Lews BB2 Inshore Reels - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

buddha · 03-27-2015, 04:53 PM

I tried the reel out today and spooled it with 12 lb. copolymer izorline. I used a cheap berkley lightning rod m/h with it not the best rod for casting. Until I get my new rod for it this will work.

The results were great. Really solidly built and engineered. Does not feel cheap whatsoever. Casted like a dream and the retrieve was really smooth. Drag was smooth as well with a 14 lb. drag.

This reel has three drainage ports to prevent saltwater from getting in.

I have talked with several people from the Texas Kayak forum and 100% of the reviews have been positive. Very few reviews to be found anywhere and almost none in socal.

This is a great reel to use for all things bass here in socal: freshwater, bay, and calico/sand.

Brass gearing, upgraded bearings, 3 drain ports all make this a nice low profile reel for saltwater.

This is just an excellent reel all around and I am glad that Lew's made the transition to saltwater also as it has a loyal following now. A lot of guys left shimano after the "g" series debacle and they found Lew's.

I may be a Lew's guy for life at least for the bass gear. If they made a baitcaster the size of the Lexa 400 I would definitely give it a go.

AirborneYak · 03-27-2015, 05:55 PM

I really like my Lexa 300 and after your review of the lews bb2 I might just sell my Calcutta 300 to buy it. Thank you for the review!

buddha · 03-27-2015, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AirborneYak

I really like my Lexa 300 and after your review of the lews bb2 I might just sell my Calcutta 300 to buy it. Thank you for the review!

I think you will really like the reel. If you like your Lews Tournament Pro reels you will love the Lews Inshore Reel. In the Texas kayak forums those guys fish the salt hard and the reels have survived and thrived.

I bought mine on Ebay and there are several sellers that have the BB1 and the BB2 and you can make an offer to buy. My seller accepted my offer.

I only use left handed reels and am glad that the BB2 comes in left but the BB1 does not.

I own the Lexa 300 also. It is a heavier and more bulky reel than the BB2. The BB2 is a much smoother reel.

Both the Lews BB2 and the Lexa 300 carry 190 yrds of 14 lb.mono

The BB2 is almost 3 ounces lighter than the Lexa.

AirborneYak · 03-27-2015, 07:46 PM

3oz lighter! Yeah! That's my next reel purchase! I have my lexa on a shins no inshore terimar mh and he balance is awesome on it. What are you going to have the bb2 rod on?

buddha · 03-27-2015, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AirborneYak

3oz lighter! Yeah! That's my next reel purchase! I have my lexa on a shins no inshore terimar mh and he balance is awesome on it. What are you going to have the bb2 rod on?

The Lews BB2 weighs 8.1 oz.

The lexa 300 is 10.5 oz. with the standard handle and 11.3 oz. with the power handle.

I have a few rods I am thinking of using.

I have this lamiglas rod which I love for the bay and also for crankbaits and spinnerbaits haven't used it for calicos yet but might give it a try. I have the 7'9 rod. http://www.lamiglas.com/?page_id=1577

I also just bought this rod and am waiting for it to come in the mail. It is a Okuma Shadow Stalker in 7'0 MH.

http://www.okumafishing.com/product/...shadow-stalker

Both of these setups should be fine for freshwater , bay or calico.

Maxfli123 · 03-28-2015, 12:15 AM

Lews is top notch and they have great customer service. One of the guys in the service dept. has roots from north county and really takes care of us when or if you ever need anything. I have the bb2 and is better than any other reel in this price range. All my lews reels hold up great in the saltwater environment when properly cleaned after each use. I will no longer buy any other reel as I feel lews has the best bang for your buck and hold up with proper care. I think you will be stoked on your purchase, I know I am!
I have mine matched with 8'6" Terez waxwing Mh and it is balanced nicely, it casts a mile, but looking for a rod that is less top heavy as this reel is so light, the options are unlimited as the bb2 is a very versatile reel...

buddha · 03-28-2015, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maxfli123

Lews is top notch and they have great customer service. One of the guys in the service dept. has roots from north county and really takes care of us when or if you ever need anything. I have the bb2 and is better than any other reel in this price range. All my lews reels hold up great in the saltwater environment when properly cleaned after each use. I will no longer buy any other reel as I feel lews has the best bang for your buck and hold up with proper care. I think you will be stoked on your purchase, I know I am!
I have mine matched with 8'6" Terez waxwing Mh and it is balanced nicely, it casts a mile, but looking for a rod that is less top heavy as this reel is so light, the options are unlimited as the bb2 is a very versatile reel...

What reels have you owned before and what kind of fishing do you do with the BB2?

03-27-2015, 04:53 PM	#1
buddha Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: chula vista Posts: 907	Lew's BB2 Inshore Speed Spool Excellent! I tried the reel out today and spooled it with 12 lb. copolymer izorline. I used a cheap berkley lightning rod m/h with it not the best rod for casting. Until I get my new rod for it this will work. The results were great. Really solidly built and engineered. Does not feel cheap whatsoever. Casted like a dream and the retrieve was really smooth. Drag was smooth as well with a 14 lb. drag. This reel has three drainage ports to prevent saltwater from getting in. I have talked with several people from the Texas Kayak forum and 100% of the reviews have been positive. Very few reviews to be found anywhere and almost none in socal. This is a great reel to use for all things bass here in socal: freshwater, bay, and calico/sand. Brass gearing, upgraded bearings, 3 drain ports all make this a nice low profile reel for saltwater. This is just an excellent reel all around and I am glad that Lew's made the transition to saltwater also as it has a loyal following now. A lot of guys left shimano after the "g" series debacle and they found Lew's. I may be a Lew's guy for life at least for the bass gear. If they made a baitcaster the size of the Lexa 400 I would definitely give it a go.

03-28-2015, 12:15 AM	#6
Maxfli123 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Posts: 116	Lews is top notch and they have great customer service. One of the guys in the service dept. has roots from north county and really takes care of us when or if you ever need anything. I have the bb2 and is better than any other reel in this price range. All my lews reels hold up great in the saltwater environment when properly cleaned after each use. I will no longer buy any other reel as I feel lews has the best bang for your buck and hold up with proper care. I think you will be stoked on your purchase, I know I am! I have mine matched with 8'6" Terez waxwing Mh and it is balanced nicely, it casts a mile, but looking for a rod that is less top heavy as this reel is so light, the options are unlimited as the bb2 is a very versatile reel... Last edited by Maxfli123; 03-28-2015 at 12:23 AM.

03-27-2015, 05:55 PM	#2
AirborneYak Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Long Beach Posts: 366	I really like my Lexa 300 and after your review of the lews bb2 I might just sell my Calcutta 300 to buy it. Thank you for the review!

03-27-2015, 07:46 PM	#4
AirborneYak Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Long Beach Posts: 366	3oz lighter! Yeah! That's my next reel purchase! I have my lexa on a shins no inshore terimar mh and he balance is awesome on it. What are you going to have the bb2 rod on?