Today was an eye-opener for me in terms of fishing gear performance. After leaning heavily towards Shimano reels, namely the 23 CQ BFS and the 22 Aldebaran BFS, I conducted a casting test that made me question my recent preferences. The custom Gekkabijin with a Roro spool and bearings, which I had considered selling, surprisingly outperformed the newer reels in both casting distance and precision.
This experience led me to ponder the allure of "new toy" excitement and whether it had clouded my judgment. While the Shimano reels are undoubtedly smooth and remain favorites, the Gekkabijin demonstrated superior ease in casting lighter lures without the fear of backlashes. It was like rediscovering the reel all over again, appreciating its finesse and efficiency in handling ultralight lures.
Such moments are reminders why it's essential to periodically reevaluate our gear, especially when swayed by the latest releases. The Gekkabijin, despite being older, holds its own against modern competitors with its refined performance that simplifies precision casting. It's a lesson in not just going after the newest or most talked-about gear, but in valuing the tried and true champions in our tackle boxes.
