The Lew’s Custom Inshore baitcasting reel has earned a well-deserved spot among anglers who want a reel ready to tackle harsh saltwater conditions. With its mix of strength, corrosion resistance, and thoughtful features, it stands out for fishing redfish, snook, or speckled trout from a pier, a kayak, or the shallow flats. I’ll break down everything you should know about this reel, covering what makes it special, real-world considerations, and ways to get the most from your investment before your next saltwater trip.
QUICK LOOK: Key Strengths of the Lew’s Custom Inshore Baitcaster
| Lightweight and Tough: The aluminum and carbon combo yields a reel that’s easy to handle but can take some bumps and scrapes without flex. |
| Strong Corrosion Resistance: Sealed bearings and treated internals mean that even after many salty trips, with regular rinses, the reel stays smooth and solid. |
| Smooth Operation: Double-shielded bearings partnered with the one-way clutch make every retrieve smooth, supporting solid hook sets. |
| Responsive Drag: The drag dial moves easily and lets you apply just the right amount of pressure for most inshore fish. |
| Comfort-Focused Build: Lightweight but sturdy, this reel is comfortable to fish for hours, thanks to grips that stay firm even when slick. |
| Plenty of Casting Distance: The well-designed spool and adjustable braking system will let long casts fly, assuming the spool isn’t over- or underfilled. |
Feature Overview: Lew’s Custom Inshore Baitcasting Reel
Like its spinning reel counterpart, the Lew’s Custom Inshore baitcasting reel is built to thrive in environments with plenty of saltwater exposure, sand, and tough fish. What stands out is the smart mix of durability and lightness.
- The base is a solid, one-piece aluminum frame, paired with carbon and graphite sideplates designed to shave off weight without losing any strength.
- The reel relies on a 10-bearing system, featuring corrosion-resistant stainless steel bearings, providing smooth operation even after plenty of saltwater use.
- The carbon fiber drag delivers up to 20 pounds of stopping power, which is more than enough to control spirited inshore fish.
- There’s the Multi-Setting Brake (MSB) cast control system that combines magnetic and centrifugal brakes, making cast adjustment simple when conditions change.
- Line control features include a deep, U-shaped 32mm aluminum spool, a titanium-coated zirconia line guide for durability, and the handy Speed Dial indicator.
- Extra touches such as the Zero Reverse one-way clutch and the carbon fiber handle with ergonomic knobs mean comfort is never overlooked.
Construction and Materials
Sturdy materials are crucial for any reel that will go up against the elements. The frame uses a one-piece aluminum construction, giving it a rigid and solid feel. One side sports a carbon handle plate for reduced weight while the other side employs a graphite palming plate to trim more grams, all contributing to a well-balanced, easy-to-control reel for extended fishing sessions.
Since saltwater corrosion is a concern, Lew’s seals their stainless steel ball bearings and adds drain ports, stopping salt and grit from sneaking in and causing trouble. With the right protection and regular cleaning, these reels deliver that “just out of the box” smooth feel for many trips.
Smoothness, Casting, and Drag Performance
This reel’s 10 stainless steel ball bearings (all double-shielded) and Zero Reverse one-way clutch translate into smooth retrieval with minimal resistance, even after heavy use. That means less fatigue, even if you spend the whole day slinging lures and reeling in fish.
A carbon fiber drag system gives you a max drag of 20 pounds. Adjusting the drag is simple, and the response is quick, a huge help when a big fish suddenly surges. The Multi-Setting Brake system fuses magnetic and centrifugal adjustments, letting you tweak the controls easily, reducing backlashes and overruns, especially when casting into the wind or using lighter lures. The external click dial makes mid-trip changes speedy and simple.
Line Management and Reel Comfort
Efficient line management is key for long, trouble-free casts. The U-shaped, forged aluminum spool is deep enough to handle plenty of line, which is perfect for inshore techniques like tossing popping corks or dragging soft plastics.
The titanium-coated zirconia line guide keeps line wear down, and the Speed Dial line marker means you know at a glance what line you’re using and how much is left. This is handy when quickly swapping leaders or mainline to suit different fishing approaches.
Comfort involves more than just the feel in your hand. Lew’s lightweight aluminum handle, paired with Wyn DriTac knobs, make for secure gripping even with wet or slippery hands. During all-day outings, this little detail makes a big impact. The combat grip pad on the thumb bar adds more thumb control when you need to feather the spool during casting.
