Sportsmens Direct Blog

Strike Tech Premium (AA) Live Action Spool Reel

Strike Tech Mid Level (GA) Live Action Spool Reel

We are proud to announce the addition of two lines of Strike Tech spinning reels to the Sportsmen’s Direct product line up:  the mid level GA line and the premium level AA line.

We really struggled over whether or not to carry these reels because they are not made here in the USA (very few reels are anymore).  But the quality, unique function and positive ProStaff feedback tipped the scales.  Not to mention that the North American sales director is a class act too.

Before I go into the innovation of these reels, I want to key on the rugged quality construction first.  To me, the quality of the construction was more important than the Live Action Spool (LAS) innovation itself.  These reels are tight, solid and smooth.  If the frames look familiar, it’s not a coincidence, as they are being produced off lines that once produced some of the most durable reels ever designed.  These are super rugged, solid and smooth reels.  I think salmon and steelhead fishermen will love the feel as will salt water anglers.

Now for the LAS feature.  The center portion of the spool can be moved “off center”.  This causes the speed of the retrieve to be faster and slower while you are reeling at a constant speed.  It’s completely different than twitching the bait because you never lose contact with the lure.  The spool itself has numbered graduations so that you can remember where you had it set.  When you set the hook on a fish, the extra load pulls the spool back to the center for normal drag operation.

You might say, “that may be cool for a novice, but I’m an experienced angler.  I don’t need that sort of gadget to help me control my bait’s action.”  It’s not a question of whether or not you’re successful now.  The LAS simply adds a new dimension to your existing skills.

I used to do a ton of pier casting for huge fall walleye and browns/steelhead.  I would sometimes cast for hours on end, changing my retrieve rate and subtle rod action numerous times.  Then I would get slammed by a fish.  After landing the fish, I would have to remember what the heck I did to “get bit” that particular time.  With the LAS, you have the ability to quantify (put a number on) one aspect of your lure’s action.  In my opinion, the “pulse” or “twitch” can be critical in getting a fish to strike.  The speed of the bait sets up the “follow”, but the change of speed causes the “bite” in many situations.

I can see the LAS  being valuable for casting crank baits, swim baits, in-line spinners, spoons and spinner baits.  For those that fish vertically, like salt water or even deeper ice fishing applications, you can now retrieve vertically and jig at the same time, without losing contact with your bait.  Lake trout and burbot/ling cod fishermen should love this too!

I personally think everyone should have at least one of these reels in their arsenal.  The quality construction is impressive and the Live Action Spool is indeed an innovative idea.  These reels are a great value even at full retail, and if you join our ProStaff, you save 20% more.

Click here to see Strike Tech reels

Click here to view a Strike Tech YouTube video