We are always talking about fixing reels, upgrading reels and sharing real reel knowledge.
So how about a little personal perspective; what's your all time favorite reel?
Picking just one can be hard...."so choose wisely grasshoppers".
My own pick is...is... hmmm. man, it is hard to pick just one.
Avet EXW 4/02 ; great machine work, (made in USA), nice drags, great free spool. My close second is a Shimano Trinidad 16narrow with clicker upgrade and Carbontex; because it is a nice all around reel.
And you?
Good question. You guessed it... for me it's the USA made Penn Senator 4/0, due to: 1) it's simplicity to maintain and repair, 2) It's timeless look (imho), 3) it's upgrade-ability, 4) suits pretty much every species I fish for, 5) with a change of the spool I can troll wire (brass), cast with the aluminum, or even fish braid line with the NEW tiburon frames, 6) reliability, 7) price, and 8) parts are readily available (thanks to MysticParts). If anyone was surprised by my answer... you're not visiting this site enough ;D
Dom
"Edited as per Moderators to correct Scott's Bait & Tackle over to their new store name Mystic Reel Parts / www.mysticparts.com"
My favorite right now is the 113HN. Dual AR dogs, plenty of drag and line capacity for anything I'm fishing for in the GOM.
so many goodens,mines a KANGAREEL,2nd choice a congareel
I'm going to vote for the first series shimano baitrunners. They changed what you could do with a spinning reel. They were all graphite and the drag had an inner knob and an outside wing nut type knob with strike and full detents. It functioned like a lever drag and made it very easy to set and have a range of repetable drag settings on the fly. They were ahead of their time and very rugged.
I don't know the real truth but a guy who claims to be with accurate said it was his Japanese reel engineers finest creation and was priced much lower than actual cost in order to make inroads.
Mine's a 50 year old burgundy Penn 112H which I had shipped from the US way back when they were first made. This great little reel along with a backup spare has landed me anything likely to be caught in Ireland over all those years. A well engineered reel, easy to repair and spares readily available. Ah the good old days!
A couple of years ago I decided to move with the times and bought a Trinidad TN16 as the Penn's were not braid friendly.
However last year the TN16 ARB bearing and anti reverse pawl gave trouble on a fishing trip so the old 112H saved the day for me. Great reels which were marked "Made with pride in the USA" ;D Makes you think doesn't it? ;)
For what I fish for, the Penn 1/0 sized reels work the best. The Squidder is my #1 go to followed by the 110 and the 501. Granted I have a couple of Baja's and for a medium sized reel, they cannot be beat.
I always carry a 146 side plate with a reel-deal multiplier as well because you never know
My travel schedule requires that I pack small and light so when I go to Northern or Southern Cal, Alaska, etc, I carry two custom 3-piece rods and at least two 1/0 reels with spare spools. The 146 and 501's have a one-screw take-down and the 501 spool fits the 110 Senator...............
Needless to say, I am always looking out for good deals on spools.....
For my kind of fishing, I gott say that I love my newells and penns. Like most of you said, they are easy to service and the parts are readily available. They both cast very well, but the newell is a little lighter and easier to cast. They both have the traditional and reliable springs and dogs.
The newell is a little easier to service as well...no loose parts.
The only downside of the newell is the parts are not made as well as the penns, diawas, and shimanos, etc. I wish newell would change their molds and make their parts a little more tighter on the tolerences.
They are not the quietest, smoothest or best looking reels, but oohhh so reliable.... ;)
i still love the old garcia mitchell 300's! had one when i was a kid. wish i knew then what i know now!
Quote from: alantani on December 09, 2010, 10:37:28 PM
i still love the old garcia mitchell 300's! had one when i was a kid. wish i knew then what i know now!
Yeah, funny you should mention that. After I hit "post" I looked underneath my desk and low and behold, there they were, two Mitchell 300's, each with a "metal" spare spool cases that I plan on cleaning this weekend (the reels that is). 300's, 308's, 306's and of course the skirted and "Pro" models. Great reels that were (are) easy to maintain and get fish......
Allan if you looking for one I am sure I can send one to you, no charge of course. I am sure the other 150 or so won't miss one of its brethren.
What a question to make you think! I like my Daiwa 350H [strong, well-built and easy to work on], the 113H and 114H [proven tough-guys], and Newell 220 [functional and casts like a dream] a lot.
But my all-time favorite, made in U.S.A., multi-tasker: the Penn 500L Jigmaster [time-tested and proven] with s/s gear sleeve and Newell 5:1 gears!!
