What reel to buy

[Reel 224]

I'm building a 7' fast action rod for my wife to fish for Tog,Fluke,and Stripper. on shore. I've been looking at the bait casting ABU Garcia reels for her,she is a novas with the bait casting reel..although I have worked with her on casting she will need an easy reel for her ability. Any suggestions on a reel in the range of $160.00-$170.00 range.

[Keta]

Not a suggestion on the reel but a training tip for your wife, or anyone else new to casting reels.  

Pull off line until you have more than she is planning on casting, put tape over the line still on the spool and then wind the rest of the line back on the reel.  This reduces the depth of backlashes until she learns to cast.

[Bryan Young]

What Keta said and I would recommend Abu 5500C3 or 6500C3 reels.

[Reel 224]

What Keta said and I would recommend Abu 5500C3 or 6500C3 reels.

OK gentleman will take your advice on casting and the reel purchase advice also.

I'm sure the tape will keep me from*&^%$# at the backlash. The wife just gives me that look

[handi2]

Not a suggestion on the reel but a training tip for your wife, or anyone else new to casting reels.  

Pull off line until you have more than she is planning on casting, put tape over the line still on the spool and then wind the rest of the line back on the reel.  This reduces the depth of backlashes until she learns to cast.

Great tip. That's what I need to do..!!

[Reel 224]

Not a suggestion on the reel but a training tip for your wife, or anyone else new to casting reels.  

Pull off line until you have more than she is planning on casting, put tape over the line still on the spool and then wind the rest of the line back on the reel.  This reduces the depth of backlashes until she learns to cast.

Great tip. That's what I need to do..!!

What's that?  Build a rod for the wife

[SacFly]

I know you said you're building it and maybe you've already started, but for beach fishing with a 7 footer I don't see the advantage of conventional.  Unless you prefer throwing conventional, of course.

I have a 7ft mojo surf (rated to 2oz) and a shimano spheros 4000fb loaded with 20lb suffix braid.  For fluking, small stripers and blues, and porgies off the beach it is perfect.  I'm usually throwing 1 to 2 oz, and you can lay into 2oz with that rod.

For togging from shore by me on Long Island you would want/need a different setup.

[BMITCH]

I'm with SacFly on this one...7' seems a bit short for casting from shore. 8.5' to 9' may be more in line with chucking bait and weight. I'm using Newell's for my conventionals off the sand but the Abu's with a levelwind might be a good starting point.
BTW.  SacFly, is that a stargazer in your avatar?? If it is it's massive. Good pic.
Bob

[Reel 224]

I'm with SacFly on this one...7' seems a bit short for casting from shore. 8.5' to 9' may be more in line with chucking bait and weight. I'm using Newell's for my conventionals off the sand but the Abu's with a levelwind might be a good starting point.
BTW.  SacFly, is that a stargazer in your avatar?? If it is it's massive. Good pic.
Bob

I'm talkin Inlets and channels Not the beach, we have much bigger rods and gear for that..

[BMITCH]

Got ya! Still sounds like a Abu 6500 would be a pretty good, economical choice. In what ever reel you decide on... It's great that the significant other is so involved. Tight lines and good luck!
Bob

[Reel 224]

Got ya! Still sounds like a Abu 6500 would be a pretty good, economical choice. In what ever reel you decide on... It's great that the significant other is so involved. Tight lines and good luck!
Bob

Yes Bob she is responsible for me getting back into it. She was an avid saltwater fisher woman ...need to be politically correct here. But she has fished from a boat mostly with her previous husband, who passed away in 97 so she is a pretty seasoned fisherman. I on the other hand have been a surf fisherman most of the time, so we are combining the two stiles so to speak. We are working on getting out of NJ and heading south along the east coast and getting a boat when we settle.
Joe