ICAST produces a host of excellent reels, and this year is no exception. Both baitcasters and spinning reels were out in force, with models from legacy names and new players alike. We dug through the new offerings to give you the rundown on the latest new fishing reels for 2025.
LEW’S CUSTOM PRO BAITCAST REEL
The big news in Lew’s Custom Pro Baitcast Reel is the company’s new ParaMag ITB (Inertia Transfer Braking) system. Lew’s says the magnetic cast control seamlessly adjusts, providing just the right amount of force, virtually eliminating the need to thumb the spool. The sleek, one-piece aluminum frame houses a drilled 30mm spool supported by their bearing-supported P2 Super Pinion and spun by hard aluminum gears. An 11-bearing system with double shielded stainless steel ball bearings keeps things smooth, and a carbon fiber drag system with 20 pounds of stopping power puts the brakes on. The bowed 95mm carbon fiber handle with Lew’s Pro Power knobs provide increased leverage and comfort, along with a host of other features.
MSRP: unavailable at time of publication
LEW’S CUSTOM BAITCAST REEL
Lew’s also included magnetic technology in the new Custom Baitcast Reel. The new ParaMag RX braking system is designed to provide maximum control without sacrificing distance, letting anglers focus on catching instead of casting. An ergonomic one-piece aluminum frame recesses the brake dial for added comfort, and contains the 10 stainless steel, double shielded bearings, anodized CNC-cut aluminum alloy gears, and bearing-supported pinion shaft. The carbon fiber drag system is capable of 20 pounds of stopping force.
MSRP: unavailable at time of publication
LEW’S CUSTOM PRO SPINNING REEL
Lew’s new Custom Pro spinning reel promises smooth operation, with 11+1 premium stainless steel bearings, a machined aluminum gear drive, and a hybrid carbon drag system. An aluminum body and side plate along with a C60 Carbon skeletal rotor keep the gears protected and in perfect alignment while minimizing weight. The double anodized aluminum spool is built to handle any pound-test braid. Internal components are lubricated with Lew’s Speed Lube for hiccup-free operation. The reel also features a reversible aluminum handle with Pro Power Knob for a customized, comfortable experience.
MSRP: unavailable at time of publication
LEW’S SPEED SPIN CRX
Anglers looking for high-speed performance from a spinning reel should take a look at the new Speed Spin CRX from Lew’s. The 6.2:1 gear ratio (5.2:1 on 75 and 100 sizes) enables rapid retrieves that are remarkably smooth thanks to the 10 bearings system (9 in the 75-size). A graphite body with skeletal C40 carbon rotor provides lightweight strength. The one-piece bail with aluminum wire, a braid-ready double anodized aluminum spool, and a folding screw-in machined aluminum handle with EVA pro knob round out the list of features.
MSRP: unavailable at time of publication
LEW’S MACH 1 BAITCAST REEL
The MACH 1 baitcast reel is built with 7+1 double-shielded stainless steel ball bearings for smooth operation and long life. A one-piece graphite frame and sideplates keeps weight down, but keeps the reel strong enough to cope with the 15-pounds of max drag the Rulon system is capable of putting out. Cast control is accomplished via an externally-adjustable Multi-Setting Brake (MSB). The 95mm bowed, anodized aluminum handle is equipped for comfort with Lew’s combat paddle grips.
MSRP: unavailable at time of publication
DAIWA TATULA SV100
Daiwa has updated the fan-favorite Tatula SV100 with a host of features, adding to the reel’s versatility. Key improvements include the SV BOOST System, which employs a proprietary spool paired with backlash-eliminating technology that controls the rotations throughout the cast. The HYPERDRIVE System also trickled down from other reels, for smoother operation and more power. Daiwa says the new Tatula SV100 is ideal for operating in less than ideal conditions, making it well-suited for bank and kayak anglers.
