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Last Updated on December 12, 2023 by Paul Clayton
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Gear Up: An Angler Review – KastKing
Just got back from a fishing trip in southwest Florida where we did some offshore fishing in the Gulf of Mexico, bass fishing in Lake Okeechobee, and a day in the bay of Port Charlotte. Mainly fishing for Tuna in the Gulf, Bass in the Lake, and Redfish, Snooks, or whatever may bite in the bay. Let me tell you about these reels that are making waves in the fishing world!
The fishing gear we used for our 3-day trip
The Kapstan Elite is not just your average “saltwater” reel – oh no, it’s a whole new level of awesome.
Why? It’s got corrosion-resistant parts, and waterproof seals to keep that salty stuff out, and it even boasts an IPX6 rating. That’s like the superhero of reels, ready to take on any underwater adventure!
Now, let’s talk drag – and not just any drag, but a multi-disk carbon drag system that’s either on par or even better than those fancy aftermarket upgrades I’ve shelled out extra bucks for in the past. Seriously, this thing is smoother than butter but can crank up some serious pressure – we’re talking 30 lbs. in my 4000 size. That’s double the power of my trusty old Penn Battle, folks!
And those ball bearings, they’re like the bodyguards of the reel, strategically placed for strength and smoothness. Stainless steel and shielded, they’re rocking it on both sides of the crank and at the top and bottom of the spool. The gears? Premium manganese-brass alloys. The reel body? Solid aluminum. This thing is a beast!
Sure, it might be a tad bigger and heavier than some of its counterparts, but guess what? Just two extra ounces compared to my old favorite Penn Battle, and what do you get? More bearings, an IPX6 waterproof rating, top-notch gears, and double the drag power. Plus, it looks downright sleek – a real beauty in the fishing world.
More about the Reel and its Features
One of its standout features is its waterproof rating of IPX6, which ensures that it can operate efficiently even when subjected to substantial exposure to water. This is achieved through the inclusion of 15 EverSeal rubber rings that keep water from infiltrating the main gear. An important feature to consider when selecting a spinning reel is the bailing size, and the Kapstan Elite Saltwater Spinning Reel provides a range of options to suit various fishing needs.
The smaller 3000 and 4000 sizes come with an automatic bail, while the larger 5000, 6000, and 8000 sizes feature a manual bail. These options give users the flexibility to choose a reel that matches their specific requirements and preferences. Gear ratios are another critical factor in reel performance.
The Kapstan Elite Saltwater Spinning Reel offers two gear ratios: 5.7:1 and 4.9:1. These ratios provide a balance between speed and torque, allowing for effective retrieval and handling of different types of fish. One of the unique features of this reel is the KastKing Intrusion Shield System.
Model | Size | Gear Ratio | BB | Max Drag (LBS) |
---|---|---|---|---|
30GM | 3000 | 5.7:1 | 6+1+1 | 30 |
40GM | 4000 | 5.7:1 | 6+1+1 | 30 |
50GM | 6000 | 5.7:1 | 6+1+1 | 40 |
60GM | 6000 | 5.7:1 | 6+1+1 | 40 |
80GM | 8000 | 4.9:1 | 6+1+1 | 55 |
This system features grease-sealed labyrinth grooves designed to minimize rotational friction, thus ensuring smoother operation and prolonging the reel’s lifespan. It also helps to prevent any external elements such as sand or salt from damaging the internals of the reel.
I’m calling it now, folks – this reel is unbeatable in its price range. Less than 150 bucks it lives up to the hype, we’ve got ourselves a winner! Time will spill the beans, and you bet I’ll be updating this review with all the juicy details.
Now let us talk Rods and the Rod I paired the Kapstan to
The 7’6″ Estuary Inshore with fast action, medium power, and a 10-20 pound line weight. What a combination! Definitely my go-to rod and reel now when fishing in saltwater.
Get ready to be blown away by the latest and greatest from KastKing – the Estuary Inshore Saltwater fishing rods! Specifically designed for inshore saltwater action, these bad boys are a game-changer.
Whether you’re a spinning enthusiast or a casting pro, KastKing has you covered. These rods are engineered to take on the toughest saltwater species, from Striped Bass to Fluke, Tarpon, Snook, Red Fish, Cobia, Speckled Trout – you name it!
