13 Fishing Concept A Freshwater/Saltwater Baitcasting Fishing Reel review and price compare 2025

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Product overview

Brand	13 FISHING
Material	Other
Hand Orientation	Right Hand
Color	Black
Handle Material	Aluminum, Aluminum, Aluminum, Aluminum
Item Weight	0.7 Pounds
Fishing Line Type	Mono, Fluro, Braid

product features

Concept A Baitcast Reel
Low Profiling Baitcasting
Fresh and Saltwater

product description

The concept A is a smooth, lightweight reel that performs. Engineered with the right materials in the right places it is built to withstand the rigors of competitive fishing. With 22 lbs of Bulldog drag, it will put the brakes on any fish in fresh or saltwater.

product details

Is Discontinued By Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ No
Item model number ‏ : ‎ A5.3-RH
Department ‏ : ‎ Unisex-adult
Date First Available ‏ : ‎ March 4, 2014
Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ 13 Fishing
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00IS94UMY

important information

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Questions about 13 Fishing Concept A Freshwater/Saltwater Baitcasting Fishing Reel

Is this a left hand reel?

Answer: You can have right or left hand on this reels

Answer: This reel is left handed.

Answer: yes the reel in the photo is left handed

Answer: Yes it is left handed and it's awsome!

Answer: Yes

Does this one come with Power Handle?

Answer: No, the A3 comes with the power handle. It's a different reel altogether

Answer: No. The handle looks just like the one in the picture.

Answer: No

Do you have any left handed reels in this model?

Answer: Yes, and they are very smooth, best reels I own

Answer: No

How do you set the brakes on the reel?

Answer: Release the latch on the bottom of the left side plate and adjust the wheel on the spool to the desired setting. I recommend 4+ to start out then work your way down as you become accustomed to the reel. Enjoy that concept!

Is this a salt or freshwater reel? Is there a difference? 13's website differentiates, but I don't see a difference.

Answer: When 13 Fishing first came out with these reels they advertised them as being used for both. They produced a YouTube video showing them being fished in salt water. I don't fish salt water any more but I would have no problem using them for flats fishing or inland shore fishing.

Answer: I use it as a fresh water reel. You may be able to use it in salt water but you'll want to clean it when you're done.q

Answer: I intend to use it in salt water. A good friend has been using the concept c reel in salt water.

Answer: All of the metal components are either aluminum or stainless with an anti-corrosion coating. The regular concept As are saltwater approved according to 13 Fishing.

Answer: It can be used in salt water conditions, just rinse with clean water after use.

Answer: We sell many of these for fresh water. I'm not sure about its use for inshore/offshore fishing.

Answer: I don't know but I have 3 of them for fresh water and like em!

Answer: It's both

Is this right or left handed

Answer: right handed

Answer: Right hand

Answer: right

Answer: They offer both.

6:6:1 or 7:3:1 for all purposes ?

Answer: I prefer 7:3:1 because it allows me to fish jigs, finesse baits and top water all pretty effectively. If you want to fish crank baits a lot then 6:6:1 is probably the way you want to go.

Answer: Depends on what you’re using it for. I have the 7.3:1...what this means is that every 360 degrees you turn the crank handle the inner reel turns 7.3 full turns. It works great if your using worms, jigs, Texas rigs, Carolina rigs, etc. I usually lead with my rod tip though so I like a faster reel that takes up a lot of slack quickly in case I get a bite. It’s really all a matter a taste and developing a feel for what you like.

Answer: The high ratio helps with retrievals that need to happen quickly.....but 6 inches per rotation isn’t necessarily going to change the world. Depending on the type of lure being used, just do a few test casts and determine the best retrieval speed and crank accordingly. More impressive than gear ratio is the reel’s 23 pounds of drag. Very handy for big fish.

What is the line capacity with braid

Answer: The Concept A baitcasters are rated for 110 yards of 12lb monofilament. Due to the varying thickness of the braids on the market, most companies use monofilament ratings as a standard. Most braid lines will list how thick they are in monofilament terms. For example, a braid may be 20lb line, but they might have a 12lb monofilament diameter.

