The Revo Winch reel is a relatively new addition
to the Abu Garcia family of reels. It is fashioned after the Revo Toro with
the same performance enhancements that I highlighted in my review of the
Revo Toro (Click Here), but with one major difference…a lower retrieve ratio
of 4.6:1.
Since many Musky anglers are using the larger
cowgirl lures (Double 10 and 13), the need for a reel that is light weight
with the balls to handle those larger heavier lures had become apparent.
As with any new product release, there has been a
lot of hype around the reel with Musky notables lending their endorsement;
but those endorsements are always suspect given the ‘Cash For Endorsement’
practice that infects the sport of Musky fishing. Since I actually go out
and buy the reels and products I review, I am beholding to no one.
I loaded the Winch reel with 80# test TUF-Line
plus (White) and used it during my September Musky outing. In addition, I
talked with other anglers who were throwing the larger lures to get their
take on the reel…Here are their Pro & Con comments distilled down:
Con:
I don’t like the reel because I cannot get the
speed I like when retrieving the larger lures. I like to really burn the
larger lures and this reel makes me bust my butt to get the lure action
that I like.
Pro:
It is a really great reel. It has the larger
lure starting from the first crank and its performance makes it easy to
throw those big boys.
Here is my take on the Reel:
I too found that the reel gave me good
lure performance when I used it with the larger lures. I did not feel that
the retrieve ratio was too slow and the reel was certainly a consistent
performer. The drag system and brake system were consistently predictable
and the weight of the reel was comparable to the 5500 and 6500 Abu Garcia
reels.
I also discovered an additional advantage while
using the reel. As many of you know, I like to use surface lures a lot.
Almost all surface lures are better when retrieved at a slower pace which
seems to entice a Musky strike. There are many times when I have to apply a
little self discipline and slow my retrieve down when using a 5.3:1 or 6.4:1
reel. I found that if I use the Winch with surface lures like creepers, flap
tails and hawg wobblers, I got better lure action. I also found that when I
used the Winch when throwing a water thumper or Ry-Lure, I did not have the
problem of ‘lure roll’ that is a side effect of too fast of a retrieve. I
even found that I liked the slower retrieve with a tally wacker.
All things considered, I am very pleased with my
purchase of the Revo Winch. I will likely buy another. It has also reminded
to me that faster is NOT always better.
If you are considering either a Revo Winch or a
Revo Toro, you should check out Jackson Lures…They are offering
$50.00 in free merchandise from their website with a purchase of either
the Revo Winch or the Revo Toro.
Tight Lines
