Daiwa’s recent unveiling of the Saltiga 35 Star Drag marks a significant advancement in fishing technology aimed at anglers focusing on deep-water species. This overhead jigging reel is equipped with sophisticated features that promise enhanced performance and durability for avid fishermen.
"At the core of the Saltiga 35 is Daiwa's HyperDrive Design, a concept previously introduced in our baitcasting reels," said a representative from Daiwa. This innovation is tailored to maintain the reel's performance over time and includes several notable elements.
"At the core of the Saltiga 35 is Daiwa's HyperDrive Design, a concept previously introduced in our baitcasting reels,"
Among these is the Hyper Tough Clutch, which bolsters the reel's durability for prolonged usage. Alongside this feature, the Hyper Double Support uses ball bearings on both ends of the pinion gear to significantly reduce rotational resistance. Additionally, the HyperDrive Digigear provides smooth and powerful winding dynamics, ensuring longevity while effectively managing the rigors of deep-sea fishing. The reel's construction also utilizes Hyper Armed Housing, making it both lightweight and robust.

The Saltiga 35 further enhances its capabilities with the integration of MagSealed Ball Bearings. This addition cements its reputation as a reliable option for challenging, heavy-duty applications, especially crucial when targeting larger fish in demanding conditions.
Daiwa has also equipped the Saltiga 35 with the Ultimate Tournament Drag (UTD) system. “The UTD system delivers greater resistance compared to our ATD system, and it's vital for reeling in larger fish that often seek refuge in structures,” emphasized the Daiwa representative. This system provides fishermen with a more secure hold during intense battles with elusive deep-water species.
The ergonomic design of the Saltiga 35 assists users during operation, featuring a Thumb Holding Frame akin to the Saltiga 15. This allows for better grip and handling, crucial when managing larger reels. The design makes it user-friendly despite its size, ensuring ease of use for all anglers.
To extend its lifespan, the Saltiga 35 incorporates Anode Protection, which utilizes a sacrificial zinc plate to shield critical components from corrosion. "Our goal is to make sure that the Saltiga 35 can withstand the harsh conditions of the sea while maintaining its performance,” the representative added, underscoring the reels' resilience against the elements.

The Saltiga 35 is specifically designed for serious anglers aiming to catch sizeable fish during deep-sea excursions. It boasts a line capacity suitable for 300 meters of PE6 line and has impressive specifications, including a weight of 705 grams, a gear ratio of 5.1, and a maximum drag power of 13 kilograms. The reel also retrieves 104 centimeters of line with every crank, making it a formidable tool for deep-water challenges.
Regarding availability, the Saltiga 35 will be released in a staggered manner; the high gear models (35H & 35HL) are expected to be available in July 2025, the left-hand model (35L) in June 2025, and the standard gear model will be ready by May 2025.
With all its advanced features, the Daiwa Saltiga 35 positions itself as a superior choice for anglers looking to elevate their fishing experience and conquer the depths with confidence.

