Shimano’s digital control circuit stores energy on the cast, and then “uses that energy to intelligently apply electromagnetic braking pressure, up to 1,000 times per second, during the next cast to control spool speed,” said Jeremy Sweet, Shimano’s reel product manager, “and in turn, controls how fast the line is coming off the spool to both tame backlashes and provide exceptionally long casting distances.”

The DC system has an eight-step adjustment knob so the Trinidad DC reels can be set-up for specific conditions and lures. “Use the Ultra Long Cast Mode, or minimum setting, when casting surface iron and heavy jigs to achieve unbelievable casting distance - you might have to watch it so you don’t spool the reel,” Sweet notes. “And when the technique for success calls for casting small baits like anchovies and pilchards, the ‘Maximum Control Mode,’ or max setting is the answer.”

“Another group of anglers that will enjoy the benefits of this DC technology in a saltwater reel are Surfcasters who require extreme casting distances to reach boiling fish past the breakers, “ said Sweet.

Each of the Trinidad DC reels can be dialed in to handle windy conditions when using both heavy lures and light baits. “Combine that with all the other proven features found on our Trinidad reels - such as the high-speed 6.2:1 gear ratio and HEG gearing,” Sweet said, “and anglers will quickly realize all the advantages of a saltwater reel equipped with a digital control system.”

Other key features on the Trinidad DC reels and their use in the salt include six shielded A-RB (anti-rust) bearings, rubber shielded Super Stopper so there’s no handle backplay, a rubber padded metal clutch lever, a cold forged aluminum drag star for comfort when adjusting, a forged aluminum frame for strength and rigidity, and chrome plated sideplate screws to reduce the risk of corrosion. Each also includes a Redundant Anti-Reverse System (oversized A-RB roller bearing and a spring-loaded ratchet and pawl), Dartanium Drag, stamped aluminum right sideplate, aluminum left sideplate and spool, and an ergonomic Power Grip.

All three reels will retrieve 46-inches per crank, and have a maximum drag of 22-pounds. The TN-16DC will handle from 450 yards of 16-pound test, to 320 yards of 20. On the TN-20DC, the spool capacity if 420 yards of 20-pound test, up to 300 yards of 30-pound, while the TN-30DC will handle from 420 yards of 25-pound to 350 yards of 30.

“We’ve been working on bringing our DC technology to saltwater anglers since we first introduced it on the Calcutta TE DC, but the limitation was always having to reduce the line capacity to accommodate the DC unit” said Sweet. “With newer and smaller technology available, we have figured out how to house a newly designed DC unit next to spool so we did not have to sacrifice the capacity that is so important to bluewater anglers. The Trinidad reels are the perfect platform for a digital control casting feature being that saltwater anglers have made the Trinidad family one of our most popular reels for casting iron and live bait.”

For more information on the new Trinidad DC reels, see your local tackle dealer, visit Shimano’s special web site on these reels at http://fish.shimano.com/trinidaddc - or call Shimano’s product support team at 877/577-0600 (6 am to 5 pm Pacific Standard Time).

MSRP: TN-16DC - $729.99; TN-20DC - $739.99; TN-30DC - $749.99