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Like many anglers, I enjoy shopping for gear and reading about it as much as fishing. Out of season, learning about what’s new in fishing gear becomes almost an obsession, but not quite! When I find a rod or reel that fits me, I like to share my thoughts with other anglers. In that spirit, I would like to offer a brief review of a reel that I really like: the Shimano Tribal Ultegra 5500 XTA.

Fishing Tackle – About Shimano Tribal Ultegra 5500 XTA Reel

The Ultegra 5500 XTA was introduced at a Shimano trade show and has received considerable approval. Although small, this is a perfect reel for larger carp and other species as well. It’s also lightweight, weighing just 570 grams (before spooling line) and features a front spool baiting system. A baitrunner reel, by the way, is identical to a fixed spool reel, with the exception that it is capable of baiting fish with the bail closed, while keeping the reel fully in free spool mode. I have found this real to be perfect for all distances from short to quite long.

Fishing Tackle: Key Features of the Ultegra 5500 XTA

The first thing you notice about the Ultegra 5500 XTA is that it has a unique look. It has a RealTree™ finish. I’ve learned that RealTree is the world’s leading company for distinctive and versatile camo patterns, like the popular Hardwoods™ finish on this reel. This is a manageable, scaled down version of a bit pit reel, making it a great choice for many anglers. Despite its size, it is capable of casting significant distances and offers excellent line placement, along with plenty of control. The real one comes with a spare spool and a carrying case. Expect to pay around £189.99 for it.

Fishing tackle: more information about this Shimano Ultegra reel

The Shimano Ultegra reel has a unique character offering a sleek, modern design and a solid feel, both backed by superior performance. The ergonomics are excellent, making the real one supremely comfortable to hold, even for extended periods. The launch distance is excellent. You can expect a range of 100 to 120 yards, using 4 oz cables. The real handle is large and comfortable, due to its biomechanical design. It spins around one yard of line per turn. The baitrunner system is very easy to engage and only requires a counterclockwise quarter turn of the outer drag knob to set. I found the clutch to be super smooth, a feature that is very important to me. A set of grommets is also included, making it easy to customize the angle of the line run. While I’m usually not concerned with the actual appearance, I have to admit that the 5500 XTA is quite flashy and looks destined to become a collector’s item.

The Shimano Tribal Ultegra 5500 XTA reel would make a great addition to any angler’s fishing tackle collection.