Is this right or left handed

Answer: right handed

Answer: Right hand

Answer: right

Answer: They offer both.

A7.3 does mean 7.3:1 gear ratio, right?

How do you set the brakes on the reel?

Is this reel a left handed wind

Answer: This is a right hand retrieve. Looks like they are Right hand unless specified with a LH on the description on Amazon

Answer: Yes it is left handed

What is the gear ratio for this reel?

Answer: 7.3 to 1 Be careful when ordering ,I almost ordered the wrong one , because I was looking at so many sites.

Answer: This one is 7.3:1

Answer: 7.3:1

What is the line capacity

Answer: 13 Fishing rates the Concept A reels as 110 yards of 12lb line - I would assume that this would be 12lb Mono.

Answer: The reels will hold 100 yards of 12 lb test line

Answer: Plenty of line capacity for freshwater bass or small inshore fish. I’m using for topwater lures with 20lbs braid for backing and around 50 yards of 12-15lbs mono. I cast around 30-40 yards with 1/2oz weight at most.

Answer: 110 Yards per their website

Do you have this in left hand?

Answer: No

Does it have a warranty

Answer: Yes, of course.

Answer: It comes with a one year warranty and repair services after that. Been using this reel nonstop since I bought it in salt and fresh water and it is a champ.

I just ordered this and am concerned if it's right hand as the picture shows or left hand. Is this reel right handed?

Answer: Ours is right handed, like the picture.

Is it right hand retrieve or left? Doesn't specify in description

Answer: right hand

What does it mean on the sizes 5.3 & 6.6

Answer: Depends what style ya afta

I have one of these and your listing doesn't say it but this is the concept A model correct?

Answer: It is the concept A

Answer: Yes it is concept A : )

Does the drag system click/tick as the line is pulled off the reel, like a spinning reel?

Answer: No it does not.

Which one cast longer the concept c or the concept A

Answer: The copncept c will cast longer. It is a better real. If you want a really great casting real though, look at the lews Tournament Pro G, or if you can find one the older Tournament Pro. I use my concept c's for grass work.

Answer: The concept C has a few more ball bearings, I think it cast a slight bit smoother. As far as distance it all depends what you are casting. I am a owner of both concept A and C bait casters and love both of them. 13 Fishing makes a really great product which ever one you choose I am sure you will be happy.

Line capacity in diameter if possible?

Answer: I have loaded 90 yds of 16lbs Sunline. Remarkable reel. You will like it.

Where is this reel Manufactured ?

Answer: No idea, but its a bitchin reel & you'll not regret buyin. If you can baitcast no regrets. GO FOR IT HUN

Answer: Korea.

What's the retrieve on this reel?

Answer: This is the 5.3:1 gear ratio model. Meaning for every turn of the handle the spool rotates 5.3 times. The retrieve rate is 21 inches per turn of the handle.

Answer: 5.3 to 1 on the model we bought.

Are all 13 fishing concept a fishing reels good for salt water. i wanted the 8.1 to 1 gear ratio

Answer: yes, it comes with a feature called (Ocean Armor 2 saltwater Protection process) 30 lbs of drag make it a great saltwater reel.

Answer: Yes, the Concept reels are good for both fresh and saltwater! Let us know if you have any other questions.

Answer: Concept a is. it’s said in the description, features

what is the line capacity with 50 lb braided line suitable for Musky Fishing

Answer: The line capacity on the Concept A reels is 110 yards of 12 lb (That should be Mono, 13 Fishing doesn't specify on their website). So depending on what braid you use I would think a Power Pro type line should get you close to 100 yds at 50lb line. For muskie that might be a little bit light for a 50lb setup. The reel is probably tough enough to throw some smaller muskie baits, but you'd be limited by line capacity. You might try looking at the Concept A3 - it's a little heavier duty reel that might be a little closer to what you're looking for.

