There’s a certain point in an angler’s journey when the gear stops being disposable and starts being deliberate. You’ve worn out the mass produced reels, felt the flex, heard the grind, and learned (sometimes the hard way) that precision matters. That’s the space where Bates Fishing Co. lives. Founded in Texas and built around a performance first philosophy, Bates designs reels for anglers who care not just about catching fish, but about how their equipment feels in hand from the first cast to the last.

At the center of the Bates lineup are two reels that have quickly earned cult status: the OG 100 and the Hundo. While they share the same uncompromising DNA, each is built for a distinct style of fishing, offering anglers refined control, durability, and mechanical confidence that’s hard to find in today’s crowded reel market.

The OG 100 is where Bates made its first loud statement and it still turns heads. Machined from solid aluminum, the OG 100 is unapologetically rigid. There’s no flex, no rattle, no unnecessary weight savings that compromise strength. Instead, you get a reel that feels dense in the hand, balanced on the rod, and remarkably smooth through the entire retrieve. That solid construction translates directly to power, especially when fishing heavy cover or leaning into bigger fish that test both angler and equipment. What truly separates the OG 100 is its mechanical simplicity paired with high end performance. The reel features a centrifugal braking system that’s intuitive and effective, giving anglers precise control without overcomplicating the setup. Whether you’re skipping docks, working spinnerbaits along grass lines, or pitching into tight pockets, the OG 100 responds with consistency and predictability, two qualities that matter far more on the water than flashy specs on a box. Durability is another defining trait. Every component of the OG 100 feels purpose built, from the hardened gears to the oversized handle knobs that stay comfortable during long days on the water. It’s the kind of reel that inspires confidence, the kind you reach for when conditions are tough and mistakes are costly.

Where the OG 100 is bold and traditional, the Hundo represents refinement. Built with the same machined aluminum frame and side plates, the Hundo takes everything anglers loved about the OG platform and sharpens it. It’s lighter, faster, and tuned for anglers who demand maximum performance without sacrificing control. The Hundo’s braking system offers exceptional adjustability, allowing anglers to dial in the reel for a wide range of lure weights and techniques. From finesse presentations to reaction baits, the reel handles transitions effortlessly. The retrieve is notably smooth, with a connected feel that lets you sense subtle changes grass ticks, light bites, or the moment a fish loads up on the hookset. One of the most impressive aspects of the Hundo is how balanced it feels in real world fishing situations. It’s not just lighter for the sake of marketing, it’s lighter in a way that reduces fatigue while maintaining the structural integrity Bates is known for. That balance makes it an excellent choice for anglers who fish hard, fish often, and expect their equipment to keep up.

Both reels reflect Bates Fishing Co.’s engineering first mindset, where design, materials, and tolerances take priority over mass market shortcuts. Every detail from the machined aluminum frame to the precisely fitted internal components is selected to deliver consistency and longevity on the water. Rather than chasing trends, Bates focuses on building reels that perform the same on day one as they do after seasons of hard fishing, earning trust through reliability instead of hype.

Aesthetically, the OG 100 and Hundo are clean and purposeful. There’s no unnecessary flash, just sharp lines, premium finishes, and a design language that reflects performance first thinking. They look right at home on a high end rod, but more importantly, they feel right once the first cast hits the water. For anglers who view their gear as an extension of their skill, Bates Fishing Co. delivers something rare: reels that reward precision, punish shortcuts, and elevate the overall fishing experience. The OG 100 is a workhorse built to handle abuse and deliver unwavering consistency. The Hundo is a refined evolution, offering speed, balance, and finesse without losing the rugged foundation Bates is known for.

What ultimately sets the OG 100 and the Hundo apart is how intentionally they fit into an angler’s arsenal. These aren’t reels designed to be swapped out every season or replaced when the next trend rolls through. They’re built to become familiar, almost instinctive over time. The more you fish them, the more you trust them, and that trust shows up in small moments that matter: a backlash avoided in a tight cast, a smooth drag under pressure, or the confidence to lean harder into a fish buried in cover. Bates reels don’t demand attention; they earn it quietly, cast after cast, trip after trip, until they become the standard by which everything else is judged.

In a market flooded with reels that promise everything and deliver little, Bates Fishing Co. stays focused on what actually matters build quality, performance, and trust earned over time. Whether you’re fishing local waters or traveling to chase something bigger, the OG 100 and Hundo prove that when a reel is built right, you can feel the difference on every cast.

Check out more from Bates Fishing Co. here!

Written by Nick Levine
Outdoor Enthusiast | Gear Reviewer | Fishing & Inshore Specialist