Outdoor Hub Review: Daiwa MQ LT Spinning Reel
Keith Lusher 10.17.23
Just when you thought Daiwa had reached the peak of innovation with their Tatula reels, they’ve managed to up the ante. I had the opportunity to try out the Tatula MQ LT Spinning Reel after a breakout session at a recent writer’s conference.
I paired the MQ LT up with a 13 Fishing Omen Panfish Rod and my initial impression after casting a few times was that this has the potential to be my a part of my ultralight setup. I spent the entire morning catching bluegill along the shoreline and even managed to reel in a 1.5 lb. bass with ease. The reel’s 11 lbs. of drag power was very impressive. After the bass hit my weightless Lil’ John lure that I was using, I was able to muscle him into the boat in under a minute. That’s an extraordinary achievement for an ultralight reel!
Another thing that stood out to me was the “1-piece Zaion V carbon Monocoque body.” Let’s break that down in simpler terms: this reel is crafted from a single piece of carbon, eliminating the need for moving parts.
The term “Carbon Monocoque” is a concept borrowed from the aerospace industry. It essentially means that the exterior skin of the reel’s body provides most of its strength and rigidity.
So, you might be wondering, what’s the advantage of this design? Well, it cuts out the internal weight, bringing the reel’s weight down to a mere 6 ounces.
The result? This reel is one of the most rigid ultralights I’ve ever had the pleasure of using. It exhibits almost no “give” when you flip the bail and retrieve your line.
Sure, there’s a downside, and it’s the price tag. But let me tell you this: this reel is built to last, and it will leave you with no doubt about whether you made the right purchase. That feeling is priceless in my book.
I wholeheartedly recommend this reel to any serious anglers looking to add ultralight gear to their bass fishing arsenal, even for tournament fishing. Pair it with a top-tier ultralight rod, and you’ll enjoy a feather-light, precision fishing experience!
