2017 baitcasting reel SHIMANO GRAPPLER 301HG Conventional Japan Model Despite its brute strength FISHDROPS Baitcasting Reels, 17+1BB Magnetic/Centrifugal

It was rated medium heavy (MH), but it felt a bit on the heavier side than on the MH side

I reached up with my left hand and made a quick turn of the knob as the fish made powerful runs toward nearby structure

I definitely planned on using the new rod and reel with that Salty B-Bug rigged up, before dark and after dark

Kilkenny Cats or Dreams So Real next

Continuing the Ambassador tradition of high-performance reels geared for big game fishing, the Abu Garcia Ambassador LTD PR Casting Reels boast modern upgrades and the premium made-in-Sweden craftsmanship that makes them the best round reels of 2026

I fished with artificial lures (objects designed to look like fish or other prey with a hook attached) in rivers for trout and salmon, and I set 1- to 1.5-pound live baits from my skiffs, catching ocean fish up to 30 pounds with each rod and reel