Product Review: Revelry FC MQ

By Dale Baxter

When it comes to finesse fishing, gear that enhances your technique and provides the ultimate in sensitivity and performance is crucial. After spending a substantial amount time with the new Daiwa Revelry FC MQ 2000S finesse spinning reel, I can confidently say this sets a new benchmark for light tackle anglers. If you're chasing estuary and light tackle species like bream, bass, perch, trout, flathead, or even small size snapper, this reel will elevate your experience to a whole new level.

Let me take you through why this reel should be in your arsenal — particularly if you're passionate about finesse fishing and want something that offers precision and durability in every cast.  

1. AIRDRIVE Design: Light as a Feather, Tough as Nails

The Airdrive Design is a massive leap forward in reel construction and design. Daiwa’s commitment to reducing weight without sacrificing strength is evident in this reel’s rotor, bail, spool, and shaft. If you’ve ever been fishing for hours, battling fatigue from a heavy reel, you’ll understand the importance of weight. The Revelry FC MQ is incredibly light at between 150g - 160g, allowing you to fish all day without feeling like you’ve been lifting weights.

But it’s not just about weight. This design also cuts down on startup resistance, making it smoother than ever when you’re retrieving. The more efficient you can be with your winding, the better your finesse presentations will be. When you’re targeting fish like bream, bass, trout, or perch you need that level of control and sensitivity to ensure you’re getting the right action out of your soft plastics or small hard bodylures.

2. MAGSEALED: Ultimate Protection for Long-Term Performance

Saltwater anglers know the struggle — the constant threat of salt and corrosion slowly eroding your reel's performance. It’s one of the most frustrating things about fishing in estuarine environments, where brackish water can quickly wreak havoc on sensitive equipment. Daiwa’s Magsealed technology is a solution to this problem.

The Revelry FC MQ uses this cutting-edge magnetic oil technology to create a seal that keeps out dust, water, and salt. By preventing contaminants from entering the internal mechanisms of the reel, you can trust that it’ll continue to perform at the highest level, no matter how much saltwater you throw at it.

The Magsealed feature provides a long-term peace of mind, keeping your reel running smooth even in the harshest conditions. It makes taking care of your gear to the next level, especially when you’re casting and retrieving all day in estuaries where water conditions can change rapidly, and salt spray is a given.

3. Finesse ATD (Automatic Tournament Drag): A Revolution for Light Tackle Fishing

Let’s talk about the ATD which is one of the real highlights of this reel, with 5kg of finesse drag control. For anyone who’s ever been on the water, you’ll know that the drag is one of the most critical components when targeting light-tackle species. You need smooth, consistent pressure to tire out your target without over-stressing your gear or putting unnecessary pressure on your line. The Revelry FC MQ’s ATD offers just that — precision control, with a fine-tuned release for those delicate fish runs. 

Whether you're targeting a flathead that hits hard, a snapper that tries to make a break for deeper water or the hard pulling bream that just wants to brick you in structure, you need a drag system that responds to every run, while still offering enough resistance to land your catch. The finesse drag system in this reel gives you an ultra-smooth and finely adjustable drag, which is essential when you’re working with lighter line and smaller hooks. It helps you get the best out of light-tackle applications, making sure you can land fish without over-tightening or spooling your reel.

It’s this balance of lightness and power that makes the Revelry FC MQ such a versatile choice for a wide range of estuarine species. Bream, bass, and perch are fighters, and you need a drag system that can handle their unpredictable runs, but still maintain that ultra-sensitive response. 

Perfect for Estuary Species: Bream, Perch, Flathead, and Snapper

What’s most exciting about the Daiwa Revelry FC MQ is how perfectly it matches the demands of estuary fishing. Whether you’re casting for bream on a river’s edge, chasing perch in shallow water, or targeting a sneaky flathead hiding in the sand, this reel can handle it all. The precision, lightweight construction of the Monocoque (aka one-piece) Zaion frame, and advanced drag system are all optimized for these species, offering sensitivity and control that’ll help you land the catch of the day. 

If you’re a seasoned angler, you know the key to success is often in the small details. The Revelry FC MQ reels in smooth, providing the perfect feel for when you need to let your lure sink just right or work it slowly across the bottom. Plus, its quiet performance means you’ll remain unnoticed by the wariest species, who can often be skittish when they sense unusual vibrations in the water.

In my experience, the Daiwa Revelry FC MQ spinning reel is a standout piece of gear, and it's clear that Daiwa has put a lot of thought into making sure this reel works seamlessly with light-tackle applications. The Airdrive Design reduces weight without compromising on strength, the Magsealed system ensures long-term protection, and the ATD offers the smooth, consistent drag performance every finesse angler craves.

So, if you're looking to target estuary species with precision and ease, from bream to snapper, this reel is the one for you. With all these incredible features packed into a spinning reel, I have no doubt the Daiwa Revelry FC MQ will quickly become a favourite for any angler passionate about light tackle and finesse fishing. Available in 3 sizes, 2000S, 2500S and 2500 there will be one to suit your light tackle application and balance perfectly on and light tackle rod.