Let’s talk tech – KastFlex technology blanks, juiced up with Nano Resin magic, giving you a whopping 22% increase in strength while shedding some weight. It’s like upgrading your fishing gear to superhero status! And how do they do it? With high modulus, Toray carbon fiber graphite brings unmatched strength and sensitivity to the party.
But wait, there’s more! Say goodbye to corrosion blues with the Saltwater corrosion-resistant American Tackle Microwave Air MW20 spinning rod guides on the spinning models and the MW12 double-footed casting rod guides on the bait casters. These guides aren’t just guides – they’re your ticket to improved line control, casting distance, and spot-on accuracy. And guess what? Double-coated guide wraps for that extra layer of protection.
Now, let’s talk handles – full-length 3A cork handles that not only scream beauty but deliver top-notch performance. And to top it off, high-density EVA end caps keep them protected in the heat of the action. Spinning rods rock the American Tackle G2 Apex fishing reel seats while casting models flaunt the AT G2 Edge reel seats – the perfect match for your favorite KastKing saltwater fishing reel.
In a nutshell, these Estuary InShore rods are the real deal – beauty, brains, and brawn. If you’re serious about inshore saltwater fishing, you just found your new secret weapon. Get ready to reel in the big ones in style!
Our day on Lake Okeechobee Florida
Guess what, folks? KastKing, sent us a brand spanking new bait caster, the Magnesium MG12 Elite! Time to put this bad boy to the test, and where else but Lake Okeechobee home of the big bass!
Yep, it’s all about KastKing and you’ll see why when you start using one (two three four). The MG12 is my reel of choice for Bass fishing now!
Why’s it called the Magnesium mg12 Elite, you may be asking? The frame is made of magnesium alloy, making it insanely lightweight.
This reel, the Magnesium mg12 Elite, is blowing my mind. Smooth casting, smooth retrieve, and did I mention it’s as light as a feather? That’s my sweet spot! Plus, the drag is on point, and you can cast lures down to an eighth of an ounce – talk about finesse!
Alright, the weather that day wasn’t the best. Florida fishing isn’t always sunshine and rainbows, but that’s the thrill of it. Next, we headed over to the Lillies during a light rain, the bass haven. It was time to see if we could pull out some big ones and really put this reel to the test!
All and All it was a great day, caught 6 fish with this new MG12 reel. The biggest fish was approximately 8 pounds. The MG12 handled everything we threw at it and more.
More about the reel
We’ve got the ultimate reel for tournament fishing that’s about to revolutionize your game! Introducing the MG12 bait caster – a technological marvel meticulously crafted with a feather-light magnesium-alloy frame, tipping the scales at an astonishingly low 4.8 ounces. Yeah, you heard it right – lightweight domination!
But that’s not all, folks! This bad boy comes with a deep spool design that holds more line than any other reel in its class. Say goodbye to those mid-fight line shortages – we’ve got you covered!
Now, let’s talk game-changing tech. The Mg12 Elite fishing reels boast a mind-blowing “Auto-adjustment Magnetic Braking System” (AMB) that’s patented and revolutionary. Backlashes? Forget about ’em! This system automatically fine-tunes the brakes based on your spool speed, giving you the green light to cast to infinity and beyond without a second thought. With the Mg12 Elite bait caster, you’re about to out-cast, out-perform, and outshine the competition!
Did someone say super-smooth retrieve? Oh, yeah! We’ve packed in 11+1 double-shielded stainless steel ball bearings, ensuring your retrieve is as smooth as butter. No more clunky cranks – just pure, unadulterated smoothness!
Now, let’s talk versatility. A 7.5:1 gear ratio designed for warp-speed retrieves – perfect for topwater, jerk baits, jigs, and every technique that demands lightning-fast action. Need solid hooksets on those long casts? The high gear ratio has your back, reducing those heartbreaking missed bites.
And here’s the real kicker – strength without the weight! The compact Palm Perfect design and that magnesium frame team up to keep the total reel weight at a jaw-dropping 4.8 oz. It’s practically weightless, but don’t be fooled – this reel packs a punch. The main gear and shaft are forged from hard-anodized aluminum, linked to a 100% brass pinion gear. Oh, and let’s not forget that carbon 90mm solid carbon fiber handle and side plates – keeping it light, keeping it strong.
