On this year’s visit to the Bassmaster Classic Expo, I made sure to stop in to see what our friends from Daiwa have cooking. They never seem to disappoint and this visit was no exception. Jordan and Jason walked me through some of the exciting updates to a few members of the Daiwa’s 2026 reel lineup.

From refined drag systems to lighter, more responsive builds, it’s clear they’ve been putting in the work to elevate performance where it matters most.

These new reels are designed with anglers in mind, balancing durability, precision, and that smooth feel we all look for when you take that long or precise cast.

Here’s a closer look at what’s new, what stood out, and why these updates should be on your radar: