Lew's Speed Cast 5.3:1 Right Hand Casting Reel review and price compare 2025
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Product overview
Brand | Lew's |
Material | Blend |
Hand Orientation | Right Hand |
Color | Multi |
Handle Material | Aluminum |
Bearing Material | Stainless Steel |
product features
- by entering your model number.
- Fishing reel: Reel constructed from an aluminum frame and side plates
- Casting reel: Features a premium 5-bearing system with 4-ball bearings and zero reverse one-way clutch bearing
- Baitcasting reels: Includes an anodized aluminum spool
- Baitcasting reel: Features a six pin centrifugal brake system and carbon fiber drag
- Baitcaster: 100 millimeter power handle with oversize EVA grip
- LEW'S fishing gear: Compare our baitcasting reels, spinning reels and rod and reel combos to fishing gear from Abu Garcia, KastKing, Seaguar, Okuma, Ugly Stik, Penn, Wakeman, Shimano, Piscifun, Berkley, Bass Master, Shakespeare and Zebco
From the manufacturer
Lew's Speed Cast Reel
Big line, big fish and big strength are what come to mind when looking at Lew’s new Speed Cast round baitcasting reel with audible bait clicker. The Speed Cast features a 5-bearing system with stainless steel ball bearings and a Zero Reverse one-way clutch bearing. The reel’s brass main gear and crankshaft ensure that strength is a top priority, while its anodized aluminum frame and sideplates provide a no-flex housing. Drag is a carbon fiber system easily controlled by its aluminum star, leaving no doubt that this reel can be tough and smooth at the same time.
Reel Features
| | |
Zero Reverse Zero-Reverse one-way clutch bearing. | 4 Bearings Premium 5-bearing system with 4-ball bearings. | 15lb Drag Power 15-lb. maximum drag system. |
| | |
| | |
MODEL NUMBER | SC600 | SC600L |
LEFT-HAND RETRIEVE | | ✓ |
BEARINGS | 4+1 | 4+1 |
WEIGHT (OZ) | 11.8 | 11.8 |
LINE CAPACITY (YARDS/LB) | 300/15 | 300/15 |
GEAR RATIO | 5.3:1 | 5.3:1 |
RECOVERY PER TURN | 23" | 23" |
About Lew's
Since 1949, professional and amateur anglers alike have trusted Lew's to deliver on the promise of Lighter, Faster, Stronger products. The original developer of the teardrop reel and bamboo rod, Lew's has been innovating for decades and continues to set the standard for dependable fishing gear. Lew's reels, rods, combos, and accessories are designed for peak performance and durability. Feel the Difference.
product description
Size:160/20 - 27"
Big line, big fish and big strength are what come to mind when looking at Lew’s new Speed Cast round baitcasting reel with audible bait clicker. The Speed Cast features a 5-bearing system with stainless steel ball bearings and a Zero Reverse one-way clutch bearing. The reel’s brass main gear and crankshaft ensure that strength is a top priority, while its anodized aluminum frame and sideplates provide a no-flex housing. Drag is a carbon fiber system easily controlled by its aluminum star, leaving no doubt that this reel can be tough and smooth at the same time.
product details
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 Lew's Speed Cast 5.3:1 Right Hand Casting Reel
Q:
What is the capacity of this reel?
Answer: I have 300 yds. of 50lb. braid on mine.
Answer: 300yds of15 lb or 225 us a of 20 lb
Answer: 300 yards of 15lb mono
Q:
What is an economical reel for fresh water striper/muskie fishing?
Answer: This reel would be good for both applications. I personally own eight of them and I use them for catfish and stripers.
Answer: This reel will do the job, also KastKing and Piscifun have good choices.
Answer: Abu Garcia c3or c4!!
Q:
What is a good rod match up for this reel? I want a sturdy rod to hold up bigger fish.
Answer: I have mine on a Lamiglas X-11 cork, 7' 10" steelhead rod. I use it for drift fishing and bank fishing Channel and Blue cats. Pretty nice combination.
Answer: I use the Shakespeare Ugly Stick 7 ft. medium action on one and 7 ft. heavy action on another . Works very well with the Lews SC600 baitcast reel .
Answer: Depends what type of fishing
Answer: Whisker seeker FMJ rod for catfish. I use a 7'6" one piece rod.
