DQ reels best suited for river chinook...and more

[Jim O]

Since reading the various posts by Alan and Fred, I've purchased 2 DQ 330s.  I figure these will add to my steelhead arsenal.  They should be up to the challenge, no? 

Now I want to address chinook salmon and the DQ reels that would be BEST suited for this species.  I fish primarily from the bank if that makes any difference.  My head is spinning with all the various DQ reels that would be suitable.  I've seen 440s, 441s, 440Ns, 441Ns, Super 270s...Maybe these would be too heavy?  Now I'm reading an article by Fred where he mentions the "001" series of reels, so I'm utterly confused.  I want the optimal DQ reel for this application.  Any help?

My bait casting rod is an 8'6", heavy action, 12-25lb test rated rod, so I figure the future spinning rod will be similar.

Finally, I want to buy a DQ spinning reel for ocean bottom fishing, i.e., ling cod...

[foakes]

Since reading the various posts by Alan and Fred, I've purchased 2 DQ 330s.  I figure these will add to my steelhead arsenal.  They should be up to the challenge, no? 

Now I want to address chinook salmon and the DQ reels that would be BEST suited for this species.  I fish primarily from the bank if that makes any difference.  My head is spinning with all the various DQ reels that would be suitable.  I've seen 440s, 441s, 440Ns, 441Ns, Super 270s...Maybe these would be too heavy?  Now I'm reading an article by Fred where he mentions the "001" series of reels, so I'm utterly confused.  I want the optimal DQ reel for this application.  Any help?

My bait casting rod is an 8'6", heavy action, 12-25lb test rated rod, so I figure the future spinning rod will be similar.

Finally, I want to buy a DQ spinning reel for ocean bottom fishing, i.e., ling cod...

Hi Jim —-

There are a lot of good choices for river chinook fishing.

The 5000 sized & 270 would work, but not balance well on your rod, and would be more than is necessary.  The 3000 sizes would work, but you might be under-gunned with that reel, as well as not have enough spool capacity.

In my experience, the optimum reel would be in the 4000 sizes.

DQ made a 440, a 440N, a 441N, a 4000, a 4001, and a limited run of the new all metal 4000 which incorporates the best of the old, with the best of the new —- in a metal body with steel and bronze worm-drive engineering.

DQ never made a 441.

There are (3) important aspects to a King Salmon reel setup to consider, not counting an excellent rod which you already have at 8.5'.

Strength & quality engineering, spool capacity, and high speed.

The metal construction along with a worm-drive solid drive-train constructed of steel & bronze are key elements.

Then a larger spool capacity in order to play a large fish up and down the bank of a swift moving river without getting spooled.

Then lastly, a high speed retrieve for two reasons —- first, the fish may come at you trying to slack the line to throw out the hook.  Second, in swift moving waters, your bait needs to be presented flowing naturally WITH the current so as to not spook the fish —- and stay off the bottom.  Both of these scenarios require a high speed reel with a slightly longer crank handle for a better control and increased torque.

Of these reels, my optimum choices would be a 4001 or the 4000 special edition.

Also, another great choice is a Cardinal 7.  It comes with a metal spool and solid features in the 4000 size.

With any of these reels, it would be wise to carry an extra spool ready to just change out by snapping on.

As to ocean bottom fishing, a DQ 270, 550, 550N,  5000, or 5001.

I have all of these available if interested, for rivers or offshore.

Best, Fred

[Dominick]

WOW! That DQ 4000 in the box is a beauty.  Dominick

[Jim O]

Since reading the various posts by Alan and Fred, I've purchased 2 DQ 330s.  I figure these will add to my steelhead arsenal.  They should be up to the challenge, no? 

Now I want to address chinook salmon and the DQ reels that would be BEST suited for this species.  I fish primarily from the bank if that makes any difference.  My head is spinning with all the various DQ reels that would be suitable.  I've seen 440s, 441s, 440Ns, 441Ns, Super 270s...Maybe these would be too heavy?  Now I'm reading an article by Fred where he mentions the "001" series of reels, so I'm utterly confused.  I want the optimal DQ reel for this application.  Any help?

My bait casting rod is an 8'6", heavy action, 12-25lb test rated rod, so I figure the future spinning rod will be similar.

Finally, I want to buy a DQ spinning reel for ocean bottom fishing, i.e., ling cod...

Hi Jim —-

There are a lot of good choices for river chinook fishing.

The 5000 sized & 270 would work, but not balance well on your rod, and would be more than is necessary.  The 3000 sizes would work, but you might be under-gunned with that reel, as well as not have enough spool capacity.

In my experience, the optimum reel would be in the 4000 sizes.

DQ made a 440, a 440N, a 441N, a 4000, a 4001, and a limited run of the new all metal 4000 which incorporates the best of the old, with the best of the new —- in a metal body with steel and bronze worm-drive engineering.

DQ never made a 441.

There are (3) important aspects to a King Salmon reel setup to consider, not counting an excellent rod which you already have at 8.5'.

Strength & quality engineering, spool capacity, and high speed.

The metal construction along with a worm-drive solid drive-train constructed of steel & bronze are key elements.

Then a larger spool capacity in order to play a large fish up and down the bank of a swift moving river without getting spooled.

Then lastly, a high speed retrieve for two reasons —- first, the fish may come at you trying to slack the line to throw out the hook.  Second, in swift moving waters, your bait needs to be presented flowing naturally WITH the current so as to not spook the fish —- and stay off the bottom.  Both of these scenarios require a high speed reel with a slightly longer crank handle for a better control and increased torque.

