Daiwa Tatula SV TW Baitcast Review: Pros & Cons For Saltwater Anglers
- By: Justin Ritchey
- on
Have you ever used a baitcast reel for inshore saltwater fishing?
What are the benefits of using a baitcaster reel for saltwater fishing?
The Daiwa Tatula SV TW is a versatile baitcasting reel that can perform in either freshwater or saltwater.
Check out more below!!
Daiwa Tatula SV TW Baitcast Review [VIDEO]
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Daiwa has also produced a new version of the Daiwa Tatula SV TW but with some minor changes.
The newer reel is a bit smaller in body size, it has a shorter handle, and a zero adjust spool tension knob.
For saltwater anglers, the specifics of the larger reel are more fitting for inshore fishing.
Daiwa kept the two corrosion-resistant ball bearings in this version as well.
This is a benefit for saltwater anglers because it helps to increase the length of “like new” performance of the reel.
Daiwa Tatula SV TW reels come in three different speed models (6.3:1, 7.3:1, 8.3:1) with 7.3:1 being suitable for inshore saltwater fishing.
Moreover, 29.4 inches per turn is excellent for a baitcaster in terms of rate of pickup speed.
The reel itself weighs 7.2 ounces and has a drag capacity of 13.2 lbs.
There are spinning reels that have a lot more drag pressure, however, with regards to a baitcaster you will have the most control and torque on a fish because the line comes directly off of the spool.
The SV Concept
Baitcasters can be frustrating at times because of backlash on the spool.
These types of reels perform very differently from spinning setups.
If you use the features of a baitcaster just right, it can be to your advantage.
There are tension adjustments on the spool as well as brakes on the side.
And the weight of your line whether it be braid or monofilament can affect the tension on the spool.
The S in SV stands for stress-free and the V stands for versatile.
This means the design and weight of the spool and how it interacts with the braking system will allow you to cast lighter lures a further distance with more accuracy.
Traditionally, baitcasters struggle to throw lures that are lighter than 1/4 of an ounce.
While not perfect, the Daiwa SV TW offers a bit more control to an angler throwing lighter lures.
Magforce Braking System
The SV spool works in conjunction with the Magforce magnetic braking system.
A dial on the side of the reel has settings from 0-20.
This determines how much magnetic force is applied to the spool.
To remove the side plate, twist off the screw on the dial and slide out the side panel.
The SV spool has an orange cup on the side which Daiwa refers to as an inductor cup or inductor rotor.
This cup moves in and out working in conjunction with the magnetic system in the side plate of the reel.
The rings on the inside of the side panel are magnets and depending on how you have it set from 0-20 determines how much magnetic force is placed on the inductor cup.
When you go to cast your line out, the spool will be rotating as fast as possible as the line is sent off of the reel.
At the top of your cast, the inductor cup will shoot out into the magnetic system to offer resistance depending on the number you have it set on.
This controls how much more or less resistance is applied to the inductor rotor during the cast.
Resistance is not being applied to the spool itself but rather to the inductor rotor.
This is to prevent a backlash of line on your spool when casting a lure out into the water.
The aim is to avoid having to use your thumb or other techniques to prevent line backlash or a bird’s nest.
Magnets provide equal pressure to the inductor rotor with 360 degrees of resistance.
In situations you would expect to bird’s nest the line, this system in place prevents line backlash.
TWS System
Daiwa includes in most of their baitcasting reels a TWS or “T-Wing” system.
More specifically, it is a level wind aperture that Daiwa has made bigger than other traditional baitcast reels.
This reduces the friction of the line moving left to right on the spool when you cast a lure out.
In turn, this will enhance your casting distance because the line is not fighting itself on the spool.
Traditional baitcasters have a smaller opening on the level wind which does put the line back smoothly on the spool.
But when you go to cast, there are times when the line will fight with itself to make its way out through the smaller opening.
Cons Of The Daiwa SV TW
Even though the Magforce offers you a lot of control and the ability to cast lighter lures a further distance, there is always going to be tension on the spool.
This can negatively impact your casting distance.
