Is The Daiwa BG MQ The Best Reel For Inshore Fishing?
- By: Justin Ritchey
- on
Have you seen the Daiwa BG MQ spinning reel yet?
If so, have you been able to use it?
This reel is the ULTIMATE spinning reel for inshore saltwater anglers.
Learn more about this awesome reel down below!
Daiwa BG MQ [VIDEO]
Get the Daiwa BG MQAt the height of the coronavirus pandemic, Daiwa did something no other reel manufacturer would have dared do.
They decided to quietly launch a new reel – THE BG MQ!!!
Daiwa originally came out with the BG MQ in the year 2020, but it was only available in larger sizes.
Then in 2021, Daiwa decided to produce smaller sizes (2500, 3000, 4000) for inshore applications.
During the first six months of use, we can firmly state that this is the best premium reel at the greatest value for inshore anglers.
Furthermore, even after hooking into a 10-foot shark and just quickly rinsing the reel down after each use, the mechanics are flawless.
Daiwa Fuego reels are in fact lower in cost, however, the BG MQ will hold up better against fishing wear and tear.
For example, Luke Simonds hooked into a 10-foot shark with the BG MQ and managed to fight the fish until the line gave in and broke, but the reel itself was not overmatched.
With other inshore spinning reels, they will bend or parts within the inner workings of the reel will give in to the pressure and torque of the strength of the fish.
The BG MQ is very compact and rigid in the alignment of its gears and parts so it can absorb and handle a lot of pressure.
A single caveat to this reel design would be that it is an aluminum-bodied reel.
Aluminum is slightly heavier than other composite plastics and materials used to manufacture spinning reels.
However, when compared to other aluminum-bodied reels, the BG MQ still comes in as a lighter reel.
Although fairly new, the ultimate inshore spinning reel is still flying under the radar.
If you are in the market for a premium spinning reel, check out if the BG MQ is the right fit for you!
Conclusion
If you are looking for a reel upgrade within the $200 range, the Daiwa BG MQ is the way to go.
The lightweight, compact BG MQ has the best value for a premium spinning reel.
If you want an upgrade from the excellent Daiwa Fuego, check out the BG MQ!!
Do you have any more questions about the BG MQ spinning reel?
Let us know down in the comments!
And if you know someone who wants to learn more about inshore spinning reels, please TAG or SHARE this with them!
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Hey Justin,
Just picked up a Ballistic MQ 4k on a 7’6 BB Stealth Sniper MH, and I currently have a C5000 Stradic FL on a BB Bolt M 7’6 and a C5000 Vanford on a Seagis 7’6 M, I’m looking at picking up another rod (interested in the Slot machine) and pairing it with either a 3000 or 4000 series BG MQ, Saltist MQ, or possibly going as high as a Certate and wanted your recommendations. I normally run my setups with top water on one, 3″-4″ paddle tail, spoon, and a jerk shad, and normally using a range of 15-20# braid. I have a couple other heavy structure rods for big reds and snook so it’ll mainly be used for kayak fishing targeting snook and reds mainly.
I love it when an angler does his homework and intentionally matches his Rods & Reels for specific applications 🙂
To start, if you plan on going with the Slot Machine Rod, I would not suggest going with an MQ 4000 (or any 4000 for that matter). The reason is because the diameter of the spool of a 4000 sized Daiwa is larger than the guide ring size & spacing we decided for the Slot Machine. In plain terms, you might notice a loss in casting distance by going with a 4000 because you’ll be forcing line to reduce too quickly from the Spool through the size of the Guides. I personally use a BGMQ 3000 on my Slot Machine Rod, and it’s been a fantastic pairing.
You could however go with an MQ 4000 on a TFO Tactical Inshore 7’6″ Medium or Medium Heavy, since the guides they use are slightly larger and can better accommodate the diameter of a 4000 sized reel. If you plan on using 15-20lb. braid, you could go with a Certate MQ 4000 if money is no object. Otherwise I would steer you towards the BGMQ as a great all-around option (bang for buck).
If you want weight savings and want to save a little $, go with the Ballistic MQ in an appropriate size for the rod. I think for the lures you’re throwing, a Medium power is probably the best option.
Question can I use BG MQ2500 on the jetty
Definitely, David. But remember: It’s all about your intended application with the reel. For example: the BG MQ 2500 would be a great reel for targeting Sheepshead, Spanish Mackerel, Whiting, Pompano and other similar-sized gamefish. The BG MQ would also work if you plan on targeting Redfish/Trout/Snook from the Jetty with artificial lures or smaller Live Bait. But if you anticipate using Larger Live Bait for the BIGGER Redfish, Snook, Sharks, Tarpon and other Big Gamefish, you will likely need a larger spinning reel, like a BG MQ 6000.
These are all very important things to keep in mind.