Rob
Wow.. No really high end reels were mentioned except the trinidad, and for the most part they're all American made ;). It seems we all agree that reliability is #1. Alan, you went with a French reel manufacturer ??? ;D
Dom
hey, i was 9 years old! i still remember that bass that i lost. i reared back as soon as i saw him explode on that topwater plug and the line snapped! so much for my square knot! he jumped one more time trying to shake that plug out of his jaw and that was the last i saw of either. i remember it like it was yesterday! ;D
Funny you went with the Mitchell 300; when I started this post, I thought long and hard about going the nostalgia route as well. Matter of fact, I do go with the 300, but when I went to post it, I had timed out.
So, I had a beer and went with the more modern stuff. Like you Alan, and many of us, the ole 300 is what we cut our teeth on...ah the memories of the family cabin at Nacimiento Lake in the 60's; takes me back to a more simple time.
Phin and Alan,
You're showing your age ;D By the way, Good choice... that reel changed the future of reels.
Dom
A couple of reels come to mind. Pfleuger Capital was my first surfcasting reel. I really wanted a Templar, but it was probably too big for me. Then my trusty Penn Long Beach 259. After that, my Penn 113HLW. Now, my Pro Gear CS551 and CS501 reels with spectra.
abu Garcia 6500C4.Easy to maintain
Abu Almbassadeur 9000 2-speed reel. I still own this very old reel and it is the very best fishing reel I have ever used. It required very little service and withstood the very roughest use. One night off of Barnegat Ridge, NJ this reel came in contact with a 20Lb. Bluefish which still hangs on the wall of my shop. A fish like this can do terrible things to the very best reels, but my 9000's drag was smooth as silk and after a twenty minute battle the reel seemed to say "is that all you got?". Although very old, this reel is still scary reliable and smooth and almost unfair to use in any fish fight even large Yellowfin Tuna and similar species.
MY PENN BAJA SPL AND MY PRO GEAR 255
Those old Shimano Triton Trolling Series, especially the 50W I got from ebay that had been 2-speeded by Cal Sheets
For conventional reels,any of the P series Newells,The metal clicker & aluminum spool along with a drag upgrade make them bullet proof.My favorite is the 332,perfect hight to width makes it a pleasure to fish all day.My favorite spinning reel would be a toss up between the old green penn 706 & the old daiwa SS series with an added manual pickup instead of a sprung bail.Both have caught boatloads of fish & are still in my arsenal when I go fishing.Both are bullet proof for me as well,the drags are the only parts I've ever replaced after almost 30 years of use.
for fishing... shimano tlds. mainly the 25's, they just work for what i do.
for nostalgia... my dads 4/0 sentor, its close to 50 years old!
for a spinner... a penn 6500ss. it just the right size for my style
Hey guys new to the board so this is post #1. Love the topic.
For nostalgia I have to go with either the Penn Jig Master with a 99 frame and spool upgrade. Perfect size and a great bait reel. Or
the 4/0 with a narrow kit and an Accurate high speed conversion.
But for modern day fire power I love my Saltiga 20. Fill it with 40 # Braid and topshots from 12# to 40# Flouro and it will cast like a dream and take on all comers (Don't forget the carbontex upgrade.
Thanks for considering my 2 cents, and keep the great banter and info coming.
WOW!!!!! what a hard choice i think i will go with the PENN 500. Now i have different sizes.
All have accurate conversion and HI speed gears (still need gear sleeves - spring 2011)
500 magnum (purple/black)
3 500s all different (all blk or blk/silver)
3 500s (99 size different combinations)
Those are the favorites. Close second are progear 255/251, albacore line and 145 squidder magnum conversion. Have a 145 conversion. not magnum >:(
I think i answered the question ;).
I have been following Allen for a while and finally did the first post, i have followed the site and the the way Allen explains everything and the pictures are phenomenal.
you neen bryan to post some pictures of his 251. grab a towel, it's going to make you drool. alan
Well i would like to see pictures. i have 2- 251s 1 blk w/clicker and 1 silver no clicker and i have a 255 gun metal w/ a clicker... and 541/545.. 540-280-282 albacore special.. and a pg551
I wonder if i picked the right one??? ??? ;D ;)
Quote from: alantani on January 08, 2011, 06:22:54 PM
you neen bryan to post some pictures of his 251. grab a towel, it's going to make you drool. alan
I'll do a write up of the 251 in the next week or two. I gotta take it apart to put in new gears anyway and measure the washers used to make up the 5+1 drag washer stack.
Quote from: landingcrewman on January 08, 2011, 06:38:41 PM
Well i would like to see pictures. i have 2- 251s 1 blk w/clicker and 1 silver no clicker and i have a 255 gun metal w/ a clicker... and 541/545.. 540-280-282 albacore special.. and a pg551
I wonder if i picked the right one??? ??? ;D ;)
this is one of the nicest collections of conventional reels i've seen. you've chosen well.
