On initial inspection the reel certainly looks the part, big and shiny. The 20W is a hefty reel, well balanced with a powerful cranking handle. These extremely well crafted reels are machined from a one piece anodized Aluminum block, with the reel benefiting from a forged spool, 8 shielded stainless steel ball bearings, a precision drag system and simple one touch two speed shifting. It is claimed to have the loudest ratchet of any reel in production, at nearly 90 decibels, believe me you’re going to hear that fish take line.

The range was aimed originally at the big game market; however the 15W and 20W versions are ideal for the UK angler looking for that smooth reel to aid in the retrieval of big conger, shark and heavyweight skate from the murky depths of our seas.

I was fortunate enough to ‘field test’ the 20W version on one of our exploratory trips during late summer this year. Having previously used other big game classed reels from a selection of BG reel manufacturers more established in the UK market, it was with a little anticipation that the 20W was set up. Thoughts of maybe a big shark on the business end though was just the ticket.

Changing tact slightly we up anchored to a different mark in the hope of latching onto a few tope to reward our day. From the 180ft depth we were fishing we managed 12 in all during the few hours left, with some of the fish falling to the power of the 20W and baits set at 120ft, one thing for certain then – the dubby worked!