Bates Fishing Co. LTS Casting Reel
First Impressions
A Texas-based company founded to challenge the fishing industry’s reliance on low-quality plastic baitcasting reels, Bates Fishing Co. emphasizes precision craftsmanship and premium materials to create reels that ensure long-lasting performance and durability. Every Bates casting reel (excluding the EDC) begins as a solid block of 6061-T6 aluminum bar stock, which is precision-cut on a 9-axis CNC machine. Designed in the U.S. for bait finesse tactics popularized in the pressured waters of Japan, the Bates Fishing Co. Hundo Light Tackle System (LTS) Casting Reel promises enhanced casting control, accuracy, and distance with ultra-lightweight lures.
In hand, the Hundo LTS feels extremely solid, feather light, and rigid, fitting easily into the palm with a super-compact frame and shallow “skeletonized” spool that’s extremely lightweight and spins effortlessly. The anodized gunmetal gray and gold finish has an attractive two-tone look, accented by an 88-mm milled crank handle arm topped with grippy paddle handles that feel nice to the touch. While our staff has dabbled with bait finesse, some reported poor experiences with cheap value-driven reels that couldn’t cast lightweight lures, or expensive reels that didn't warrant the price. Our reviewers were stoked to have the opportunity to review the Bates Hundo LTS, and they were eager to see if spending up translated to improved line management, casting accuracy, and efficiency with micro tackle.
- Super compact low-profile frame
- Precise dual-adjust brake system
- Anodized anti-corrosion finish
- Smooth-starting audible drag
- Price point
Final Verdict
Breakdown
Performance: 8.5
Utilizing the same compact frame and top-notch features of the ever-popular Bates Hundo, the key feature that sets the LTS apart from the original is the skeletonized spool, which optimizes casting distance with lighter lines and lures. The external brake dial is convenient for making small changes on the fly, and the internal brake includes five settings that allow you to make larger spool adjustments, with “3” being a great baseline setting for most bait finesse applications.
When fishing 1/8 oz or less, we removed the side plate to bump up the internal brake to “4” or “5” to dial in castability, but for traditional finesse tactics like a 1/4-oz underspin, the standard “3” setting is most versatile. Ideal for a variety of line and bait combinations, the spool is rated for 100 yd of 4-lb fluorocarbon and can be comfortably paired with braided lines up to 20 lb, but 4- to 8-lb fluorocarbon seems like the sweet spot.
“The clicking drag system lets you know when a fish is taking line and engages smoothly even when the drag is very light, allowing you to thumb the spool to vary the drag pressure with small bass, acrobatic trout, or unexpectedly big fish.”
Durability: 8.5
Just like all Bates casting reels, the Hundo LTS 100 boasts a rock-solid construction made from a CNC-machined 6061-T6 bar-stock aluminum frame that provides extreme strength, rigidity, and long-lasting durability. Starting from a solid block of aircraft-grade aluminum, the frame of the reel is carved using a proprietary 9-axis CNC machine to create a compact reel with an incredible strength-to-weight ratio, which is vital when trying to balance a lightweight bait-finesse setup.
The corrosion-resistant, ultra-lightweight, and compact aluminum frame is what sets this reel apart from any other, as this BFS reel promises longevity even in diverse marine environments. During the test period, we put the Hundo LTS through regular use on our local lakes and brackish coastal streams, and the anodized anti-corrosion finish prevented scratches and withstood the salty elements of inshore fishing applications.
Value: 7.25
The Bates Fishing Co. Hundo LTS’s $395 price tag may seem steep, but it’s competitively priced when compared to other high-end BFS reels like the Shimano Aldebaran BFS ($499), Daiwa PX Bait Finesse BF ($359), or expensive JDM alternatives. While the cost was noted as a potential barrier from our review staff, we also believe the adage “buy it nice or buy it twice” when it comes to bait finesse reels.
Price tag aside, the Bates Hundo LTS is an absolute workhorse when it comes to BFS applications, delivering exceptional light-line casting performance with the help of a precision-tuned dual-brake system. Complemented by 10+2+1 stainless-steel ball bearings for silky smooth retrieves, we’re convinced the Hundo LTS Casting Reel brings tons of value to discerning BFS anglers who want to fine-tune their reel settings to generate a flawless presentation.
Utility: 8.0
While the Hundo LTS’s dual-brake system proved capable of casting ultra-lightweight lures, the increased line capacity made it the optimal choice for 6- to 8-lb fluorocarbon mainlines, slightly heavier lures, and BFS techniques on the heavier end of the ultra-finesse spectrum. During the review period, we found success using the Hundo LTS for bite-sized hard baits, traditional bass fishing techniques like Ned rigs, drop shots, small paddle-tail swimbaits, and inline spinners and micro jigs for panfish and coastal steelhead. Where light lines and long casts often lead to wind knots and backlashes with spinning gear, the compact frame and shallow spool of the Hundo LTS reduce line twist for enhanced casting control and accuracy.
“The Hundo LTS is highly versatile in the realm of bait finesse. I found it perfectly suited for pairing with 6-10lb for underspins, small poppers, and crankbaits and used 4lb fluoro for inline spinners, micro drop shots, Ned rigs, and crappie jigs.”
Final Thoughts: 8.5
The Bates Hundo LTS has changed our approach to finesse fishing by expanding the ways we present traditional finesse tactics and ultra-lightweight lures that were previously reserved for spinning tackle. A high-quality BFS reel is arguably the most essential component of a high-performing bait-finesse combo, and we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the Bates Fishing Co. Hundo LTS Casting Reel to any angler looking to enhance their light-line finesse game.
Highlighted by precision tuning, slightly higher line capacity for a BFS reel, and overall adaptability, the Bates Fishing Co. Hundo LTS Casting Reel sets you up for success on the water. Our staff thoroughly enjoyed pairing this reel with the Dobyns Sierra Ultra Finesse Casting Rods during the test period, but the Hundo can be comfortably paired with your favorite ultra-light to medium-light bait finesse rods.
Breakdown Summary
| Performance | 8.5 |
| Durability | 8.5 |
| Value | 7.25 |
| Utility | 8.0 |
| Final Thoughts | 8.5 |
Final Verdict |
8.2 |