Thank you, most were bought on the cheep right place RIGHT price. Just before we sold my house in the bay area and moved back to socal 3 years ago all my gear got stolen from a storage unit :'( :'( my son and i were devistated). Priceless gear from when i started fishing in Newport Beach,CA first reels /rods/ and lots of updated modern gear. I don't think i will ever be done ;)
Since my feet are normally in the sand, Diawa SL20SH with Ambassadeur 7500C3CT back up on Diawa rod SABS35-405G. Both reels are easy to service and deliver extreme casting distance.
SL20SH off a Shimano Tiraljo 1300c for the reasons above.
Long casting, high speed for lures, strong enough for anything I'll catch off the beach in Perth. (mind you I would love to be proved wrong on that score.
Dave
Accurate ATD, the Ferrari of reels.
Abu Garcia 6000. Had it for years and still my all time favorite! Sometimes I use my Abu 1750 ;D
My first reel, Daiwa 1300C spinning reel. Bonita and NoCal Stripers has taken all the line all the way to the arbor knot a few times but always manage somehow to reel em back. Another favorite is a jigmaster.
Penn 113HN Baja Special will do damn near everything I would want a reel to do; second would be a toss up between the Pro Gear CS501 or CS551.
Regards,
David
Being primarily an inshore/creek crank and swimbait caster I'd have to go with my relatively new Daiwa Zillion Type R, for the old faithful easy to maintain (be almost able to pull it down and reassemble it blindfolded I reckon) it would have to be my ABU Record 50 (new series).
I'm going to say the Penn Senator 113H. I'm agreeing with Dom he prutty much said it all, you just won't find a better reel for the money. This reel reminds me of the old timex watch " Takes a licking and keeps on ticking"
Penn 114HN Baja special and/or a Pro Gear 440 I never go out with out them, have 2 of each with matching rods.
Joel8080
Well after reading all that about your favorite reels i have stacks of reels where do i start um when i was a kid ( many moons ago) i was bought a mitchell 300 and a match 410 i was top dog on the block fine reels in there day the best you could have as all the english reels where center pin i still have them to this day i shudder to think how many reels i have off the top of my head i have. as i do freshwater fishing as well as seafishing ill start with the freshwater stuff two ABU gold two ABU 1044 three shimano baitrunners three shimano Biomasters plus a few center pin reels sea water reel two old intrepid sea streak 12 or there abouts ABU 900c 8 ABU 12 must have 10 ABU 6500 2 ABU 30 big game reels never been used 4 shimano 25 1 with a broken frame 2 penn GLD 50 2 shimano 700s 2 shimano 700 BSV bet i have a few that i carnt remember at this moment in time might have to get them all out and post pictures tightlines Alain
My favourite reel is the ambassadeur 6000 and the 6500 CT "Blue Yonder". Nothing casts further than an ABU, they are also inexpensive, very good looking and a piece of cake to mantain!
Now that they have carbon fiber drags they are the best choice for surfcasting fishing with 6 or 7 pounds of drag IMHO.
When I was 15, I lost a big bass on a Zebco 33 due to a lousy drag. My neighbor had just bought a 1981 Shakespeare President II baitcaster (Made in USA) in gun metal blue, it was beautiful. He paid 30 bucks for it at out local Gun/fishing store. I had to have one so I saved and about month later, I had one in my hands. I remember absolutely "horsing" in my first bass in, and I just thought wow, what a reel. I wasted a lot of fishing line that summer due to birds nest but I stuck with it and never looked back. I own two of those reels today and I still use them and they still horse them in. If they had IAR they would be no different from the ABU's of today. But I love the ABU 5000's also. I actually bought one for my daughter first when she was 12, and now we are both hooked on ABU's. So I guess if I had to pick, it would be the Abu 5000, it has stood the test of time and the company is still turning out quality reels while Shakespeare sent everything overseas to made and they just don't have the allure they once did.
I think I have around 20 or so 113h's. Guess this is the one for me. Reasonably priced, easy to service, have never had one fail, and even landed a BFT around 125lbs. Had to do a bit of chasing though! Plus if Sal picked it ya know its a good one.
...............Lou
With this thread coming back (for the first time for me), I'll chime that I'm really liking the old Mitchells (no surprise, I guess). Grew up fishing my grandparents' 300s and inherited them a few years back, getting back into fishing and needing to clean and tune them up is what got me on this board. While I I really like those, and will always have a soft spot for 'em, I'm thinking the 410 for fresh and the 402 for salt are my faves.
Conventional -- Penn Senator 113H
Fresh Spinning -- ABU Suveran, all 4 sizes
D.A.M. Quick Microlite 265
Mitchell 300C
Zebco Cardinal 3
Penn 716
Salt Spinning -- Penn 706
Fin-Nor Lethal 100
D.A.M. Quick Super 275 2-Speed
Not possible for me to choose just 1 --
Best,
Fred
My all time favorite would be whatever reel I bought last... and a Pro Gear Albacore Special 280.
