Daiwa BG Spinning Reel

I have a couple of Penn Squall conventional reels and I wanted to add a spinner to round out my surf rods...Since I haven't yet finished building the spinning rod to match with this reel, I can only give my review on the reel without having taken it to the water...My first impression was what a beast of a reel; and this is just the 5000 model...It's probably more than I need, but I think it's better to go a little bigger, just in case you get Godzilla on your hook instead of a perch...The reel looks beautiful and feels solid and smooth...I think this is absolutely the best bang for the buck for a surf capable spinning reel...I don't believe anyone would be disappointed in buying one...Of course, there's always someone that has something negative to say, but I think most anglers would be hard pressed, not to like this reel...Buy it, you'll like it...I may update this review, once I get the rod finished and throw a few cast with it...But I expect it to perform well and bag a lot of fishies...

Daiwa bg 4000, I was looking for a inshore reel that could double duty as my cat rod for flatheads and blue cats.This reel fits everything I look for in a good spinning reel, it’s one of the smoothest spinning reels I’ve ever felt there is literally no resistance. Partly do to the reel is not sealed but I’m ok with that I don’t plan on going swimming in the ocean with this. Let’s be realistic I would not do that with any reel under $600 sealed or not.I opened this reel up to see this “digi gear” aka big a$$ gear. Everyone is raving about and yeah it’s ginormous for the size reel. I also found ample amounts of grease saw no need to have to add extra they even coat the inside of the body housing with grease for a extra touch of corrosion resistance. I like little touches like that and it show Daiwas attention to detail.The reel spooled 30 braided line on perfectly right out the box but dose include 3 shims if needed.The drag is smooth as silk and is sealed probably one of the best drags I’ve felt.Casting is beautiful, no wind knots at all and I have this thing filled right up to the lip of the spool.Reeling in fish and or the weight of your rig this thing feels like a winch it’s so effortless do to the giant gear. It almost feels like cheating.Cons (I have to find something)The 4000 and smaller models have a reverse switch that I wish they would do away with I’ve never used them and don’t care for a auto trip bale.I also wish they would do away with the chrome wire bale wire, The entire reel is black and gold and don’t get me wrong it’s a beautiful but it would have looked killer with a thick black aluminum bale. That being said I don’t think them cons are enough to take a star away and this reel is Probably the best reel available right now in this price range and rivals reels that cost 2x the price even there own saltist.*Update: The only thing I found better then the BG 4000 is two BG 4000’s That’s right I now have Twins!! And I think I might as well get the BG 3000 next.

It's a great reel, compared to other reels, this feels smooth and has a ton of power behind it. Do a bit of research and you will find mostly praises for this reel. For around 100 dollars, it cannot be compared. It feels smooth, steady, and provides you with confidence that is required to handle bigger species. I use this for everything including saltwater and freshwater. The only thing I had trouble with was fitting the 4000 sized reel on to a Shakespeare elite 7-foot medium. The foot of this reel was a bit too large for the reel seat of the Shakespeare but I forced it in somehow. I do surf fishing with this and trout fishing by switching my leader. I have a 15 lb braided line and when targeting different species, I change my leader from 20lb to 4lb. Recently pulled a 2lb Monkeyfaced prickleback out of a hole with this combo with relative ease.3 Months UpdateI really enjoy and recommend this reel, I will buy multiple sizes for different rod setups. I fish on mostly on jetties and I have fallen and banged this reel up, it still runs like a champ. I try my best to take care of my tackle, but accidents do happen. :/I paired mine with a Shakespeare Elite:Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod 7' - Medium - 2pcUpdate 9 months:I pair it now with a UglyStik Elite Spinning Fishing Rod (Salmon/Steelhead) with is a much better pairing for this reel size.Shakespeare Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Fishing Rod (Salmon/Steelhead)Still no problems fishing saltwater with it. I just do a simple rinse with tap water and everything function flawlessly. No squeaking, just dings, and scratches from fishing off the jetty and resting my reel/rod on the rocks. Caught 23inch lings and halibut with relative ease. I fish twice a week so I am extremely happy with the purchase. If any other reels I have fail I will replace it with this one again.Update (18 months) 1.5 yearsStill going strong, accumulated more dings to the reel from falls and such, fishing once a week at least I still haven't serviced it yet (I should) and it is still working as it should. Only thing I did to the reel is to sand the top of the spool since it became rough due to me falling and banging the reel on the jetty rocks but the reel is still surviving and works as it should. This is my only rod and reel I bring since going to the jetties and having reliable gear means a lot to me. My father just broke his Penn reel that I bought for him I will be replacing it with this one since my experience with it is such an excellent one.2 Years without a hiccup.Great reel, I fish with it once a week in saltwater, if you rinse it off every time after you fish and do maintenance yearly (I did my first one after 2 years) I believe it will last a very long time.

Awesome reel, got it got Musky and Pike, the box was crushed when I got it, but everything looks great in the package, I blame Amazon for that anyway. Amazingly smooth and silent. Highly recommend.

A little heavier than I thought it would be. Smooth but not as smooth as my 1 year old Shimano Vanford or my 15 year old Stella 2500FD. For the money it is great!

Great reel.Great value for money.Great all purpose set up.Put on a Diawa Tatula 7 ft med fast rod.10 lb Seaguar stealth braid to 12 lb Seaguar flouro with an FG knot.Catfish, Carp, bass, bluegill and most calico bass and such on half day boats no problem.Good for throwing swimbaits and such.Drag is extremely robust and the reel is so smooth and durable.