13 Fishing Concept A3 Baitcast Reel
The Concept A3 baitcast reel represents our commitment to tournament-grade performance at an accessible price point. We engineered this reel with our proprietary Arrowhead line guide system to eliminate friction and deliver silky-smooth casts every time you thumb the spool.
Whether you’re pitching jigs to heavy cover or burning spinnerbaits across grass flats, the A3’s 7.5:1 gear ratio and 6-bearing system give you the speed and control to stay connected to your lure. Our Japanese Hamai cut gears ensure whisper-quiet operation and rock-solid durability season after season.
Concept A3 specifications
Arrowhead Line Guide Technology
We designed the Arrowhead line guide on the 13 fishing concept a3 to solve a problem every angler faces: line friction robbing distance from your casts. Traditional line guides create contact points that slow your line as it leaves the spool.
Our Arrowhead system uses a unique geometry that angles the guide away from the spool at the precise moment of release, reducing friction by up to 40% compared to conventional designs. The result is longer, more accurate casts with less effort, especially critical when you’re working into headwinds or trying to reach that offshore weedline. The same engineering precision found in our Concept Z models carries over to every detail of the A3 platform.
Gear Ratio and Retrieve Speed
Fast Retrieve for Multiple Techniques
The 7.5:1 gear ratio on the Concept A3 strikes the ideal balance between speed and power for modern bass fishing tactics. You’ll retrieve 30 inches of line with every handle turn, making this reel perfect for burning reaction baits, quickly picking up slack on a hookset, or reeling down to make another cast.
For techniques requiring slower presentations or heavier baits, consider our Concept C lineup with lower gear ratios. We calibrated the A3’s gearing specifically for moving baits—crankbaits, spinnerbaits, swimbaits, and topwater lures where retrieve speed makes the difference between follows and strikes.
Bearing System and Drag Performance
We installed six precision bearings in the 13 fishing concept a3 to eliminate wobble and create that smooth, balanced feel tournament anglers demand. Five stainless steel ball bearings handle the main shaft rotation, while one roller bearing supports the line guide for consistent performance.
The 10-pound max drag uses progressive fiber washers that engage smoothly under load without the grabby feel of cheaper systems. This drag range handles everything from 2-pound finesse bass to 8-pound pike and inshore redfish. The sealed drag stack resists water intrusion and maintains consistent pressure throughout a long day on the water.
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Concept A3 Reel Questions
The 13 fishing concept a3 is optimized for 10-17 pound monofilament or 30-50 pound braided line. We recommend 12-pound fluorocarbon for most bass fishing applications and 40-pound braid when fishing heavy cover or targeting pike and musky.
The Arrowhead line guide handles both mono and braid equally well without special adjustments. Spool capacity is approximately 110 yards of 12-pound mono or 150 yards of 40-pound braid.
Yes, the Concept A3 performs well in inshore saltwater environments for redfish, snook, and seatrout. The stainless steel bearings and sealed drag system resist corrosion when properly maintained.
Rinse the reel with fresh water after every saltwater trip and apply a light coating of reel oil to exposed metal surfaces. For offshore or heavy saltwater use, consider our Omen series which features additional corrosion protection.
The 13 fishing concept a3 features 6 bearings and an aluminum frame, while the Concept Z upgrades to 8 bearings with carbon fiber frame construction for reduced weight. Both share the Arrowhead line guide system and Japanese Hamai gears.
The Z also includes a more advanced braking system with finer adjustment. The A3 delivers excellent performance at a more accessible price point, making it our most popular choice for serious anglers who fish multiple times per week.
Currently the Concept A3 is available in right-hand retrieve only. We’re evaluating demand for left-hand models in future production runs.
Our Concept Z and Inception series both offer left-hand retrieve options if you prefer that configuration. Many anglers who learn to cast with their dominant hand find right-hand retrieve works well after a short adjustment period.
The Concept A3 uses an external magnetic brake dial located on the side plate. Turn the dial clockwise to increase braking for shorter casts with heavier lures, or counterclockwise to reduce braking for maximum distance.
Start with the dial at the 50% position and adjust based on your casting style and lure weight. The magnetic system requires no internal adjustments—simply turn the external dial for instant changes between techniques.
The 7.5:1 gear ratio on the 13 fishing concept a3 excels with reaction baits including spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, lipless crankbaits, and topwater lures. The high-speed retrieve lets you cover water efficiently and quickly take up slack on hooksets.
This ratio also works well for pitching and flipping when you need to rapidly retrieve for the next cast. For deep-diving crankbaits or heavy jigs that require more torque, consider slower gear ratios in our Concept C lineup.
Every Concept A3 includes our 2-year manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. This warranty does not cover normal wear, corrosion from improper maintenance, or damage from misuse.
Register your reel on our website within 30 days of purchase to activate warranty coverage. We also offer affordable service and parts support beyond the warranty period through our network of authorized service centers.