I grew up mostly meat fishing with hand lines but my dad bought me a rod and reel when I was about 13 years old and the reel was a Ambassadeur 5000. Why and how he chose that reel I will never know as he did not know anything about rods and reels. We only hand lined and gill netted. So having this reel, I learned early on as a kid how to cast a conventional reel pretty dang far. Today, I have mostly Penns and Shimanos but will always remember that little red Swedish reel that got me started.
I haven't weighed in on this because I find it difficult to decide which is my all time favorite. I decided that my go to reel is my Penn International Torque 100. That little reel can bring in just about anything. I find myself reaching for that reel most times. That reel has been to Mexico more times than a lot of people I know. Dominick
I love the 113H with all the mods I have done. Still, my favorite is the Daiwa SL20SH, caught my first yellowtail and first white seabass with that reel and a Seeker 220.
Memories.
I guess my 2 favorites are Penns--the Baja Special and a 114H. I feel the 114H would bring anything to the boat. I have caught a few marlin, wahoo, YFT,Amberjack and never had a problem ---back in the 70's I brought a 9' blue shark to a party boat at Virg's. It was a release by the deckhand cutting the line. I jokingly tried to get him to tag it--but in today's world, the shore shark fishermen even tag, then release while standing in the water with these monsters--Real Men!! ;D ;D
TomT
Probably my Shimano 6500B bait runner, they're a great stray-lining reel.
Regards
Mark
Great question, sort of a torture question lol, as i have
a few, only reason is they were reels built to last and
like some of my fishing rods 20+ and still as good
as when they were first built, anyway this is about
reels so il name.
1. 7ht (black) (old stock)
2. Shimano 4000 (old stock)
3. Akuma Axeon 65 xls (old stock)
4. Penn 750ss (original)
In fact any reel that was built with quality in mind,
and well looked after off course, some don't but
with 1000's of parts still avail today it just shows
the quality of these reels.
To pick one, i can't, but if i was to pick 2, it would be
the 7ht (black) old school, and the penn 750ss, one
because i still have my 2 7ht's yonks and the 750ss
because the parts avail for these reels are still
avail and she is a beautiful reel.
Just to add anyone wanting genuine parts for the
650ss,750ss etc pm me and i have a contact
who has plenty of original parts for these reels,
including the original marine brass gear.
depends on what I was fishing for, I had two favorites, spinning a zebco cardinal 4 and conventional a penn 112h. harryk
Just bought an limited edition 850ss with chrome handle
hardly used from the states, £45 (approx $70).
Thanks guys to this forum for your experience on them.
There is just something about them that ropes you in, love
affair so to speak, also usa made.
Hi, Guys !
Most of you know that I'm an "old school" enthusiast, for the most part . . . So, here goes, in no particular order !
PENN SQUIDDER ( 146L / 145 / 140L ) with NEWELL Crossbars & Spools ( not the Reel Seat )
PENN 2nd Gen SS Spinfishers ( 450SS / 550SS / 650SS / 750SS )
PENN "GS" ( 525GS / 535GS ) My 535's are UK "Knobby Mag" Versions and ALL of my GS reels have #515-525SP 4.25:1 Gear Sets in them
PENN "GTI" ( 310GTI / 320GTI )
PENN "Mag" ( 525 MAG ) Mine has been converted to the UK "Mag T" Knobby Mag setup, along with a few "tweaks"
PENN SENATOR ( 113HLW / 114HLW ) My 113HLW has a Black TIBURON T4W frame and RED 50th Anniversary spool
DAIWA BG "Black Gold" ( BG10 / BG13 / BG15 / BG20 / BG30 / BG60 / BG90 )
DAIWA SEALINE "H" ( 27H / 30H / 50H / 350H / 400H / 450H / 600H / 900H ) I sure wish they had made a "650H" reel ! ! !
DAIWA SEALINE ( X30SHA )
SHIMANO CALCUTTA ( 700 / 700S )
ABU-GARCIA AMBASSADEUR ( 6500CT MAG ELITE / 6600CLW )
Plus, a few "others", here and there . . .
Tight Lines ! ! !
Pflueger Medalist 1492.
Since we are reviving an almost 5 year old post. I need to put my two cents in.
Penn 12/0 and 9500ss. Quality has no Fear of Time. This reel is older than me.
(http://i1300.photobucket.com/albums/ag93/darondyer/IMG_2899_zpsmyxbryxo.jpg)
I have to say for me it will always be the jigmaster! Sooo versatile in size from 500, 99, 501 and with an insane amount of upgrades. Great for all types of fishing and will last forever Stock still slaying the fish. Also, with accurate making the Jigmaster Magnum.. well that will always be my all time favorite reel ;D
Pics are 500, 99, 501, then the Magnum!
