Since learning to use a baitcaster effectively, I have not been a big fan of spinning reels.  I am not a big finesse fisherman, and maybe that’s why I stay away from spinning reels.  But, at the same time, I know I’m missing out on some fish because I don’t like to throw light stuff.  Sometimes you just need that.

I was recently introduced to a company called Piscifun, and had the opportunity to try out their Viper II spinning reel.  The 2000-series reel is smaller than what I am used to, and maybe that makes part of the difference.  I was always throwing at least a 3000-series spinning reel at the urging of my former fishing mentor and late husband (who is one and the same).This may have been part of the issue, but I don’t think it was all of it.

The Viper II is very well constructed, from what I have seen so far, and I’ve had the chance to use it several times.  It feels good in my hand.  Everything is tight and secure. It lets me get those long casts out there and is small enough for even a klutz like me to keep out of my own way with it.  I have thrown both braid and mono on the set up with solid results.

The construction of this quality-priced reel will get you right out of the package. It is super light, at just 9.6 ounces, but just feels tougher than most. It did not give me the feeling of having a fairy stick in my hand when paired with the same Denali rods I have been using for several years now. The reel has a 10+1 bearing set up, which makes it really smooth.  The line went on the reel well, and, like I said, I had no problems casting it as far as I wanted to.  Not only that, but because the reel is light, it works great for pitching and flipping, too.  That makes a difference to me, and it might not to some, but I don’t like a heavy, bulky reel when I’m pitching all day.

Also, when it comes to pitching, I tend to want to pitch into some pretty nasty stuff, which is not always the best idea with a spinning set up. But, the 6.2:1 gear ratio in the Viper II helped me get some good fish out of some nasty stuff.  I’m not saying I “couldn’t have” gotten those fish out with a lesser reel, but I am saying after the first time I felt completely confident that this one would not fail me when combining the speed with a really strong drag.

Lastly, the reel just looks good.  While that is probably one of the least important things an angler should consider, I think we can all kind of agree, it’s cool to have a cool-looking reel. This reel is black with green highlights that pop. It also have a comfortable handle grip that is not just stylish, but it keeps your hand from slipping off when reeling in those big fish, no matter the conditions. Even an all-day rain will not make the handle grip slippery and, unfortunately, I found that out one day.  Hey, a person only has so many days they can get on the water. You have to take the weather you’re dealt!

Overall, I have to say, especially for the price (you can get this one on Amazon for about $40), I would recommend this reel.  So far I haven’t found any drawbacks.  If you happen to see me on the water this summer, take a close look.  You might just see something weird – me with a spinning set up in my hand!  I’d love to hear what other people think of this reel, too, so leave a comment if you’ve tried it and let me know what you think.