If you want to use this reel to cover a lot of ground on an open flat, the tension on the spool can be a limiting factor in reducing your ability to cast farther than other baitcasting reels.
Additionally, the spool can hold about 100 yards of line depending on the pound test you are using.
There are other baitcast spools that are able to hold a lot more line.
If you are going after big bull redfish or larger snook that may dump a lot of line off the reel, the line capacity is lower on this particular reel.
When Is The Best Time To Use A Baitcasting Reel In Saltwater?
When it comes to having accurately placed casts, it is hard to beat a baitcaster.
Keep in mind you have to get the proper settings dialed in for control over your casts.
If you are skipping a lure underneath mangroves and docks, with practice you can have a lot more control with a baitcaster to get your lure right where the fish are holding.
Baitcaster reels are utility reels that enable an angler to cast a lure accurately in shorter distances while fishing saltwater.
The Daiwa SV TW is best paired with a 7′ or 7’6″ Medium-Heavy rod for fishing near and around structure in saltwater.
Conclusion
The Daiwa SV TW is a versatile, utility baitcasting reel that has unique features that make it applicable in both freshwater and saltwater.
Compared to traditional baitcast reels, the Daiwa SV TW includes a magnetic braking system and “T-Wing” casting adjustments to enhance your casting distance and reduce bird’s nests.
Remember that this reel will work better in saltwater when fishing under docks or mangroves and around other underwater structures!
Get the Daiwa SV TW Baitcasting Reel here
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Hi, just purchased this reel and first cast i got a backlash. I have 30lb braided. What’s going on?
Hey David. There isn’t enough context here to understand Why you have a backlash in your Tatula SVTW Baitcaster. Have you followed the steps I suggested in my video above? I found that by dialing your Cast Control Knob to a setting in which the spool of the reel does not “jiggle” left or right, and then setting your Casting Break on the left hand side of the reel to ~5-7, results in a smooth payout of line and helps you cast without backlashing your line. Hope this helps.
What would be the con of going down to a 10lb braid on this reel?
I guess the challenge would be managing such a light line on a baitcaster is potential “professional overrun”. If you feel proficient with a baitcaster, you can certainly go down to 10lb. But I feel you have better overall cast control when you’re using 20lb. or 30lb.
I’m new to the bait caster thing. I’ve only used spinning since I was a kid. So I’ll listen to the professional lol thanks dude
I used this reel for “BFS” for about a year. I used 4 lb test on it. It worked great. 5 gram lures is where it stops. Anything under that and you’ll fight it. Good luck!
Hey Justin, I finally received the Tatula reel as supplies were low for everyone, no problem.
Put it on a TFO 7ft MH fast rod with 30lb PowerPro braid. After a little adjustment (down to about 3 on the resistance setting) I think I have it dialed in for a few less overruns. My intent is as you guys suggested learning to skip it under docks and mangroves. Question: Like spinning reels does the casting distance improve using a lighter line? I think I remember some of the guys at SS were previously saying the heavier braid line helps the reels performance.
Thanks for the follow-up here, Randal. So technically, the SV spool design on these Tatula SVs allows for anglers to cast a further distance with lighter lines (i.e. jumping down from 30lb. to say 20lb. braid). But in terms of skipping, since distance isn’t nearly as important, I’d stay with a larger line test rating like 30lb. since you will be fishing near some heavier structure. When you skip-cast, you won’t notice much of an increase in casting distance by dropping down your line size; you would only notice this increase if casting out on the open flats with smaller/lighter lures. I hope this helps info helps you choose which line you will need, based on your style of fishing.
Thanks Justin, you answered my question and it does make sense for what I am doing with it. You guys are very much appreciated. What a great thing to be able to ask a question and get a prompt knowledgeable response especially considering I am one of over 26,000. Wishing all of you there at SS a wonderful, safe, and prosperous new year. Thank you again.
Would not a right hand dominant person generally want a left handed casting reel?
