The HXJ is a great specialty size for jigging and bottom fishing, it’s narrow so it makes it easy to guide the line on without giving up too much line capacity. In the Raptor model you have no real drag limit, plenty for any line that will fit on it. If you’re fishing for bigger yellowtail or grouper on the bottom trying to pull them out of structure then this is the reel for you. It even works as a great reel for huge pacific halibut, you get plenty of cranking power with the lower gear ratios and enough drag to keep them coming your way.

The Raptor features a lower low gear ratio than the standard model so it will be better for larger grade fish. Avet offers a power handle upgrade for these reels from the factory so if you wanted to order one and didn’t mind waiting for a small up charge your can get the bigger jigging handle that comes on the HXW Raptor.