Daiwa introduced their Tatula series of reels several years ago beginning with the original Tatula 100 and 100 Type R.
We’ve had every major version update since then including the CT Type R and the SV. We obtained the new Tatula 100 some time last year and have been fishing with it ever since.
You might wonder why we haven’t reviewed this reel before now which is a good question. The reason is that we don’t like to have only a couple of months with a new reel. We prefer to have it for enough time to really put it through a lot of time on the water, under as many different conditions as we can find, to determine whether or not it can stand up to abuse over time. With that in mind, let’s get to it!
Tatula 100 Specs
The model that we’ve been using and abusing is the TTU100HSL. Yes, it is the left-handed version but the specs are the same as the right-handed model.
The gear ratio is 7.1:1. It weighs 6.9 ounces which was the lightest Tatula manufactured when it was released. It has 7BB + 1RB, a line capacity of 12/150, 14/125, a compact 38mm size, Zero adjuster spool tension knob, T-Wing system, soft touch handle knobs, magforce-Z braking, UTD (Ultimate Tournament Drag), and a rigid aluminum frame. Cosmetically the Tatula 100 gets the matte black treatment with the ghost spider logo on the non-handle sideplate with a few well placed red accents that complement the rest of the overall appearance.
Like all if its predecessors, the new 100 is easy to set up and adjust on the fly simply by increasing or decreasing the braking, and handles a great range of baits. With its line capacity, which is on the high side for 100 series reels, it can handle a wider range of line sizes than most of its competitors.
This is one feature doesn’t get the attention it deserves. We’ve fished many other comparable sized reels with considerably less line capacity which inevitably limits which techniques are available on that particular rig. We prefer the flexibility we get due to this from the Tatula 100.
Tatula 100 Casting and Performance
Another common thread that runs through the entire line since its inception is the ease of casting inherent in the Tatula series. When you spend eight or more hours per day on the water casting non-stop, fatigue can set in. The fact that it takes less effort to cast the same bait, the same distance or further as other reels really adds up by the end of a long day. That little bit of energy savings per cast after hundreds of ‘em can make a surprising difference in how you feel when you leave the lake.
The Magforce-Z braking system is as consistent in this reel as every other Tatula we’ve fished. It doesn’t just slip for no apparent reason as some centrifugal systems tend to. How many reels have you used where you’re just going along, chunking and winding without a care in the world then out of nowhere, you get a backlash. You pick it out, wondering how in the blazes it happened, then get back to fishing.
A little while later, same thing. It can happen several times a day. Maybe one of the brake elements didn’t kick out completely, or a speck of dust got on the rotor or any number of other possible causes. The point is, Magforce-Z has never just failed to function absolutely consistently in our experience with the Tatula. For us, that’s just one less thing to be concerned about which translates to more time and attention paid to fishing.
The Tatula 100 is surprisingly smooth on both the cast and retrieve. We would hazard to say that it is as smooth as some other reels that are about double its retail price of $159. Not only is it smooth, it has a solid, connected feel to it.
You can feel your lure, what it’s doing, what it’s hitting under the water and when you get a bite. When you hook up, you feel what the fish is doing but the reel feels solid and smooth the entire way. Even when you get one that pulls drag, the Tatula pays out the line without being herky-jerky. If you want more drag than it has, just put a little pressure on the spool with your thumb and you’re good to go.
We’ve caught a ton of fish of all different sizes using a ton of different lures from weightless plastics to almost two ounce swimbaits. The Tatula 100 has handled them all with absolute ease. Given you have the right line on the right action rod for the lure you’re using, this reel handles a huge range of baits without losing any of the positive properties that it excels in.
From #8 – #25 mono and flouro, as well as corresponding braid, we’ve changed things up, put the reel on rods that range from light to Xheavy just to see how versatile this little reel is. It has absolutely proven to be one of the select group of reels available that define what it means to be a workhorse reel.
If there is any negative with the Tatula 100 it is that the finish on the reel is not as robust as some of the other models. Yeah, we’re probably splitting hairs here because this really has nothing to do with the functionality of the reel. A scratch here or there doesn’t decrease casting distance or efficiency. Fish don’t decide not to bite cause the paint job isn’t perfect and lures don’t start running wonky just cause there’s a little boat rash on the baitcaster. Yes, we’ve used and abused our Tatula 100 but it still functions just the way it was designed to.
On the MVF rating scale, the Daiwa Tatula 100 earns 4.5 stars.
See ya’ on the water …