2019 Shimano Antares 70 Reel Review

The New Antares 70 is Shimano's latest flagship reel. We took it out on Clearlake and put it to the test against some BIG bass! How did it do? Is it worth the money? Let's find out!

The key features of the reel are a smaller, streamlined, Magnesium Hagane body. MGL Spool III for reduced inertia and amazing performance, even with light baits. X-Ship and Micro Module Gearing give the reel that buttery smooth feel and SVS Infinity Braking makes quick adjustments a breeze.

What does all of this mean to you? It means that you're about to pick up the smoothest casting reel you've ever experienced. It will cast light baits with ease but turn around and throw heavy baits a country mile. If you're looking for a top of the line reel that will make fishing even more FUN this is as far as you'll ever need to look!

We have been blessed to purchase a variety of nice equipment over the years and no other reel has had the smoothness and feel of this Antares. In the video we said pre-ordering was available (and it is) but as of this writing there are actually a handful in stock at the link below!

Shimano Antares 70: http://bit.ly/2Vz0TRx

We recognize that a reel of this caliber isn't for every angler. There are anglers with all kinds of needs and budgets. With that in mind here are a handful of our best "bang for the buck" casting reels at a variety of price points.

Chronarch MGL: http://bit.ly/2n8DghB

Curado 150 DC: http://bit.ly/2yHtsp4

Curado 200 K: http://bit.ly/2tHewEh

SLX: http://bit.ly/2NfdOnk

The Bait you saw catching all the fish in this video is an LV-500 in "Ghost Minnow" color with upgraded hardware.

Lucky Craft LV-500: http://bit.ly/2aAUUbd

Gamakatsu EWG Size 4 Treble: http://bit.ly/2cZrsbY

Owner Size 3 Hyperwire Split Rings: http://bit.ly/2v8ArBX

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Need Apparel? Tacticalbassin Gear is in stock! Get your hats, hoodies, and sunshirts by emailing Tacticalbassinapparel@gmail.com

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Shimano Curado 150 DC : An In-Depth Look

Shimano's new Digitally Controlled reel is a hit! The Shimano Curado DC will be on the market soon and you need to check it out. Come along as Tim tests the casting distance with both braid and fluorocarbon and puts it through the real world tests as he fishes with the reel on Clearlake. 

The Curado DC Is available for Pre-Order NOW at Tackle Warehouse. 

Curado 150 DC: http://bit.ly/2yHtsp4

Whether you enjoy finesse fishing or serious power fishing, this reel has a place in your arsenal. We're very excited to see the DC reels return to the US market!

Tim paired the reel with two different rods...

Frog Rod- Expride 7'3" XH: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL
Jig Rod- Expride 6' 10" M: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL

The baits...

Frog- River2Sea Bully Wa 2: http://bit.ly/2axyR2a
Jig- Dirty Jigs 3/8 oz Football Jig: http://bit.ly/2d0iJbd
Trailer- Reaction Innovations Sweet Beaver: http://bit.ly/29W3RZW
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Need Apparel? Tacticalbassin Gear is in stock! Get your hats, Hoodies,  and sunshirts by emailing Tacticalbassinapparel@gmail.com

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Shimano Bantam MGL Casting Reel Review

Is It Worth The Money? What sets this reel apart from the rest? Tim explores the technology in the all-new Shimano Bantam MGL and puts it to the test. 


This reel lands between the Metanium MGL and Chronarch MGL on price with a retail price of $349.99 At that price there better be some serious technology to back it up. Shimano did not disappoint! This is the first low-profile bait caster to incorporate a solid frame construction. Why should that matter to you? The sensitivity is absolutely unmatched. You literally feel more bites through the reel than you will with a traditional reel. It also has micro module gearing, infinite braking, X-Ship, Hagane, and a variety of other proprietary technologies. 


When will it be available? Some gear ratios are available now, the rest are available for pre-order and will be shipping in a few weeks. 

Bantam MGL Reel: http://bit.ly/2H44yjG

Tim paired it with... 
Expride 6'10" Medium: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL
Sunline Sniper 12 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju
Flash Pointer 115 Jerkbait: http://bit.ly/2aHz588

Is $349 out of your budget? No worries! Here are some of our other favorite reels at different price points from lowest to highest...

$89- Caenan 150 A: http://bit.ly/2geIvbD
$99- Casitas 150: http://bit.ly/2geKxsp
$179- Curado 200K: http://bit.ly/2tHewEh
$279- Chronarch MGL: http://bit.ly/2n8DghB
$419- Metanium MGL: http://bit.ly/2ezIBfB

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Need Apparel? Tacticalbassin gear is here! Get your hats, Hoodies, and sunshirts by emailing Tacticalbassinapparel@gmail.com

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Shimano Tranx 300 Reel Review

Shimano just released the Tranx 300 and 400 as new additions to their casting reel line up for fresh and saltwater applications. If you've been looking for a super strong reel to throw swimbaits, big baits, A-rigs, Crankbaits, or cross over into inshore fishing, this might just be the reel for you!

The Tranx 300 fits the big bait niche perfectly for us. We found that it paired very well with our swimbait rods and worked equally well with big softbaits and hardbaits alike.

The addition of a high speed version (7.6:1 Gear Ratio) is another awesome upgrade from previous offerings into this category. With a high speed option the effectiveness of reactive fishing with glidebaits, wakebaits, and other fast moving baits is very high. If you're in the market for a big bait, high power, or offshore reel be sure and check out the new Tranx casting reel by Shimano. 

See the gear here...

Tranx Reel : http://bit.ly/2kYsvRw
Matching Rods: http://bit.ly/2emaKYZ

Baits We've successfully used with this reel...

Huddleston Swimbait: http://bit.ly/2azFTon
Osprey Swimbait: http://bit.ly/2bqsLS0
10XD Crankbait: http://bit.ly/2gHT4F0
Lucky Craft Magnum Crankbait: http://bit.ly/2l1RDDR
River2Sea S-Waver: http://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh
Gan Craft Magnum Glidebait: http://bit.ly/2l3bxgM