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Daiwa BG Review — A Worthy Spinning Reel?

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By: Jon Stenstrom
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The Daiwa BG spinning reel has been a favorite of anglers who want high-quality, robust, and affordable. Let’s do a thorough Daiwa BG review to showcase why you might want to add this spinning reel to your arsenal.

A favorite of anglers across the US for surf fishing and on the boats. We look at why this saltwater spinning reel is a solid choice for most anglers who want an excellent package that won’t break the bank.

Daiwa BG Spinning Reel Review

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We were turned on to the Daiwa BG spinning reel by my buddy Ricky who uses the BG5000 and BG 8000 on the party boats when going for yellowtail and tuna here in SoCal.

He swears by them, saying they’ve laid the hurt on a bunch of fish while not breaking the bank. When I tried it on a trip with him, I was blown away by the quality. It was hard to believe there was this much power and smoothness, especially in the smooth drag, for an excellent reel around $100.

Then I talked with Chris over at Breakaway Tackle USA, and he said it’s his go-to quality reel for surf fishing big fish out in Texas.

Chris, with his reel

I was shocked at how versatile this fishing reel was. He mentioned he can bomb it past the breakers with his Breakaway Cannon on his HDX surf rod.

Daiwa BG Reel Problems

The Daiwa BG spinning reel doesn’t have any issues worth noting.

The only thing we could think of is that it’s not the most sealed reel on the market. Therefore, if you plan to use this spinning reel where it could get a lot of salt water spray or dunk by a wave or off a kayak, it’s probably better to look at a Saltist or something similar.

BG Specs

Daiwa BG MQ vs Daiwa BG Spinning Reels: Which is a Better Reel?

We had a chance to play with the Daiwa BG MQ and compare it with the BG. We found that the spool on the MQ allowed for a bit better line release when casting. The monocoque body was also an excellent addition that allowed for fewer screws, a stronger body, and a more enormous internal gear stack.

However, the BG MQ has a higher price for slim benefits. If you have the extra money, go for it, or pick up a backup BG to replace it for the same price when that day comes.

Would We Rebuy It?

Yes. The Daiwa BG 4500 is one of the best spinning reels for those who want an affordable workhorse. It’s a reel that is one of our favorites and will likely remain one.

Jon Stenstrom
Founder & Angler
Jon Stenstrom is a fishing enthusiast. He has over 25 years of fishing experience, and 6 years of spearfishing experience, and is currently learning how to boat. Jon has his Open Water PADI Certification and FII Freediver Level 1 Certification. Jon has traveled the world to fish and dive, most notably in the Great Barrier Reef, Baja Mexico, Thailand, and Malaysia. More Articles
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