Aquawave Step Magic 120S: A Jerkbait for Pressured Spanish Mackerel
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Minagiman's Fishing Adventures in Japan
Abu Garcia NEO-3way: One Baitcaster for Shore, Bait Finesse and Boat Fishing
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Shore fishing is fun, but popular spots are getting crowded. Boat fishing is an option, but it usually means buying a dedicated rod and reel. Abu Garcia’s NEO-3way is a baitcaster designed for anglers who mainly fish from shore but sometimes go out on a boat: one reel that covers both, without compromising performance.
Key features
1. Three ways to fish with one reel
It comes with two spools and two handles. The standard deep spool (12 lb–100 m / PE 1.5–150 m) and 95 mm double handle suit bass, seabass and rockfish. The included shallow spool (8 lb–50 m / PE 1–100 m) turns it into a bait-finesse reel for shore fishing, and the single handle sets it up for boat fishing. A spare spool is usually sold separately, so including one is a nice touch.
2. MagTrax brake for easy casting
The MagTrax brake has five magnets as standard, with an external dial for easy adjustment. With the shallow spool you can cast lures as light as 3.5 g; with the deep spool, rigs up to 20 g.
3. Light and capable
It weighs just 190 g, with a 32 mm spool, six stainless steel ball bearings plus one roller bearing, a 7.3:1 gear ratio and 8 kg of max drag.
Specs
| Model | Weight | Gear ratio | Retrieve per turn | Max drag | Line capacity (deep / shallow spool) | Bearings | Price in Japan (ex. tax) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NEO-3way 7 | 190 g | 7.3:1 | 73 cm | 8 kg | 12 lb-100 m, PE 1.5-150 m / 8 lb-50 m, PE 1-100 m | 6+1 | ¥28,000 |
| NEO-3way 7-L (left) | 190 g | 7.3:1 | 73 cm | 8 kg | 12 lb-100 m, PE 1.5-150 m / 8 lb-50 m, PE 1-100 m | 6+1 | ¥28,000 |
Three setups
| Setup | Spool | Handle | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shore, general | Deep | 95 mm double | Bass, seabass, rockfish with regular lures |
| Shore, bait finesse | Shallow | Double | Light lures from 3.5 g, small rockfish, finesse bass |
| Boat | Deep or shallow | Single | Light boat fishing such as small rigs and light jigging |
My take
The NEO-3way is a true do-it-all reel, covering shore bait finesse through to light boat fishing. At 190 g and ¥28,000 with a spare spool and a second handle included, it saves the cost and hassle of buying several reels. For anglers who enjoy lots of different kinds of fishing, it is a very practical choice.
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ABOUT ME
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.