So I was at Bass Pro last picking up some tackle and finally got to put my hands on the BG MQ (as well as the Ballistic MQ and Stradic FL and Vanford). I have a 2500 Stradic FI and 4000 Stradic FK that I bought 10 and almost 6 years ago now. I use them from the surf, jetties, docks as well as bank fishing in freshwater and both are still excellent. I am really considering the jump to a BG MQ 3000 for my next reel. The sales guy (who says he has owned Daiwa before) said he prefers Shimano simply because of the design of the handle attachment on the Daiwas…he showed me on both of the MQs (BG and Ballistic) the handle screws on to a thick, but very short, stem on the reel. He showed me that only about 4 threads are actually holding the handle on…he claims eve the super expensive Saltiga is this way. He does alot of land/bridge fishing for large snook and tarpon and claims he ran into issues in the past with this connection failing while on a large fish. I had never heard this before but as someone who is considering switching over, I wanted to get your input.
Thank you!
Charlie
This is a very detailed observation, Charles, thank you for sharing it with me. I also fish for big Snook & Tarpon at night over in the Ft. Pierce area, as well as Vertical Jig for large Gag Grouper and Blackfin Tuna (when they are around/in season). I own 2 BG MQ 6000s and have yet to have an issue with the handle coupling that connects to the main gear. That isn’t to say it’s not possible if too much pressure is applied at the handle, but I’ve winched a good number of large fish on my bigger BG MQ reels and haven’t experienced this.
My close friend is a Captain out of Ft. Pierce, and he is also rocking a current 2020 Saltiga 14000XH. He puts people on 100lb.+ Tarpon weekly, and has been over the past 2 years. No issues to date 🙂 I can’t say it won’t “Ever” happen, but it hasn’t happened yet!
where can I get a second spool for the BG MQ 3000?
Hey Lee, You will need to contact Daiwa directly to purchase or have them send you a spare.
I recently purchased the Daiwa Saltist MQ 3000. Daiwa has really impressed me with there new one piece bodies. I look forward to putting this reel to the test throughout the year.
Any advice regarding the different gear ratios on the 2500 and 3000? I tend to prefer higher ratios like on the 3000, but like that the 2500 is lighter. Decisions, decisions…
Wrestled with that decision like you. I decided on the 3000 as faster retrieve outweighs 1 oz. difference in weight. When the Ballistic MQ 2500 becomes available, I’ll go with that since it provides faster retrieve AND lighter weight. The trade off is $24 additional cost (excluding FL sales tax). I’m assuming SS reviews will continue to favor the rigid aluminum frame of the BG MQ over the composite frame of the Ballistic MQ. However, with it bringing a higher cost/higher profit, I won’t be surprised if there is some new justification for why Ballistic MQ should be purchased rather than the BG MQ.
David: I’m also a supporter of the 3000 size in this BG MQ. I’d prefer faster gear ratio over weight savings, especially since 1oz is not much of a difference here.
Rob: When the Ballistic MQ finally arrives to the Shop (more than 3qty at a time, and I can get my hands on one to make a review), I’ll remain unbiased in my explanation. As a Sparknotes version, the answer to determining “Which is Better” is simply a matter of application for the angler. I.e. Fishing more Open Water Scenarios like Flats/Creeks, I’d favor the Ballistic MQ. But fishing closer to Structure for potentially bigger game, I’d favor the BG MQ or the Saltist MQ.
The justification for purchasing a Ballistic MQ is not so much because it’s “Better” than a BG MQ, but rather, a different animal altogether. Both products are well sealed and very smooth. The $25ish price difference basically offers an angler a lighter weight body, Magseal Technology (which is nice, but might even be Overkill on the MQ series given how well they are already sealed), Air Bail and Air Rotor. Some anglers might favor the Ballistic for these reasons, but it can’t be labeled as “Better Than” because situations aren’t always apples to apples.
Yep, going to sell my 2 Shimano’s… like the power of these off the beach that much. Justin had it right when he covered them in the beginning last year. Noting has changed….
What Shimano’s are they?
Fantastic testimonial, Art. I know you can be tough on your gear, especially while fishing off the beach. The Shimano’s still have their place amongst Inshore Anglers, but these MQ reels put out a ton of power!
I just bought the BG MQ 3k and I got the wife a BG 2500. We’ll see how they differ. We’re taking them out this Friday to break them in. I found it weird that the MQ 3k spool is not as wide as the BG 2500 spool. They look and feel great though.
Yeah, the BG MQ 3k is definitely more inline with “Industry Standard” sizing (which I’m starting to question that statement more & more nowadays). The standard BG 2500, and the BG Family as a whole, has pretty strange sizing. Very wide spools, and rather compact bodies top to bottom. The MQ series rivals the sizing design of modern Shimano products today. Glad you went with the 3k, that’s been my size of choice as well.
I bought one of these when SaltStrong first started carrying them & love it!
I haven’t put the time and pressure on mine, like Luke & Justin have, but it does cast & retrieve like a dream and I can cast & fish all day with minimal casting fatigue. I have used it on my Bull Bay SS and my TFO pro and both seem very well balanced for me.
Glad you love it, Neal! It’s been a sleeper of a reel the past year, and we just wanted to bring some attention to it!
What size reel did you buy I’m thinking of buying a bg mq for my stealth sniper medium heavy but I’m worried about the weight. I’m wondering what size you put on your reel to help make my decision
Luke & I state in this Video that we are rocking different sizes. I am a fan of the 3000 size, and Luke prefers the 2500 size. Both are extremely similar in overall size to one another, the 3000 is only 1oz heavier than the 2500 (but I don’t notice a difference). If overall weight is a concern, go with the 2500.
Love mine!