Answer: It might be light for muskie -- I have one spooled up with 40lb braid for pulling bass out of weeds but I wouldn't use this one for muskie

What does 7BB mean?

Answer: That's the number of ball bearings

Answer: The number of ball bearings

Answer: The reel has 7 ball bearings

Answer: 7 ball bearings.

if i am using fluorocarbon line how much line capacity can i use ??

If I order this real will it be a 8.1:1 gear ratio. ? Only ask because the one in the picture says 6.6:1 gear ratio

Answer: Yes, you will receive the 8.1:1

what is the gear ratio of the real?

Is this a right hand crank

Answer: Yes!

Answer: Yes

Is this a genuine 13 fishing concept a?

Answer: It should be as that is what the listing is for. I know that we only sell 13 Fishing products purchased direct from 13 Fishing.

Answer: Yes. It’s genuine. Have been using it for almost 2 years it’s solid

Answer: I think so, if it's not it's one of the best knock-off reels I've ever had. It's lasted me the past 4 years and is still kicking strong. Just used it today, ironically enough

Answer: Yes it is, it’s been a great reel.

Is there any left hand options for this reel? i can't find any LH ones.

Answer: Yes there is, query Left-Hand 13 Fishing Concept.

Answer: There is a LH A8.1 look @ their website: http://www.13fishing.com/concept-a/

Which one is better the concept c or the concept A??

Answer: Concept c has more ball berring and is more smooth. But they're both really good reels.

Is the Black size 6.6 right or left hand rewtrieve?

Answer: In the drop down when you pick a speed you'll see like 6.6 or 6.6LH for example. The 6.6 is right hand and the 6.6LH is left. It looks like they only specified the LH and then the non-labeled are right

Answer: You can get this reel either left handed or right handed retrieve. You have to make sure you read the listing and make sure it is what you need.

Answer: It’s right handed.

Answer: well you have to choose which retrieve speed and LH or RH you want! should be a drop down to select what you want?

Does 13 fishing offer warranty?

Answer: Yes, 13 Fishing offers a 1 year warranty on the Concepts!

Is this a Concept A model?

Answer: Yes, this listing is for Concept A models.

What gear ratio is this reel?

Answer: 8.1:1

Answer: 8.1.1

Answer: The one I ordered is 8to1

What gear ratio you recommend for all purposes?

Answer: I purchased the 7.3 and use it for all purpose, mostly jerkbaits and crankbaits but I use it for everything. If you get a lower gear ratio it’s harder on the arm/wrist to speed it up than it is to slow down your retrieve with a high gear ratio.

Answer: 6:2 or 7:3 probably best all around ratio 5:1 works good for some methods like crank baits or during winter

Answer: I forgot to add... I would get the Shimano Curado K 200 hg If I could traid in my Concept A. Curado’s are much smother and more comfortable to palm. I’ve had my concept for 2 years now and it’s bearing and spool are still noisier than I prefer. My old green Curado is smooth as silk and at least 5 years old maybe older I don’t remember when I bought it. Nothing else is wrong with the Concept but the noise/rubbing, it cast great and is super lightweight.

Answer: 7 to 1

for a rh model...is the crank on the right then or the left?

Answer: For a rh model, the crank is on the right.

Answer: If it is a RH model it is on the right side

Answer: my box has rh on it and handle is on right hand side of reel

Answer: It's on the right.

Answer: Right

how good is this reel about not back lashing

Answer: In my opinion it does a solid job. Smoothness, fine tuning the reel, retrieve, cast. Its an all around quality reel for the money and would purchase one again. As for backlashing, I would give it a 4.4 out of 5 so pretty good!

Answer: I set the brakes to a little less than half and haven't touched it since. Even with the tension knob loose, I nearly never backlash. The only time I did was when my lure broke off on the back cast, but even then it only took a few seconds to clear the loops. This is the best reel I have used.

