Daiwa Tanacom 800 Review (2026): The Sweet-Spot Electric Reel for Deep Dropping
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Daiwa’s Tanacom lineup has owned the electric reel conversation for years — and the Tanacom 800 is the one that hits the sweet spot. It packs the same motor, gears, and line pickup as its big brother the 1200 into a smaller, lighter frame, with 660 yards of 80-lb braid capacity and a 50-lb max drag. If you’re deep dropping for tilefish, grouper, and snapper — and want one reel that does it all without the bulk — this is the reel to beat.
Our Verdict
Who it fits: deep drop anglers who want 1200-class power in a lighter, easier-to-handle package — perfect for tilefish, snowy grouper, and all-day bottom fishing. What it lacks: the 1200’s extra line capacity for extreme daytime swordfish drops past 1,500 feet.
Daiwa Tanacom 800 Specs
| Bearings | 4BB |
| Gear Ratio | 2.1:1 |
| Line Per Crank | 23.1 in |
| Weight | 67.4 oz |
| Mono Capacity | 30 lb / 550 yds, 40 lb / 380 yds |
| Braid Capacity | 80 lb / 660 yds, 100 lb / 550 yds |
| Max Drag | 50 lbs |
| Body | Aluminum, saltwater-sealed electronics |
| Power | 12V, variable speed with Jog Power Lever |
What Makes the Tanacom 800 Stand Out
Motor inside the spool. The biggest redesign: Daiwa moved the motor and gearing inside the spool itself. That means more power, more speed, and better efficiency from the same dependable motor — plus a slimmer profile that’s easier to lift out of the gunnel and move around the boat.
Sealed, washdown-safe electronics. Every electronic component is sealed against salt and spray. When the day is done, rinse the reel like any conventional reel — no babying required. Bearings were repositioned to see less water exposure too.
Dot LCD with line counter. The easy-read dot display shows exactly how much line is out, with automatic stop and jigging functions built in. Dropping back to the exact depth — 800 feet, on the number — has never been simpler.
Jog Power Lever. One-finger control from stop to full power without taking your hand off the rod. Fight the fish with the lever and aluminum round knob, or let the 12V variable-speed assist do the hauling.
Oversized line guide. The line guide aperture is big enough to pass swivels and large knots — crank your rig right up to the rod tip without drama.
Tanacom 800 vs Tanacom 1200: Which One?
The 800 holds about two-thirds the line of the 1200 (660 vs 1,100 yards of 80-lb braid) and weighs roughly 5 ounces less, while matching or beating it on every other spec — same motor, same gears, same 50-lb drag. For tilefish, grouper, and snapper in the 400–1,200 ft zone, the 800 is the smarter pick: lighter, cheaper to spool, easier to handle. Step up to the 1200 only if you’re regularly dropping past 1,500 feet for daytime swordfish.
Pros and Cons
Pros: 1200-class power in a smaller frame; 660 yds of 80-lb braid; 50-lb sealed ATD drag; motor-in-spool design; washdown-safe sealed electronics; line counter with auto-stop; made in Japan.
Cons: less capacity than the 1200 for extreme depths; 12V battery/power source not included; premium price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Daiwa Tanacom 800 good for deep drop fishing?
Yes — it’s one of the best all-round electric reels for deep dropping. With 660 yards of 80-lb braid, 50 lbs of drag, and a sealed aluminum body, it handles tilefish, grouper, and snapper drops with ease.
What’s the difference between the Tanacom 800 and 1200?
The 800 is smaller and lighter (about 5 oz less) with two-thirds the line capacity, but shares the same motor, gears, and drag. Choose the 800 for most deep dropping; the 1200 for extreme-depth swordfish work.
Does the Tanacom 800 come with a battery?
No — it runs on 12V power (a boat battery or portable pack) and includes the power cable. The power source is sold separately.
Can you wash down the Tanacom 800?
Yes. All electronics are fully sealed, so you can rinse it with freshwater after use just like a conventional reel.
How much line does the Tanacom 800 hold?
660 yards of 80-lb Daiwa J-Braid (or 550 yards of 100-lb), plus 550 yards of 30-lb mono.
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