Need good value in a quality reel

[KRS]

I have always used walmart fishing equipment, but I am tired of replacing it every year. I can't spend $200 on a reel though. I fish for trout, catfish, and hope to fish more (trolling) for stripers and trout here in Arizona lakes. <br /><br />So... I need a quality trolling reel and rod for lake fishing.<br /><br />Thanks all

 

[Barlow]

Re: Need good value in a quality reel

Before I go any further what is the budget? I know as cheap as possible tho.. but what are we looking at to stay under? Rod too?<br /><br />few things in mind but, need to know the parameters of the purchase.

 

[KRS]

Re: Need good value in a quality reel

Well, I guess I don't know the range they run. I want to find what a good brand/model is, then shop for a used one on ebay. If I say "under $100" that might be completely ridiculous... but I don't know. So, let's say $100.<br /><br />Thank you for the reply.

 

[vissertrades]

Re: Need good value in a quality reel

Shimano Curado 200/201 is a great value in baitcaster reels. I have three! You can pick them up on Ebay for $80-90 new if you look hard and are patient...

 

[Barlow]

Re: Need good value in a quality reel

The name -> ABU GARCIA - Ambassador Series .. Bullet proof!<br /><br />-The guts in 'em are basically the same from reel to reel.<br />-Capacities and number of bearings are the basic differences.<br /><br />4600C3 - top<br />6600C5 - btm<br /><br />

 

[PAkev]

Re: Need good value in a quality reel

I also have a pair of ambassador 6000's that have been committed to trolling. They are durable, easy to maintain, and fairly foolproof without all the bells and whistles of pricy alternatives.<br /><br />The ambassadors have been around a long time while other manufacturer models have come and gone. They have been a favorite of many freshwater fishermen because they are not only a good value but because they are PRACTICAL.

 

[Capn Mike]

Re: Need good value in a quality reel

I agree with everybody! My Shimanos are the best to cast....will easily go at least 15 yards further than my Ambassadors; but good Shimanos are also easily double (or more) the cost. So I put the Shimanos on my nice Loomis steelhead rods.<br /><br />On the other hand, you can buy Ambassadors on sale for $50-$60 (Cabela's has some deals sometimes); I hand the 5500s to my "guests" on steelhead trips, and keep a couple of Am 6000s in my boat for silver salmon trolling/hog lines.<br /><br />I use Penn 300-series for chinook/king salmon trolling (I really like the old Penn 350s). It's easy to get a Penn or Ambassador set-up on a decent rod for $100.<br /><br />Except for the 350 Penns, my casting reels are left-hand versions; as a kid, I learned on a spinning reel and never really made the transition. Which reminds me...I still have 3 or 4 Mitchell 300s which refuse to die, and I drag them out periodically....used one for at least 15 years when I first salmon/steelhead fished. I know, they're really old technology...but I'm a sentimental softy...<br /><br />So your $100 rod & reel budget is very realistic. Now, let's talk about the $500+ in lures and tackle boxes you need.....

 

[KRS]

Re: Need good value in a quality reel

Fantastic Info!!! As for the $500 in tackle... can I sell plasma on ebay?<br /><br />Ambassador, Shimano, Penn... I have some checking to do. I appreciate practicality too PAkev!<br /><br />I may need an education in reel types.... the two pictures shown above are what I call "trolling" (not sure of their actual designation) as I don't *think* you can cast them? As for the shimano casting as referenced above, are these for bass fishing with lures and/or trolling?<br /><br />What I need is a job at Cabelas with an employee discount

 

[Rockchalk]

Re: Need good value in a quality reel

I got a Fishing Sale Catalog today from Bass Pro. They have a bunch of good looking rod real combos for under $100.

 

[Capn Mike]

Re: Need good value in a quality reel

Of course you can cast the Ambassadors...see those plastic thingies on Barlow's pictures? Those are thumb rests so you can "adjust" the amount of line going out (or, I guess, you could wimp out and buy a reel that does it for you). Barlow's 4600 is a terrific casting reel...the 6600 could be either trolling or casting. The size reel you get depends upon the weight of the lure you're casting. <br /><br />Since I'm not a bass fisherman, I'm sure someone else here will advise you better.

 

[KRS]

Re: Need good value in a quality reel

Thx Capn.. arghh matey!<br /><br />I see the line release... like I said I have used walmart for the 31 years of my life, never had anything that cost more than 15 for a set (even came with tackle!).<br /><br />I am looking on ebay and they have an ambassadeur 4600 baitcast reel currently going for $20.00, and a shimano bantam co-100 for less than $10.00 (unknown reserve).<br /><br />Let the bidding frenzy begin, unless someone has spotted a better deal?

