Let me start out by saying, if you haven’t heard of Sixgill Fishing I recommend you check them out. They are the same people that make Allen Fly Fishing rods and reels as well as Exterus Brand clothing. Much like these other product lines, the Sixgill offerings are also an instant favorite of mine. Sixgill Fishing Company makes a full spectrum of bait casting and spinning rods and reels, but my first item is a Trireme in size 2000. This is their cheapest reel, and a real bargain at $29.95. This is easily the best reel under $50 I have used. They also make a 1000 and 3000 in this series. The 1000 would be a great trout or panfish rod. The 2000 is perfect for bass and pike, and the 3000 would cover most other fresh water species.

Here is the brief description from Sixgill Fishing Products website

Sleek but rugged, the Trireme Series carries the same quality construction and reliability as our higher end models in an affordable package.  Casting and retrieving are smooth and effortless on the 3+1 Ball Bearing balanced rotor. Equip your light trout and panfish rods with the Trireme 1000, our only 1000 size reel in our lineup.

• Stainless steel bearings

 

Model	Ball Bearings	Ratio	Weight (oz)	Drag (lbs)	Capacity	(lb/yds)
1000	3+1	5:1:1	7.3	7	4/185yds	5/140yds	7/110yds
2000	6+1	4:9:1	9.35	8	5/220yds	8/140yds	10/120yds
3000	6+1	4:9:1	10.3	11	10/180yds	12/140yds	15/110yds

 

Sixgill Trireme Performance:

My initial trip out with the Trireme was brief but eventful. I hooked and landed 7-8 bass, all at least 14″ in about 45 minutes. With cold spring water the fish weren’t testing the drag out too much, but  a couple of the larger bass did steal some line. The drag on the 2000 model performed well. With the current price at $30 I don’t think you are going to find a better or smoother drag for the money. The reel feels like a much more expensive product, it’s incredibly solid in hand. Previous to picking up this reel I typically stuck with Shimano reels ranging from $40-50 up to about $150. I really think I would put the fit and finish of the Sixgill Trireme in the same class as my more expensive Shimano reels.

All in all I don’t know what else I can say about the Sixgill Trireme spinning reel. It’s hard to believe they make three models better than this one to be honest. I look forward to adding some more of their rods and reels into my arsenal. The next model up, the “Man of War”, which runs around $90, boasts salt water ready construction. The Dreadnought series, around $150, seems to be their workhorse line of spinning reels. It is also salt water friendly. The ball bearings are increased from 6+1 to 11+1 and the drag has much more stopping power. Last but not least, the Ironclad series is meant for large game. With sizes ranging from 4500 to 6000, lots of line capacity, and drag power up to 55lbs, these reels are at home on the salt bringing in large predators.

The Sixgill Trireme is a great value for anyone looking for a new budget spinning reel.