Answer: I have found it to be a very nice reel. I have also found that different lines behave differently on any reel. If you go with a quality line you should be happy. I went back to 12 lb. mono and ditched braid on most of my reels for inshore saltwater. I also have some good braid that is usable on reels for certain conditions. Also remember you can improve any reel by tuning, including high end reels. I just went through all on mine using polishing and upgraded lubricants. This reel is one of my longest casters along with my Shimano. I will probably buy this reel again in the future. Hope this helps.

Answer: It's been my experience that backlashing is a result of and improper drag/brake setting for your particular casting style. When I bought this reel, I turned the brake all the way up and slowly worked down to zero brake. Now I use my thumb to "feather" the reel face while casting which gives me more control. Do I still get an occasional backlash? Yes, but not as often as I used to. I also use 65 lb braided line. The best advice I can give is practice, practice, practice and learn your reel.

Is this a right handed reel?

Answer: Yes that is a right handed reel that you reel with right hand. Thank you

Which 13 fishing concept reel would hold 100 yards of 50 lb brides line?

Answer: It would depend on what type of braid line you were using as they have different diameters, but most modern braids would be very close if not make the 100yd line on the Concept A or Concept C which are rated 110yd of 12lb mono. The A3 has a rating of 180yd of 12lb mono, and the Inception and the upcoming Concept Z have 135yd of 12lb mono. So most will be close to right at 100yds of 50lb braid unless you use a thicker braid, and the A3 has the largest capacity of them all.

Answer: Almost any of them will it will be close on the standard concept spools, they do sell deep spools that have close to 2 times the capacity for $30.00

Answer: It should hold it fine. 50 lb braid is equal in diameter to 12 lb mono normally.

Answer: Possibly the concept tx, it has a deep spool.

how does this reel compare to the shimano curado?

Answer: I bought it last year from Amazon and it takes a long time to shipped to China. I would like to say it was not the reel I am expecting to,it feels a little heavier and too small to hold in hand,actually it does not fit most of my rods as well. The shimano curado comparely speaking are the better one I prefer to,more comfortable,stable,smoothable.

Answer: Although similar in shape and size, the 13 Fishing Concept has a larger eyelet for the line to go through to aid in faster, smoother casts and retrieves. For me the most noticible difference is the smoothness with which the 13 Fishing reel casts and I love the feel of the cork on the crank handle.

Answer: Have both and 13 Fishing is better built, better drag and superior reel.

Answer: It blows it away. Best reel for the money no doubt. Completely switched over to all 13 brand reels.

is this the beetle wing rh model

Answer: Yeah it is

Product reviews of 13 Fishing Concept A Freshwater/Saltwater Baitcasting Fishing Reel

Thomas J. Dolaskie IV : Great value & product.

Smooth as butter. Maybe I'll need some butter for all the fish I'm going to catch with this thing. I like the profile, the mechanics, etc. Very happy with the value of this reel compared to some of the others I considered. My primary reel is a Pfleuger President, but I needed a 'one-handed' reel replacement. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Amazon Customer : I assumed the original box or the original packing would ...

I assumed the original box or the original packing would be messed up with the reel have a few scratches but this was not the case. The reel and the box looked brand new.

Chai Seng : Thanks

Great product for the price and good price for fast shipping.

jeremy asaro : Five Stars

Great reel worked well reeling in a 47" 50lbs striper

Marcus : Highly Satisfied

Great quality. Lightweight also very easy to palm. I’d recommend this reel to anyone. I fish this reel on a 7’1 St.Croix BassX rod with a fast tip.

Cory Reynolds : Sold all my shimanos!!

Bought this reel on a good tip. It is smoother than any shimano I have ever owned. Blows the chronarch ci4+ out of the water. I have since bought the inception, model c, and the special edition tx. I will continue to outcast my shimano friends!!