Quote from: Shark Hunter on June 13, 2015, 05:56:43 AMSince we are reviving an almost 5 year old post.
Actually, this thread is sort of "timeless", since this is something that can change, from time to time . . . Keep posting, guys ! ! !
It's gotta be my 112H......great size and will handle anything I'm willing to catch.....
(http://i1271.photobucket.com/albums/jj632/Fubarciw/fishing%20equip/100_7513.jpg)
OHHHH...and a few others.... ::)
For me it's my Accurate DFS BX600 slammer. Best reel I've used for mechanical jigging for Kingys.
Quote from: ez2cdave on June 12, 2015, 06:02:55 PM
Hi, Guys !
Most of you know that I'm an "old school" enthusiast, for the most part . . . So, here goes, in no particular order !
PENN SQUIDDER ( 146L / 145 / 140L ) with NEWELL Crossbars & Spools ( not the Reel Seat )
PENN 2nd Gen SS Spinfishers ( 450SS / 550SS / 650SS / 750SS )
PENN "GS" ( 525GS / 535GS ) My 535's are UK "Knobby Mag" Versions and ALL of my GS reels have #515-525SP 4.25:1 Gear Sets in them
PENN "GTI" ( 310GTI / 320GTI )
PENN "Mag" ( 525 MAG ) Mine has been converted to the UK "Mag T" Knobby Mag setup, along with a few "tweaks"
PENN SENATOR ( 113HLW / 114HLW ) My 113HLW has a Black TIBURON T4W frame and RED 50th Anniversary spool
dont have a BG but the rest, yeah, lots...
DAIWA BG "Black Gold" ( BG10 / BG13 / BG15 / BG20 / BG30 / BG60 / BG90 )
DAIWA SEALINE "H" ( 27H / 30H / 50H / 350H / 400H / 450H / 600H / 900H ) I sure wish they had made a "650H" reel ! ! !
DAIWA SEALINE ( X30SHA )
SHIMANO CALCUTTA ( 700 / 700S )
ABU-GARCIA AMBASSADEUR ( 6500CT MAG ELITE / 6600CLW )
Plus, a few "others", here and there . . .
Tight Lines ! ! !
I have to say my Penn 940, bought it in 1982, fished it for 25years until its retirement when I move to California 2010 but end up still using it when I visit back to Canada, gave it a face lift in 2010, works like brand new still
(http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww177/Marc1956/DSCN0131.jpg) (http://s717.photobucket.com/user/Marc1956/media/DSCN0131.jpg.html)
Marc..
Quote from: Marcq on June 21, 2015, 06:21:26 AMI have to say my Penn 940, bought it in 1982, fished it for 25years until its retirement when I move to California 2010 but end up still using it when I visit back to Canada, give it a face lift in 2010, works like brand new still . . . Marc
Yes, I used to have several Penn LEVELMATICS (910/920/930/940) . . . I foolishly sold them about 9 years ago, a big mistake !
I still have 8 of these in good shape. I love trolling these for big trout.
Marc - Still looks brand new! Interesting rod you got there, and the trigger grip is darn cool!
Penn Long Beach 65. I have 3 purchased this year brand new never used. I use them for flathead catfish.
Quote from: TARFU on June 17, 2015, 02:17:04 AM
It's gotta be my 112H......great size and will handle anything I'm willing to catch.....
(http://i1271.photobucket.com/albums/jj632/Fubarciw/fishing%20equip/100_7513.jpg)
OHHHH...and a few others.... ::)
What is the cream coloured reel at far left?...nice reels!
The reel is a French Garcia Mitchell conventional reel. Very similar to Penn in still and set up. Great reels. If I had to guess I would say that is a 600 model
Looks nice
Quote from: fIsHsTiiCkS on July 02, 2015, 05:25:45 AM
The reel is a French Garcia Mitchell conventional reel. Very similar to Penn in still and set up. Great reels. If I had to guess I would say that is a 600 model
It kind of resembles an Abu-Garcia MORRUM reel . . .
Mine would have to be the Mitchell spinning reels. That's all we had at that time for fishing the local beach pier. My father would get me a new Mitchell 300 each year.
#1 Daiwa Lexa 400
#2 Penn 506
#3 Penn 501
#4 Penn 146
#5 Penn 100
But what about my Shimano 400TE and my Penn 965? And my Penn Levelmatics, and my Shimano Baitrunners?
And I think the reel that impresses me most....the Daiwa 900h.
Having grown up with Pflueger Supremes with cub drags and Shakespeare 2052/2062s, they are sentimental favorites but the new stuff are the new high water marks.
The new Accurate conventionals and Daiwa Saltiga Expedition spinning reels are so far beyond the old stuff, it like comparing Ferraris to Model Ts. The old stuff will still catch fish but what's the point?
