Shimano Bantam Baitcast Reel

Combining the rigid, connected feel of a round reel with a compact low-profile design, the Shimano Bantam Baitcast Reel delivers controlled casting and powerful cranking for bass, Murray cod, barra and jacks.

The Shimano Bantam Baitcast Reel is built for Australian lure anglers who want strength, casting control and a solid feel under load. Its one-piece CoreSolid aluminium HAGANE Body resists flex to maintain gear alignment, while the low-inertia MGL III Spool and externally adjustable SVS Infinity braking provide responsive casting across changing lure weights and conditions.

From slow-rolling swimbaits and working hardbodies around timber to casting spinnerbaits and chatterbaits through impoundments and snaggy estuaries, the Bantam is designed for demanding lure fishing. InfinityDrive reduces rotational resistance under load, MicroModule II gearing provides a smooth retrieve, and Cross Carbon Drag helps maintain consistent pressure when powerful fish make a run.

Product Technologies

• CoreSolid HAGANE Body – One-piece aluminium construction resists flex to maintain gear alignment and efficient power transfer under load.
• MGL III Spool – Low spool inertia provides responsive start-up for efficient casting across a range of lure presentations.
• SVS Infinity Braking – External adjustment allows quick fine-tuning of spool control as lure weights, casting conditions and wind change.
• InfinityDrive – Reduces rotational resistance to provide lighter, more efficient winding when the reel is under load.
• MicroModule II Gearing – Increased gear contact points contribute to a smooth, refined retrieve.
• S3D Balanced Spool – Helps minimise spool vibration for smoother, more stable casting performance.
• SilentTune – Reduces bearing vibration and unwanted noise for refined spool rotation.
• S A-RB Bearings – Shielded, corrosion-resistant bearings provide additional protection and durability.
• Cross Carbon Drag – Delivers smooth, consistent drag performance when applying pressure to hard-fighting fish.

Product Information

• Brand: Shimano
• Model: Bantam
• Body: One-piece CoreSolid aluminium HAGANE Body
• Spool: MGL III
• Braking: SVS Infinity with external adjustment
• Drive: MicroModule II with InfinityDrive support
• Drag: Cross Carbon Drag
• Bearings: 8+1 S A-RB, model dependent
• Target Species: Australian bass, Murray cod, barramundi and mangrove jack
• Technique: Spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, hardbodies and swimbaits
• Environment: Freshwater, impoundments and estuaries

Expert Advice

The Bantam is particularly well suited to lure fishing where a rigid reel and strong, connected retrieve are valuable, such as working spinnerbaits, hardbodies and swimbaits around timber and other structure. When setting SVS Infinity, begin with more braking and make a few controlled test casts before gradually reducing the setting to suit the lure and wind. Match your rod, braid and leader to the lure weight, target species and amount of cover rather than using one combination for every situation. Keep spool bearings clean and appropriately lubricated, as bearing condition and spool adjustment can affect casting smoothness and noise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Shimano Bantam model should I choose?

The 150A with its 6.2:1 gear ratio suits anglers wanting an all-round option for techniques such as slow-rolling and deeper cranking. The 150HGA and 151HGA feature a 7.1:1 gear ratio for faster line recovery, making them useful for spinnerbaits, jerkbaits and working lures efficiently around structure.

What fishing techniques suit the Shimano Bantam Baitcast Reel?

The Bantam is well suited to casting and retrieving spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, hardbodies and swimbaits for species including Australian bass, Murray cod, barramundi and mangrove jack. Its rigid body and InfinityDrive system are particularly useful when winding lures that create resistance or fishing around structure.

Is the Shimano Bantam suitable for saltwater fishing?

The Bantam can be used for appropriate estuary and inshore applications and features shielded, corrosion-resistant S A-RB bearings. After fishing saltwater, follow suitable reel cleaning and maintenance practices to help protect its components and maintain smooth performance.

How should I set the SVS Infinity brakes on the Shimano Bantam?

Start with a conservative brake setting and adjust the spool so there is minimal unwanted side play. Make a controlled test cast, then fine-tune the external SVS Infinity dial gradually to suit your lure weight, casting style and wind conditions. More braking generally provides extra control, while reducing braking can increase casting freedom once the reel is properly dialled in.