Of these reels, my optimum choices would be a 4001 or the 4000 special edition.

Also, another great choice is a Cardinal 7.  It comes with a metal spool and solid features in the 4000 size.

With any of these reels, it would be wise to carry an extra spool ready to just change out by snapping on.

As to ocean bottom fishing, a DQ 270, 550, 550N,  5000, or 5001.

I have all of these available if interested, for rivers or offshore.

Best, Fred

Thank you. I'll PM you.

[Jim O]

Since reading the various posts by Alan and Fred, I've purchased 2 DQ 330s.  I figure these will add to my steelhead arsenal.  They should be up to the challenge, no? 

Now I want to address chinook salmon and the DQ reels that would be BEST suited for this species.  I fish primarily from the bank if that makes any difference.  My head is spinning with all the various DQ reels that would be suitable.  I've seen 440s, 441s, 440Ns, 441Ns, Super 270s...Maybe these would be too heavy?  Now I'm reading an article by Fred where he mentions the "001" series of reels, so I'm utterly confused.  I want the optimal DQ reel for this application.  Any help?

My bait casting rod is an 8'6", heavy action, 12-25lb test rated rod, so I figure the future spinning rod will be similar.

Finally, I want to buy a DQ spinning reel for ocean bottom fishing, i.e., ling cod...

Hi Jim —-

There are a lot of good choices for river chinook fishing.

The 5000 sized & 270 would work, but not balance well on your rod, and would be more than is necessary.  The 3000 sizes would work, but you might be under-gunned with that reel, as well as not have enough spool capacity.

In my experience, the optimum reel would be in the 4000 sizes.

DQ made a 440, a 440N, a 441N, a 4000, a 4001, and a limited run of the new all metal 4000 which incorporates the best of the old, with the best of the new —- in a metal body with steel and bronze worm-drive engineering.

DQ never made a 441.

There are (3) important aspects to a King Salmon reel setup to consider, not counting an excellent rod which you already have at 8.5'.

Strength & quality engineering, spool capacity, and high speed.

The metal construction along with a worm-drive solid drive-train constructed of steel & bronze are key elements.

Then a larger spool capacity in order to play a large fish up and down the bank of a swift moving river without getting spooled.

Then lastly, a high speed retrieve for two reasons —- first, the fish may come at you trying to slack the line to throw out the hook.  Second, in swift moving waters, your bait needs to be presented flowing naturally WITH the current so as to not spook the fish —- and stay off the bottom.  Both of these scenarios require a high speed reel with a slightly longer crank handle for a better control and increased torque.

Of these reels, my optimum choices would be a 4001 or the 4000 special edition.

Also, another great choice is a Cardinal 7.  It comes with a metal spool and solid features in the 4000 size.

With any of these reels, it would be wise to carry an extra spool ready to just change out by snapping on.

As to ocean bottom fishing, a DQ 270, 550, 550N,  5000, or 5001.

I have all of these available if interested, for rivers or offshore.

Best, Fred

Thank you. I'll PM you.

But they did make a 441N, correct?

[foakes]

Since reading the various posts by Alan and Fred, I've purchased 2 DQ 330s.  I figure these will add to my steelhead arsenal.  They should be up to the challenge, no? 

Now I want to address chinook salmon and the DQ reels that would be BEST suited for this species.  I fish primarily from the bank if that makes any difference.  My head is spinning with all the various DQ reels that would be suitable.  I've seen 440s, 441s, 440Ns, 441Ns, Super 270s...Maybe these would be too heavy?  Now I'm reading an article by Fred where he mentions the "001" series of reels, so I'm utterly confused.  I want the optimal DQ reel for this application.  Any help?

My bait casting rod is an 8'6", heavy action, 12-25lb test rated rod, so I figure the future spinning rod will be similar.

Finally, I want to buy a DQ spinning reel for ocean bottom fishing, i.e., ling cod...

Hi Jim —-

There are a lot of good choices for river chinook fishing.

The 5000 sized & 270 would work, but not balance well on your rod, and would be more than is necessary.  The 3000 sizes would work, but you might be under-gunned with that reel, as well as not have enough spool capacity.

In my experience, the optimum reel would be in the 4000 sizes.

DQ made a 440, a 440N, a 441N, a 4000, a 4001, and a limited run of the new all metal 4000 which incorporates the best of the old, with the best of the new —- in a metal body with steel and bronze worm-drive engineering.

DQ never made a 441.

There are (3) important aspects to a King Salmon reel setup to consider, not counting an excellent rod which you already have at 8.5'.

Strength & quality engineering, spool capacity, and high speed.

The metal construction along with a worm-drive solid drive-train constructed of steel & bronze are key elements.

Then a larger spool capacity in order to play a large fish up and down the bank of a swift moving river without getting spooled.

Then lastly, a high speed retrieve for two reasons —- first, the fish may come at you trying to slack the line to throw out the hook.  Second, in swift moving waters, your bait needs to be presented flowing naturally WITH the current so as to not spook the fish —- and stay off the bottom.  Both of these scenarios require a high speed reel with a slightly longer crank handle for a better control and increased torque.

Of these reels, my optimum choices would be a 4001 or the 4000 special edition.

Also, another great choice is a Cardinal 7.  It comes with a metal spool and solid features in the 4000 size.

With any of these reels, it would be wise to carry an extra spool ready to just change out by snapping on.

As to ocean bottom fishing, a DQ 270, 550, 550N,  5000, or 5001.

I have all of these available if interested, for rivers or offshore.

Best, Fred

Thank you. I'll PM you.

But they did make a 441N, correct?

Yes.