Bates Hundo, The Real Solid Deal

[ghost]

I had the Hundo for a couple months now and used it a few times. This reel is 5oz and even though it's new to the baitcast game, it's a solid performer. It's smooth like butta and has all the bells and whistles like 1 piece bar stock aluminum frame, magnetic and inner braking, also a drag clicker.

 

Casted around with a Spro Baby Fat John 50 shallow crankbait.

Did a cast and felt a THUMP! First I thought I snagged the bottom, but then I felt head shaking and realized it's a bass. I have to say, that bass hit the crankbait like a freight train! Set the hook and bass took off for deeper water, the Hundo's drag clicker was a screamin'!

 

Fought the bass and it kept pulling line, finally got it close to shore and saw it was a big bass.

 

Horsed her in and my heart was a thumpin'! She a big-un and beautiful!

 

Been using the Hundo for a few times, got the feel for the reel and it kicks butt fighting that bass. That is one solid baistcaster! That bass is the first bass caught on the Hundo, what a great way to break in that reel!

 

Took my pics, weighed her and she tipped at 6 1/2lbs. Biggest bass caught so far this year.

 

I released her and she swam off, a bit tired though. I realized she's a prego female and I have to tell you, she wore me out. Oh, that sounded nasty 😯😳🤭🤭🤭

[JN94]

Been super curious about this reel. There's really not a ton of long term reviews or anything on it. Glad to hear it's been good for you. I don't like the look of the knobs on the handle - any idea if it could be easily swapped with an aftermarket one? Also have you thrown any light stuff with it? I know it has a pretty lightweight spool. How's casting distance compared to a Shimano/Daiwa in a similar price point?

[bulldog1935]

The owner of Bates @TXBass made an appearance on this forum, discussing his reels and answering questions.  

Maybe he'll return and answer the handle knob-swap question for @JN94

 

 

[ghost]

JN94, ya I'm not a fan of the grip handles myself. I'm hoping Bates comes out with other handle and grip options. 

 

Lightest I've casted with the Bates is 3/8oz lures. I have 30lb Power Pro Super8Slick braid spooled. I also own the Loongze Airlite BFS B101 round reel. The spools on both reels are interchangeable, so can I am going to try to use the Hundo for BFS fishing soon.

[NorthernBasser]

Beautiful fish!

[ghost]

7 hours ago, NorthernBasser said:

Beautiful fish!

Thank you!