Bates Fishing Co. Salty Hundo 100 Casting Reel Product Review

We threw a lot at this reel, and at the end of the day, we were very impressed. Capable of taming head-shaking halibut and acrobatic largemouth, the Bates Salty Hundo 100 Casting Reel delivers smooth performance, outstanding durability, and readily available power all in a compact, stylish package.

On local lakes targeting bass, the Salty Hundo’s low-end casting capability made it easy to launch lightweight lures, like flukes and smaller Tokyo rigs. The satisfying, audible click of the dual braking system ensures that you have the correct amount of pressure applied to the spool.

In the shallow back bays of coastal California, we put the Salty Hundo to the test by dragging smelt around eelgrass on 12-lb test. A slow, yet productive style of fishing, dragging bait with a dropper loop and a torpedo sinker relies on detecting subtle, scraping bites. While a rod holder can be used, holding the rod in hand is the best way to identify these light bites, but it can be tiring with a heavy setup. Thanks to the Hundo’s airy 5.8-oz construction, fishing was much more enjoyable, and it was easier to stay focused on the task at hand. When those bites did occur, the reel’s smooth drag handled hard-fighting halibut effortlessly, even on light line.

Venturing out a little deeper into saltwater with 30-lb braid and a fluorocarbon leader, the Salty Hundo provided more than enough muscle to extract fish from shallow kelp forests. The reel’s 15 pounds of drag power made it easy to drive a thick-gauge saltwater hook through the hard mouths of the rockcod.

The Salty Hundo’s nautical blue anodized anti-corrosion finish provides a clean, salt-inspired aesthetic and an additional layer of protection against scuffs, scratches, and any potential corrosion from saltwater exposure. Fitted with upgraded brass internal gears and stainless-steel components, the Hundo proved that it was built to handle salty boat spray, transportation, and long days on the water with a scratch-resistant exterior that remained free of blemishes and corrosion.

Compared to other similarly sized, salt-capable reels, like the Daiwa Coastal SV150 Casting Reel ($319.99) and the Shimano Tranx 150 Casting Reel ($254.99), the Salty Hundo does carry a notable bump in price. However, when you consider the build quality of the reel, its potential to last multiple seasons, and its capabilities in both freshwater and saltwater, the price tag feels justified. Bates also stands behind their reels with a 3-year warranty, low-cost reel servicing ($45 with shipping included), and outstanding customer service.

For any angler who has access to freshwater and saltwater fisheries, reels like the Bates Fishing Co. Salty Hundo are indispensable. Whether chasing after hard-fighting calico or smallmouth, the Salty Hundo allows anglers to confidently alternate between fishing environments. The reel’s adjustable dual braking system allows it to effectively cast a wide range of lures, from lightweight bass baits to saltwater jigheads up to an ounce and half, extending its versatility even further.

Proving to be equally capable of tackling a variety of fishing endeavors in both fresh and saltwater environments, the Bates Fishing Co. Salty Hundo withstood the abuse of whatever we could throw at it during testing. Compared to similarly sized saltwater reels, the Salty Hundo is on par in terms of performance and durability, but it does come with a slightly higher price tag. For those who value build quality and customer service, we can see the justification for the price jump. By the end of the review, we were thoroughly impressed by the Bates Salty Hundo Casting Reel and would recommend purchasing one, especially if you are looking for a premium saltwater reel that will last season after season.