Stratos 12000 Mag reel

This superb reel is primarily a carp reel and not really aimed at predator anglers
but as soon as I saw one, I knew it would also be ideal for my UK cat fishing
needs. Cat tackle is heavy enough so I'm looking for a really lightweight reel and
the 12000's are extremely light due to the main body components being cast
from magnesium, a material known for its very high strength to weight ratio.

I use them for carp fishing too and when doing so I am using the shallow and
deep spools but for cat fishing when I need to spool with over 200 metres of
heavy braid, I ordered the extra deep continental spools.

The long distance casting capabilities of this reel are not really put to the test
with heavy catfish rigs but when I want to throw out smaller baits like pellet rigs, it
really comes into its own. What I like best about this reel is its smooth clutch.
When a big cat goes on a power run, theres nothing like it and confidence in a
smooth reliable clutch is paramount. As the fight goes on, a gradual but precise
increase in the clutch resistance, soon wears a cat down and starts to get line
back on the spool.

I've been trying both versions, with and without the free spool facility. For cat
fishing I prefer the free spool version but if you don't require it, the other version is
a little lighter in weight.

Cat fishing can be a messy business and these reels have had to stand a lot of
abuse, getting especially grubby in mud and slime. They always run smoothly
though after a quick dunk in the water due to the excellent grit guard which keeps
the vital components free from becoming damaged.

Loaded with 20 lb mono or 65 lb braid, these reels are the perfect partners for
my Warrior XT Pellet Master rods and I am now enjoying my cat fishing more
than ever knowing that I have the best equipment for handling the monsters that
we are starting to catch in the UK as they keep growing bigger and BIGGER!
MICK BROWN                
Predator Fishing Consultant

UK catfish are getting bigger all the time - this monster, stocked at approx 20 lbs
was landed using a 12000 Mag reel at 80 lb 8 oz after half an hour of arm
wrenching pressure was applied to it.!