I have had this reel for several months and have had a chance to bass fish in a variety of conditions and try a ton of different baits and techniques with it. My first thoughts on the Shimano DC SLX reel is that I like it more for an everyday reel. What I mean by that is if you have a rod or two that pulls double, triple or even quadruple duty with lures and techniques, this is the reel you want to pair on it. Here’s a little more about this bass fishing baitcasting reel.
Very good casting reel
Thanks to the DC controls, anglers will find the 4 numbered dial for setting a more accurate casting experience on the Shimano SLX DC. The numbered settings operate as follows:
- Setting 1 – Ideal conditions open spooling
- Setting 2 – braid / mono lines
- Setting 3 – fluorocarbon lines
- Setting 4 – wind or skipping applications or beginner control
Set your tension for the weight of the lure, set the DC-4 dial to the desired setting and let it rip. I’ve played around skipping wacky rigged Senkos and frogs around flooded cover. I’ve pitched and flipped with fluorocarbon lines. I’ve casted topwaters and fished light jigs with the SLX DC. It can handle every fishing application I’ve tried with it.
Great casting control system
The fit and finish of the Shimano SLX DC is quality throughout. While it’s a moderately priced reel, it has the features and finish of a much higher end reel. The spool casts effortlessly and manages all types of line fluidly.
Comfortable low profile
The Shimano SLX DC provides for very comfortable fishing with it’s 150 size. It can handle 110 yards of 12 pound line or 90 yards of 14 pound line. It fits nicely in your hand with a strong handle and solid smooth drag during the fight.
Solid from top to bottom
I have enjoyed this reel immensely and find myself fishing it a lot more than my Curado DC. The distance and cast control I get with this reel keeps surprising me with each technique I try.
A great reel that can do it all
If you’re looking for a reel like I said earlier that can handle a variety of lures, weights, types of casts and applications, you will be very happy with the SLX DC reel.
Manages the work load well
The Shimano SLX DC has the technical specifications to be a lot more expensive reel with everything from the Digital Cast control, the Hagane body, the brass gearing, DC-4 four option cast control and compact profile. This reel has all the features packed into it that make it a solid reel. But it passed my main test for baitcaster reels with flying colors.
That being can this baitcaster control the line casting light baits. Most baitcasters will cast a 1/2 ounce lure or heavier easily. But when you get down 3/8 and 1/4 or lighter, many lesser reels will start to have issues controling backlash and handily the elements like wind and rain. But not the SLX DC. It throws heavy lures and light lures with ease.
Great jig fish on the SLX DC
I’ve had a lot of fun this winter and spring with the Shimano SLX DC. If you’re in the market for a solid baitcaster with digital chip control, you will be well served to check out this baitcaster for bass fishing. You can find the Shimano SLX DC at these online retailers:
