Bates Goat SWM & Hundo Salty – Real-World Review from a Regular Angler

BATES GOAT SWM & HUNDO SALTY - TRIED, TESTED & TRULY IMPRESSED

By Adam Dabrowski

First off, I want to be clear - I have no affiliation with Blue Water Gear. I'm not a Blue Crew Member or sponsored in any way. Just a regular customer who happens to appreciate some of the brands they stock. That said, I recently had the opportunity to put the Bates Goat SWM and the Bates Hundo Salty to the test over two solid days of fishing, and I came away seriously impressed.

I already own the original Hundo, which has consistently performed well for me, so I was genuinely excited to give the Goat SWM and Hundo Salty a proper workout. For context, I paired the Goat SWM with an ALX Zolo Brawler, and the Hundo Salty with an ALX Deputy - both excellent rod matches for the reels.

BATES GOAT SWM REVIEW

This reel is buttery smooth - what really surprised me was that reels have been used excessively by multiple anglers and various fresh and saltwater facets, however it performed like it was fresh out of the box. That speaks volumes about the build quality and durability, especially considering it hadn’t been serviced since put into circulation in July 2024.

In terms of size, it’s comparable to a Curado 200, but it fits in my palm far more comfortably. Ergonomically, it just feels right. The 120mm crank arm is a standout feature for me - it makes retrieving larger baits feel effortless and delivers solid torque when you need to power through.

LURE PERFORMANCE

I paired the GOAT SWM with a couple of different swimbaits to really test its capabilities. First up was the 6th Sense 6.5” Draw Glide Bait - a big, slow-glide bait that demands a smooth, controlled retrieve. The reel handled it flawlessly. The glide felt consistent and controlled, with no jerky transitions or lost cadence. That long crank arm came in handy here, letting me subtly manipulate the bait without overworking it.

Next, I tied on the 6” 6th Sense Trace Swimbait (slow sinking). The GOAT SWM excelled again, offering the perfect balance of power and finesse. The slow gear ratio and smooth drag let me keep that natural, lifelike motion going, even on long casts and deeper retrieves. Casting heavier baits like these was no problem either - the reel stayed quiet and backlash-free throughout.

Overall, the Bates GOAT SWM isn’t just capable - it’s built for this style of fishing. If you're throwing mid- to large-size glide baits or multi-jointed swimbaits, this reel is more than up to the task. Its smoothness, comfort, and torque make it a standout option for serious swimbait anglers.

Bates HUNDO Salty Review

The HUNDO Salty held its own brilliantly during testing. Already being a fan of the original HUNDO, I had high expectations - and the Salty delivered. Paired with the ALX Deputy, the reel felt well-balanced and responsive, making it a joy to fish with across various conditions.

What stood out most was the control and consistency during casts. It offered excellent distance with minimal effort, and the braking system was easy to dial in for different bait sizes. Whether working lighter presentations or stepping up to heavier lures, the HUNDO Salty handled it all with confidence.

The drag was smooth and reliable, which is exactly what you want when things get serious on the water. Combined with the sturdy build and attention to detail, this reel feels like it’s made for anglers who demand performance without compromising comfort.

Lure Applications & Performance

I ran the HUNDO Salty through a range of bass techniques, and it handled each with ease:

¼ oz Spinnerbait

The reel really shined here. Casts were smooth and accurate, and it picked up line quickly on the retrieve. The SV3 ran true, and the HUNDO kept a consistent feel without ever feeling over- or under-powered.

6th Sense Swim Jig (paired with a Whale trailer)

With this setup, the HUNDO Salty provided great hookup control and sensitivity. I could feel every bump and grass tick. It handled the added resistance of the trailer without losing cadence or torque, especially during slower retrieves or when burning it through cover.

Boosa Worm (Texas-rigged)

When it came to bottom-contact baits, the reel didn’t miss a beat. Smooth line lay, excellent sensitivity, and dependable drag made it easy to detect subtle bites and drive the hook home. The reel never felt out of sync with the technique.

Whether I was covering water or picking apart certain areas of the dam, the HUNDO Salty adapted to each lure with consistent performance and control - a true workhorse for the kind of fishing I like to do.

Final Thoughts

Both the Bates Goat SWM and Hundo Salty proved to be top-tier performers throughout my sessions. Whether you're a weekend warrior or a more seasoned angler, these reels offer serious value and reliability.

While I came into this as just a regular customer with no ties to the brand, I left genuinely impressed by what Bates is putting out. These reels don’t just look good - they fish even better.