Lews Fishing WMR5, Signature Series Crappie Reel (Clam Pack) review and price compare 2025

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Product overview

Brand	Lew's
Material	Synthetic
Hand Orientation	Right Hand
Color	Multi
Handle Material	Stainless Steel
Item Weight	0.4 Pounds
Fishing Line Type	Monofilament
Bearing Material	Stainless Steel

product features

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Rigid one-piece graphite frame, spool and side plates
Two stainless steel ball bearings
Selective on/off free spool feature
Country of Origin:China

product description

Wally Marshall and Lew's designed this powerful little reel for Tightline trolling and jigging in heavy cover for year-round Crappie fishing. The WMR5 model Crappie reel is designed from scratch and really is a scaled-down casting reel with true free spool functionality it's not just a "line holder" like most of the Mini Crappie reels. This reel is super light with lots of muscle. Features:- rigid one-piece graphite frame, spool and side plates - two stainless steel ball bearings - selective on/off free spool feature - precision machined brass gearing - selective on/off bait clicker - smooth drag system with metal star knob adjustment - spool tension adjustment knob - easy cranking dual grip handle - 6.1: 1 gear ratio - line capacity 100 yards/10-LB. Mono - pre-spooled with premium Mr. Crappie 6-lb. Mono. Specifications: - retrieve: right hand - bearings: 2 - gear ratio: 6.1: 1 - line capacity: 100/10 - weight: 5.6 oz.

product details

Is Discontinued By Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ No
Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7 x 6 x 2 inches; 6.4 Ounces
Item model number ‏ : ‎ WMR5
Department ‏ : ‎ Unisex-adult
Date First Available ‏ : ‎ December 2, 2011
Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Lew's Fishing
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0084EFDL0
Country of Origin ‏ : ‎ China
Domestic Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
International Shipping: This item can be shipped to select countries outside of the U.S.

important information

Important information

Legal Disclaimer

This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

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Questions about Lews Fishing WMR5, Signature Series Crappie Reel (Clam Pack)

How heavy is it/what's the weight?

Answer: Don’t know the exact weight of the reel but it’s real light. And I love them. Perfect for my 14 foot crappie poles.

Answer: 5.6 oz, really like mine !

Does the line go on top of the bar or underneath the bar?

Answer: On top.

Will this reel cast 4lb mono also how light of lures can be casted on this reel

Answer: Sorry, but I use mine to tight line for crappie, used it for the first time yesterday and I think I will buy a couple more. I don't think it would perform like a spinning reel on real light lures.

Answer: With the right rod and an educated thumb you can cast lures as light as 1/16 ounce

Answer: My hubby said in response to your question "Don't waste your money." He was disappointed in this reel.

Is it left or right handed retrieve?

Answer: Can be either. Simply change handle to left or right.

Answer: Right hand

Answer: It is reversible.

Product reviews of Lews Fishing WMR5, Signature Series Crappie Reel (Clam Pack)

country boy : Really good ice fishing reel

I bought one to use on my ice fishing rods and love the reel. As mentioned in some other reviews the line can get between the spool and housing. A simple fix I figured out and haven't had any problems since is, do not fill the spool more than half full of line, (I only put about a quarter full) do not use line lighter than #4 test. Since I set this reel up this way it has worked flawless for ice fishing. I do not try casting with it, it's not designed for that, if you want to cast, buy a bait casting reel of proper size. One suggestion, if the line does get between the spool and case, cut the line at the spool and just pull it out, no need to take it apart, reattach the bait and you're good to go.

Tim : Works as shown

Bought this for ice fishing. Works as expected.

E. Willi : Mini reels take some trial and error

This reel is a more advanced, smoother-operating and better casting, version of Buck's Mini Reel and variations on the theme. The main problem with all mini reels is the gap between the spool and the reel housing, which line can get behind -- and then you have to take the reel apart. The Buck's Mini Reel and variations are pretty easy to take apart. This WMR5 is not quite as easy if you take the handle side apart, since you have to make sure you get the right sized screws in the holes when reassembling, and get the Star Drag washers in the right order; the side opposite the handle pops off easily with only three identical screws, if the line goes off that side.

The various crappie rod and reel dealers all stock mini reels so somebody must have success with them. You have to consider that they are designed mainly as a line holder for a jigging or trolling rod. Casting is not really their forte, but this WMR5 does cast pretty well. Not like a spincast or spinning reel, but about what you'd expect from a basic baitcast reel.