I have spent most of my fishing life with a Mitchell 308. Hard to beat. I am now using a 302 for salt.
Quote from: sgeorge on July 21, 2015, 12:40:35 PM
Having grown up with Pflueger Supremes with cub drags and Shakespeare 2052/2062s, they are sentimental favorites but the new stuff are the new high water marks.
The new Accurate conventionals and Daiwa Saltiga Expedition spinning reels are so far beyond the old stuff, it like comparing Ferraris to Model Ts. The old stuff will still catch fish but what's the point?
Yes, I spend 7 days a year on a charter boat and about a dozen trips to the beach every year.
I catch more fish in that 7 days on the charter boat than I used to all year when I had my own boats.
My reels for the charters are my twin drag Jigging Masters, my Triton mark 3, my TLD 15/30 and my 113h for trolling.
The rest of the year I get much pleasure finding and restoring old reels to a good condition.
cheers
Basto
http://i1271.photobucket.com/albums/jj632/Fubarciw/fishing%20equip/100_7513.jpg
Sorry for the late reply....the cream colored reel is a Garcia 600 with the required cracks inhdg the handle plates...it had asbestos/fiber drag washers that were replaced with CF drags and now is in my salmon jigging rotation...still love my 112H's...Bill
My FAVORITE REEL is the one that ALAN hasn't given me, yet, for my BIRTHDAY or CHRISTMAS . . . LOL ! ! !
::)
Alan has provided us with this great place to mingle and share our findings and knowledge.
It is not a free give away. You give some and you take some. Then do it again.
Its all about paying it forward here. ;)
Sal taught me this lesson. If you stick around long enough. It will sink in. ;D
QuoteIt's all about paying it forward here. ;)
Well said Darron
Quote from: redsetta on August 05, 2015, 07:38:11 AM
QuoteIt's all about paying it forward here. ;)
Well said Darron
Ive seen it myself. Put in the time to help others, and you will get yours on the other side. Ive never seen an online community that takes care of its own like this place.
When I was young the Penn 49 was what everyone aspired to own, I had 3 fished them for many years but can't call them my all time favourites.
1990 I bought my first Diawa SL50SH, still own 4 in working order and at least 7 wrecks that are all worn out. I have not found an all round work horse that lasts like that with minimum maintenance, simple, cast beautifully, and has hardly ever let me down.
I now have a number of newer, more sophisticated and much more expensive reels as well, but the Daiwa SL50SH still does it for me!
Shimano Bantam Mag 251 baitcaster
Penn 714Z, 710Z
Newell P332F
Penn Jigmaster 500/505 99 frame with the extras
Penn Surfmaster 100 is the first reel I ever took apart, cleaned up, and fixed.
That reel will always have sentimental value. Plus I like how compact it is.
If I have to pick just one it's got to be 4/0 penn. it will outlast me!
Shimano Calcutta TE101 GT It is my primary river reel for salmon and steelhead. Casts like a dream, magged, and decent drag #'s. Smooth little guy!
Great thread! Love my Diawa Lexa 400(power model), but time'll tell if it holds up. Really an impressive inshore lure caster for less than $250. But I gotta go with the first reel I ever bought; Mitchell Garcia 306 spinner. Surf, rocks, pier, freshwater, etc. Well made, easy to service , if I remember right (been a-while since I open it up) it's got only bushings, no bearings. It got in a 5 ft. S.F. Bay Leppord Shark, and my first steelhead: a 22 lb'er(California record at that time was 28 lbs.), on 10 lb. test,... so many memories. She's a bit worn out in places, but still a workhorse.
Gfish
My Shimano 6500B baitrunner. It's reliable & easy to use, I have caught more fish with it than all my other reels and it was a gift from a close friend.
Regards
Mark
Freshwater
Abu Garcia 5500C
Shimano Stradic 2500
Saltwater
Shimano Torium 16 with Trinidad spring and dog upgrade
Shimano Curado 300DSV
I'm hoping to try some higher end saltwater reels in the near future, so this list may get revised.
Really old thread, but Bryan, did you ever get a Templar?
Quote from: Bryan Young on December 10, 2010, 04:25:29 AM
A couple of reels come to mind. Pfleuger Capital was my first surfcasting reel. I really wanted a Templar, but it was probably too big for me. Then my trusty Penn Long Beach 259. After that, my Penn 113HLW. Now, my Pro Gear CS551 and CS501 reels with spectra.
OK I'm game.
I'll say a DAM Quick 220 my first spinning reel, and a 1953 Mitchell 300 that belonged to my dad.
Abu Cardinal 54 and Quick 331 are my favorites.
Quote from: Makule on July 09, 2016, 02:42:20 AMReally old thread, but Bryan, did you ever get a Templar?
There are no "OLD" threads of this type . . . A subject like this can be added onto, forever !
