The Lew’s Custom Inshore Spinning Reel brings together durability and ease of use. I’ve found that having the right reel can make a big difference when fishing along the saltwater coast. Designed for inshore fishing, this spinning reel offers smooth operation and strength where it counts. I’ll share what makes this reel a solid pick for many anglers looking to upgrade their setup for saltwater environments.
QUICK LOOK: Standout Features of the Lew’s Custom Inshore Spinning Reels
| Corrosion resistance: All the saltwater-focused features, including an aluminum frame and passivated internals, help prevent wear. After a few months of use, I haven’t noticed any corrosion or sticking. |
| Smooth retrieve: Both the bearings and drag system impressed me with how smooth the reel feels. I’ve had less line breakage or pulled hooks when fighting fish. |
| Strong, reliable drag: The drag stayed consistent even when used close to its max on larger inshore fish. |
| Comfortable handling: The Winn DriTac knob felt secure, which helps a lot during long outings. |
| Ready for braid: Not needing to add a monofilament backing saves time and money. |
| Value for price: For the performance and build, I feel like I got good value out of this reel compared to others in the same price range. |
| Dual retrieve: Being able to swap the handle to either side is great for personal preference or sharing among anglers. |
Lew’s Custom Inshore Spinning Reel: Key Features
Choosing a reliable spinning reel for saltwater use is important. Saltwater can wear down gear quickly if it isn’t designed with protection in mind. The Lew’s Custom Inshore Spinning Reel focuses on a blend of corrosion resistance, consistent performance, and comfort during long fishing sessions.
One of the biggest selling points for me is its use of an aluminum frame and sideplate, paired with a lightweight carbon rotor. This construction keeps the reel feeling steady even when I’m fighting tougher fish. Holding the reel for long periods feels comfortable due to its weight balance and the special Winn DriTac handle knob. The reel’s blue and white look adds a fresh touch to my fishing gear collection.
The reel’s spool is braid-ready, so I don’t have to worry about slippage or adding backing before spooling on braided fishing line. This has saved me both time and effort when setting up for a day on the water.
Understanding the Reel’s Build for Saltwater Durability
Saltwater fishing gear takes a beating. Lew’s addresses this by featuring a rigid aluminum frame and sideplate for strength. The C60 carbon rotor helps keep things light without making the reel feel fragile. These materials stand up well against corrosion, which is super important if you fish as much as I do in salty conditions.
Corrosion resistance isn’t just about the outer materials. On the inside, the reel also has a stainless steel main shaft and a passivation treatment on the main gear. I trust this design to fend off the salt, which makes it more likely that my reel will last season after season. Additionally, having a flush and drain port lets me quickly rinse and lubricate the reel after a rough day, keeping it in good working shape.
Saltwater Resistant Bearings, Drag, and Gearing
No one enjoys a reel that feels gritty or stiff, especially after several uses.
- The Lew’s Custom Inshore Spinning Reel uses a 7-bearing system, which includes six premium ball bearings and a one-way Zero Reverse clutch. This setup gives me a smooth feel whether I’m casting light lures or hauling in decentsized fish.
- The sealed carbon fiber drag system stands out to me. It gives consistent pressure, and I’ve noticed it keeps a steady pull without jerking, even when fish run hard. With the 4000-size reel, the drag handles up to 24 pounds, which is more than enough for most inshore catches like redfish, snook, or speckled trout.
- The reel’s gears are cut using Hamai CNC hobbing machines, giving me confidence that the Speed Gears are cut precisely and will mesh smoothly.
- The lightweight but strong aluminum pinion helps keep the reeling tight and responsive without feeling mushy.
- Lew’s also treats the internals to boost durability. The passivated stainless steel and carefully designed gear system help prevent the kind of saltwater damage I’ve seen ruin other reels over time.
Comfort and Handling that Makes Long Sessions Easier
Fishing for several hours means that a comfortable grip matters to me. The Winn DriTac handle knob is easy to hold onto, even when my hands are wet or sweaty from the sun. The reel’s handle is aluminum, providing a strong feel without unnecessary weight.
The antireverse clutch adds another layer of confidence, so I never get any handle backplay when I set the hook. I also like how Lew’s designed this reel for both right and left-handed retrieves, so switching hands is simple if I want to change styles or share the reel with a friend.
Ease of Maintenance and Practical Features
I’ve found that keeping saltwater reels clean is one of the best ways to stretch their lifespan. The flush and drain port makes it easy to add lubricant or clear out any seawater after a trip. While regular cleaning is routine for seasoned anglers, having a built-in port gives me a quick shortcut if I have limited time between fishing sessions.
The S-curve oscillation system on this reel helps the line lay evenly on the spool, so I spend less time untangling wind knots or fixing line issues. I’ve noticed this feature helps a lot when I use thinner braided lines, which can sometimes dig into themselves or create knots on less advanced reels.
Lew’s also uses a Speed Lube treatment inside the reel. This keeps the operation smooth in both hot and cold conditions, which I’ve come to appreciate after summer trips and chilly early morning outings in fall.
