Shimano Ultegra XTD Spod Reel

Established in 1921, Shimano is a Japanese based company that started life creating cycling equipment, but diversified into the production of top quality fishing reels in 1970. As a company, Shimano UK, it is uniquely concerned with taking measures to preserve the planet’s delicate ecosystem. It believes that fishing, as an outdoor, nature driven sport, is integral to this preservation. When you buy from Shimano you can be sure that the environmental impact of the product has been carefully considered, from conception to production.

The Shimano Ultegra XTD SPOD is a big pit reel which is specially designed for spodding or marker float fishing for carp. Great to pair up with that three rod set up, this spod reel ensures all that you need for spod methods rather than an over-complicated reel.

Adjusted to be perfect for spodding, Shimano geared the XTD Spod with 5,2:1 ratio, meaning a better retrieval speed of 124 cm per winch. There are three line clips to perfect the line lay which is assisted with the Aerowrap II and Super Slow 5 Oscillation from Shimano’s technology.

The Ultegra SPOD XTD also sports a shallow spool because less line capacity is needed for spodding. There is also no spare spool to cut on expense for the angler and the body material is made from XT-7 with a spool material of forged aluminium double E.I. This not only provides a waterproof drag system but means it is capable of withstanding the miserable coldness of UK fishing in the cooler months.

To make this a comfortable reel, Shimano has gives the single machined aluminium handle an egg type knob instead of T-type for more grip.