Contrary to what companies and slick marketing campaigns want you to believe, there is really no such thing as kayak reel or a kayak rod. As evidence by the box of old reels I have stashed away in closet I do know that kayak fishing does assault your gear and tackle in ways that might not stand out in other methods of fishing. In defense of that large box of reels I have that met their demise on the water while kayak fishing day in and day out – I am not the guy who takes particularly good care of his tackle. Most days, it’s off the water and just throw my rods and reels in the back of my truck and call it a day. Kayak fishing puts demands your outfits as they are subjected to constant salt-water splashing while in the rod holders and even the occasional dunking. So experience has shown me that most reels just can’t cut it with me, my thinking might have changed a bit of late after using the Quantum Cabo PT spinning reel.

First Impressions: I had heard about the Quantum Cabo PT spinning reel and got my first look at it at the NJ Saltwater Fishing Show about three years ago. When I first held the Cabo 30 you could see it was a well-made reel, I thought it felt a bit heavy compared to some of the other reels in its size class. I had also sworn off paying more than a $100 for a reel that would see use mostly from a kayak because I was convinced that kayak fishing would destroy any reel after a season of hard fishing. It was on sale so I decided to give it a try.

Construction: As noted earlier, you can feel that this reel is well built when you hold it in your hand. The one-piece aluminum frame makes it feel like you can hammer nails with it. I love the oversized handle and the anti-reverse set up has no play at all. There is no movement in the spool and my experience tells me the six-layer Saltgaurd system really does keep the water out. The bail is smooth but deliberate and you can feel the workmanship when you engage it.

Performance: The reel has a buttery smooth drag system that I have tested on pelagic species like skipjack and false albacore tuna. It has also done the job diamond jigging giant bluefish and let me say I don’t play these fish; I lean on them to get them off the bottom. I spooled up the Cabo with 30lbs. Power Pro and this added strength can put some stress on a reel. It also doubles as my snagging outfit when live lining bunker to big bass and blues. Snagging puts enormous stress on a reel, especially when you are basically strong-arming the bait back to the kayak as fast as you can. The Cabo is about the most braid friendly reel I have ever used, we all know how annoying a wind knot or tangle can be but on a kayak it can be heart breaking. I matched the reel up on a custom 7’6”Lamiglas rod – rated 10 – 20 and itis a very balanced outfit.

Negatives: As mentioned, the reel is a bit heavy (13.4 oz. for the 30 size – the 40 is the same reel bodies just a bigger spool) but I guess that goes along with this kind of bullet proof construction. Another spool would be nice especially at the $200 price tag.

The Skinny: I have sent a pretty impressive list of reels out to pasture, most are usually retired after one season of kayak fishing but after 3 seasons with the Quantum Cabo PT, the reel is as smooth as day-1. My season starts in April and goes right up into early December. I have also used the reel on quite a number of exotic travel trips where you need to know the tackle is going to be reliable because there aren’t any tackle shops, so whatever you bring with you is it. I’ve used this reel for surf fishing and matched it with a 9’ Tica Rod and it has become my favorite for this kind off demanding fishing. I have since bought the Cabo 20, which is now my choice for smaller stripers, freshwater and I am sure it can do the job for bigger fish like snook and redfish. If you want a spinning reel that will stand up to the rigors of kayak fishing then you have to look a Quantum Cabo PT’s.

After 3 years of use and misuse – not bad.

The Cabo Series is a well made reel and a great choice for anyone looking for a spin reel that’ll perform well in all situations.