Answer: I have my lew’s sitting on a Berkley Big Game rod. Lots of back bone. I use it for very large strippers.
Answer: I use mine for channel cats. I put it on a 7'6" whisker seeker and it handled cats up to 24lbs with no problems on the red river
Answer: Use musky pole
Answer: We use our brand, Reel Katnapper Ransom rod for blue catfish and flatheads.
Q:
Would this be a good reel for SoCal saltwater? I fish for saltwater bass, halibut, dorado, yellowfin, salmon, and rockfish.
Answer: Not sure it would be. Abu Garcia 6500 C3 would be for sure. It’s gears won’t rust or corrode!
Answer: I don’t see why not
Q:
Where is this reel made ?
Answer: Not sure but I owned a number of ABU reels and these reels are so much smoother and the price is perfect! You won’t regret it!! I own 4 at the moment
Answer: China but it is a very nice, smooth casting and retrieving reel.
Answer: China
Q:
Is this reel good for long casts for surf fishing?
Answer: Dial it in with a good braid and a good rod then yes. It’s a small reel very comparable with abu 6500.
Answer: I have no trouble with long cast with a 2 oz sinker
Q:
Does the level wind disengage when you cast?
Answer: Yes
Q:
do you have an option for Left hand retrieve?
Q:
left hand available?
Answer: Yes.
Q:
What is a good rod match up for this reel? I want a sturdy rod to hold up bigger fish.
Answer: I have mine on a Lamiglas X-11 cork, 7' 10" steelhead rod. I use it for drift fishing and bank fishing Channel and Blue cats. Pretty nice combination.
Answer: I use the Shakespeare Ugly Stick 7 ft. medium action on one and 7 ft. heavy action on another . Works very well with the Lews SC600 baitcast reel .
Answer: Depends what type of fishing
Answer: Whisker seeker FMJ rod for catfish. I use a 7'6" one piece rod.
Answer: I have my lew’s sitting on a Berkley Big Game rod. Lots of back bone. I use it for very large strippers.
Answer: I use mine for channel cats. I put it on a 7'6" whisker seeker and it handled cats up to 24lbs with no problems on the red river
Answer: Use musky pole
Answer: We use our brand, Reel Katnapper Ransom rod for blue catfish and flatheads.
Q:
How can you choose left hand retrieve?
Answer: Left retrieve may not be available for the reel.
Q:
Will this reel work for your average bass fishing?
Answer: This reel is great for just about anything. I have one and I use it for fishing with live shrimp around docks, bottom fishing, and with artificial like spinnerbaits and even fluke lures. Casts smooth with just about any weight. I’ve landed bass, strippers, and red drum. Very strong and holds plenty of line.
Answer: It could work, but this reel is not meant for bass fishing, it is more geared for cat fishing, trolling, or light saltwater fishing
Answer: in my opinion no... this reel is more for live bait fishing not cast and retrieve and is designed to cast heavier baits
Answer: Yes I suppose. This is a great catfish or striper reel. The smaller lews bass combos are much better, a lot better accuracy and easier to use
Answer: Very well I use mine for King Salmon & Striper on the Sacramento River love it
Answer: Should; my wife has one and we use for catching catfish.
Q:
Are these worth the money? Do they hold up? Or are they like the okumas when hooking a 50 plus pound blue are they done for?
Answer:
Answer:
Answer: So far so good had caught a 50+ with this reel yet but they handle a 30+ blue just fine
Answer: These reels are very durable. I have three and can say without any reservation or hesitation that they are right up there with my AMB 6500 series reels. I am a hard core catfisherman that targets big blues and flatheads. 40 plus pounders in heavy current provide no match for this reel. Heavy duty guts along with a tough drag make fighting large fish fun without the worry of losing the catch or equipment failure. I plan on purchasing a couple more this spring.
Answer: Unfortunately for me I haven't caught anything over 50 lbs, however I have caught quite a few bull reds between 40 and 50 inches long and it has performed nicely. No complaints from me!
Q:
Does this reel have a bait clicker?
Answer: has bait clicker. very smooth reel
Q:
What is a good rod match up for this reel? I want a sturdy rod to hold up bigger fish.
