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In the world of Pacific Northwest salmon fishing, the mooching reel is an icon. It’s a tool of finesse, a direct link between the angler and the fish, where feel and flawless performance are paramount. For decades, this market was dominated by a few high-priced, big-name reels. But from Richmond, British Columbia, a challenger has emerged, earning a fierce and loyal following not through legacy, but through sheer, uncompromising performance at an incredible value. That reel is the Amundson Trend X5.
This in-depth article for ReelSchematic.com will explore the reel that has become the workhorse for thousands of anglers. We’ll break down its construction, analyze its critically acclaimed drag system, and discuss why the Trend X5 has rightfully earned its reputation as the people’s champion of mooching reels.
The Art of Mooching: Why the Reel Matters
To understand the genius of the Trend X5, one must first respect the nuance of mooching. Unlike trolling, mooching is a hands-on, active technique. Anglers drift with the tide, using a long, soft-action rod to slowly raise and lower a cut-plug herring. The goal is a natural, wounded presentation that a prowling Chinook or Coho salmon can’t resist.
This intimate style of fishing places unique demands on the reel:
- Zero Startup Inertia: The single most critical factor. When a 30-pound Tyee (a large Chinook) gently mouths a bait and turns, the drag must release line with zero hesitation. Any stickiness or “jerk” will instantly telegraph danger to the fish or, worse, tear the hooks out.
- Smoothness Under Pressure: Salmon are famous for long, powerful, high-speed runs. The drag must remain silky smooth throughout the fight, absorbing head shakes and preventing break-offs.
- Durability: The saltwater environment is brutal. A mooching reel is constantly exposed to corrosive salt spray and must be built to last.
- Line Capacity & Retrieval: Anglers need enough line to reach deep and handle long runs. A large arbor is crucial for picking up line quickly when a fish runs toward the boat.
The Amundson Trend X5 was engineered from the ground up to excel in every one of these categories.
Anatomy of a Workhorse: The Trend X5 Deconstructed
The first impression of the Trend X5 is one of precision and quality that belies its price point. It feels solid, looks clean, and operates with a smoothness usually reserved for reels costing twice as much. This is no accident; it’s a result of smart design and quality materials.
Frame and Spool Construction: The entire reel—frame, spool, and reel foot—is fully CNC-machined from 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum. This is not a cast or forged aluminum reel. The CNC machining process carves the components from a solid block of aluminum, resulting in incredible strength, tight tolerances, and perfect alignment. This rigid foundation ensures there is zero frame-twist when the reel is under the heavy load of a powerful fish.
The Powerplant: A Sealed Multi-Disc Carbon Fiber Drag: Herein lies the soul of the Trend X5. Amundson has implemented a sophisticated and, most importantly, fully sealed, waterproof drag system. This system utilizes multiple discs of carbon fiber, a material prized for its ability to dissipate heat and provide smooth, consistent pressure.
- Why Sealed is a Game-Changer: By completely sealing the drag housing with gaskets, Amundson protects the critical drag washers from saltwater, grit, and grime. This is the key to its longevity and out-of-the-box smoothness, season after season. An unsealed drag will inevitably get contaminated, leading to the sticky, jerky performance that salmon anglers dread.
- Performance on the Water: The result is a drag with virtually zero startup inertia. It’s the kind of smoothness that gives an angler the confidence to fish lighter leaders, knowing the reel will protect them. When a big salmon runs, the Trend X5 gives line effortlessly, with no violent jolts to the rod or terminal tackle.
Bearings and Internals: The smooth rotation of the spool is powered by 2+1 Japanese stainless steel ball bearings. The use of high-quality, corrosion-resistant bearings from Japan is a significant detail, ensuring a free-running spool for dropping gear to depth and a silky retrieve.
Ergonomics and Design: Amundson nailed the details that matter during a long day on the water:
- Large Arbor Spool: The Trend X5 features a large arbor design that is heavily ported (machined with cutouts) to reduce weight without sacrificing strength. This large diameter allows for rapid line pickup, a crucial feature when trying to catch up to a fast-running fish.
- Sculpted Handles: The dual, sculpted handles are comfortable and provide a secure grip, even with wet or cold hands.
- Easy Retrieve Conversion: The reel can be quickly and easily converted from left-hand to right-hand retrieve by simply flipping a bearing.
The Lineup: Trend X5 vs. Trend XL 5
Amundson offers the reel in two sizes to cover all mooching and trolling applications.
| Feature | Amundson Trend X5 | Amundson Trend XL 5 |
|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 4.5″ | 5.0″ |
| Weight | 14.8 oz (420g) | 16.9 oz (480g) |
| Line Capacity | 30lb Mono / 300yds | 30lb Mono / 450yds |
| Bearings | 2+1 Stainless Steel | 2+1 Stainless Steel |
| Primary Use | The all-around standard for mooching and light trolling. Perfectly balanced on a 10’6″ mooching rod. | Heavy-duty mooching, downrigger trolling, and for anglers who want maximum line capacity for deep drops or targeting giant salmon. |
On the Water: The People’s Verdict
Talk to guides and serious anglers from Ucluelet to the Columbia River, and you’ll hear a common refrain: the Amundson Trend X5 is the best “bang for the buck” mooching reel on the market. It is constantly compared to reels like the Islander MR3—a reel often considered the pinnacle of mooching design but at a significantly higher price.
The consensus is that the Trend X5 delivers 9/10ths of the performance of the most elite reels, for less than half the cost. Its reputation as a durable, reliable workhorse is well-earned. Anglers praise its ability to handle screaming runs from 30+ pound Chinook in strong tides, with a drag that remains as smooth on the 100th run as it was on the first.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Reel
The Amundson Trend X5 is more than just a piece of fishing equipment; it represents a shift in the market. It proves that elite performance, precision machining, and saltwater durability don’t have to come with an inaccessible price tag. It allows more anglers to experience the effectiveness and joy of fishing with a high-quality, purpose-built tool.
For the angler looking to step up from an entry-level plastic reel, or for the seasoned veteran who needs a reliable backup or a new primary reel without breaking the bank, the Trend X5 is an outstanding choice. It’s a reel built for the rigors of the Pacific, designed by people who fish there, and embraced by the community it was built to serve. It is, without question, the people’s champion.
