Akios 656 CS Vertron Boat Reel

At Gerry’s Fishing, we know that inshore boat fishing demands a specific kind of reel—one that balances the casting finesse of a shore multiplier with the raw winching power of a boat reel. The Akios Vertron 656CS is exactly that tool. Engineered primarily for the “uptiding” specialist, this reel is a compact powerhouse that makes light work of the hard-fighting species found around the UK coastline.

The Vertron stands out with its anodized aluminium side plates and a free-floating spool, a combination that provides surprising casting distance for a level-wind reel. Whether you are punching a lead away from the boat into a fast-running tide or using it for light shore work, the centrifugal braking system ensures that spool overruns are a thing of the past. Under the hood, you’ll find precision-machined brass main gears and a multi-disc carbon drag, providing 17.5lb of stopping power to halt hard-charging species like Tope and Smoothhound.

Precision Line Management & Retrieval

The hallmark of the 656CS is its synchronized level-wind system. Unlike some reels where the line guide remains stationary during a run, the Akios system moves in perfect harmony with the spool, ensuring a flawless line lay every time you retrieve. This is a massive advantage when fishing in high-pressure boat scenarios where you need to focus on the fish, not your thumb positioning.

Technical Specifications

Where to Use This Reel

• Inshore Uptiding: Perfect for casting leads away from the boat in shallow to medium-depth water for Rays, Bass, and Cod.

• Light Shore Casting: A great option for clean beach work where a level-wind is preferred for ease of use.

• Targeting Specimen Hounds & Tope: The 17.5lb carbon drag and brass gears provide the “grunt” needed for high-energy species.

• Pier & Estuary Fishing: Its compact size and lightweight design make it a joy to use for long sessions where comfort is key.

Gerry’s Pro Tip

“The Vertron 656CS is an absolute gem for the angler who likes to ‘uptide.’ When casting away from a boat, you often face awkward angles and shifting winds; the centrifugal brakes on this reel are incredibly forgiving in those conditions. My advice? Pair this with a 20lb to 30lb braid and a long mono shock leader. The synchronized level-wind handles braid exceptionally well, and the 5.3:1 gear ratio gives you just the right amount of leverage to winch a big Ray up through the tide without the reel feeling like it’s struggling.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this reel strictly for boat use?

While “Boat” is in the name, the Vertron is essentially a cross-over reel. Because it features a free-floating spool and centrifugal brakes, it casts remarkably well. Many of our customers at Gerry’s use it as a reliable shore reel when they want the convenience of a level-wind.

What is the benefit of a ‘Synchronized’ level-wind?

In a non-synchronized reel, the line guide stays still while a fish pulls line out, creating sharp angles and friction. A synchronized system like the Vertron’s ensures the guide follows the line as it leaves the spool, reducing heat and friction, which protects your line and ensures a smoother drag performance.

Can it handle large species like Conger or Bull Huss?

For inshore specimens, absolutely. The 17.5lb drag and brass gears are very robust. However, if you are targeting monster Congers on deep-water wrecks, you might want to step up to a larger 757 or 8000 sized reel for the extra line capacity and cranking power.

How do I adjust the brakes?

The centrifugal brakes are located internally. You access them by removing the side plate. You can ‘turn on’ or ‘turn off’ the small brake blocks to suit your casting style—more blocks for maximum safety in the wind, fewer blocks for maximum distance.