Daiwa 26 Morethan TW PE SPECIAL: A PE-Only Seabass Baitcaster With a 36 mm Spool

The number of anglers fishing for seabass with baitcasting tackle has grown hugely in the last few years. The reel those “bait seabass” anglers have been waiting for is finally here: Daiwa’s 26 Morethan TW PE SPECIAL – the first Morethan-branded baitcaster in seven years, and a very focused design.

It is the flagship seabass baitcaster from Daiwa’s Morethan brand, released October 2026. As the name says, it is PE line only, with a spool and brake made for PE to combine long casts with fighting lunker seabass.

Specifications

Two models, right and left hand, and only one gear ratio: 8.5 “XH” – a deliberately narrow lineup. PE sizes are Japanese gō numbers.

Features

1. A PE-only, 36 mm G1 duralumin MAG-Z BOOST spool

The heart of the reel. G1 duralumin is about 1.3 times stronger than extra-super duralumin, keeping the spool light but tough. The spool shape itself is PE-specific: normal spools can have steps at the edges that make PE release unevenly, but here the curve between spool base and sides is made close to vertical, greatly improving how line lays. Being PE-only, nylon and fluorocarbon cannot be used – stretchy lines can damage the spool, and Daiwa warns against it.

2. MAG-Z BOOST – an extra push late in the cast

Based on the long-casting MAGFORCE-Z, the brake works hard in the backlash-prone moment just after the cast, then instantly drops back a step so the lure keeps travelling through mid-cast to landing – ideal for the medium-to-heavy lures used for seabass. Daiwa’s LC (Long Cast) concept also applies: the sharper you swing, the further it goes.

3. Tapered TWS

Daiwa’s T-Wing System is now the Tapered TWS, with a wider opening to extend the zone of resistance-free line release, plus a DLC surface treatment. MAG-Z BOOST and Tapered TWS together give the reel’s biggest appeal: fewer problems, and casts that keep going.

4. 96 cm per turn, with a 110 mm handle

8.5:1 gear – 96 cm per turn, very fast. For seabass that means quick lure recovery and fast slack pick-up during drifts. High gears usually lose winding power, but HYPERDRIVE DESIGN and the 110 mm handle aim for smooth, powerful winding. The aluminium star drag has a large, long arm for easy adjustment.

5. HYPERDRIVE DESIGN

For a saltwater seabass reel, less clutch sticking from salt is a big deal.

6. Drag click

A much-requested drag click, so you can hear when line goes out. Fighting a lunker on thin PE, knowing by sound whether the drag is slipping is reassuring – close to essential for seabass.

7. MAGSEALED ball bearing and ATD

The pinion uses a bearing that is itself MAGSEALED, keeping water and debris out and reducing rust, salt sticking and noise. The drag is ATD, which keeps working smoothly with the fish’s pull. A Zero Adjuster sets spool play to zero before you fish, after which the mag dial alone handles every lure.

vs the 26 Zillion TW150

Roughly: the Zillion is an all-rounder from bass to seabass and surf; the Morethan TW PE is a specialist that goes all-in on long PE casts for seabass. Want fluoro, a choice of ratios, or bass use: Zillion. PE seabass only, maximum distance and fast recovery: the Morethan TW PE is worth the roughly 10,000 yen extra.

Lineage

It is the first new Morethan baitcaster since the 2019 Morethan PE TW – the third generation. The previous 1000-size body becomes a 150-size body with a 36 mm spool this time. For anglers on a budget, Daiwa’s 23 Saltist TW PE SPECIAL (around 30,000 yen street) is an entry into bait seabass, with the Morethan TW PE as the step up.

Rod and line

MAG-Z BOOST performs best with medium-to-heavy lures cast long. Daiwa recommends keeping the leader knot outside the rod guides when casting – a knot inside the guides causes trouble.

Minagiman’s take

Not long ago, baitcasting tackle for seabass felt like something for particular experts. Now baitcasters handle PE with few problems, and many more anglers are choosing them. The 26 Morethan TW PE is Daiwa’s answer: one 8.5 model, PE-only, with only what bait seabass needs. That focus is also a drawback for some – not for anyone who wants to use fluoro for bass, or a low gear for slow crankbait-style retrieves. Autumn into winter, chasing lunkers, is when a baitcaster’s fast handling and power shine.

Common questions

Can I use it on the surf?

With 200 m of PE 2 and 5 kg of drag, it has the specs for flounder and seabass on the surf. For constant long casts of heavy jigs for pelagics, spinning tackle is often easier.

Summary

• First Morethan baitcaster in seven years; October 2026; 68,100 yen.
• PE-only 36 mm G1 duralumin MAG-Z BOOST spool with Tapered TWS.
• 8.5 gear (96 cm per turn), 110 mm handle for power.
• HYPERDRIVE DESIGN, MAGSEALED bearing, drag click.
• 200 g, 5 kg max drag, 200 m of PE 2.

Read next

• Daiwa 26 Zillion TW150
• Japanese seabass in autumn
• Duel Sonic Boom SB Wake 165F
• Japanese PE line sizes
• How to set your drag

MINAGIMAN

JAPAN ANGLER

TwitterInstagramYouTube

Born in 1994. Originally from Hyogo Prefecture, I moved to Iwata City in Shizuoka Prefecture in search of the sea. I am an Enshunada surf angler who enjoys surf fishing. I am also active on YouTube, and my fishing grounds range from Irago to Iwata.