OVER the last 12 months I’ve had the opportunity to field test the new Ecooda Black Hawk 2 series of spin reels. In my 21 years of writing for Fisho this is the most extensive field test I’ve undertaken for the magazine. For the last 12 months the Ecooda Black Hawk 2 – 2000 and 5000 size reels have been used as my primary work horse spin reels for all my freshwater, estuarine and inshore lure and bait fishing. During this period the reels have received the most basic of maintenance comprising a freshwater rinse to remove built up salt and grime at the end of each fishing session. Words really can’t describe how impressed I am with the durability of these spin reels. They are operating as smoothly today as when I first commenced using them a year ago.
The Black Hawk 2 – 2000 spin reel has been used for freshwater impoundment luring for bass and yellowbelly and ultra-light estuarine lure fishing for bream, whiting, dusky flathead, snapper, tailor and Australian salmon. It features 11 ball bearings, a 5.1 to 1 gear ratio and holds around 220 yards of 5lb mono or 180 metres of PE 1.5.
The Black Hawk 2 – 5000 spin reel has been used for estuarine lure and bait fishing for jewfish and dusky flathead. We also used the Black Hawk 2 – 5000 spin reel when filming Fishing World’s Fishing Journey’s Episode 13 chasing yellowtail kingfish, snapper and bar cod offshore with Scott Thorrington from Haven Charters on the NSW Central Coast. We landed a number of kingies to around the metre mark on the Black Hawk 2 – 5000 spooled up with 50 lb braid while filming that day. Haven Charters now uses the Black Hawk 2 reels for kingfish and bottom fishing and they are standing up to the ultimate test of daily charter work admirably. The Black Hawk 2 – 5000 reel features 10 kg of drag power, 4.3 to 1 gear ratio, 11 ball bearings and holds around 350 yards of 15lb mono or 320 metres of PE 4.
The Black Hawk 2 series features high strength aluminium alloy bodies, instant anti-reverse, and a precision carbon fibre drag system that delivers 200 g of super-smooth drag pressure for each turn of the drag knob. These reels have coped with everything I’ve been able to inflict on them over the last 12 months with ease. I honestly don’t think you will find a better value mid-range threadline reel on the market. If you’re after a tough, quality spin reel at a surprisingly good price I’d suggest you check out the Ecooda Black Hawk 2 series at your local tackle shop.
Further information: www.ecooda.com.au