Freshwater Casting Reels

Ultra-Lightweight Finesse Casting Perfection

The Shimano Aldebaran MGL Casting Reels represent the ultimate expression of finesse baitcasting performance, combining featherlight weight, revolutionary Magnumlite Spool technology, and premium Shimano engineering to create the most refined and responsive finesse reel available. Designed for anglers who demand precision, sensitivity, and effortless casting with lightweight lures, the Aldebaran MGL delivers unmatched performance for finesse techniques and ultra-light presentations.

Best For

• Finesse bass fishing with light lures (1/16 oz and up)
• Drop shot, ned rig, and shaky head presentations
• Skipping lightweight jigs under docks and overhangs
• Small crankbaits and finesse jerkbaits in clear water
• Tiny topwater lures for pressured bass
• Freshwater bass, trout, and panfish in lakes and rivers

Revolutionary MGL Spool Technology

• Magnumlite Spool III: Ultra-lightweight spool design reduces startup inertia by 15% for longer, more accurate casts with ultra-light lures down to 1/16 oz
• Effortless Casting: Reduced spool weight allows featherlight lures to achieve maximum distance with minimal effort
• Instant Response: Ultra-low inertia provides immediate spool engagement and precise lure control
• Finesse Mastery: Optimized for lightweight jigs, small crankbaits, finesse worms, and other light presentations

Complete Hagane Engineering Platform

• Hagane Body: Rigid metal frame eliminates flex and maintains precise internal alignment for enhanced sensitivity and consistent performance
• MicroModule Gearing: Precision-machined gear teeth create an ultra-smooth mesh for incredibly refined cranking feel
• X-Ship Technology: Optimized gear support system maintains perfect alignment under load, maximizing efficiency
• S3D Spool Design: Computer-optimized spool profile reduces line friction and improves casting performance

Advanced Performance Features

• SVS Infinity Brake System: Externally adjustable centrifugal brake provides precise cast control with ultra-light lures
• Ultra-Lightweight Design: Incredibly light body reduces fatigue during extended finesse fishing sessions
• 10+1 Shielded A-RB Bearings: Premium corrosion-resistant bearings deliver silky-smooth operation
• Cross Carbon Drag: Advanced carbon fiber drag washers provide smooth, consistent pressure
• Swept Handle: Ergonomic design reduces weight while providing comfortable cranking
• Compact Low-Profile Design: Ultra-compact body fits perfectly in hand for all-day comfort and precise control

Built for Finesse Excellence

Whether you're skipping lightweight jigs under docks, working small crankbaits along rocky banks, finesse worming in clear water, throwing tiny topwater lures at dawn, or fishing ultra-light presentations for pressured bass, the Aldebaran MGL delivers the precision and performance finesse techniques demand. The revolutionary MGL spool allows you to cast lures other reels simply can't handle, while the ultra-lightweight design keeps you comfortable and in control all day long.

Why Finesse Specialists Choose Aldebaran

The Aldebaran series has earned legendary status among finesse anglers by consistently delivering performance that redefines what's possible with lightweight lures. The MGL generation takes this legacy to new heights with the revolutionary Magnumlite Spool III, creating a reel that casts ultra-light lures farther and more accurately than ever before. Combined with complete Hagane engineering and meticulous Japanese craftsmanship, this reel delivers the refined performance and exceptional sensitivity that separates good finesse anglers from great ones.

Experience the difference that ultra-lightweight engineering makes in your finesse fishing. The Shimano Aldebaran MGL isn't just a finesse reel—it's a precision instrument designed to help you master the art of light-lure presentations.

Master finesse fishing with Shimano Aldebaran MGL Casting Reels—where ultra-light meets ultra-performance.

Specifications

The Bates Hundo'50 is a tournament-grade, low-profile baitcasting reel built for serious anglers who refuse to compromise. Every unit is 100% CNC machined, hand-assembled, and quality-tested in the USA — backed by a 2-year limited warranty and lifetime access to Bates Fishing customer support.

Engineered with a rigid one-piece aluminum frame and ultra-light carbon fiber side plates, the Hundo'50 weighs just 6.8 oz (193g) — one of the lightest reels in its class. It carries the compact frame of a 50-size reel with the larger spool capacity of a 150, giving you the best of both worlds on the water.