Answer: I have mine on a Lamiglas X-11 cork, 7' 10" steelhead rod. I use it for drift fishing and bank fishing Channel and Blue cats. Pretty nice combination.
Answer: I use the Shakespeare Ugly Stick 7 ft. medium action on one and 7 ft. heavy action on another . Works very well with the Lews SC600 baitcast reel .
Answer: Depends what type of fishing
Answer: Whisker seeker FMJ rod for catfish. I use a 7'6" one piece rod.
Answer: I have my lew’s sitting on a Berkley Big Game rod. Lots of back bone. I use it for very large strippers.
Answer: I use mine for channel cats. I put it on a 7'6" whisker seeker and it handled cats up to 24lbs with no problems on the red river
Answer: Use musky pole
Answer: We use our brand, Reel Katnapper Ransom rod for blue catfish and flatheads.
Q:
Is the drag smooth and consistent? Thank you very much.
Answer: After one day of casting 3/4 oz pike spoons the casting friction drag went out. Returned! It caught a 45” pike without a hitch the first day though.
Answer: Yup I took it to Canada last summer on a fly in trip for Northern pike, it was my main reel
Q:
What is a good rod match up for this reel? I want a sturdy rod to hold up bigger fish.
Answer: I have mine on a Lamiglas X-11 cork, 7' 10" steelhead rod. I use it for drift fishing and bank fishing Channel and Blue cats. Pretty nice combination.
Answer: I use the Shakespeare Ugly Stick 7 ft. medium action on one and 7 ft. heavy action on another . Works very well with the Lews SC600 baitcast reel .
Answer: Depends what type of fishing
Answer: Whisker seeker FMJ rod for catfish. I use a 7'6" one piece rod.
Answer: I have my lew’s sitting on a Berkley Big Game rod. Lots of back bone. I use it for very large strippers.
Answer: I use mine for channel cats. I put it on a 7'6" whisker seeker and it handled cats up to 24lbs with no problems on the red river
Answer: Use musky pole
Answer: We use our brand, Reel Katnapper Ransom rod for blue catfish and flatheads.
Q:
Would you say this reel is equivalent to a 300 or 300wide?
Answer: Probably closer to a 300
Q:
Does it have the bait runner switch
Answer: Not sure what your calling a bait runner. But it does have a bait clicker. Wife uses one for catching large blue catfish.
Answer: Yes and it cast good evaer time with power to bring in the big ones
Answer: Yes it does. Used it for two days so far and must say that the reel is amazing.
Q:
Does this have line out alarm
Answer: Yes good reel . Don’t know if it’s as good as 6500 casts just as well maybe not quite as strong. Lews makes quality equipment
Answer: Bait clicker yes please it does.
Q:
Which hand is this
Answer: Right hand
Answer: Right hand reel
Answer: Right handed
Q:
Is this a good casting reel. I would casting top water baits for stripers
Answer: Yes it is very smooth, prob wouldn't make a great bass real, but I used a 1/2 is jig on 15 mono on a 7ft medium action ugly stick, and flung it out pretty good
Answer: It seems to cast really well. I use it exclusively for catfishing but casts a 1 oz sinker very well.
Answer: This spring I used mine to throw northern baits, several hours a day, for a week. I was running 65# braid and throwing small to medium musky baits. It performed flawlessly in this application.
Q:
Is this reel saltwater friendly
Answer: Yes, I use mine in saltwater and it’s fine. I always rinse them down with fresh at the end of the day though!
Answer: Yes it is i have only used it in saltwater no problem light rinse after use
Q:
Is this a saltwater reel?
Answer: No, I don’t believe this is a saltwater reel. Good reel though. I’ve fished it several times and it’s been excellent.
Answer: I use mine for saltwater fishing and it has been just fine. Had it for 2 years.
Answer: I would not advice it. It's no properly sealed for saltwater. Other than it is a very ood rel.
Answer: Not sure, but I live in Wisconsin and use it to muskie fish so that wasn't a consideration. Aside from your question, I really like it and have had none of the annoyances I read about in a few reviews. Strong, solid and smooth. A good reel for how I use it. Hope you get your answer, but I'd guess it will be a "no, unless you rinse it in fresh water and lubricate it all the time' Good luck-
Answer: I wouldnt bank on it for that. I blew the "casting" friction bushing out on day 2 of a Canadian Northern pike excursion casting 3/4 oz- 1 oz. lures! It was then returned. There is better for your need
Q:
Does this real have bait alert button
Answer: Yes great reel
Q:
What is the max drag on this reel?
