Jarvis Walker Pro Hunter PH2 is ideal for everyday recreational anglers who want a reliable and versatile general-purpose spinning reel without spending heavily on specialised fishing equipment. It is particularly well suited to bait fishing from rivers, estuaries, jetties, piers, beaches and boats, while the smaller 3000 is also suitable for anglers wanting to cast basic lures and soft plastics.
With 3000, 5000, 6000 and 8000 sizes, PH2 covers common Australian fishing applications from bream, whiting, flathead and trout through to snapper, mulloway, Australian salmon, tailor and gummy shark. The supplied monofilament line also makes it a straightforward option for beginners and occasional anglers, while the 3+1 bearing system, infinite anti-reverse and aluminium spool provide enough refinement to appeal to anglers who fish regularly.
Pre-Spooled With Mono Line
Every Pro Hunter PH2 comes already spooled with monofilament line, removing the need for the angler to purchase and load line separately before fishing. This makes PH2 particularly convenient for beginners, occasional anglers and everyday fishers who want a straightforward reel that can be matched to a rod and put into use with minimal additional setup.
3+1 Bearing System
The 3+1 bearing system supports key rotating components within the reel to reduce friction and unwanted movement through the drivetrain. Compared with a very basic single-bearing reel, the additional bearing support contributes to smoother winding and a more refined feel during the retrieve, making PH2 better suited to anglers who fish regularly while still maintaining an affordable price.
Infinite Anti-Reverse
The infinite anti-reverse system uses a one-way clutch to minimise backwards handle movement before the drivetrain engages. This creates a tighter and more direct feeling through the handle when winding, setting a hook or beginning to apply pressure to a fish. It is a noticeable refinement over simpler anti-reverse systems and helps give the PH2 a more positive feel in everyday use.
High-Precision Gear Mechanism
The drivetrain uses a high-precision gear mechanism designed to provide smoother transmission as power moves from the handle through the main gear and pinion. Smoother gear interaction improves the feel of the reel during the retrieve and provides more consistent operation whether the angler is retrieving a lure, winding in a bait rig or fighting a fish. The factory identifies this as one of the key features of the platform.
Improved Oscillation Support
The oscillation system controls the spool as it moves up and down during the retrieve and lays line across the spool. On the 3000, 5000 and 6000 platform, an extended and reinforced slider locating plate helps provide stable slider movement. The larger 8000 uses an S-slot slider with dual guide pins to increase slider strength and operational stability. More stable oscillation supports consistent spool movement and line management during the retrieve.
Aluminium Spool
The aluminium spool provides a rigid and relatively lightweight platform for carrying the factory-supplied monofilament line. Compared with the graphite spool used on more basic reels such as Aqua-Tec AQ2, aluminium gives PH2 a more refined component while maintaining the strength required to hold line under pressure. The aluminium spool is confirmed in the current catalogue.
Graphite Body and Rotor
The graphite body and rotor provide the structural platform required for everyday recreational fishing while helping keep both reel weight and cost under control. PH2 is designed as an affordable general-purpose reel rather than a heavy-duty metal-bodied platform, so graphite provides an appropriate balance of strength, weight and value for its intended applications.
Stainless Steel Main Shaft
The stainless steel main shaft provides strong central support for the spool as load is transferred through the line and drag system. A rigid main shaft helps maintain stable spool movement when fighting fish and provides a durable structural component within the otherwise lightweight graphite reel platform.
Brass Pinion Gear
The brass pinion gear transfers power through the drivetrain to drive the rotor. Brass provides a practical combination of strength and wear resistance for this important internal component and works together with the improved pinion bearing support and gear mechanism to provide reliable everyday operation.
Thick Bail Wire
The thick bail wire provides a more substantial line-management component around the rotor and is better suited to the knocks and general handling an everyday fishing reel may experience. It also contributes to a more solid feel when manually opening and closing the bail during casting and retrieving.
Metal Handle With Rubber Knob The metal handle provides a rigid connection between the angler and the drivetrain, helping reduce unwanted handle flex when retrieving line or fighting fish. The rubber handle knob provides a comfortable and secure gripping surface for everyday fishing, whether the reel is being used for lure casting, bait fishing or general boat fishing.
What is the difference between Aqua-Tec AQ2 and Pro Hunter PH2?
Both are affordable general-purpose reels supplied with monofilament line, but PH2 provides several additional features for anglers wanting a more refined reel. PH2 has 3+1 bearings rather than a single bearing, infinite anti-reverse, an aluminium spool rather than graphite and a thick bail wire. These features provide smoother operation, a tighter feeling through the handle and a more substantial overall reel while still maintaining an affordable price.
Is Pro Hunter PH2 only designed for bait fishing?
No. Bait fishing is a major application for the range, particularly in the larger 5000, 6000 and 8000 sizes, but PH2 is a general-purpose spinning reel. The 3000 is suitable for basic lure casting and soft plastics as well as bait fishing, while the larger models can cover estuary, shore and boat fishing with bait, lures or other common techniques. It should be viewed as versatile everyday fishing equipment rather than a specialist lure or offshore reel.
Which Pro Hunter PH2 size should I choose?
The 3000 is the most compact option and suits freshwater, estuary, light lure and general bait fishing. The 5000 provides additional capacity for larger estuary species and general shore or boat fishing. The 6000 is suited to heavier bait fishing from jetties, beaches, rocks and boats, while the 8000 provides the greatest capacity and 10kg / 22lb maximum drag for heavier surf, rock, pier and general boat applications.