 

[KRS]

Re: Need good value in a quality reel

Barlow, thank you for posting the pictures, I appreciate it, is helps me get a "mental image" of what to look for.

 

[AK_Chappy]

Re: Need good value in a quality reel

I also use the ABU reels. The above pics are of reels called "baitcasters". <br />I use the 5501C and the 6501 series. The 01 means left hand reel. Yes you can cast with them. They have anti-backlash adjustments which were great for learning how to cast with them. Now that I am fairly proficient with them, I can cast a loooooooooooonnnnnnnnggggg way with them and am very accurate. My anti-backlash adjustments are loosened all the way up and it is all thumb control now.<br />They can be a pain to untangle when they do "backlash". I can usually untangle the bird's nest, but have had to cut them before. It is quicker and easier to carry a spare reel all spooled up, ready to go.<br />For the type of fish you are going for, you shouldn't need anything larger than the 5500 or 5600 series. The larger reels, 6500 or 6600, have a higher line capacity and different gear ratios for more torque. The 5500 should be in the neighborhood of $60-$70 at the most.<br /><br />AK Chappy

 

[PAkev]

Re: Need good value in a quality reel

Also check out the Quantum (higher end Zebco) Iron series. These can serve double duty for casting and/or trolling. I picked up a few last year on E Bay between $30 - $40 each.

 

[FlyBoyMark]

Re: Need good value in a quality reel

I have complete assortment of the Bass Pro Tourney special line.....never let me down in the last 2 years and I use the krap out of them in club tourneys here in south Florida, combo reel and rod is $69 bucks. Rod is IM-7 with cork handles available in all actions and lengths to 7'6" and the reel is of the round type and made of solid aluminum, left and right retrieve, 4 ball bearings one of which is the anti reverse, have 4 pin adjustable anti-backlash plus friction adjustment and they cast forever also.<br /> http://www.basspro.com/servlet/cata...arClassCode=3&hvarSubCode=1&hvarTarget=browse

 

[KRS]

Re: Need good value in a quality reel

My dad just brought over this old pole and reel, see pictures and description here: <a href=http://www.geocities.com/keithrstone/reel.html>Rod and Reel Combo</a><br /><br />I need some help on cleaning and lubrication.<br /><br />Still reading all of the posts, keep 'em coming. Searching ebay for these models and brands. Thanks again for the help.<br /><br />Link above should be http://www.geocities.com/keithrstone/reel.html

 

[roscoe]

Re: Need good value in a quality reel

How heavy is the line you are going to use?<br />If you are using mono under 12#, or a super line like Fireline under 30#, you can use a spinning reel.<br /><br />This will give you a bit more flexability and make casting a bit easier than using a baitcaster. I like the models with the front drag. Here are my 2 favorite spinning reels:<br /><br /> Shimano Solstace <br /><br /> Shimano Spirex <br /><br />And here is a decent spinning rod/reel combo,<br />Scroll down to item number 38-940-586-05 <br /><br />rod and reel <br /><br />I primarily use the Shimano 2000 sized reel, but have a few 4000 sized for casting the bigger lures. I use these for musky, northern pike, carp, and laketrout. Its nice to be able to swap out the spool of line to a 4# or 8# test, and be able to use the same rod and reel for walleyes, crappies, or bass.<br /><br />If you are looking for a baitcasting reel, take the advice above.

 

[rayjay]

Re: Need good value in a quality reel

These Daiwa's are really nice spin casting reels if you don't want to mess with bait casting types<br /><br /> http://www.daiwa.com/tackle/reels/spincast/gc/index.html <br /><br /> http://www.basspro.com/servlet/cata...arClassCode=1&hvarSubCode=3&hvarTarget=browse

 

[RichP1269]

Re: Need good value in a quality reel

Out here in San Francisco Bay Area, I use a Penn 309 for just about everything. Works fine for stripers, salmon, rockfish, shark and even the occasional sturgeon. Also use it at the local lakes to troll for trout and salmon. Cost is right too, at around $60.00.<br /><br />As far as a rod goes, a lot of us out here use the Berkely Ugly Stick Tiger Rod for the bigger species and a plain ol' Ugly Stick when we target the smaller fish. Both rods available for under $50.00.

 

[Capn Mike]

Re: Need good value in a quality reel

AK, those aren't birds nests....those are "professional over-runs.."