Answer: I'm not sure but I think it's about 17 lbs
Answer: I believe it’s 25 but the guy at Lews states it can take more.
Q:
What size Abu Garcia is this equivalent to
Answer: I would say it’s similar to Abu Garcia 6500 c3. Great reel for the money. So far it’s fun to cast with.
Answer: It is comparable to the Abu 6500. Can't go wrong with this reel. I own several of them.
Answer: 6500. Not as strong but good reel
Answer: 5500
Answer: About a 6500
Answer: 6500 S
Q:
Is this a good reel for bottom fishing flounder and sea bass?
Answer: Yes this is a good reel. This is a medium size reel comparable to abu 6500. Easily handle 20lb fish and casts really well. The casting brake is as good as as abu.
Answer: Our catfish guys use them for bottom fishing so i do not know why it couldnt be used for that also
Answer: Its a really good bottom reel for catfish and carp, that's what I know about this reel
Answer: it would work great for most fish,but not real large ones
Answer: Throw the right bait and this reel can catch any species
Q:
Would this be a good reel for catfish?
Answer: Yes I run 80lbs braid on mine and love them! They are so smooth
Answer: Yes and anything else you want to fish for.
Answer: Absolutely
Q:
What is the max drag on this reel?
Answer: I'm not sure but I think it's about 17 lbs
Answer: I believe it’s 25 but the guy at Lews states it can take more.
Q:
Can you please tell me the windinf ratio of the reel. Thanks
Answer: 5.3 to 1 , love this reel , if using braided line go heavy 50 lbs
Answer: 5:3 ration and brings in 23inhes per turn. I use these reels on my catfish rigs and they work great.
Q:
What is the max drag on this real?
Q:
Does this reel have a star drag? Would this work for trolling stripers?
Answer: Yes it does have a star drag system and it will be more than sufficient for stripers. I use them for landing very heavy catfish and they perform wonderfully. Heavy duty "guts" with 5 ball bearings makes this reel very smooth and powerful. You absolutely will not be disappointed not to mention the amazing price point. One would be hard pressed to find a better value. Buy it without a moments hesitation.
Q:
What is a good rod match up for this reel? I want a sturdy rod to hold up bigger fish.
Answer: I have mine on a Lamiglas X-11 cork, 7' 10" steelhead rod. I use it for drift fishing and bank fishing Channel and Blue cats. Pretty nice combination.
Answer: I use the Shakespeare Ugly Stick 7 ft. medium action on one and 7 ft. heavy action on another . Works very well with the Lews SC600 baitcast reel .
Answer: Depends what type of fishing
Answer: Whisker seeker FMJ rod for catfish. I use a 7'6" one piece rod.
Answer: I have my lew’s sitting on a Berkley Big Game rod. Lots of back bone. I use it for very large strippers.
Answer: I use mine for channel cats. I put it on a 7'6" whisker seeker and it handled cats up to 24lbs with no problems on the red river
Answer: Use musky pole
Answer: We use our brand, Reel Katnapper Ransom rod for blue catfish and flatheads.
Q:
Can it be used for 4 oz weight with 6 oz cutbait.
Answer: Have this reel on a catfish rod and use up to 8oz lead and Shad and skipjack heads. Does just fine.
Answer: yes
Q:
Will this reel work with 30 to 40 pound mono line?
Answer: Yes I use 80 lbs braid which is equal to 20lbs mono size and I have plenty on there 30 lbs would be fine they a great reels for the price way better than the junky ABU they make now
Answer: I use 30 lb braid works great. haven't tried mono.
Answer: I bought one for my wife and it’s on our brand of catfish rod. And we run 30lb slimeline mono on it with no problem.
Answer: YES
Q:
Will this reel work with braided line for pike/musky?
Answer: Yes that what I got on it 100lb power pro braid for catfish
Q:
What is the Max Drag on this reel?
Answer: I'm not sure but I think it's about 17 lbs
Answer: I believe it’s 25 but the guy at Lews states it can take more.
