DAIWA bolsters the lauded TATULA MQ LT series with two exceptionally specialized reels, one each for the “Finesse Custom” and “Power Finesse” techniques 

Super Specification

DAIWA bolsters the lauded TATULA MQ LT series with two exceptionally specialized reels, one each for the “Finesse Custom” and “Power Finesse” techniques 

FOOTHILL RANCH, CA (October 27, 2026) – Certain bass fishing enclaves have outpaced standard spinning gear. Pioneering anglers have spent the last few seasons overcoming distinct physical obstacles, because catalog sizes didn’t fit a couple of specific modern tactics.

If you wanted to throw micro-plastics on forward-facing sonar, a 1000-size reel gave you the right featherweight feel but choked your casting distance due to a tiny spool diameter. If you wanted to fish power-finesse baits in heavy cover, a standard spinning frame would flex and bind under a heavy load. You were always forced to compromise.

DAIWA has stepped in to eliminate those physical limitations by expanding the proven TATULA MQ LT family with two highly specialized, hybrid tools. This release focuses strictly on two technique-specific configurations built for absolute control—the 2500 FC (Finesse Custom) and the 3000 XH (Power Finesse).

The additions completely re-engineer the balance of a specialized rod by matching upsized or downsized Monocoque (MQ) foundations with custom-tailored rotor and spool packages. Both models utilize a full ZAION V^® AIRDRIVE ROTOR^®, injecting low-inertia technology into rock-solid frames to eliminate rotational lag and give light-line and heavy-cover anglers immediate startup responsiveness.

The Anatomy of a Finesse Custom Tool: the 2500

The engineering behind the new 2500 FC thrives at the extreme finesse end of the spectrum, solving a critical flaw in traditional ultra-light spinning gear: the casting limitations of a miniature spool. Standard 1000-size reels offer the featherweight handling finesse anglers crave, but the small spool diameters choke line flow, create severe coil memory, and kill casting distance.

DAIWA’s solution is a true technique-specific hybrid. The 2500 FC nests a full 2500-size AIRDRIVE SPOOL and ZAION V AIRDRIVE ROTOR onto a hyper-compact 1000-size MQ body. Spooled with 6- to 15-pound technical braids, this combination unlocks maximum casting distance for hair jigs, hover-strolling rigs, scoping tactics, and small dice-style plastics. The downsized chassis keeps the overall package incredibly lightweight, creating a seamless pivot point that perfectly balances premium 7-foot to 7-foot-6-inch light or medium-light rod blanks.

Precision Architecture Meets Massive Cranking Power

Where the 2500 FC shrinks the footprint for maximum feel, the 3000 XH anchors the power-finesse end of the spectrum, upscaling the foundation for uncompromising mechanical leverage. When an angler needs to skip urchin-style baits under docks or pitch a lightweight shaky head or wacky rig into thick wood or dense vegetation—situations where a baitcaster would backlash but standard spinning gears would flex and bind—the 3000 XH takes over.

To deliver this unmatched winching power, the 3000 XH incorporates a massive 4000-size MQ body, but caps it with a compact 3000-size AIRDRIVE Spool and ZIAON V AIRDRIVE Rotor. This hybrid configuration provides the precise line capacities and handling of a standard 3000-size reel, but arms the angler with the oversized gearing, immense torque, and rigid frame of a 4000-size powerhouse built to handle heavy-cover extraction.

“Every touchpoint of these extensions is designed to exude quality, from the classic feel of the machined aluminum handle arm to the ultra-rigid foundation,” said Martin. “The ZAION V MQ housing locks the gear train into perfect, permanent alignment. This incredibly smooth, fluid rotation ensures the reel retains its high-performance edge through years of relentless use.”

“Modern finesse fishing demands tools that are super-focused, not generalized,” said DAIWA Field Marketing Manager, Chris Martin. “By harnessing the gear stabilization of our ZAION V MQ chassis alongside the frictionless rotation of the upgraded ZAION V AIRDRIVE ROTOR, we have built an exceptional pair of reels. They eliminate rotational heavy spots and hand fatigue, ensuring perfect line control whether you are skating finesse baits or horsing fish out of deep cover.”

Tailored Control and Ergonomics

To match the exact performance profiles of the two technique-specific configurations, these new TATULA MQ LT variants incorporate distinct, specialized handle knob geometries:

I-Shape Handle Knob (2500 Finesse Custom): Sculpted for pure light-line sensitivity, the streamlined I-shape profile allows for precise finger placement and minimal weight. It maximizes sensory feedback through the rod blank, giving anglers the extra-focused feel required when operating subtle finesse baits on light braid or fluorocarbon.

