On the recent RiverAndReef.com trip to Baja, I brought a new Islander LX 4.8M to use as my primary reel. We planned to do a variety of fishing, so versatility was important. Islander has always been known for their attention to detail and exquisite finish work and the LX 4.8M proved to be no exception. When I first removed this reel from the case, I couldn't believe how perfect it was. Every port was flawlessly deburred and there was not a single machine mark visible on the frame or spool. As a fisherman who appreciates quality gear (my friends call me a gearhead), I was impressed before even using it on the water. After quickly changing the retrieve from right to left hand (an easy task on the LX), I spooled the reel with 450 yards of 65# Power Pro Spectra for backing, followed with a shooting head system for a 12 weight. Anyone who has tried to fill a standard arbor reel with backing without an automated line winder will appreciate the large diameter of this reel. It made quick work of the Power Pro and the dual-pawl ratchet delivered a smooth winding click.


While fishing the beaches of the East Cape for roosterfish, I was impressed with the reel's light weight which allowed me to not only cast comfortably, but also carry the rod and reel for miles up and down the beach each day. Given the heavy porting on this reel, it was inevitable that a bit of sand would get into the frame while beach fishing. Islander's use of minimal moving parts proved invaluable in this situation, as the sand never became a problem. In fact, there wasn't even any rubbing, grinding or wear visible when I removed the spool. The 4.8M was equally at home in the blue water. The large drag surface was very smooth and I did not experience any problems with slippage, even when the reel was dripping wet. I wouldn’t hesitate to do battle with any big game with this reel.

At 4.8 inches in diameter, this is a big, tough reel. Despite its size, it only weighs in at around 13.7 ounces thanks to ample porting throughout the frame and spool. It is 1.25 inches wide; a manageable width to ensure the line is distributed evenly while retrieving. The braking power of the LX is delivered through a huge Teflon and graphite impregnated cork clutch. There is no startup torque to speak of, and the large arbor design results in steady drag pressure whether you have 20 feet of line out or 300 yards. The drag adjustment knob is large and easy to grip, even while fighting a large fish.
Like other Islander reels, the LX features a hard anodized and polished finish. The reels are available in either black or the distinctive gold that Islander is well known for. The 4.8M spool provides 10.5 cubic inches of volume; enough to hold 350 yards of 30# backing and a weight forward 12-15 fly line. The full-sized 4.8 is 13.5 cubic inches and will hold 600 yards of 30# plus a shooting head.

The LX 4.8 is unique in that it is the first reel in the LX series to feature multiple spools; the standard capacity 4.8 and the mid-sized 4.8M. This gives the angler the versatility of having one reel frame that can cover anything from 12 weight to 15 weight or more, with plenty of backing capacity. By using gel-spun backing, the capacity can be extended even further, making this reel big enough for all but the largest of saltwater game fish. If you choose to target long running fish such as big tuna or marlin, simply changing the spool to the full-sized 4.8 will give you the extra capacity you need. The 4.8M would also pair well with a heavy spey rod, especially with the advent of the newer long-bellied spey lines that require a lot of reel capacity.
I tried unsuccessfully to find anything that could be improved on this reel. Islander’s claim that the LX series is the result of fine tuning over their 12 year history seems to absolutely accurate. If you’re looking for a top quality reel, give the LX a try. It’s available in sizes for everything from large trout to billfish.

Islander Precision Reels
6771 Kirkpatrick Crescent
Saanichton B.C. V8M1Z8 Canada
p. 1-250-544-1440
f. 1-250-544-1450
e. info@islander.com

Islander Reels Website

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