Some mini reel users have pointed out that you can avoid the problem of the line getting stuck between the spool and the reel housing by not filling the spool as full -- leave 1/8 inch of the spool showing. Also, heavier line might help. Many mini reels come spooled with 6lb line, but the WMR5 appears to come with 10lb line, although the description at Lew's says 6lb. I put Eagle Claw 8lb clear mono on my WMR5 and 2 other mini reels.

The appeal of the WMR5 is its minimalism; if you grew-up fishing with a basic baitcasting reel that you had to "thumb" to control distance/backlash, you can probably relate to this reel. Also, you will manually guide the line when reeling in, since the reel has no "level-wind"; my hunch is that without the mechanical friction of a level-wind the reel actually casts BETTER.

The WMR5 and other mini reels are versatile, mountable on most rods: baitcasting, spinning, ice-fishing, trolling/jigging, etc. I put the WMR5 on my Quantum QX24 6-foot medium action casting rod for general lake fishing for Bluegill and Bass. 1/8 oz jigs and larger lures cast easily. Anything lighter, like a feathered Grizzly Jig, try pulling out about 15 feet of line and flip the jig out onto the water -- a little like fly fishing.

The WMR5 has a Star Drag, a clicker on/off, a spool release, and a spool tensioner. These are used in various combinations; for example, turn the clicker on and release the spool to pull line off the reel to attach a lure, to drop a sinker rig straight down into the water, or to flip a lightweight lure. To cast, turn the clicker off, put your thumb on the spool to keep it from freespooling, click the spool release with your other hand, and cast. The spool tensioner is generally set loose to allow for longer casts, but can be tightened depending on the lure weight to help with backlash (but your thumb is the main backlash deterrent). The Star Drag, of course, helps to avoid line breakage by providing a little "give" to the fish.

List price is $25.99. Try to get it on Sale and have fun!

sideriosis : Broken by 1st decent sized fish

I was really enjoying this reel. I was going to rate it a 4 or 5. It is a simple casting reel and functioned really well.
The 1st decent sized fish (12" & 1.25 lbs surf perch) broke the reel and created a massive backlash. I was able to reel over the backlash and land the fish (yeah!). I was going to use it again tomorrow too.
As you can see from the picture, the mount for the clutch spring broke. The metal is clearly too thin in that area.
We will see if the manufacturer stands behind their product and offers a replacement.

Update 10/9/19: Good news! The manufacturer, Lew's, stood behind their product and sent me a replacement. While this is one of their least expensive products it is good know they are a reputable company. I use their yellow monofilament on other reels--good stuff.
About the reel itself. As another poster said, this is a simple conventional casting reel. Nothing fancy: no level wind, no braking (have to use your thumb). However, I can cast a 1/4 to 3/8 oz weight a long way with this reel because it so simple. Yes, as someone said, the line gets caught between the spool and the housing sometimes because the gap is wide. This is an simple, inexpensive, decent quality, reel. Don't give it to the kids though--it will be a mess and you'll be untangling the backlashes all day. That all being said, I like this reel and will kill fish with the replacement soon. Hopefully this one lasts.
Truth be told, I wish Penn, Daiwa, or Shimano made a good quality reel of this style. I can't find anything like it.

carpenter : Love it

Great little Crappie reel

Comer Moore : Very Poor Quality

I purchased 4 of these. The first one has a problem with the line release not resetting so when you turn the handle it does not take up line.
the second one catches the line between the spool and the frame because the reel is built with very loose tolerances. I had all 4 mounted on
12ft crappie poles but after these problems I have removed them. I will give them to my wife for her yard sale as they are not suitable for fishing.

Tucker B. : Awesome Jigging Reel. NOT FOR CASTING!

I've used these reels many years ago and purchased one in 2016. After losing it in a flood, I finally ordered a new one. Same great quality and what an awesome little reel! Free spool function works great for dropping light panfish jigs. I use mine with 1/32oz jigs in 5-15ft of water for bluegill, bass, and crappie. Selectable clicker mode is very nice as well! I'm very happy with my purchase and might just order another one for the fun of it!

NOTE: This is not a casting reel! Though with the right size lure casting can be easy, this not it's intended use.

Gabriel cortez : If you don’t need it don’t buy it

Cool small reel. But does seem like it would break pretty easy.

David Yang : ez breaks

breaks

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