13 Fishing Concept C Baitcast Reel | Precision Casting Performance
Our 13 Fishing Concept C is engineered for precision casting and smooth retrieves across all freshwater applications. Built around a lightweight graphite frame and side plates, this baitcaster delivers the performance you need without weighing down your setup during marathon fishing sessions.
We equipped the Concept C with our 6-way centrifugal braking system that gives you surgical control over your cast, whether you’re flipping jigs into heavy cover or launching crankbaits across open water. Six Japanese stainless steel bearings plus one roller bearing provide buttery-smooth operation, while the 6.6:1 gear ratio handles everything from finesse presentations to power techniques. This reel represents our commitment to delivering tournament-caliber performance at a price point that makes sense for serious anglers.
Concept C specifications & highlights
Braking System & Casting Control
The heart of the 13 Fishing Concept C is our 6-way centrifugal braking system that puts you in complete control of every cast. Unlike binary on/off systems, our centrifugal design lets you fine-tune brake force by adjusting how many of the six pins engage during your cast.
This system excels when conditions change throughout your day on the water. Dial back the brakes for long-distance casts with aerodynamic lures, then add more brake pins when switching to wind-resistant spinnerbaits or flipping heavier jigs into tight cover. The external adjustment dial means you can make changes without removing the side plate, keeping you fishing instead of fiddling with your gear. Anglers moving up from our Concept A3 series will appreciate the added control this centrifugal system provides over magnetic-only designs.
Bearing System & Retrieve Smoothness
We built the Concept C around seven precision bearings that deliver ultra-smooth cranking power under load. Six Japanese-manufactured stainless steel ball bearings handle the rotating components, while one roller bearing supports the line guide for consistent line flow on every retrieve.
This bearing configuration reduces friction throughout the entire gear train, which translates to less effort required when you’re cranking deep-diving crankbaits or working swimbaits through current. The sealed bearing design keeps out dirt and water intrusion that can degrade performance over time. Combined with our instant anti-reverse system, you get immediate hooksets with zero back-play when a fish strikes.
Gear Ratio & Line Capacity
6.6:1 Versatile Gear Ratio
The Concept C’s 6.6:1 gear ratio strikes the ideal balance for versatile fishing applications. This moderate-speed retrieve brings in 26 inches of line per handle turn, making it perfect for crankbaits, spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, and Texas-rigged soft plastics. It’s fast enough to pick up slack quickly when a bass runs toward the boat, but not so fast that you overwork reaction baits.
Aluminum Spool Capacity
Our precision-machined aluminum spool holds 110 yards of 12-pound test monofilament, giving you plenty of capacity for most freshwater applications. The anodized finish prevents line dig-in under heavy loads, and the spool arbor design promotes even line lay for smooth, tangle-free casts. Those exploring our full reel collection will find this capacity specification consistent across most of our baitcasting models.
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Common questions about the Concept C reel
The Concept Z is our flagship model featuring a magnesium ZALT frame that’s significantly lighter and more corrosion-resistant than the C’s graphite construction. The Z also offers faster gear ratio options (7.3:1 and 8.1:1) and additional bearing count.
The Concept C delivers excellent performance for most anglers at a more accessible price point, making it ideal if you’re looking for tournament-grade features without the premium cost. Both reels share our commitment to smooth operation and precise casting control.
While the Concept C features Japanese stainless steel bearings that offer some corrosion resistance, we designed this reel primarily for freshwater applications. If you do fish in saltwater occasionally, rinse the exterior thoroughly with fresh water immediately after each use and increase your maintenance frequency.
For dedicated saltwater use, we recommend exploring reels in our lineup that feature enhanced corrosion protection and sealed bearing systems specifically engineered for harsh saltwater environments.
The Concept C features an external brake adjustment dial that lets you modify brake force without removing the side plate. Turn the dial to engage more brake pins for added control when throwing wind-resistant lures or fishing in breezy conditions.
Start with three or four pins engaged and adjust from there based on your casting style and lure weight. Lighter, more aerodynamic lures typically require fewer brake pins, while heavier or bulkier baits benefit from additional braking force. The system is completely tool-free and adjustable on the water.
The 6.6:1 gear ratio on the 13 Fishing Concept C is incredibly versatile and handles most freshwater techniques effectively. It excels with moving baits like crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and swimbaits where you want consistent retrieve speed without burning the lure.
This ratio also works great for Texas rigs, Carolina rigs, jigs, and topwater presentations. It’s fast enough to catch up to fish running toward the boat but not so fast that you overwork reaction baits. The only techniques where you might prefer different ratios are super-fast burning applications (choose 7.3:1 or higher) or deep cranking/heavy power techniques (choose 5.4:1 or lower).
Yes, we offer the 13 Fishing Concept C in both right-hand and left-hand retrieve configurations. When ordering, look for the model number suffix: RH indicates right-hand retrieve (handle on the right side) and LH indicates left-hand retrieve (handle on the left side).
Both configurations feature identical internal components and performance specifications. Choose based on your personal preference and casting hand dominance.
The Concept C weighs approximately 7.4 ounces, making it one of the lighter reels in its class. We achieved this through our lightweight graphite frame and side plate construction without compromising structural integrity.
This reduced weight minimizes fatigue during long fishing sessions and improves overall rod balance, especially when paired with lighter graphite or composite rod blanks. The weight distribution also keeps the reel comfortable in your palm throughout the day.
The Concept C handles monofilament, fluorocarbon, and braided lines effectively. We list the spool capacity as 110 yards of 12 lb monofilament, which translates to approximately 120 yards of 12 lb fluorocarbon or 150 yards of 30 lb braided line.
For general versatility, we recommend 12-15 lb fluorocarbon for most applications. If you’re flipping heavy cover, bump up to 15-20 lb fluorocarbon or 50 lb braid. The aluminum spool’s anodized finish prevents line dig-in regardless of which line type you choose.