What I Liked and Didn’t Like: The Pros and Cons
| Pros of the Lew’s Custom Inshore Reel |
|---|
| Corrosion resistance: All the saltwater-focused features, including an aluminum frame and passivated internals, help prevent wear. After a few months of use, I haven’t noticed any corrosion or sticking. |
| Smooth retrieve: Both the bearings and drag system impressed me with how smooth the reel feels. I’ve had less line breakage or pulled hooks when fighting fish. |
| Strong, reliable drag: The drag stayed consistent even when used close to its max on larger inshore fish. |
| Comfortable handling: The Winn DriTac knob felt secure, which helps a lot during long outings. |
| Ready for braid: Not needing to add a monofilament backing saves time and money. |
| Value for price: For the performance and build, I feel like I got good value out of this reel compared to others in the same price range. |
| Dual retrieve: Being able to swap the handle to either side is great for personal preference or sharing among anglers. |
| Cons of the Lew’s Custom Inshore Reel |
|---|
| Potential water entry: The flush and drain port is handy, but if not used carefully, it can let water mix with the internal grease. I take extra care to dry the reel before adding more lubricant. |
| Weight and bulk: Some people may find it a little heavier than the lightest reels in this class. Personally, it feels balanced, but if you’re casting for many hours at a stretch, you might notice the extra weight. |
| Complex for repairs: The design does make disassembling and deep cleaning a bit harder, so this may be a factor for anyone used to doing their own maintenance. |
| Stiffness: Compared to much more expensive reels, the Lews Custom Inshore sometimes feels a little tighter when reeling quickly. |
| Limited color options: Right now, it comes in a blue and white scheme. More color choices would have been nice. |
Who Should Consider This Reel?
I recommend the Lew’s Custom Inshore Spinning Reel to anyone who is serious about fishing in coastal saltwater areas and wants a reel that isn’t going to call it quits after the first tough season. It’s a good fit for anglers who want to balance price and quality, without having to replace their reel every year.
If you’re targeting fish like redfish, snook, speckled trout, or flounder, this reel has the drag and build to keep up. It also makes a solid choice for kayak anglers, as the size and corrosion resistance work well in tight, wet places. Beginners will like the simple, ready-to-go design. Experienced anglers will appreciate the high-performance components.
Extra Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Lew’s Custom Inshore Spinning Reel
After using this reel, here are a few tips I’d share:
- Rinse the reel with fresh water after every saltwater trip, even if you didn’t submerge it fully.
- Dry the reel completely before using the flush and drain port for added lubricant.
- Keep braided line tight on the spool to prevent line dig when fighting powerful fish.
- If you plan on fishing in muddy areas or expect splashing, take a bit of extra time to clean the reel’s handle and drag knob to prevent grit buildup.
Taking a little extra care can keep your reel running smoothly over time, and hopefully, help you avoid the common mistakes that can shorten a saltwater reel’s life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions I usually get about using the Lew’s Custom Inshore Spinning Reel:
Can I use this reel for freshwater fishing?
Yes, the reel works well for freshwater too, but its features shine most in saltwater environments where corrosion resistance is really important.
How much line does the braid-ready spool hold?
This depends on the reel size and line strength. For example, the 4000 size holds around 190 yards of 30-pound braided line without backing.
Is it easy to switch from left to right-handed retrieve?
Yes, switching the handle is straightforward and only takes a minute or two.
Does the sealed drag require regular maintenance?
A little checkup every couple of trips is a good idea, especially after fishing in rough saltwater conditions. The design keeps out sand and grit, so maintenance is easier than older reels.
Wrapping Up on the Lew’s Custom Inshore Spinning Reels
The Lew’s Custom Inshore Spinning Reel continues to impress me each time I use it. It handles the demands of saltwater fishing while staying smooth and comfortable to use. With its combination of corrosion-resistant materials, easy handling, and a reliable drag system, I feel confident recommending this reel for anglers ready to take their inshore fishing up a notch without breaking the bank. Regular cleaning and careful use of the flush and drain port can stretch its life even further, making it a smart addition to any tackle box.
As always, stay safe, enjoy the journey, and please try to leave it cleaner than you found it. If you have any comments, questions, ideas, or suggestions, please leave them in the comment section below, and I’ll get back to you ASAP. You can follow us on Facebook: Rex The Beach Angler, Instagram: thebeachangler7, Twitter: @AnglerBeach, and YouTube: Man Art Creations.
Check Out Our Most Recent Articles:
- Okuma Makaira Spinning Reel
- Technology For Pre Scouting Fishing Locations
- 6 Advantages of the Okuma Azores Blue Saltwater Spinning Reel
- How Does The 80/20 Rule Apply To Saltwater Fishing
- KastKing Estuary Inshore Saltwater Fishing Rods Are A Practical Choice
- 4 Top Spots for Ocean Salmon Fishing In The Pacific Northwest
P.S. Thanks so much for checking out our blog; we really appreciate it. Just so you know, we may receive a commission if you click on some of the links that appear on our site. This helps us keep our content free and up-to-date for everyone. We appreciate your support!
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.
