The Micro Lite Elite Spinning Reel – Something small with capabilities tall.

When the International Game Fish Association announced that a Japanese fisherman had tied the 77-year-old record for catching the biggest Largemouth Bass (22 lb 4 oz) in Lake Biwa Japan, it got me to thinking about something totally different but somewhat related. The event seemed so strange, as I always thought that California or Texas would produce the next record breaking – or in this case record tying - fish. When I think of Japan I think about compact, technologically advanced products, and a culture so very refined and reserved – the Wild West it is not. I tend to approach fishing in a similar manner, employing reserved methods of application and presentation. Don’t get me wrong, I understand the necessity and attractiveness of throwing big baits on big rigs for big fish in big cover, but mainly I choose to go small on most occasions – simply because of the closer connection I feel with my intended prey. This is not to say that I do not employ capable mechanics and hardware, to the contrary actually. And it is with this in mind that I present a review for my current reel for open-water, ultra-light topwater fishing, a deceptively diminutive product sold out of the United States - The Bass Pro Shops Micro Lite Elite Spinning Reel.

The Micro Lite gives me oodles of big performance features on the water. Packed into an ergonomically friendly and compact main body, this reel features 7+1 bearings, with a Powerlock™ instant anti-reverse carbon frame; a machined aluminum handle and spool; a smooth and oh-so-capable multi-disc drag, and a spare aluminum spool to boot. I originally purchased the Micro Lite intending to use it strictly for Bluegill, Yellow Perch, Rockbass and Crappie fishing, but when I received the reel in the mail its obvious quality in design and construction came blazing through. I decided that I would attempt to use the reel for throwing my ultra-light topwater bass lures away from and around cover, and spooled the reel with 10 pound test thin-diameter Spiderline. After a full and successful (thank you) season on the lake, I am happy to report that the reel hasn’t let me down once - not a single solitary time. The best part of this spinning reel is its drag system, which seems to defy logic – tiny but tough as nails, having plenty of grunt and mule hooves in the dirt stopping power. I put plenty of fish in the boat – including some real gorillas that got into some serious salad – and I felt each and every one of them fight like they were slapping me in the face with their tails. Now that's what I call fishing.

Topwater Bottom Line: If you are like me - looking to get more in touch with the fish you are catching - a finesse type reel may be just the ticket. Bass Pro Shops have hit a homerun with their Micro Lite series, providing big reel function and quality at a reasonable price. If you put this reel in a position to succeed (e.g. open-water surface and sub-surface fishing) it will pay you back in spades. This tiny jewel is capable from the get go, with a mind boggling value quotient when you take into consideration the asking price of $39.99 per unit. As always, please practice catch and release with this reel.

Topwater Rating:

5 out of 5 bobbers

So much power in the palm of your hand - The Micro Lite Elite Spinning Reel.

Bass Pro Shops also makes a quality, strictly for panfish fishing tool - The Tiny Lite Spincast Reel. Featuring tough polished stainless steel front and rear cones; a die-cast metal handle; a smooth ball bearing drive system; multi-stop anti-reverse/on/off adjustment; and soft rubber accents. This reel comes pre-spooled with 70 yds. of 4 lb. mono and retails for $12.99 per unit.