$895-$1,095 | tridentflyfishing.com
December 24, 2024
By Fly Fisherman Staff
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Big fish and big rods deserve an equally powerful reel that has the drag to deal with adrenaline-laced runs; take the abuse dished out by coral heads, jetties, and boat decks; and deliver clean aesthetics you can be proud of.
The Bauer SLT has a new stacked and alternating stainless steel and carbon disk drag that disperses heat for smooth engagement to slow down powerful fish like tarpon and GTs. An oversized low-durometer rubber O-ring increases consistency throughout the drag adjustment—each click turns up the drag evenly, there is no exponential increase in pressure. Two full rotations take you from 4 to 20 pounds of pressure.
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A Fly Fisherman contributor used a prototype of this reel to stop yellowfin tuna up to 25 pounds and red mullet up to 50 pounds. The drag system is totally sealed from dirt, sand, salt, and water. A threaded hub on the handle side allows easy spool removal for easy on/off and the clutch is easy to switch from left- to right-hand retrieve without tools.
The XL drag knob is knurled for extra grip and its slightly cone-shaped so loops of line slip off easily. A large, vented aluminum reel handle gives you ample cranking power and is offset by a bolt-on counterweight. The five-axis machining on the reel is gorgeous with a blue or black finish with silver anodization on the spool perimeter and five of the spool axes.
“The SLT has been a four-year project marked by rigorous testing leading to innovation,” said Bauer Fly Reels General Manager John Radle. “Every detail has been accounted for and thoroughly tested in the lab and by anglers. Each data point has been considered and every component meticulously designed to give the angler the best experience possible. When you hold an SLT in your hand you will feel the quality and have the confidence to push your personal limits, knowing your reel is up for the task.”
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$895-$1,095 | bauerflyreel.com
To read all of the nitty gritty, field-tested reviews of new fly-fishing gear for 2025, grab a copy of Gear Guide 2025 at https://www.osgnewsstand.com/product/ff-gear-guide-2025 .
