Lower Profile Reels

[Firstoutfisher]

I’m looking for a lower profile reel. I have very small hands and palming any of my existing reels can start to be uncomfortable and fatiguing after long too water sessions. Unfortunately I have no local stores where I can go to compare sizes in person. I’m currently using a ‘17 tatula sv tw so I know it needs to be smaller than that. 
 

My problem is, most of the reels that are marketed as being smaller are designed for throwing finesse baits. So essentially I need something that is capable with 3/8-3/4oz baits but small. Any suggestions?

[Eric 26]

Check out the Shimano lineup. Although I only use a SLX it’s a very comfortable/compact frame with good line capacity. My Tatula 100 is also compact compared to my Tatula CT. And I own a Abu Garcia Revo X that is also compact as is the whole Revo lineup. Good luck in your search.

[jimmyjoe]

19 minutes ago, Firstoutfisher said:

most of the reels that are marketed as being smaller are designed for throwing finesse baits. So essentially I need something that is capable with 3/8-3/4oz baits but small.

 

   This is a question to put to the factory people. Some "finesse" reels are not as robust as regular-size reels, while others are smaller form-factor but still quite strong. I've talked with Shimano about this in the past, and I've gotten helpful answers.

   That being said, you have to work up the line a little bit, and not believe the first person who answers the phone or e-mail. I found that to be especially true with Daiwa.

   When you correspond with a  company, always have a clear list of the reels from them that are NOT comfortable for you. That gives them a clearer reference.                   jj

[DINK WHISPERER]

The SLX XT is pretty tiny and it's still a 150 capacity spool. Also, the Curado 70 MGL is another great choice. 

[cadman]

I have smaller hands as well, and I use Revo MGX and Revo MGXtreme. Very small profile with full spools. I spool half with backing and the other half with mono or Yo-Zuri Hybrid. I  use these exclusively as they feel really good in my hands.

[FishTank]

The Shimano Bantam comes to mind.  It has a smaller profile, smooth and is built like a tank.  I would say it's close to a 70 size in Shimano's line up. 

[Dwight Hottle]

16 minutes ago, FishTank said:

The Shimano Bantam comes to mind.  It has a smaller profile, smooth and is built like a tank.  I would say it's close to a 70 size in Shimano's line up. 

X2

[bulldog1935]

Since no one else has mentioned them, the Lew's SLP-frame reels are small, as are the Daiwa CT reels.    

 

[SproDD79]

11 hours ago, DINK WHISPERER said:

The SLX XT is pretty tiny and it's still a 150 capacity spool. Also, the Curado 70 MGL is another great choice. 

The Curado 70 K MGL is capable of doing almost everything, throwing really light stuff may be its only weakness, it is very comfortable in regards to hand/palm positioning for all day fishing.  Take a look at the JDM Shimano Scorpion 70 as well , that's another reel that can do almost everything and also very comfortable to palm all day. If your willing to pay a premium , I think the 20 Metanium is super comfortable to palm as well. 

[NorthernBasser]

Already mentioned, but the Curado 70 MGL is quite small and very palmable. It's also quite light (6.9 oz). Great reel. 

[Phil77]

Lews custom lite. Pricey but tiny and comfortable 90 yard 12lb capacity. I've not thrown anything over 1/2 oz but it does an excellent job and is super ergonomic.

The slx mgl would also be worth a look. I fish from a boat or a yak so line capacity isn't a real concern for me. I've found 90 to 100 yard capacity works for my style of fishing. Dont get me wrong, I still have a few high capacity reels for things like glide baits and big swimbaits but most of the time I'm using a reel with 90-100.

[new2BC4bass]

Unfortunately I can't be of much help with new reels.  Although far from being the largest my hands are also far from being small.  I have no problem with any reel I've purchased.  Plus I don't seem to notice the little details like some.  I feel my Pixy, Curado 51E and Alphas are small reels.

 

Although I don't normally notice such things, I was amazed the first time I mounted an original Concept A on a rod.  Seemed to disappear in my hand.  But I do wear a size Large glove so that's not going to be much help to you.

 

As bulldog1935 said, the Lew's SLP reels are supposed to be small.

