When I first started fishing in the 1980s, baitcasting reels were mysterious and a little bit daunting. The old-timers told us tales of monstrous “bird’s nests” and “backlashes,” which they euphemized ...

This reel looks good—matte black finish, clean, minimal graphics, with slightly aggressive lines and shapes. It feels good—ergonomic, low-profile form, large handles, not exceptionally light, but ...