Piscifun has now released an updated model of this bag. The numerous loops and side compartments in the sling bag make it easy to keep essentials like pliers and multi-tools within reach it also has a convenient water-bottle holder. His tackle splits its time between a classic (and unfortunately discontinued) L.L.Bean tackle bag (which straps easily to the front of his kayak) and a similarly vintage side-sling number from Piscifun. And though he agreed that there is likely no single bag that will suit anything from fly-fishing to deep-water trowling, he had a few suggestions for what to look for. We spoke with senior editor and lifetime angler Grant Clauser about his preferences for tackle storage. This makes it comparable in durability to reels that cost twice as much. The drag mechanism is the same one found in higher-end $200-plus reels, but unique in the $100–$150 range. The BG's design allows trapped water (a common issue with braided line especially) to drain through the reel. If you’re fishing from shore in thick brush or in a narrow stream, consider a shorter rod, down to 5 feet or even 4 feet 6 inches, for tiny creeks and brooks.Ĭompared with our previous pick, the Penn Battle II-not to mention many higher-end Penn and Shimano reels-the BG is equipped with a more durable rotor, as well as stronger, individual springs for the anti-reverse clutch (which keeps the reel from spinning backward), and most notably, the very same ball bearings included in Daiwa’s and Shimano’s most expensive models.

However, if you never plan on targeting anything larger than trout and small freshwater bass or small inshore saltwater species (about 1 to 4 pounds), you can get away with the ultra-light version of the Ugly Stik GX2 and a smaller BG reel (size 2500 or less) and save a few bucks.

(Daiwa’s 1500–2500 models are ideal for small trout streams but can also handle light inshore fishing for spotted seatrout and flounder, while the larger 50 models will handle larger inshore species and perhaps even small tuna and dolphinfish.)

Spending less means losing out on long-term durability spending more means you’re paying for features designed for specific kinds of fishing, or lighter-weight materials that are nice to have but unnecessary for a general-purpose fishing setup. The Daiwa BG and medium or medium-heavy Ugly Stik GX2 combination is more versatile and durable than anything else in the same price range.

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