[mrpao]

There has been many great reels mentioned here. I think manufacturers are making smaller and lighter reels these days. The best thing to do is go to a store a try the different reels to see which you like. Take your rod if the store allows it, so you can see how they actually fit together. Rods and reels are a very personal thing. Everyone like something different.

[Firstoutfisher]

2 minutes ago, mrpao said:

There has been many great reels mentioned here. I think manufacturers are making smaller and lighter reels these days. The best thing to do is go to a store a try the different reels to see which you like. Take your rod if the store allows it, so you can see how they actually fit together. Rods and reels are a very personal thing. Everyone like something different.

I may make a trip down to BPS next weekend and feel some up.

[PhishLI]

I just got to spend some time fishing my buddy's new Custom Pro SLP Gen 2/IMX Pro 843C MBR/12 lb Tatsu combo. The reel is tiny and light. Specs say it holds 110yds of 12 lb test. Like most reels that's probably an inflated number, but nobody's casting a bass bait anywhere near 300' anyway. Just like the Tournament Pro LFS, the Custom Pro is capable with a wide range of baits due to it's super light spool. No problems tossing true 1/4 oz baits for really good distance, and as good or better than MGL reels. It's not Met B smooth on the retrieve, but it's smooth. My TP LFS has remained smooth after lots of use in heavily choke waters and some quality 5lb+ fish.

 

The real upside is there're no brake block adjustments required when switching lures. Just like your Daiwa, adjustments are via an external dial only. Personally, I find it ponderous having to stop to pop sideplates off in order to change brake blocks, then the fine tuning required after living with better Daiwa, Lew's, etc where the changes are made quickly. If you're running and gunning with one rod that matters, IMO. If you're on a boat with multiple dedicated setups then it doesn't.

 

Like Shimano MGL models, the better Lew's reels with ACB braking and very light spools are a different experience than you're used to with your Tat SV. Whether you choose one or the other your thumb will be tested. There will be a learning curve and you'll need to stay sharp. That's just how it is, but it's worth it. Start off with a stiffer mono instead of fluoro until you figure things out.

 

 

[zpelletier]

Another factor worth considering is that the shape of the reel factors into how it palms. I don’t personally have a ton of experience with different reels, but I know that if the shape of the reel tapers more towards the front then if will feel smaller. 
 

“The Reel Test” on YouTube has some great videos with good comparisons of different reels. 

Also, as it has been stated, nothing beats going to a store to hold it. All my local stores have a very limited selection so I have to rely on the internet a lot more than I would prefer. 

[dodgeguy]

Lews custom lite slp at 4.9 oz. Throws finesse and heavier lures no problem. Very hard to backlash with great casting distance.

[Born 2 fish]

I like my Lews tournament pro lfs.

[mrpao]

Even though the Lews Custom lite SLP is a small reel, i dont think it palms as comfortably as some other reels. The palm side plate sticks out a little bit further and i notice it digging into my palm more. Other reels like the Hypermag and Pro Ti feel better in my hands. And i dont have large hands either.

There are lots of nice small reels out there. I haven't tried the 13 fishing reels, but their reels look tiny in the store.

[Phil77]

2 hours ago, mrpao said:

Even though the Lews Custom lite SLP is a small reel, i dont think it palms as comfortably as some other reels. The palm side plate sticks out a little bit further and i notice it digging into my palm more. Other reels like the Hypermag and Pro Ti feel better in my hands. And i dont have large hands either.

There are lots of nice small reels out there. I haven't tried the 13 fishing reels, but their reels look tiny in the store.

I have all three and if I had to choose one it would be the hyper mag. That being said I love the feel of the lite best, I have large hands but it palms very well for t rigs and jigs for me. I have used the first gen aluminum frame concept A's and C's and they are compact but require opening the side plate to adjust brakes. Not a deal breaker but I really like the ACB system.

[Lmsmbassaddict]

Lew's SLP frames if you like Lew's. Personally I would pick the curado 70 mgl or tatula 100. If those are too much to handle maybe work on your technique to solve the issue.

 

[TBAG]

SLX

SLX XT

70 MGL