Lew’s Skipping Pitching Bait Reel Review

First Impressions of Lew’s Skipping Pitching Bait Reel

The Lew’s Skipping Pitching Bait Reel arrived promising a revolution in my dock-skipping game. As a seasoned angler with over a decade of experience in both freshwater and saltwater environments, I’ve tried countless reels claiming to be the “ultimate” solution for pitching and skipping baits. From big names like Shimano and Abu Garcia to smaller, niche brands, I’ve cast them all.

What initially drew me to the Lew’s Skipping Pitching Bait Reel was Lew’s‘s collaboration with professional angler Andy Montgomery, a well-known master of the skipping technique. The promise of a super shallow spool, a “Knot Slot,” and a specialized “Skipping Zone” on the QuietCast ACB system piqued my interest. I’m constantly searching for gear that gives me an edge in tight spots and under heavy cover.

Unboxing the reel, my initial impression was positive. The sleek, low-profile design felt comfortable in hand, and the aluminum frame exuded quality. The drilled and forged Duralumin spool immediately stood out, feeling incredibly light and promising a fast start-up, which is crucial for skipping. Compared to my older Abu Garcia Revo SX, which feels a bit bulkier, the Lew’s Skipping Pitching Bait Reel felt more refined and purpose-built. It also felt more substantial than the Daiwa Tatula CT, despite its lighter weight, suggesting a higher level of component quality.

I was excited, but cautiously optimistic. Claims of reduced backlashes are always met with skepticism until proven otherwise on the water.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Lew’s Skipping Pitching Bait Reel to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the Lew’s Skipping Pitching Bait Reel was on a local lake known for its abundant largemouth bass and challenging dock structure. The weather was typical for early summer: humid with a light breeze. I paired the reel with a 7’3″ medium-heavy casting rod and spooled it with 20-pound fluorocarbon line as recommended.

The difference was immediately noticeable. Skipping a jig under docks felt significantly easier compared to my other baitcasters. The “Skipping Zone” on the QuietCast system seemed to genuinely minimize backlashes, allowing me to focus more on presentation than line control. I was able to skip further and more accurately, reaching previously inaccessible spots under the docks. However, I did experience a few minor overruns initially while adjusting to the reel’s sensitivity.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, the Lew’s Skipping Pitching Bait Reel has proven its worth. It has become my go-to reel for skipping and pitching applications. The durability is impressive; the aluminum frame shows no signs of wear, even after being bumped against docks and rocks.

Maintenance has been simple. A few drops of oil on the bearings and a wipe-down after each use are all it takes to keep it running smoothly, thanks to the external lube port. Compared to my older Shimano Curado, which requires more frequent cleaning and lubrication, the Lew’s Skipping Pitching Bait Reel is noticeably easier to maintain. I have to say that it outperformed my expectations in the durability and ease of use.

Breaking Down the Features of Lew’s Skipping Pitching Bait Reel

Specifications

The Lew’s Skipping Pitching Bait Reel boasts the following key specifications:

• Reel Type: Baitcasting. This is a dedicated baitcasting reel designed for power fishing techniques.
• Water Type: Freshwater. It’s optimized for freshwater environments, though careful cleaning could allow occasional saltwater use.
• Bearing Count: 8+1. The 8 ball bearings plus a one-way clutch bearing promise smooth operation.
• Max Drag: 20 lbs. This offers plenty of power for hauling big bass out of heavy cover.
• Mono Capacity: 40lbs/20yds. The shallow spool is specifically designed for the short casts of skipping and pitching.

These specifications translate to a reel that’s lightweight, powerful, and incredibly smooth. The shallow spool minimizes line memory and ensures faster spool start-up for skipping presentations. The high drag rating provides the muscle needed to winch fish out of heavy cover.

Performance & Functionality

The Lew’s Skipping Pitching Bait Reel excels at its intended purpose: skipping and pitching baits into tight spots. The QuietCast ACB system, combined with the shallow spool, minimizes backlashes and maximizes casting distance, especially when skipping under docks and overhanging structures. It delivers pinpoint accuracy.

The strengths lie in its specialized design for skipping and pitching. The reel is incredibly smooth, thanks to its 9-bearing system and hard anodized aluminum alloy Speed Gears. The weakness, if any, is that the specialized shallow spool may limit its versatility for other techniques requiring longer casts or heavier line. It meets and exceeds expectations for skipping and pitching.

Design & Ergonomics

The Lew’s Skipping Pitching Bait Reel features a one-piece aluminum frame that feels incredibly solid and durable. The overall weight is well-balanced, making it comfortable to fish with for extended periods. The 95mm bowed anodized aluminum handle provides excellent cranking power and a comfortable grip.

The reel is user-friendly, but the QuietCast system requires some initial adjustment to find the optimal setting for different lures and conditions. The external adjustability of the brake system makes it easy to fine-tune. The patented retractable Speed Keeper is a nice touch, allowing you to quickly secure your lure when moving between spots.

Durability & Maintenance

The Lew’s Skipping Pitching Bait Reel is built to last. The high-quality materials and construction suggest a long lifespan with proper care. I expect it to hold up for many seasons of hard fishing.

Maintenance is relatively straightforward. The external lube port makes it easy to keep the internal components lubricated. A simple wipe-down after each use and occasional deep cleaning should keep it running smoothly.

Accessories and Customization Options

The reel comes with a standard set of accessories, including a lube port for easy maintenance and Lew’s exclusive Speed Lube system. There aren’t many customization options available directly from Lew’s, but the reel is compatible with aftermarket handles and drag washers from other brands. The super shallow spool, while not customizable, is already optimized for fluorocarbon, holding 40-yards of 20-pound-test. This is ideal for skipping applications.

Pros and Cons of Lew’s Skipping Pitching Bait Reel