MSRP: $219.99
SHIMANO SLX XT A LOW-PROFILE BAITCASTER
Shimano expands the renowned SLX series with the revamped SLX XT A low-profile reel. The lightweight, rigid-metal aluminum HAGANE Body of the SLX XT A offers an ultra-rigid platform houses Shimano’s innovative SilentTune technology to offer an incredibly smooth reeling experience that is near-noiseless. Shimano’s SVS Infinity Braking System provides an easy-to-access external dial for quick on-water adjustments, ensuring optimal performance whether casting heavy or light lures. This one should be great for targeting trophy fish with a variety of techniques.
MSRP: unavailable at time of publication
SHIMANO VANFORD A SPINNING REEL
The Vanford A is another one of Shimano’s new releases, expanding the MagnumLite lineup and promising light weight, low start-up inertia, and quick hook sets. Designed for finesse anglers, the Vanford A cuts weight using a CI4+ carbon-infused body while offering excellent performance for start-and-stop techniques thanks to the MGL rotor that contributes to the instant anti-reverse properties. Shimano’s InfinityXross technology significantly improves winding efficiency, making it ideal for delicate presentations by improving line lay.
MSRP: unavailable at time of publication
SEVIIN GS SERIES CASTING
An expansion of the SEVIIN GS Series for 2025, GS casting reels are designed, built, and relentlessly tested for flawless operation, uncompromising reliability, and maximum performance with heavy braided lines. Standout features include a one-piece aluminum frame, Japanese stainless-steel spool bearings, 95-mm carbon fiber handle, and an easy-to-use dual magnetic + centrifugal braking system. Six highly-tunable 150-size models are available in three gear ratios in right or left-hand retrieve. Available September 1, 2024, with a one-year warranty.
MSRP: $180
SEVIIN GF SERIES SPINNING
SEVIIN expands its GF Series with five all-new GF spinning reel models for 2025; each engineered for smooth and satisfying operation, uncompromising performance, reliability, and value. GF Spinning reels feature lightweight carbon fiber polymer bodies and rotors, anodized aluminum braid-ready spools, multi-stack carbon fiber drag systems, and 5+1 stainless-steel bearings. Available September 1, 2024, with a one-year warranty.
MSRP: $110
SPRO JC ELITE CASTING REELS
SPRO introduced Jason Christie’s new line of JC Elite baitcasting reels. The JC Elite reels will be available in four gear ratios (5.6:1, 6.6:1, 7.3:1, 8.1:1) all built on the same durable, lightweight GV-5H resin frame. This unique design gives anglers the freedom to change gear-ratios according to the bait and presentation, while maintaining a consistent feel. Having his reel always feel the same in his hand is very important to Jason Christie. Though the reels in this family are made with the same size frame, each ratio can be identified by a specific color-coded knob, which helps promote efficiency on the water and improves reel management. Each reel weighs only 7.9 ounces, a max drag setting of 20l pounds, is equipped with nine ball bearings, and has a line capacity of 120 yards of 12 pound test line.
MSRP: $125.99
ABU GARCIA MAX ELITE SPINNING REEL
The Abu Garcia Max spinning family takes inspiration from both the Abu Garcia Revo and Zenon series of spinning reels. The Max Elite leverages the asymmetric design, V-rotor and V-spool to give anglers a very compact, lightweight spinning reel that offers unparalleled performance. With the introduction of the new Abu Garcia MAX Elite, anglers can now receive Revo-like performance at an unmatched price point.
MSRP: $99.99
SVIVLO DRAKEN ONE
Svivlo’s Draken ONE utilizes that company’s patented technology that eliminates backlashes without using thumb pressure—just cast and let the reel do the work. The secret is in the “Transversor” technology, which detects minor changes in spool rotation speed and engages the brake arm, without magnets or electronics. The Draken ONE is a 100-size reel that is capable of casting lures from 0.18 to 3.5 ounces with ease, making it for bass. Availability scheduled for summer 2024.
Price: unavailable at time of publication
