So as most of you know I am a Daiwa guy, but sometimes I venture off and will try something different. This inshore Smoke reel is one of those times. I have Ballistics and Certates from Daiwa, but I wanted to see how this reel stacks up.

I have not had it out a ton (maybe 8 times so far), but so far it has handled whatever I have thrown at it. The very first fish I caught was a 32" redfish and aside from the fact that I had not set the drag properly, it handled the fight well. It is spooled with 20 pound braid at the moment. It feels as good as my Ballistic reels, but not quite as refined as my Certates (the Certates are quite a bit more expensive, so I expect that). The only thing I cannot comment on at this time is durability, but I will follow up after more time with the reel.

The reel feels solid and looks good (In my opinion). If you are looking for an inshore spinning reel, do yourself a favor and take a close look at the Smoke Inshore!

Paired with my 7' Med Action rod, the Smoke PT 4000 has performed flawlessly as a bottom fishing rig. In the past two days, it's handled 1-20 pound sharks, black drum, blues, blue runners, flounder, whiting, lady fish, stingray and a very large cow-nose ray.

The only issue I have with this reel so far is when it's being used with artificial lures. When the wind is just right, the braided line snags on the bails arm leveler cover. There is a small gap between the parts and frame causing problems when retrieving.

The drag is very smooth and easy to work, especially when your catch begins to run. Its been dumped in the sand and some salt water splash and zero problems...so far.