Product reviews of Lew's Speed Cast 5.3:1 Right Hand Casting Reel
Jerry Lukash : Lew's = Can't Go Wrong
As with every Lew's reel I own (26...replaced 14 older Lew's bait casters since Jan 2018) the SC600 is excellent in every aspect.... I use this model for live bait fishing for Strippers here in Tennessee and in Alabama, and Snook & Redfish in Florida. It handles larger strippers with ease spooled with 25 - 40 lb. test line. The SC600 @ under $100. is superior to anything I've tried @ twice the price by Abu Garcia, Shimano... The reel works well mounted on a Lew's David Fritts 7 6" Heavy or 7' 11" MedHvy rod. Can't go wrong with this reel no matter what you target species is! Good Fishing All!
dh dh : great reel
wanted to try something different than an Abu so I tried the lews.. love it great reel very smooth casting large baits. would buy again
larry forbus : Great reel.My first cast i caught a 30lb catfish. NO problem getting it in.
Catfish, works just like it and it would.
Howard W. : Quality!
Love this reel!
Jimmy Kinney : Easy to use
Just learning how to cast, work great.
Amazon Customer : Lee’s is great
Good reel
Robert Carlisle : Great casting reel and very smooth.
Great reel, only had it one day and hooked up a 27 inches striper bass and handle it with no problem. Nice and smooth.
Bryce Hickman : Amazing reel
Love the reels! Caught 100lbs gator gar with no problem on this reel will continue to purchase them!
Myk : replaced my abu
great size for trolling for strippers, cheaper than abu and just as good.
larry forbus : Great reel.My first cast i caught a 30lb catfish. NO problem getting it in.
Catfish, works just like it and it would.
Robert Carlisle : Great casting reel and very smooth.
Great reel, only had it one day and hooked up a 27 inches striper bass and handle it with no problem. Nice and smooth.
Tony Dawson : Value for the money
Very smooth retrieve, and smooth cast. I use it for catfish, and am very satisfied with the bait clicker on this reel
Kindle Customer : AWESOME REEL
Awesome reel. Have it one a Penn 11ft surf rod. And as of right now I have landed around 10 bull Red Drum in between 32-39 inches with easy.
Amazon Customer : Solid mid level reel
Good reel overall. Has great line capacity. Cast great! I've had it for 3 years now. Looks like crap but it's still rolling n still smooth.
Ken : Love it
Very smooth nice reel
Brenda C. Mahler : Price and performance
I've used the reel a couple times and so far it has performed very well. It's quite smooth and appears to be well made. If it continues to perform like this I will be highly impressed. Time will tell
Brenda C. Mahler : Price and performance
I've used the reel a couple times and so far it has performed very well. It's quite smooth and appears to be well made. If it continues to perform like this I will be highly impressed. Time will tell
Scott A. : Great buy.
Smoothest reel I've ever used for catfishing. I own two of them and getting ready to order two more. I have spooled these reels up with 30lb mono and 65lb braid, they handle either one quite well. Great value.
Ryan Hayes : its good for the money
pretty solid reel. most parts are metal , but the one thing I don't like is the plastic bait clicker. other than that, this is a really nice reel
Brenda C. Mahler : Price and performance
I've used the reel a couple times and so far it has performed very well. It's quite smooth and appears to be well made. If it continues to perform like this I will be highly impressed. Time will tell
Robert Carlisle : Great casting reel and very smooth.
Great reel, only had it one day and hooked up a 27 inches striper bass and handle it with no problem. Nice and smooth.
Linejudgemick : Great large capacity reel
I've only gotten to use it a couple times, but so far I'm very impressed with this reel. I use it for trolling inshore lakes for walleye, white bass, etc. It is very smooth, has a great drag and the level wind works perfectly. On top of that, I feel it is very attractive. I was fortunate and was able to get mine at considerable discount, but believe it is a good value at the normal price. This reel is as good, or better than some of my Quantums or Ambassadeurs. If it proves as durable as I think it will, this will be a great addition to my collection.
Thebilldozr : Just buy it
Love this reel more than my Abu garcias . Casts a mile and smooth
you can compare the product price from Costco, wayfair, bestbuy, lowes, target, homedepot, Walmart, ebay, amazon to find the best price for you
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