Oversized Power T-Shape Handle Knob (3000 Power Finesse): Built for authoritative power-spinning applications, the wider T-shape architecture provides an expanded gripping surface. This formation delivers the maximum physical leverage to maintain zero-flex stability and force fish out of deep structure or unforgiving cover.

MQ BODY (ZAION V)

The gold standard in deflection prevention and structural weight reduction. Sculpted from ultra-high-strength ZAION V carbon-resin material, this specialized one-piece Monocoque (MQ) frame features incredibly high structural rigidity. By eliminating traditional sideplates and screw paths, the MQ design maximizes internal space to house its oversized drive gear. This zero-flex construction eliminates twisting and flexing under maximum load, ensuring the internal gear units stay perfectly aligned for smooth power transfer even when winching hard-fighting fish.

TOUGH DIGIGEAR

Digital gear design ensures maximum transmission of power, smooth rotation, and endurance over extended use. Machined with surgical precision to exact tolerances, the gear teeth optimize mesh contact points under high load, working in perfect synchronization with the rigid MQ housing to prevent gear binding and retain a factory-smooth feel over the lifespan of the reel.

AIRDRIVE DESIGN

An intelligent, revolutionary architecture tailored specifically to deliver perfect and effortless rotation. By radically re-engineering the front-end components, the system drastically reduces rotational inertia. At the initial moment of the turn, the low-profile components require minimal startup force, giving anglers instantaneous flow and unmatched sensitivity through the retrieve.

AIRDRIVE ROTOR (ZAION V)

Friction-free rotational management engineered to maximize sensitivity. Upgraded to premium ZAION V carbon-resin, this redesigned rotor drops weight while maintaining peak structural strength. It eliminates the harsh choke points and heavy rotational resistance that typically rob an angler of bait feedback, allowing for immediate startup responsiveness.

AIRDRIVE BAIL (Solid Wire)

A completely reinforced, seamless solid wire bail mechanism engineered to withstand relentless casting. The internal mechanics have been thoroughly refined to ensure that line transition from the bail to the line roller remains crisp, slick, and completely secure, shedding mass to further reduce rotation resistance and eliminate line tangles.

AIRDRIVE SPOOL / LONG CAST-ABS

A precision-engineered spool configuration that slashes weight without sacrificing drag pressure integrity or skirt strength. The lightened spool delivers exceptionally low start-up inertia, allowing the line to flow unrestricted while maintaining perfect balance during high-speed oscillation. Features a multi-step Long Cast-ABS lip design that reduces friction and line slapping on the guides, maximizing casting distance and line flow.

ATD TYPE-L (Ball Bearing Drag)

An advanced drag system delivering ultra-smooth, linear stopping power. Supported by high-grade ball bearings, ATD Type-L automatically adjusts to line tension spikes, eliminating the initial start-up friction and stuttering that can lead to pulled hooks on light line. This ensures anglers are fighting the fish, not the oscillation resistance.

MSRP $259.99

PERFECT ROD PAIRINGS

The two new TATULA MQ LT models were built for very specific jobs, and the right rod finishes the thought. To get the most out of the 2500 FC and 3000 XH, DAIWA recommends the following pairings:

TATULA Cork Bass Rods

Matched with the 2500 FC, the TATULA Cork TTUL761MLMFS brings a long-cast design that complements the full 2500-size spool, stretching out every cast with hair jigs and small finesse plastics. For the 3000 XH, the TTUL721MHFS is a Power-Spin MH with the backbone to drive thicker-gauge hooks home on the hookset, exactly the muscle needed when a fish eats around docks or heavy cover.

TATULA ELITE Series

The TATULA ELITE TTEL761MLFS is the 2500 FC’s precision partner, optimal for casting small hair jigs and forward-facing sonar minnows. On the power-finesse side, the TTEL711MHFS Power-Spin model complements the cranking power of the 3000 XH’s 4000-size gearing.

For DAIWA’s latest color catalog and/or information on DAIWA dealers in your area, call DAIWA’s Customer Service Department at 562-375-6800 or e-mail inquiries to: CSR@DAIWA.com. The URL for DAIWA’s web site is daiwa.us

About DAIWA Corporation

DAIWA’s first spinning reel rolled off the assembly line in 1955. Since then, the company has grown into one of the largest and most influential tackle companies in the world today. To handle sales and distribution in the United States, DAIWA Corporation first opened its doors on September 26, 1966, operating from a small facility in Culver City, California. Today, based in Foothill Ranch, California, DAIWA Corporation sells tackle throughout the United States, Canada, Central and South America. From the very beginning, DAIWA’s emphasis has been upon innovation and quality. The result is a long list of product features, design and materials that have become standards for the fishing tackle industry. DAIWA’s long-standing record of innovation has left a visible mark on the majority of tackle manufactured today and continues to advance the sport of fishing. Learn more at daiwa.us