Anglers meet your new secret weapon. The Mg12 Elite is not just a reel; it’s a game-changer. Get ready to cast, retrieve, and conquer like never before!
Frame | Magnesium alloy |
---|---|
Gear Ratio | 7.5:1 |
Max Drag (LB) | 15.4 |
Brake System | Auto-adjustment Magnetic (AMB) Braking System |
Reel Weight (OZ) | 4.8 |
Main Gear | Aluminum 7075 |
IPT (inch per turn) | 26 |
Ball Bearings | 11+1 |
And the Rod we Paired MG12 Elite to
Get ready to meet the absolute rockstars of bass fishing rods – introducing King’s sensational flagship series, the Assegai Technique Bass Fishing Rods! And guess what? KastKing has a whopping 15 different rods, each designed for specific techniques, and the names are downright awesome!
“Getting Jiggy” – perfect for that jig and worm action. Then there’s the “Ribbit,” the ultimate frogging rod, decked out with components that’ll blow your mind. The im9-blank is an absolute beast with a strength weight of 40 mil. But here’s the kicker – Nano resins are injected into that bad boy, making it a powerhouse that’s not only super strong but also crazy light, and thin. Talk about the best of both worlds!
If you’re on the hunt for a rod that’s tailor-made for bass fishing, Pike, Muskie, or any fish for that matter, the Assegai series has your back. They’ve got a technique and a rod for every fishing situation, and my heart is set on this heavy, fast-action 7.5 “Flipping Out” Rod – the ultimate power player! And KastKing didn’t stop there – KastKing uses Fuji components taking these rods to the next level.
Fujike guides, Alkonite rings, and a Fuji reel seat – it’s a trifecta of fishing excellence!
Now, let’s dive into the price range. These Assegai rods range from $139.99 to $169.99, and trust me, they’re worth every penny. This heavy-duty, fast-action 7.5 “Flipping Out” Rod came in at $169.99.
These rods aren’t just tools; they’re your ticket to bass fishing greatness. Get ready to level up your game with the Assegai Technique Bass Fishing Rods – because when your gear is this good, the fish don’t stand a chance!
Wrapping Up
After three days of hard fishing in southern Florida with bad and good weather, what do I think of KastKing fishing equipment?
The KastKing Kapstan Elite Saltwater Spinning Reel, equipped with a 7’6″ Estuary Inshore fast action rod, is a highly durable, advanced fishing tool ideal for those who take saltwater fishing seriously. The reel is designed to handle heavy loads with ease and precision, while the rod offers exceptional sensitivity and power for inshore fishing. I love this rig after using it for 10 hours on the Gulf.
Meanwhile, the Magnesium MG12 Elite Casting Reel forms an integral part of KastKing fishing gear. It is praised for its lightweight yet sturdy construction made possible by a unique magnesium frame and side plates. Its high-speed gear ratio and smooth drag system ensure effortless casting performance and superior line control.
Lastly, the Assegai Technique Bass Fishing Rod is a top-notch addition to the KastKing arsenal. This rod has been meticulously crafted to provide the best in terms of functionality and comfort. Its high-modulus carbon fiber blank not only ensures optimal strength but also maintains a lightweight feel for easy handling. The rod is versatile and offers a range of techniques for bass fishing.
The KastKing Kapstan Elite Saltwater Spinning Reel paired up with the 7’6″ Estuary Inshore fast action rod is my go-to saltwater choice. The reel is smooth as butter and the rod can handle tons of braided line with great action.
The Magnesium MG12 Elite Casting Reel and Assegai Technique Bass Fishing Rod collectively offer a comprehensive solution for any angler’s needs. These components of KastKing fishing gear are designed with the latest technology to guarantee performance, durability, and comfort for both seasoned and novice anglers alike.
So, what’s the verdict on this fishing reel? Both setups by KastKing are an absolute game-changer! Five out of five stars, no doubt. Both are Smooth, lightweight, and total fish-catching beasts. Check it out, folks, you won’t be disappointed.
Tight lines!
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