Exciting news for 2024 is Two reels , the special edition TMX5 Mooching Reel. It has amplified specs for braking power and response, not one but seven improved discs with carbon ceramic surfaces for braking power and controlling line creep. The Trend Flow 5 mooching reel also has a 7-layer, multi-layer drag system made of carbon graphite washers.

In 2021, Amundson Outdoors challenged me to put their salmon reels, the TMX5 vs. Their TMX4, through a deadweight challenge until the reel released its line called creep. This is a prelude displaying the final test result step-by-step.

I had to create a fixture that could hold a rod section with a reel seat and handle heavy weights. I started with a black pipe but later used a lower section of an Amundson salmon rod. This allowed easy changeover with the reels.

The weights selected were 15,10, 7.5, and 1-pound lead balls. Each reel has a parachute chord and a carabiner for quick attachments.

We slowly added weights to the selected reel as the video designers positioned themselves. The reel drag was set to maximum, and we would add weight with a slow swing until the reel started releasing the loaded line term called the CREEP.

THE INTRODUCTION OF THE FINAL CUT AND POST

In recreational fishing, technology is completely transforming everything. Line creep is common with single-action trolling reels when trolling various depths.

The TMX5 is a mooching/trolling reel becoming increasingly popular on recreational fishing boats throughout the Pacific Northwest marine fishery. Its nanocarbon drag discs are designed with seven layers of nanocarbon fibre to provide ultra-smooth performance all the time.

Amundson Outdoors designed the internal components to be simple and low-maintenance, with inexpensive service kits. By request of your Amundson dealer, ported paddle handles can be substituted for the CNC’d aluminum power handles that come stock on the reels. On reel spools, 150 yards of 25 lb backing and 300 yards of 40 lb mono are held. Four colours are available – gold, black, gun-smoke, and blue.

The Amundson TMX5 Mooching Reel

The Drag Test

Deadweight is a surprisingly heavy load. Both reels were set to the maximum setting. Each reel had dead weight directly forced to the reel with various weighted lead balls, with a slow swing of 1-pound, 7.5 pounds and 15 pounds suspended.

The Amundson TMX5 Mooching Reel

Benefits include:

• Friction heat is dispersed, and multiple surfaces absorb pressure
• Low maintenance -inexpensive service kits
• High strength, flexibility, and resilience are all characteristics of nanocarbon fibre
• Unbeatable holding power while trolling
• At drag failure, the Deadweight drag stress test was 22 pounds 
• That’s a 60% increase in performance to the TMX4 cork disc drag

Key Specifications of the TMX5 Mooching Reel

• Machined aerospace aluminum frame, spool and reel seat
• Unique design easily converts to right or left-hand retrieve
• Dual-pawl drag system with a large scalloped drag knob
• Large arbour spool designed to reduce line memory and increase line speed
• The spindle is machined out of 316 stainless steel for corrosion resistance and durability

At drag failure, the Deadweight drag stress test was 14 pounds. Maintaining optimal performance from the wear and tear of cork from debris is important as cork will compress, dehydrate, crack and lose its smooth, flat surface, reducing the drag efficiency.

A Tip For Success

All reels are affected by saltwater, and maintenance is crucial. Ensure your investment is protected by rinsing/cleansing your reels after using, with fresh water and doing seasonal maintenance.