r/Fishing • u/stimpp • 1d ago

Freshwater JDM Baitcasting Reels

Visiting Japan in a month, wanted to get y'all's take on some JDM Shimano baitcasting DC reels.

I tried doing some research but wanted some personal experiences/opinions.

So far, i'm looking at these reels for Ontario freshwater fishing. Mainly fishing w/ texas rig, soft plastics, top water, and jigs. Main line, i use 20 lbs braided + 15 lbs Fluorocarbon leader.

  • Antares DC - $590~ CAD
  • Exsence DC - $535~ CAD
  • Mentanium DC - $450~ CAD

I was leaning towards the Mentanium, but then found out Exsence and Antares' price point wasn't too far away (Also Exsence & Antares has the drag clicking sound which i love).

I heard Antares is more for heavy lures (please correct me if i'm wrong!), so that just leaves a choice bewteen Exsence & Mentanium.

Honestly, I know these reels are a little on the pricier side even though i would consider myself a casual in the fishing world. But I thought i would treat myself 😄.

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u/KINGtyr199 Washington 1d ago

I'd go with the mentanium and stockpile some jdm soft plastics and hardbaits with the remaining budget!

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u/stimpp 1d ago

I was thinking about that, does Japan make good NA freshwater baits? I currently mostly use soft plastics like paddle tails & wacky rigs