Daiwa Kage: Dedicated to the Independents

Cypress, CA – In Japanese, KAGE means "in the shadows". The English translation is "the shadow that is created by the light." To DAIWA, KAGE means an exclusive series of premium rods and reels that are available from independent retailers only, and not sold online.

"Independent dealers are core to DAIWA's business," said DAIWA marketing director Marc Mills. "These shops offer that hands-on, local and regional service that's the backbone of fishing. So, DAIWA wanted to do something special for them by developing high-quality products that are only available at these specialty stores."

And during these challenging economic times, the smaller guys can be the most vulnerable. Having DAIWA KAGE rods and reels in-stock, however, gives them that little competitive edge. And their loyal customers benefit from buying brilliant products at fair prices.

DAIWA’S KAGE roster includes two spinning reels, three freshwater rods series, and even an ice fishing rod lineup.

Let's learn more about DAIWA's unique KAGE products:

KAGE MQ LT

Behold the standard in crossover saltwater and freshwater spinning reels, DAIWA's superbly designed KAGE LT MQ.

The KAGE LT MQ embodies rich features, which start with its one-piece MONOCOQUE Zaion body. This design framework yields more space for larger gears, therefore promoting increased torque and power from the get-go.

The inventive Zaion MONOCOQUE body also offers 360 degrees of stability and improved waterproofing over standard spinning reels with conventional, screw-in side plates. 360 degrees of stability means the larger gearing is held firmly and in precise alignment; the less gears shift side to side, the less binding and wear take place, and longer your new reel will feel fresh out-of-the-box.

KAGE MQ LT employs a proprietary system of waterproofing protection called Magseal. Magsealing uses a special magnetic bushing in conjunction with a magnetic weld to create an airtight and watertight oil seal, virtually eliminating the travel of contaminants or water down the main shaft and into the gear set or roller bearing.

A7075 aircraft-grade aluminum DIGIGEAR® technology is another hallmark of the KAGE LT MQ. The especially hard and lightweight aluminum is precision machined and digitally cut, making it considerably more resistant to wear than traditional gear materials on the market.

Anglers fishing KAGE LT MQ reels will appreciate DAIWA's superb Advanced Tournament Drag (ATD™) when setting the hook and fighting fish. The smart system applies an increased, instantaneous, and calculated resistance during the hookset. After the hook drives home and the fish starts pulling, ATD automatically returns to the selected drag setting.

Sizes range from 1000 to 4000. MSRP's $329.99 – $359.99

KAGE LT

DAIWA's KAGE LT embraces Light /Tough Concept and is lighter by weight yet strong and rigid. The body is constructed from Zaion, a "high density" carbon strain material that is 20 percent stronger and 50 percent lighter than traditional nylon and aluminum. The true carbon body is reduced in size and weight yet provides a rigid framework for powerful gearing. The design incorporates the Air Bail and Air Rotor systems that reduce weight by another 15 percent but don't sacrifice strength and rigidity.

The Aluminum Digigear set is precision cut for a smooth, powerful performance with less weight. A unique premium cork handle knob looks smart and provides a solid grip. The smooth and powerful Advanced Tournament Drag (ATD) system will stop the largest gamefish. Available in sizes from 1000 to 2500, the advanced spinning reel can be utilized for a variety of freshwater and light saltwater applications.

MSRP $219.99

KAGE Premium Bass Rods

The clean designs and state of the art construction of KAGE Bass Rods will impress everyday anglers and tournament competitors alike. The fit and finish is impeccable, its matte black look and fine wrapping evoking quality.

KAGE's high tech Fuji Alconite Guides are handsome yet smooth as silk, braid friendly, tangle proof, and rod-locker tough. The cork handles are contoured to provide hours of comfort. With flawless construction, beautiful cosmetics and practical task specific designs, any serious bass angler would be proud to put a rod of this quality on the deck.

14 technique-specific models available, covering casting and spinning. MSRP's $179.99 to $199.99

KAGE Ultralight Rods

Exclusive to independent dealers, perfect for many ultra-light techniques, these perfectly constructed blanks are designed using DAIWA's X-45 Bias Carbon Construction to keep the blank strong while avoiding blank twist. Built using our Megatop Technology, the tip features a solid blank construction for extra strength, durability, and sensitivity.

A tough and rigid SVF Carbon Technology blank gives greater strength and sensitivity. Complete with quality Fuji Alconite Rings in Fuji Tangle-Free Guides, a Fuji VSS Reel Seat, premium cork handles and a matte black finish.

If you are looking for a line of rods well suited for Trout or Panfish around the country, then look to your local dealer and test drive one of the 11 unique models.

MSRP's $189.99 to $209.99

KAGE Walleye Rods

Also exclusive to independent dealers, and designed for the dedicated walleye angler, these perfectly constructed blanks utilize X-45 Bias Carbon Construction to keep the blank strong while avoiding blank twist. Ten walleye-specific spinning rod actions will suit all your technique specific needs. A tough and rigid SVF Carbon Technology blank gives greater strength and sensitivity. Complete with quality Fuji Alconite Rings in Fuji Tangle-Free Guides, a Fuji VSS Reel Seat, premium cork handles and a matte black finish.

MSRP $199.99.

KAGE Ice Fishing Rods

The Innovative lightweight and slim design is achieved through several proprietary DAIWA rod building technologies, allowing for a blank that maintains the strength and durability of a much larger diameter rod. The Super Volume Fiber (SVF) blank manufacturing process utilizes concentrated fiber for more strength, allowing for smaller volume of resin. This results in a lighter, slimmer blank that is sensitive and strong.

The unique Megatop rod tip is ultra-sensitive yet strong and durable, ideal for light bites. Fuji Tangle Free Guides with Alconite Inserts are built tough and assure a trouble-free drop. Its crafted cork handle transitions seamlessly with a hand shaped reel seat.

Seven models in the series. MSRP $119.99

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 Cypress, 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.