Daiwa Saltist Back Bay LT Spinning Reels Review

Doesn't seem to be reliable

I've had this reel about 5 months. It's been used fairly regularly since then and is starting to rattle and has some vibration. The drag also seems to be sticky which helped contribute to losing a big striped bass the other day. It's never been dunked and I rinse it lightly with fresh water after each use. Maybe I just got a lemon but I think I'll stick with Shimano from now… read more on.

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Impressively Smooth

I've never spent this much on a spinning reel, but have never had one that would "reel itself" either. By that I mean, in a horizontal position, the weight of the handle will spin the bail. If manipulated properly, and the timing is right, you can rock the reel forward and back, and it will reel itself...
The pursuit started after I built my first "Concept" spinning rod -… read more 6' 10", fast/light action, for pursuing trout and reds in the Matagorda area, and was looking for something to compliment my creation. Not being sure which would balance out the best, I went with the 4000 series. Though I haven't fished it, I have put it through the in-house routine - loop around the door handle to load the rod and test the drag... crank it down a bit more... - pure butter.
I convinced myself the 4000 might be just a hair to big and a 3000 might be more in line - it's on the way now. So now, I have a 4000 with no rod - I'm thinking a 7' 4" Medium Action Rainshadow Eternity might be the ticket for near shore rigs and West Matagorda triple tails...

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After 2 years

This reel has been put through some of the harshest saltwater conditions and still puts out consistent drag. Amazed by the durability of this reel, would definitely buy again

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Smooth

Only used it once so far but what a great reel. Both the drag and reeling is super smooth. May have to buy a 4000.

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Cute strong baby

i use this reel for jetty tog fishing,strong and light,aluminal body!
compare shimano strdic fl,this one will last longer!

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Ferrari for inshore

Bought a 4000 Back Bay about 2 years ago, and this thing is a tiny monster. Small light body, smooth drag, even been dunked multiple times kayak fishing and still more buttery than my Stradic 4k. Go-to reel for the inshore.

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Great reel

I bought two of the 4000 sized back bay reels, they are very smooth, and on a scale both produced the same drag pressure per turns on the drag knob. If you have fished some of the other Daiwa spinning reels you will find they are a little smaller in size than another, like a BG 4000 or saltist is a little larger and heavier, but for an inshore reel they are a great size for redfish,… read more flounder, trout, etc...
The line capacity is about -50 yards off of what is specified unless you run it all the way to the lip of the spool, but that really shouldn’t be a huge deal.
I paired them to some of the daiwa Isla rods, and they are a great combination.

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Good Reel.

Nice smooth reel. Could have a stronger drag but good enough for its attended purpose.

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Love this reel!

This is just such a great reel for the money. Super light, yet smooth drag. I got it for the fall run of false albacore and bonito in the northeast and have already taken numerous fish on it, including a few decent sized bluefish. I also own other reel brands but Daiwa makes the best in my opinion.

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New favorite spinner

Bought the 4000 to put on a back bay rod for throwing popping corks. Hauled in a 23" striper within a couple of hours after ups delivered it. Smooth as silk all around.

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Perfect

Great reel. Feels great in hand and looks great too. Can't wait to fish with this in the spring. Have both the 3000 and 4000

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Smooth reel

I love these reels! I have both the saltist backbay & regular saltist in the 3000 size. Perfect for inshore fishing. Excellent drag pressure to keep feisty reds out of the jetty rocks and for solid hooksets. Super smooth operation & lightweight.

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Tackle Direct comes through again.

When I find something new or not available locally they alway come through no matter where I live. That why I have been coming back for almost 15 years whether Im on the east west gulf coast or smack dab in the middle. Thanks again Gents.

Now to the reel. Man what a beast! I replaced a Diawa Procyon 3500 with a 4000 Back Bay lt. Line capacity is supposed to be 300 of… read more 6lb and I run 10lb pp which is supposed to have 2 lb diameter i got about 225 yds. That will be more than enough with drag and braid breaking at double usualy. Its paired on a Diawa Harrier 7'6 mh rod. Another TD special. It is very light, perfectly balanced and ready to smash Redfish, Speck trout, Snook and Flounder.

Thanks again Tackle Direct! I would not have this killer inshore setup to smash all these Florida fish without you guys!

Dj Myers

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Beautiful light reel

I bought this reel for its light and water tight build, it seemed perfect except for the clacking sound at the same point on every rotation. I believe that there is too much room in either the main gear and handle or the main shaft and spool. I recently bought a Daiwa conventional reel that had the same irritating banging sound on every spool rotation, I love my Van Staal and Penn… read more Spinfisher VI from Tackle Direct.

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