How to Make the Most of the Lew’s Custom Inshore Reel
If you want to make the most of this reel, give it a quick freshwater rinse after every saltwater session. Pay particular attention to the bearings and line guide—keeping them clean helps everything stay smooth. I recommend setting the brakes and drag before each outing, taking into account lure weight, wind, and target species.
For better casting distance, fill the spool until about an eighth of an inch from the top. Not enough line reduces your reach, while too much can lead to overruns and trouble. The MSB brake system is especially helpful once you’re comfortable tweaking both the centrifugal (internal) and magnetic (external) settings. Adapting to wind shifts or changing lure sizes may require quick readjustments to keep things running smoothly.
Strengths and Limitations
| Lew’s Custom Baitcaster Strengths |
|---|
| Lightweight and Tough: The aluminum and carbon combo yields a reel that’s easy to handle but can take some bumps and scrapes without flex. |
| Strong Corrosion Resistance: Sealed bearings and treated internals mean that even after many salty trips, with regular rinses, the reel stays smooth and solid. |
| Smooth Operation: Double-shielded bearings partnered with the one-way clutch make every retrieve smooth, supporting solid hook sets. |
| Responsive Drag: The drag dial moves easily and lets you apply just the right amount of pressure for most inshore fish. |
| Comfort-Focused Build: Lightweight but sturdy, this reel is comfortable to fish for hours, thanks to grips that stay firm even when slick. |
| Plenty of Casting Distance: The well-designed spool and adjustable braking system will let long casts fly, assuming the spool isn’t over- or underfilled. |
| Lew’s Custom Baitcaster Limitations |
|---|
| Limited Drag for Super Heavy Duty: If you’re chasing a very large drum or want offshore capabilities, the 20-pound drag may not be enough for every scenario. |
| Braking System Range: Tinkerers may prefer even more control than the Multi-Setting Brake offers, as higher-end reels can have finer adjustability. |
| Smoothness with Ultra-Light Lures: It works well, but the very lightest lures may cast more effortlessly with premium finesse-specific reels. |
| Backlashes Possible: As with all baitcasters, improper settings or overfilling will increase the possibility of overruns and tangles. |
Tips for Maximizing Reel Performance
Having taken this reel through its paces in a mix of conditions, a few key strategies pay off:
- Rinse and Dry Thoroughly: Freshwater rinsing after saltwater keeps the internals rust-free. Always dry before stowing away to give bearings a longer life.
- Check Brake and Drag Settings: Get in the habit of setting drag and brakes before starting your day, based on what line and lure you’ll use and what you’re after.
- Keep Spool Full, but Not Overfilled: Line up to the manufacturer’s preferred level improves casts and cuts back on tangles.
- Practice Tweaking Cast Controls: The better you know the combo of centrifugal and magnetic brakes, the more confidently you’ll handle different lures or changing wind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Lew’s Custom Inshore reel for freshwater fishing?
Absolutely. Many anglers, myself included, use this reel in both inshore saltwater and freshwater settings. Its corrosion resistance ensures good performance in lakes and rivers, too.
How often should I clean or service the reel?
Thorough rinsing with freshwater after every saltwater trip, plus a deeper clean and relube every few months, works for most users. Very frequent or gritty use may justify monthly maintenance to keep everything running just right.
What type of fishing line is optimal?
I’ve put both braid and fluorocarbon lines on mine. The roomy, U-shaped spool takes plenty of strong braid for long casts, and the Speed Dial comes in handy when swapping out lines for different target fish or tactics.
Does the external brake dial help with casting?
The magnetic brake dial lets you tweak settings on the water. It becomes very handy for adjusting quickly to wind or lure changes and reduces the hassle of backlashes.
Where the Lew’s Custom Inshore Baitcasting Reel Fits in My Fishing Arsenal
This reel stays in my regular rotation because it’s lightweight, dependable, and comfortable for long sessions. For inshore targets in brackish or saltwater, it’s hard to beat given its corrosion resistance and user-friendly tweaks.
Ergonomic handles and the smooth, responsive drag make all the difference. If I need extra power for big fish or ultra-finesse casting, I’ll look at niche gear, but for everyday inshore action, this is often my go-to reel.
With just a bit of routine care, including proper rinsing and setup, the Lew’s Custom Inshore can serve reliably for years. Whether you’re a veteran coastal angler or a newcomer to baitcasters, it’s a reel that checks off the important boxes for chasing saltwater gamefish along the coast.
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A life long surf fisherman with 50+ years of experience, I am also an avid hunter and outdoorsman. I will be sharing my passion for the outdoors with you so be prepared for hunting, fishing, camping, hiking and more. Along with gear reviews and the latest trends and innovations in the outdoor industry.
