The latest addition to Lew's Custom Pro Series, the Gen 3 baitcaster, has quickly become a favorite among fishing enthusiasts. A Lew's pro staff member mentioned during the ICAST trade show, "We’ll see a lot of these reels on the various professional circuits in 2025." This anticipation underscores the reel's potential to make a significant impact in the fishing community.
At the core of this baitcaster lies the revolutionary ParaMag ITB (Inertia Transfer Brake) system. This unique technology promises both extended casting distances and minimal risk of backlash. "It's a fully magnetic frictionless brake," an engineer explained, emphasizing that there are no brake shoes or electronics involved in regulating spool speed during casting.
"It's a fully magnetic frictionless brake,"
After several weeks of testing the new Custom Pro, I found that the ParaMag ITB performs exceptionally well, providing one of the most seamless casting experiences I've ever had. "Even when casting into a stiff breeze, my casts travelled impressively far," I noted, adding that it requires very little thumb pressure.
"Even when casting into a stiff breeze, my casts travelled impressively far,"
The mechanics of the ParaMag ITB are quite fascinating. Inside the side plate of the reel is a series of radially aligned magnets that adjust according to the reel's spool speed, allowing them to control it without physical contact. A key feature is a small gold disc situated on the palm side of the spool, which is inertia-driven and extends slightly towards the magnets as the cast is executed. While I’m not entirely sure how the interaction between the disc and magnets works, the outcome is clear: an exceptionally user-friendly casting experience.
"For further detail on the mechanics of the ParaMag ITB, check out this 'Beilue’s Best' video from ICAST 2024," I recommend for those looking to dive deeper into the technology.
"For further detail on the mechanics of the ParaMag ITB, check out this 'Beilue’s Best' video from ICAST 2024,"
Race Results
In addition to its technical innovations, the Custom Pro has an eye-catching bronze finish that stands out upon unboxing. Held in hand, the reel feels remarkably lightweight—just 5.6 ounces—comparable to some of the lightest Bait Finesse baitcasters on the market. Yet, it is essential to classify this reel beyond just the 'finesse' category.
Instead, the Custom Pro’s robust design and capabilities suggest that it is prepared to handle more challenging conditions while still delivering exceptional sensitivity and responsiveness. This blend of durability and lightweight construction has caught the attention of many anglers.
As the fishing season progresses, expectations are high for the new Custom Pro Gen 3. With its advanced technology and user-friendly features, it seems poised to become a game-changer for anglers both professional and amateur alike. The mix of ease of use and performance suggests that this baitcaster will be a staple among anglers for years to come.
Looking Ahead
In the coming months, we look forward to seeing how this reel performs on the professional circuit, as well as the impact it will have on everyday fishing experiences. The Custom Pro Gen 3 is not just another baitcaster; it's a testament to innovation in angling technology, paving the way for the future of fishing tools.
