Reel Evolution: The Hottest Baitcasters of ICAST 2026

Introduction: ICAST delivered a strong year for baitcasting enthusiasts, with new reels spanning virtually every technique and price point. Whether your passion is finesse fishing with BFS gear or hurling oversized swimbaits on heavy tackle, there was something new to get excited about. After sorting through this year's low-profile and round reel launches, these are the baitcasters that impressed us the most.

Attendees entering the convention center on the first day of ICAST. Time to check out some baitcasters first...

...and perhaps the most eagerly anticipated baitcaster was the new Curado DC 150

Pro Angler Alex Davis shows us the Curado which adds updated IDC4 firmware for improved casting control

The DC control is easy to adjust with 4 settings on the external non-handle sideplate

Under bright light you can see the green highlights have made it to the current generation. The new Curado 150 DC looks and feels compact and will retail for $314.99

Alex also showed us the new Calcutta Conquest DC 200, the first-ever saltwater rated DC reel

The new reel features the I-DC5 digital casting system which is more advanced and tuned to line types to apply smoother and more consistent braking performance. It has the ability to cast further by increasing spool speed by 12% over the I-DC4 system

The two dial system is accessible externally. This is every bit a premium reel and will retail for $649.99. The Calcutta Conquest is still made in Shimano's own factory in Japan

Daiwa unveiled a larger Daiwa Zillion 150 reel for use with heavier lines usually associated with bigger baits. It features the company's Magforce-Z Boost Spool and TWS line guide and will retail for $499

Jason shows us the difference in size between the new 150 (right) and 100 sized reels. The new reel is larger and taller and has a longer 95mm handle versus a 80mm handle on the 100 size reel

Celebrating 60 years Daiwa also unveiled a Limited TW 100 Tatula

The Tatula SV 100 60th Anniversary reel Limited features a retro silver styling and SLP works knobs. This limited edition reel will retail for $349 and only 700 pieces will be made

Daiwa has one of the best upgrade parts offerings providing anglers with handles and knobs from the JDM SLP Works portfolio

A Steez dressed up with SLP Works knobs

SLP adding style and ergonomics to the Ryoga

I feel like Bates is the fastest rising reel company and this ICAST they brought it with a larger 200 OG round reel. Here Buddy Hughes, CEO of Bates, shows us the larger round reel 

A side by side size comparison with the OG 100 Casting Reel

The OG 200 still has the throwback styling but with a deeper spool for heavier and thicker lines. This reel is rated for saltwater and will be great option for swimbait anglers

No need to upgrade the handle with this reel. Internally the reel is equally as robust with brass main and pinion gears. The OG 200 will be available in the Fall timeframe

Bates reels feel so solid because of their CNC machined aluminum frames and components

Bates continues to have fun with their offerings and releases limited edition versions like the Knox Gold Goat SWM

Another limited edition example is the Salty Hundo Glades Green Edition

Bates will also be introducing upgrade kits like these custom handles to increase handle size and add some custom color to reels

Another example of a custom reel celebrated America's anniversary with a custom anodized frame and solid handle. It is great to see limited and fun options like these from Bates. The company is doing a good job making some of their reels more accessible while also supporting their enthusiast customers

Jose with the new flagship of KastKing's BFS Kestrel BFS line

The Kestrel Ultimate weighs in at only 4.4ounces and features magnesium frame and sideplates, which is an upgrade over the standard kestrel's carbon sideplates. The Axis Eye line guide flips sideways to increase the opening during casting reduce friction to improve distance and accuracy

Nikki shows us the Kastking AI-Ti which features the world's first true Titanium spool and main shaft which is 2.5X the tensile strength and 3.5X the hardness of standard aluminum

Designed for both power and finesse the Ai-Ti still has a compact profile and weighs in at only 5.6oz.

Jonathan at Okuma shows us the new Safyre Casting reel

Following up on the success of the Safyre spinning reel the new baitcaster is designed to provide the same level of performance and amazing value at only $89.99

The Safyre feels quite solid and weighs in at 7.3oz. with a graphite frame. It also features a CNC cut aluminum drive gear and machine cut brass pinion gear. A audible drag is a nice touch and the magnetic cast control is adjustable externally

Also new from Okuma is the higher-end Eminent reels which features a C-40X carbon frame and sideplates with a carbon fiber drag system rated at 20lbs of pressure. The 95mm carbon fiber handle looks great and the reel feels light at only 5.7 ounces. Perhaps best of all is the aggressive price of only $109.99

Dave at Trika shows us the new TC Series which features a carbon injected frame and a stainless steel 6+1 ball bearing system, versus the ceramic bearings on the Ti 100.

The TC100 looks like a Trika reel and features the signature colors and handle knobs and will be priced below the Ti100 to make the brand more accessible to mainstream anglers.

With double shielded stainless steel ball bearings the TC100 casts quieter than the Ti100 and feels more like a traditional baitcaster. The cast control is also magnetic and externally adjustable

Lew's introduced a new ITB 150 HyperMag reel which features a magnesium frame and C45 carbon sideplates. This reel features all of the company's best features including a carbon fiber drag capable of 20lbs and a carbon fiber swept handle and drag star. The HyperMag weighs 5.4oz. and will retail for $399

The more affordable Lews Custom TLX 150 features an aluminum frame and ParaMag RX braking system and weighs in at 5.6oz. and will retail for $249

St. Croix introduced the Lunex reel under their SEVIIN brand. This 300 size reel is all about fishing big baits and features an aluminum frame and a Carbon Glyde drag system rated at a massive 33lbs. of pressure

The LUNEX also features a large 105mm carbon fiber handle and weighs 9.3ounces. The Lunex will retail for only $200

Dedicated to hunting big catfish is the Genesis 6750 which is available in a wide range of colors and has a hard anodized aluminum sideplate fitted over a chrome plated brass frame. To fight big cats the reels have a triple carbon drag system rated at 36lbs. of pressure

The Genesis is designed to stand out and the frames even glow for night fishing. These reels also feature a power handle knob, audible bait clicker, and retail for only 139.99

Next up, stay tuned for the rods that stood out as the most compelling of the show.