Shimano Corsair 300

Classic or traditional bait-casting reel fanciers should look over the mid-sized round-sided Corsair 300 bait-casting reel from Shimano ($69). This features continuous anti-reverse, optional-use variable-control centrifugal braking, two ball bearings, metal frame, and aluminum spool. It sports a 4.7:1 gear ratio, weighs 10.4 ounces, and holds 240 yards of 12-pound line. For the light-tackle inshore saltwater and heavy-duty freshwater bait-caster there are notable new level-wind products from major manufacturers that have ample line capacity and are compact enough for palming.