discover more and learn more about how it performs out in the field.

But if this is any testament to the MQ Series (Ballistic, Saltist, BG), I know this reel will perform right up there with the rest.

I further wanted to discuss the Tatula MQ Spinning Reel to compare it to the BG MQ.

I picked up a couple of BG MQ reels two years ago and it has been one of the smoothest and most consistent reels I have ever purchased at that $200 price point.

While I do like aluminum-bodied reels, lightweight reels pack a punch for shallow inshore applications.

If you like the Fuego, Procyon MQ, and Ballistic MQ, then take a look at the Tatula MQ.

This reel will make its way into the lineup of spinning reels for inshore finesse fishermen in no time.

Have you had the chance to personally fish with the Daiwa Tatula MQ yet?

I would love to hear your feedback so please get the conversation started in the comments section below!!

Do you have any questions about other Daiwa Reels or other reels in our shop?

Go ahead and let me know!!

Get the Daiwa Tatula MQ Spinning Reel

If you are a Salt Strong Insider Member, if you buy any reel in our tackle shop, we’re going to give you FREE braided line AND we’ll spool it up for you on top of FREE SHIPPING!

All you have to do is pair it up with a fishing rod, tie on a leader, and hit the water!!

Finding The Fish Help

In order to help make sure that you are targeting the right areas based on the latest feeding trends and upcoming weather forecasts, make sure to use the following 3 resources because they will save you a ton of time.

1. Weekend Game Plans (updated weekly)

These regional game plans will show you exactly what types of spots to target in under 10 minutes… just click the video to start, and you’ll be informed on what to do on your next trip.

Weekend Game Plan Lessons

2. Smart Fishing Spots Platform (updated every 15 minutes)

This exclusive software literally shows you where the most fish are likely to be feeding based on exactly when you’ll be fishing. It factors in the tides, wind, and weather to help you quickly see which areas to target throughout the day.

Smart Fishing Spots App

3. Community Reports (live feed)

The Insider Community platform is what you can use to see what is biting near you, and you can get to know other members who fish in your area. Plus, you can use it to keep a log of your catches so you can use past trips to help predict future catches.

Community Platform 

The post Unboxing The BRAND NEW Daiwa Tatula MQ Spinning Reel appeared first on Salt Strong Fishing Club.

Welcome inside the Salt Strong Reel Room where we’re breaking down DX reels to learn more about the inner workings and other functions.

It is important to know what goes into each reel when deciding which one is right for you.

Take a look!

What’s Inside A Penn DX Reel? [VIDEO]

Featured Spinning Reels:

• Penn Battle III
• Penn Slammer IV
• Battle III DX Series
• Slammer IV DX Series

We have FOUR reels on the table for this video.

I’ve got the standard model Penn Battle III and Slammer IV and then there’s a DX Series Reel for each.

The differences between each series of reels are a bit more complex than just color.

To start, DX stands for Dealer Exclusive.

That means that not all retailers have access to the DX Model.

We’re fortunate enough to offer these reels and they are definitely a step up from the standard series.

Penn Battle III DX Series VS. Standard

Once I opened up each reel and took apart the pieces, they appear exactly the same.

They are both solid-metal body reels, with the same bail arrangement, both have HT-100 Drag Stacks along with a sealed ball bearing and a collar on the side plate.

Not only that, but they both include brass pinion gears.

Aside from a $10 difference at tackle shops, the ONLY visible difference between the inner workings of the two reels is the material used to create the main gear.

The Battle III has a coated aluminum main gear and the Battle III DX has a coated brass main gear.

Brass is a harder metal than aluminum.

Aluminum is slightly softer and that means the brass gear will wear better over time than the aluminum gear.

This makes a big difference for those anglers looking to target bull redfish in deepwater constantly winching down to reel in fish.

Brass will maintain its integrity better than aluminum in the long term.

Penn Slammer IV DX Series VS. Standard

Things are A LOT more complicated when it comes to the Slammer IV DX and the standard version.

The standard Slammer IV is an entirely different animal with IPX6 Seal and a brass main gear.

On the 2500 size only, Penn utilizes their HT-100 drag system.

But on the 3500 sizes and above, they make use of their DuraDrag system.

Penn makes use of a phenolic coating that bonds the carbon-fiber washer to the eared washer.

That helps improve the performance and longevity of the drag system.

These reels are roughly $30 apart on the price scale.

The standard Slammer IV includes protective rubber seals throughout the main gear and main shaft as well as the nuts and bolts within the reel.

So what sets this reel apart from its DX Series version?

The first change is Penn included an additional ball bearing within the reel.

Although it is not a huge difference maker, I think it is better to not need an extra ball bearing and have it rather than to need it and not have it.

When it comes down to it, the thing that sets these reels apart is the main gear.

The Slammer IV standard offers a brass main gear.

But the Slammer IV DX offers a stainless steel main gear on a stainless steel pinion gear.

Stainless steel is rock solid.

The machinery and process to create stainless steel main gears are intense.

It is a harder metal that takes longer to cut and will wear down the machines used to assemble the gears.

Penn uses their CNC Gear Technology (Computerized Numerical Control) to design the stainless steel main gear.

It is a precision aspect of coding their computers to cut all of their main gears to their specifications.

This is to ensure everything is cut perfectly and the exact same way each time.

As far as which reel you should lean toward, that remains to be seen because DX reels are fairly new to the market.

However, brass does offer slightly better corrosion resistance than stainless steel.

The benefit of stainless steel main gears is longevity.

Stainless steel is of the highest quality that you can put in an inshore spinning reel.

Get any of the Reels featured in this video

If you are a Salt Strong Insider Member, if you buy any reel in our tackle shop, we’re going to give you FREE braided line AND we’ll spool it up for you on top of FREE SHIPPING!

All you have to do is pair it up with a fishing rod, tie on a leader, and hit the water!!

If you have any further questions or comments about any of the standard models or DX Series reels from Penn, please let me know down below!!!

Do you have personal experience fishing with a DX Series reel?

Please share in the comments section!!

Finding The Fish Help

In order to help make sure that you are targeting the right areas based on the latest feeding trends and upcoming weather forecasts, make sure to use the following 3 resources because they will save you a ton of time.

1. Weekend Game Plans (updated weekly)

These regional game plans will show you exactly what types of spots to target in under 10 minutes… just click the video to start, and you’ll be informed on what to do on your next trip.

Weekend Game Plan Lessons

2. Smart Fishing Spots Platform (updated every 15 minutes)

This exclusive software literally shows you where the most fish are likely to be feeding based on exactly when you’ll be fishing. It factors in the tides, wind, and weather to help you quickly see which areas to target throughout the day.

Smart Fishing Spots App

3. Community Reports (live feed)

The Insider Community platform is what you can use to see what is biting near you, and you can get to know other members who fish in your area. Plus, you can use it to keep a log of your catches so you can use past trips to help predict future catches.

Community Platform 

The post What’s Inside A Penn DX Reel? (Battle III And Slammer IV Series) appeared first on Salt Strong Fishing Club.