Electrovan : Awesome Reel

This is an awesome reel. It is the 2nd Concept A I've purchased (the other has a faster gear ratio). I was having problems with bird nests when ever I threw a 1/4oz lure. I was using an Inception reel and even with the brake on 4 I was experiencing problems. Switched to the Concept A and set the brake on 3. No more bird nest. I still think the Inception is a fine reel and I'm going to put it on my jig rod where most everything I throw is 3/8 oz and up. It does fine then. I know the Concept A cost a bit more, but man is it worth it. Now I'm saving my pennies so I can trick out the Concept A in red and black. Will look awesome on my Quantum KVD cranking rod, which is red and gray. I'm totally sold on 13 Fishing products. Exceptional reel!

David : This reel looks nice, is very smooth and does cast very far

This reel looks nice, is very smooth and does cast very far, but the quality does not seem to be on par with other reels in the same price range. The level wind quit working so I took it apart to clean and lube,some parts are cheaply made. Found one of the teeth on the shaft was damaged. Sending in for repair now as I have only had it for about a month.

Thomas J. Dolaskie IV : Great value & product.

Jonathan Barrette : Five Stars

Best reel I have ever used. It has been real hard to put down & use my others.

Jason L. Howell : One of the best values out there

One of the finest reels out there. I'm somewhat new to using baitcasters but before 13 Fishing Concept A, I tried several Abu Garcia reels, Daiwa Tatula and a few from Lew's. I just couldn't convince myself that a baitcaster was worth the money....then I found 13 Fishing Concept A and everything changed. It's hard for me to go back to my old spinning reels now. The only complaint I have is that I now want several in different gear ratios.

Mike Ramon : Great reel

I really like this reel, great quality for the money.

Outdoor Theater Dude : Not durable

Was impressed at first, great casting and backlash control. Small form factor made it comfortable. I bought this for Snook fishing and liked my first few experiences. Good drag control and I was able to outcast guys next me which proved to be the difference as I was the only one catching fish and using a baitcaster. That is all the positive, now for the cons. The reel started making squealing noises randomly. It appears there is some issues with factory lubrication, so I was told anyway. The problem was bad enough that I contacted 13 fishing. My reel was 2 months past the one year warranty and I was told they would service it for a fee plus I had to package and ship it to them. Even after I explained that this reel is only used once a month at best. That said I estimate this reel saw 8 hours of fishing before the squealing started. I do not trust this brand and will be buying Daiwa and Shimano for now on. Have never had problems with either of these brands. So much for trying something new

Joe C : Top Notch

So far - so good as this is our favorite reel right now.
Smooth as silk.

Larry : Fantastic reel

Fantastic reel. Light, tight, smooth. Incredible casts.

Jeff Fletcher : Butter

Super smooth. Really good reel

Jonathan Barrette : Five Stars

Best reel I have ever used. It has been real hard to put down & use my others.

Amazon Customer : Five Stars

great products, service was as advertised.

David Herrera Jaramillo : Very good reel

Five stars

Robert Florisi : Love it

Love it

Chai Seng : Thanks

Great product for the price and good price for fast shipping.

Andrew J. : Five Stars

sweet reel for the price

Mike Ramon : Great reel

I really like this reel, great quality for the money.

Michael : Good reel

Good reel. The spool bearings were a litlle loud at first, but I oiled them and they're less noise now. The reel casts well and the breaking system is easy to adjust. I cant say its the best $150.00 reel out there but it works fine.

Colton Sutherland : Five Stars

Worth every penny

Thomas J. Dolaskie IV : Great value & product.

Andrewl07 : Just a great reel

These came our years ago, but still a great reel. Just caught a few from thick cover this weekend and it is a work horse. I use it as a flipping set up with the heavy drag. I'd live to buy more once my wife forgets about it.

Thomas J. Dawson : A new fan

Extremely happy with this reel. Very well built and casts smooth as butter. I love them design of the hidden drag. Keeps the design smooth and comfortable to palm. I just bought a second one for my Minnesota trip in June. Definitely a fan of One 3 fishing. Well worth every cent.

David Herrera Jaramillo : Very good reel

Five stars

Thomas J. Dawson : A new fan

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