If you couldn’t tell by the title, the Daiwa Tatula 100 is a small bait caster weighing around 6.9 ounces. This reel packs a punch in a lightweight and compact design, making it a great choice for newbie bait casters looking for something easy to handle without compromising performance.
Despite its small size, the reel implements Daiwa’s latest technology. In this guide, I’ll take you on a deep dive into some of this tech and how it impacts the overall performance, power, and fishability of this high-tech bait caster.
The Bottom Line: Daiwa Tatula 100
The Daiwa Tatula 100 reel is a compelling choice for anglers seeking a lightweight, compact, and budget-friendly option that still delivers formidable performance on the water.
One of the main things you’ll notice about this daily driver is its weight. I like comparing this bad boy to the Daiwa Tatula LT, a comparable spinning reel. While the LT uses carbon fiber, the Daiwa Tatula 100 is made with aluminum,m which is exceptionally lightweight for a bait caster.
This reel also features a list of upgrades like the T-wing system, thumb bar, and new Magforce Z cast control, making it a favorable choice amongst anglers looking to dip their toes in the baitcasting water.
Daiwa Tatula 100 Specs
Gear Ratio: 6.3:1, 7.1:1, 8.1:1
Mono Capacity: 12/150 – 14/125
Braid Capacity: 30/140 – 40/110
Weight: 6.9 ounces
Max Drag: 11lbs
Check out the Daiwa Tatula 100 here!
Features: Daiwa Tatula 100
Now, let’s take a more in-depth look at some of the features I enjoy most about the Daiwa Tatula 100 baitcasting reel.
Compact Size
The Daiwa Tatula 100 reel stands out for its impressively compact size, a feature that offers numerous advantages to anglers. This compact design reduces the reel’s overall weight and enhances its maneuverability and handling, making it an excellent choice for a long day of fishing.
At 6.9 ounces and only 38 millimeters, this reel is very small but still packs enough power and rigidity to hold up in a big fight.
You may find yourself sacrificing a little in max drag and line capacity. Because of the size, the reel can’t handle a lot of lines, and 11 pounds of max drag isn’t a lot for a bait caster of this quality.
Magforce Z-cast Control
One of the premium features behind the Daiwa Tatula 100 is the Magforce cast control system, which enhances casting distance and accuracy.
The Magforce Z-Cast Control system uses a set of powerful magnets within the reel’s spool, which interacts with a conductive metal ring.
As you cast, these magnets are strategically adjusted to exert varying braking force on the spool. The result is a highly customizable and responsive casting control mechanism.
Zero Adjuster
Within a bait caster are a series of control dials, and the zero adjuster is just one of them. What makes this a dynamite feature is the attention to detail. With the zero adjuster, you can make very minute adjustments to the braking system to prevent backlashing and maximize your casting distance.
T-Wing System
The T-Wing System is something many of us have seen before from Daiwa, and it’s one of their proprietary features. You’ll find it on all the Tatulas.
This innovative technology is a T-shaped aperture on the level wind guide, which helps the line flow on and off of the spool more fluently. As a result, the line exits the reel with less friction, increasing casting distance and reducing wear and tear.
Aluminum Frame
The Daiwa Tatula 100 reel boasts a rugged and reliable aluminum frame, a core component that underpins its durability, longevity, and lightweight design.
Aluminum is known for its strength-to-weight ratio, a big part of what makes it such an ideal material. It’s also corrosion-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about metal elements getting rusty or corroded if left wet for some time.
Daiwa Tatula 100: Field Test
I decided to put the Tatula 100 to the test and see if this pipsqueak of a reel could handle a legitimate fight. I’m a backwater angler, so I typically prefer fishing for bass and panfish in small ponds throughout the Northeast, but I had to expand my horizons a little on this trip.
Lake Henry was my destination, and this big lake is known for its walleye and pike. With each cast, the line flew off the spool, and I got plenty of use out of the zero adjuster knob as I figured out how to manage my line.
It took about an hour, but I hooked what felt like an almost 10-pound walleye. Thankfully, I was rolling with a 14lb test, hitting some of the docks around the back end of the lake.
He gave in after about a five-minute battle, and I pulled in a 9-inch perch.
I was a little disappointed because the size and lack of power on this reel transferred to me, and I can imagine this being the case for many anglers. Don’t expect this small reel to take the brunt for you; you will feel it if you hook something big.
Model Breakdown
| Model
Number |
Bearings | Gear Ratio | Wt.
(oz.) |
Mono / Braid Capacity | Drag
Max |
| TTU100H | 7+1 | 6.3:1 | 6.9 | MONO: 12/150 – 14/125
BRAID: 30/140, 40/110 |
11 |
| TTU100HS | 7+1 | 7.1:1 | 6.9 | MONO: 12/150 – 14/125
BRAID: 30/140, 40/110 |
11 |
| TTU100XS | 7+1 | 8.1:1 | 6.9 | MONO: 12/150 – 14/125
BRAID: 30/140, 40/110 |
11 |
| TTU100HL | 7+1 | 6.3:1 | 6.9 | MONO: 12/150 – 14/125
BRAID: 30/140, 40/110 |
11 |
| TTU100HSL | 7+1 | 7.1:1 | 6.9 | MONO: 12/150 – 14/125
BRAID: 30/140, 40/110 |
11 |
Pros
Lightweight Magic: At 6.9 ounces, this is one of the lightest bait casters ever to hit the market.
Aluminum Frame: The aluminum frame boasts a series of positives, such as weight, handling, corrosion resistance, and more.
Simplistic and Beginner-Friendly: This daily driver is a great choice for beginners looking for a lightweight bait caster for bass and panfish.
Cons
Lacking Backbone: As I noticed in my field test, I expected a little too much. This reel can’t handle a lot of pressure for the price and size and will bend and cause damage if you hook anything over five pounds.
Final Thoughts
The Daiwa Tatula 100 is one of my favorite reels because I love finesse fishing, and I think this is one of the best bait casters for working soft plastics and hitting Texas rigs in the weeds. If you need a lightweight baitcaster for your involved presentations or are simply looking to try baitcasting for the first time, this is a great reel. Good luck!
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