IRVINE, Calif. – New for 2012 – ASA Suffren-Long Beach-Somerset Shows Intro (Available March 15) – Providing anglers with a casting reel that can really do it all when targeting big fish either in fresh or saltwater, Shimano introduces the new game-changing Tranx. Two versions designed for use with PowerPro braid are available - the ‘speed to burn’ TRX500HG with a 6.6:1 gear ratio, and the ‘power to pull’ TRX500PG with a 4.6:1 gear ratio. In freshwater, some key muskie anglers have already called it the best reel ever for fishing big, double bladed Cowgirls either burning them fast or working them slow, while in the salt, it will launch lures a long-distance for tuna and stripers, and anglers will quickly see its surfcasting, live-baiting and bottom fishing applications.

The Tranx brings anglers a new design in reels, “combining the comfort and casting accuracy of a low profile reel with the line capacity of a conventional reel,” said Ken Iida with Shimano’s product development staff. “To provide what we consider the ultimate reel to work big lures to target big fish, Shimano brings its bearing supported pinion gear X-Ship and HEG technologies together to provide massive cranking power with a smooth, effortless retrieve. X-Ship also provides a tremendous amount of freespool by eliminating any friction between the pinion gear and spool shaft, providing a reel that casts great distances – both fresh and saltwater anglers know that keeping their lure in the water longer is going to trigger more strikes, plus accurate casts to busting tuna and stripers can be a huge hook-up advantage in some occasions.”

Other prominent features on both Tranx reels include a SuperFree bearing supported pinion gear, E.I. Surface Treatment, seven shielded anti-rust ball bearings, Super Stopper for no handle backplay, a VBS Brake System, smooth drag performance from a durable Dartainium II drag, and an ergonomic Power Handle.

In the salt, anglers will note the 25-pounds of drag pressure, “giving them the confidence to target big tuna and schooling stripers with any easy to handle casting reel,” said Doug Rusch with Shimano’s saltwater product development team. “And while casting big lures is a true pleasure with the Tranx, we know anglers jigging the bottom for big sea bass and cod will take to the Tranx power version.”

In freshwater, noted muskie guide John ‘Captain Stoney’ Stone has used the Tranx to throw everything from Double 10’ and 13’s, pounders and 14-inch Jakes during field-testing with the first production reels. “I really put it through the paces in some tough fishing conditions, and the performance was outstanding no matter what I threw,” Stoney said, “There will be a place for one of each speed in my boat from here on out.”

The high-speed TRX500HG will retrieve 43-inches of line per crank, while the low-speed TRX500PG retrieves 30-inches of line per crank. The reels will hold up to 270 yards of 65-pound PowerPro braid. Both sizes retail for $499.99.

Shimano is showcasing the new Tranx reels at fishing shows throughout this winter, with its official debut to the saltwater fishing markets at the Houston Fishing Show (Feb. 29-Mar. 4), the World Fishing & Outdoor Expo (Mar. 1-4) in Suffren, N.Y., the Fred Hall Ultimate Outdoor Experience (Mar. 7-11) in Long Beach, Calif., and the Saltwater Fishing Expo (Mar. 16-18) in Somerset, N.J. For more information on the Tranx reels, visit the Shimano web site at fish.shimano.com.
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Line Capacity –
PowerPro Braid: 50#/420 yards; 65#/270 yards; 80#/210 yard
PowerPro Hollow-Ace: 40#/350 yards; 60#/275 yards; 80#/260 yards