Over the course of a bass fishing season, there are three specific windows in which sensitivity is of utmost importance to bass fishermen.
The first is immediately after ice out, before largemouth begin their pre-spawn feeding patterns. When water temperatures are still in the high 30s and bass are slowly emerging from their winter haunts to grub on perch, shiners, and crawfish, maintaining contact with a jig or low-profile swimbait is imperative to capitalizing on those subtle, lazy grabs.
The second window is mid-summer, when many bigger, spawned-out bass vacate warm, shallow areas for deeper, slightly cooler feeding grounds. While warm-weather conditions are typically conducive to faster action, they also contribute to a spike in fishing pressure. Using a reel that amplifies contact to dropshots, Ned rigs, jigs and swimbaits during these high-pressure weeks can be the difference between a summer skunk session and a 20-pound bag limit.
Finally, during the early fall, as largemouth and smallmouth key in on schooling young-of-the-year baitfish like alewives, a balanced reel that grants bass fishermen heightened sensitivity and extra casting distance for small, lightweight minnow imitations is essential.
For these high-pressure and finesse applications, the new and improved Shimano Vanquish C is up to the task. It’s the newest addition to Shimano’s MagnumLite lineup—a collection of purpose-built spinning reels that are designed to provide anglers with acute control, sensitivity and responsiveness in an ultralight package. The incorporation of technologies like Shimano’s Ci4+ composite body construction and MGL rotor reduce its weight and boost rigidity without sacrificing durability or power, resulting in a balanced, corrosion-resistant reel that is less prone to flexing under heavy load.
Among its many updated features, the new Vanquish has a titanium one-piece bail that is designed to reduce friction and minimize the likelihood of tangles and wind knots for greater control and accuracy with each cast. (MSRP: $529.99-539.99)
For more details on this ultralight spinning reel, read the full press release from Shimano below.
Shimano North America Fishing is excited to introduce the Vanquish to the MagnumLite spinning reel family. This lightweight spinning reel is engineered for unmatched agility and control, representing the pinnacle of Shimano’s pursuit of featherweight performance without compromise.
The Vanquish MagnumLite spinning reel is designed for anglers who demand ultimate sensitivity, responsiveness, and start-stop precision. Vanquish excels across various presentations, techniques, and especially any scenario where micro-control makes the difference between a cast and a connection with your bait.
“Vanquish gives anglers an immediate connection to their presentation,” said Kade Gewanter, Freshwater Marketing Manager at Shimano North America Fishing. “Its lightness and balance make it feel like an extension of the rod, while the INFINITY-series technologies deliver strength and line management.”
In addition to the reel’s slow oscillation—a product of InfinityLoop technology—Shimano’s Long Stroke Spool and elastic Anti-Twist Fin (beneath the line roller) work to enhance line lay and improve casting distance. (MSRP: $529.99-539.99)
At the heart of Vanquish is Shimano’s INFINITY Technology suite: InfinityXross for expanded gear tooth engagement and lasting durability, InfinityDrive for powerful reeling under heavy load, and InfinityLoop for ultra-slow oscillation that maximizes casting distance and ensures exceptional line lay. The asymmetrical MGL Rotor further reduces rotational inertia for instantaneous start-stop performance, and the enhanced Duracross Drag and Anti-Twist Fin elevate line management with smooth pressure and reduced slack.
The Vanquish C is available in sizes 2500S through 4000.
The new Vanquish slots seamlessly into Shimano’s flagship spinning lineup as the lightest MagnumLite reel ever created. Available in sizes 2500S through 4000, the 2500S model features a shallow spool arbor engineered specifically for ultra-thin braid, improving accuracy, reducing waste, and offering a lighter drag curve ideal for delicate presentations.