Key Features

• 11+1 stainless steel ball bearings — buttery-smooth retrieves cast after cast
• Multiple gear ratios available — 6.3:1, 7.1:1, and 8.1:1 to match your technique
• Magnetic + centrifugal dual brake system — backlash-free performance in wind
• 18 lb max drag with carbon fiber drag washers
• EVA power knobs and 100mm carbon fiber handle
• Line capacity: 12 lb / 110 yds (mono) | 30 lb / 135 yds (braid)
• Weight: 6.8 oz (193g)

Built for the Tournament Angler

Whether you're flipping heavy cover, fishing a swimbait, or cranking deep structure, the Hundo'50 delivers the speed, sensitivity, and stopping power to land the fish that matter most. Choose your hand orientation and gear ratio below to match your exact fishing style.

The Penn Fathom 500 Low Profile Baitcasting Reel is a top-tier choice for saltwater anglers targeting big game fish in inshore and offshore waters. Featuring a full-metal body, 30 lbs max drag, this reel delivers exceptional power, durability, and smooth performance. Perfect for jigging, lure casting, or bait fishing, it’s built to handle tough species like tuna, redfish, or sharks with ease.

Key Features:

• Rugged Construction: Full-metal body and side plate for superior durability and corrosion resistance in saltwater environments.
• Powerful Drag System: HT-100 carbon fiber drag washers provide up to 30 lbs of smooth, consistent stopping power.
• Efficient Drivetrain: Brass main gear and bearing-supported bronze pinion with a 6.2:1 gear ratio for optimal torque and retrieve speed.
• Precision Casting: Dual-action magnetic and centrifugal braking system ensures backlash-free casts for lures from 1-7 oz.
• Smooth Operation: 6+1 stainless steel ball bearings for effortless retrieves, even under heavy loads.
• Ergonomic Design: Dual EVA knobs offer a lightweight, comfortable, and non-slip grip.
• Level Wind: Titanium Nitride-coated for even line lay and reduced friction during casts and retrieves.

  
  

The Shimano SLX 70 A Baitcasting Reels are a versatile choice, designed with advanced Shimano reel technologies to enhance performance. Its compact 70 sized spool, along with Shimano's MGL Spool III, work together to provide outstanding casting capabilities. With minimal startup inertia, achieving distance and accuracy requires little effort from the angler.

The proven SVS Infinity braking system allows for easy spool control, with a user-friendly interface for on-the-fly adjustments. The durable Hagane metal body houses the reel's advanced technology and ensures a rigid and sturdy platform, free from frame flex. This reel is a valuable addition to any angler's gear, without breaking the bank. Prepare for your next fishing trip with the Shimano SLX 70 A Baitcasting Reels.

Key Features:

• MGL Spool III: Further thinning the spool to decrease inertia, without sacrificing durability.
• HAGANE Body: A reel body with high rigidity, which virtually eliminates body flexing due to it's stiffness and impact resistance. The result? An angler's actions are more efficiently transformed into cranking power. It's efficiency through strength.
• SVS Infinity: Provides easy to manage, consistent spool control and brake force that is easily adjusted as conditions change. Brake weights use inner friction against the raceway during the cast for precision casting even when using lighter lures. The external adjustment knob provides quick, precise adjustments on the fly for when conditions or baits change.
• SilentTune: By applying slight pressure to the bearing supporting the spool, Silent Tune reduces spool vibration during the cast which results in quieter casting and smoother spool rotation with less play.
• Cross Carbon Drag: Allows for a wider range of drag settings, enhanced drag washer durability, and the smoothest Shimano drag performance ever.

Specifications

Line Capacity

Born for finesse game applications, the Shimano Aldebaran BFS Casting Reels combine a lightweight Magnesium frame and specialized braking system to tackle any technique within the Bait Finesse System (BFS) realm. The Aldebaran BFS incorporates Shimano's Finesse Tune Brake (FTB) system to reduce the spool's weight by moving the braking unit from the spool to the palming side-plate. 

 The Aldebaran BFS further enhances casting performance by leveraging a MagnumLite (MGL) Spool III to reduce start-up inertia for unparalleled control and accuracy. MicroModule Gear technology — a state-of-the-art and ultra-refined gear tooth design — delivers seamless engagement and power transmission for uncompromised strength, noise reduction and improved smoothness. The pinnacle of BFS technology, the all-new Aldebaran BFS is the perfect combination of lightweight and high-performance for finesse presentations.

Features:

• Finesse Tune Brake (FTB)
  
• MGL Spool III
  
• e-Exciting Drag Sound
  
• HAGANE Body
  
• MicroModule Gear