Tight Lines !
Bryan finally got his Templar.
I'm real partial to an Abu 6500CS. I upgraded the bearings, added a cog wheel with bearing, and a dual bearing level wind. Plus a ceramic pawl. She will really cast a long way. And, I upgraded her drags to carbontex with Cals grease. From the outside she looks like a tame old Abu. On the inside she's a race horse raring to fish. My fishing buddy's use mostly Shimano Curados. I smile, just a little, when I cast farther with that 6500CS. I've caught a ton of fish with her. She rides an old work horse of a rod, one of the early Ugly Stick Inshore rods, a 7 footer. With 30lb braid, I can catch some pretty good fish with that rig. I wouldn't trade it for the world.
My 2 favorites are newells, a p220f and a p332f that I bought new when they first came out. I built 2 contender rods to put them on. I still use use the 8' contender with the 220, great anchovy set-up for flylining. I have the 332 on a seeker Ulua, throws a jig a mile.
Sheridan
I'm not capable of narrowing down to one, but:
The Cherry Bomb: 501 I built with CC plates, Tib frame, SS guts courtesy of my man Sal.
Slammer 360: Go to spinner for everything from bass to bailing mahi
International 30STW: best all around offshore troller in my neck of the woods
Penn 525 Mag / 535 / 545 / 555: surfcasting, king mackerel / mahi live bait / light trollers. Never one problem out of one in regular use since 1996.
Everol Super 50 Waterproofs: Wife gave me a matched pair for tenth anni. Never seen any others.
9500SS: just because.
Tom H. Jiggy full conversion frame / plate with anni spool and matching red Accurate handle. One of a kind afaik, and stunning.
If I had only one choice it would be my Avet LX. I have caught all variety of fish from snapper to grouper with the reel. It is light but stronger for those long range trips.
A hard choice between my 1500C Abu and my 420ss spinfisher. I would have to say my soon to be retired 420ss. After buying every spool complete with drag knob and 4 x 4300ss (again to use the drag knob) i now am on my last drag knob. Like most of you guys i actually would have struggled to keep it to my dozen favourites.
The rest would be a list of my beloved older penns
2/0 Senator, and I don`t even own one. Like my two 3/0 senators a lot and think a narrow version would be great.
Reviving an old thread....
For rockfish jigging it's my CC/Tib 501XN
For live bait small tuna it's a Penn Fathom 15ld2
For bft jigging it's a Mak 16SEa
I had the most fun fishing with friends using a Peerless #9. We targeted Sheepshead and found them. So much fun that I retired the reel.
#309 is my favorite surf reel.
Ambassadeur 6500 is my favorite wade fishing reel...today.
Sailfisher is my favorite model in the collection...so far.
"of all time" is a tough subject for my brain.
It's changed over the years for me, but always been related to the place and kind of fishing.
When this thread started over a decade ago, it was my 113H Tani/Sal/Tiburon custom, because (aside from being just plain awesome!) it only came out when chasing kingfish in local waters.
Over the past few years, after a life-changing accident and a decision to start ticking off bucket-list trips, it's been my Accurate Obsidian BX600NN, because it meant I was days offshore and jigging for some of the world's biggest kings, hapuku and bass.
More recently, it's been my Accurate Valiant BV300, because it only comes out when I've already had a load of monster king action and am enjoying a bit of slow-pitch 'prospecting' for trevally, king tarakihi, bluenose etc...
Was fun to think about - thanks for reviving the thread.
Cheers, Justin
Hmmmmmm. it was hard in 2016 and I've prolly doubled the collection since then. I started to name, and it became a paragraph in a hurry- some for sentimental reasons, some as users, some for rarity. Since 2016 I have added two 6500CT Mag Elites that I wanted since the 90's, tho.
Pretty Much any thing with Good Line on it and Cranks pretty Good is My Favorite. :fish
zebco cardinal 4. harryk
Garcia Mitchell 300 (any model)(one of the French made). Strongest reel = no. Best built reel = no. Best looking reel = maybe, especially if you like the conservative look. Fish getter = for sure. Full of personalty = absolutely No. 1.
Frank
Definitely the American Classic IV for me (which most people have never even heard of). Made and sold by American Classic Sales of Salt Lake City, Utah. It's my main go to reel and more or less an ABU/Zebco Cardinal 4 on steroids, but a close second is any of the fulcrum drag Cardinal 3s.
I've got five of these. Here's four, including my main fisher.
(https://alantani.com/gallery/34/17004_03_02_21_4_56_26_343192319.jpeg)
I would have to pick the Penn Baja Special when going offshore followed by the Fathom 40NLD2. Caught my first yellowtail and grouper on the BS and 2 bookend 150# bluefin on the Fathom. On the 8 day this year I plan on putting the Fathom 25NLD2 to work. Although I did get to use Dominick's tank last year and that was fun. Bill
Currently, Stella 5000 or 6000. Refinement and power in a small package.