Oddly enough, I’m a right hand dominant person, and prefer to use Spinning Gear with a left handed retrieve and a Baitcasting Reel with a right handed retrieve. Your logic makes sense here, but I think Traditions and habits take hold of anglers in this instance. Take a look at some of the Australian Fisherman videos: if right hand dominant, they still prefer Spinning Gear with a right handed retrieve and Baitcasting Reels with a left handed retrieve (the opposite from us in the States).
I completely agree, Vincent. But man, to be honest, I don’t think I could use a Baitcasting (or Conventional Reel for that matter) with a left handed retrieve. I’m so used to the other way around now! To each their own, I suppose.
It might have been covered but what rod were you using in this video?
This reel was matched up with a Halo Titanium Series 7’6″ Medium Heavy. I’m not sure if they still make that model anymore (it was around $250 when I originally purchased it).
How does this compare to the Shimano Curado. Are you sponsored by Daiwa? I notice just Daiwa reels in your videos.
I’d say the two are neck-in-neck in terms of performance. I think the Curado K might offer a “slight” increase in casting distance for the majority of lures over 1/4oz (due to it’s difference in breaking system, centrifugal Vs. magnetic), but the Daiwa will likely cast lighter lures a further distance when paired on the same rod due to the lighter/smaller SV Spool. When you look at both spools side-by-side, the Curado K is a little larger in diameter than an SV Spool, and therefore weighs slightly more than the Daiwa spool.
And nope! Not sponsored at all by any of the Vendors we work closely with (Daiwa, Z-Man, Owner Hooks to name a few). We purchase these items at standard wholesale price like every other retailer. We choose to carry a myriad of Daiwa products because we believe they offer an exceptional balance of both Value & Performance.
Joe & I discussed at length the challenges we have faced with Shimano in the past on a prior Podcast. If you haven’t had a chance to listen to that yet, give it a listen, I think you’ll be intrigued with what you’ll hear: The State Of The Current Fishing Tackle Union (saltstrong.com)
Why’d you go with 30lb braid with birdnesting not being an issue? Would you go down to 20lb knowing what you know now after testing?
Good question, Brad. This reel is actually going to be used by Luke during the winter months as he fishes Docks for Snook, Sheepshead & other heavy structure gamefish. Overall, when it comes to casting distance, Luke & many of the other Team Members would personally prefer a light spinning setup over a baitcaster. If I was the type of angler that preferred to use a baitcast setup on the open flats, then yes I would go down to 20lb, just to have a little less weight on the spool and hold a tad bit more line.
Any chance on adding a left hand version?
Definitely! We will be adding some of the Left Handed (same 7.3.1 gear ratio) models to our Shop soon! Keep an eye out for them 🙂
THANK YOU!
I’m right handed but use “left” handed casting reel. Makes sense in my book, why keep switching hands. Baitcasters do have limitations, but for accuracy fishing along shorelines I feel they’re a lot better than spinning reels. Additionally, the retrieve and cast is quicker than a spinning reel. Something like a semiautomatic gun versus a revolver…
Justin- any best guess on when they’ll be in stock?
Eric & Lyle: GREAT NEWS!!! We found out yesterday that the Left Handed Model (and a few more of the Right Handed Models) are on their way to us as we speak! They should hopefully be added back into Inventory by the end of Next Week. Please keep an eye out & click the “Notify Me” button for that product when you have a chance and we will send you guys an alert when we have them available!
From looking at the Daiwa website, it appears this real is being discontinued?
To the best of my knowledge, they will be keeping this version of the Tatula SV TW in their lineup. They have created the newer Tatula SV TW 103 as well, but that is not slated to be a replacement to the prior model.
All current info on this Tatula SV TW is listed here on Daiwa’s US website: TATULA ® SV – Daiwa US
I’m curious about reel maintenance, with this magnetic spool system means that the metal is not stainless steel. Would you take the side off and rinse the inside parts after each use.
That would be a good practice, yes. General maintenance like a light wipe down with a cloth & freshwater will help ensure particulate does not build up against those magnets. I’d caution exposing the inside of the sideplate to too much freshwater though, as the main bearing support should try to stay dry as much as possible. But for maintaining the circular magnets, I’d say yes, a gentle wipe down with a shammy should do the trick.