Shimano's Grappler 301 is the new low-profile baitcasting reel developed for offshore jigging, designed to combine outstanding rigidity, winding power, and easy palming in a compact and manageable body. The new generation features a full-aluminum Core Solid Body, built as a one-piece structure that significantly increases rigidity and durability, bringing the reel's performance closer to that of traditional round-profile models designed for heavy jigging. The X-SHIP and MicroModule Gear technologies ensure smooth, powerful, and stable winding performance even under heavy load, while the new 75 mm handle increases leverage during fights and when retrieving heavy jigs from deep water. The introduction of the SVS Infinity braking system, quickly adjustable via an external dial, also improves control during underhand casts and further expands the reel's versatility. Available in HG and XG versions, the 2026 Grappler is designed to deliver all-round performance for inshore and offshore jigging, adapting to different techniques, depths, and target species.
ALUMINUM CORE SOLID BODY
The new Grappler features a high-rigidity Core Solid Body made from one-piece aluminum construction, integrating the frame, level-wind protector, and side plate into an extremely solid metal structure. This configuration minimizes flex and deformation even under heavy load, helping maintain precise gear alignment. Power applied through the handle is therefore transferred more directly and efficiently through the drivetrain, increasing winding capability during fights with powerful fish. This construction allows the Grappler to achieve levels of rigidity and durability approaching those of the round-profile Ocea Conquest series.
X-SHIP & MICRO MODULE GEAR
The MicroModule Gear system uses high-precision gears with a greater number of engaged teeth, reducing vibration during rotation and producing an exceptionally smooth and silky retrieve. X-SHIP supports the pinion gear with two bearings and optimizes the positioning of the main gears, keeping the drivetrain stable even under high loads. Combined with the Core Solid Body, these technologies provide greater power, efficiency, and smoothness—essential qualities when working heavy jigs and during prolonged fights.
75 MM POWER HANDLE
Both the HG and the new XG versions feature a 75 mm handle, increased from the 70 mm handle of the previous generation. The longer handle provides greater leverage and torque during winding, making it easier to manage heavy jigs, deep-water situations, and particularly powerful fish. The round CI4+ knob maintains a comfortable and secure grip even under load, helping deliver a stable, direct, and less tiring retrieve during long jigging sessions.
SVS INFINITY
The new SVS Infinity centrifugal braking system allows precise adjustment of spool behavior during casting, making the Grappler especially effective for the underhand casts commonly used in offshore jigging. Its wide adjustment range makes it easy to adapt braking force to jig weight, casting distance, and fishing conditions. Thanks to the external dial, settings can be changed without removing the side plate, making adjustments quicker, easier, and more intuitive directly while fishing.
HG & XG
The HG version offers a versatile and balanced setup designed to suit a wide range of jigging techniques and retrieve styles. The new XG version, with a 7.6:1 gear ratio, increases line-retrieval speed and is particularly useful when a fast fishing pace is required, when quickly retrieving the jig, or when immediate contact with the fish is needed after the strike. The two configurations allow anglers to choose the most suitable gear ratio according to depth, technique, and target species.
OTHER FEATURES
- Low Profile Body: compact structure designed to provide natural and comfortable palming even during long fishing sessions;
- Exciting Drag Sound: drag sound system that clearly indicates line being pulled out during the fight;
- Core Solid Body: high-rigidity one-piece aluminum body designed to reduce flex and power loss;
- MicroModule Gear: high-precision gearing for a smooth, consistent retrieve with reduced vibration;
- X-SHIP: advanced gear-support system designed to improve power, stability, and drivetrain durability;
- SVS Infinity: wide-range centrifugal braking system with external adjustment dial;
- 75 mm Handle: increased leverage and torque compared to the previous generation;
- CI4+ Round Knob: lightweight and comfortable round handle knob for a secure grip even under heavy load;
- Ideal for inshore and offshore jigging, heavy jigs, deep-water fishing, and fighting large, powerful fish.