For me it has to be the Mitchell 300, 302, and 402. That's all we had available when i was fishing the Pensacola beach pier. The 300 was my Cigar Minnow bait reel. The other ones were my King Mackerel and Cobia reels.
Quote from: handi2 on September 14, 2022, 11:03:09 PMFor me it has to be the Mitchell 300, 302, and 402. That's all we had available when i was fishing the Pensacola beach pier. The 300 was my Cigar Minnow bait reel. The other ones were my King Mackerel and Cobia reels.
I love the 402 and 406. We already discussed 488 some years back. I'd say this about a 302. They will catch a big fish, and if you can figure out the drag stack, you can rebuild a transmission.
Quote from: thorhammer on September 15, 2022, 12:37:31 AMQuote from: handi2 on September 14, 2022, 11:03:09 PMFor me it has to be the Mitchell 300, 302, and 402. That's all we had available when i was fishing the Pensacola beach pier. The 300 was my Cigar Minnow bait reel. The other ones were my King Mackerel and Cobia reels.
I love the 402 and 406. We already discussed 488 some years back. I'd say this about a 302. They will catch a big fish, and if you can figure out the drag stack, you can rebuild a transmission.
Ha! Mine's a '63 iteration, that still has that drag-stack image sticker on the bottom side of the spool, otherwise I'd haveta spend alota time playing with it!
Penn 716 greenie from Fred ,mounted on a 5' Ugly Stik lite.2nd would be a Mitchell 308 on a 6.5' Fenwick Eagle- fast action also from Fred.I like 6.5' rods because they are the longest rods that will fit in my F150 Supercrew.Sometimes after fishing I go to a seedy part of town (hole in the wall) to get greasy chicken livers...I wouldn't leave a pole in the truck bed at that place.
Every time I see this thread I argue with myself. My logical side says I dont have a favorite, my favorite is the right one for the job.
But the other half of my brain keeps shouting that no, my SS700 is definitely my favorite, thats why i keep trying to use it for fish it's definitely too small to be appropriate for. So there's that.
For me, it would honestly be impossible to pick a favorite reel.
However, I could narrow it down to 3.5 brands —- and they would all come from the "golden age of spinners" ('55 - '90) —- and have the strongest components & materials possible with worm-drives and quality engineering, plus a generational history you can bank,on.
DAM Quicks, Penn Spinfishers in greenies, SS, & Z, ABU/Zebco Cardinals, C3's, plus a "54" —- and the "half" would be Mitchells without alloy gearing (308, 408).
On any given day of fishing —- the reel on the South end of my rod would be a favorite. And since I have plenty to choose from —- it would not be there if it wasn't one of the best.
I also have a soft spot for the Daiwa's in the Mini sizes from the late 70's —- Mini-Mite, 500C, 700C, 1000C. The golds are the my favorites due to the Ball Bearings —- but it is a snap to just trade out the bushings in the silvers for bearings.
Hard to beat a Cardinal 3 or 54, a DQ 1202, 1000 or a 220/221, a Penn 716/714, a 700 or an SS in any size.
Best, Fred
Man, this is a No Win answer. I get this all the time in my line of work (What's my favorite beer (style of) beer). Changes. Yes Imperial Stout alongside Prime Rib. Looking for a refresher while on a Long Range Boat? I'm looking American Pale (specifically SNPA, but back to the reels). I really look at when I see so many members that I respect on the forum, well, I take notice. Midway Tommy has probably forgotten more things about reels than I will ever know, and when he talks about I reel brand I have never heard of - I'm gonna take notice., because it is most definitely Bad ####. Myself - I have dumped more money into 113h'S than I would probably care to admit (I think there is a Rabbit Hole Thread elsewhere?)....The reason we are who we are, we cannot have Just One. My emotional attachments? My Penn 4200UL that I purchased new back in the 70's, and then many of the reels that belonged to my Dad and also the ones from my Father in Law. Many old Mitchell's and DAMs that came back after the war that Fred has been so good to help me date/maintain. Hey, when it's a day on the water I honestly have a very hard time figuring out "what am I gonna take?". These are good problems to have, and I cannot stress how much of a "Thank You!" to the Ohana for educating me. How is that for a non-answer? :d
Quote from: Brewcrafter on September 16, 2022, 10:27:56 PMMan, this is a No Win answer. I get this all the time in my line of work (What's my favorite beer (style of) beer). Changes. Yes Imperial Stout alongside Prime Rib. Looking for a refresher while on a Long Range Boat? I'm looking American Pale (specifically SNPA, but back to the reels). I really look at when I see so many members that I respect on the forum, well, I take notice. Midway Tommy has probably forgotten more things about reels than I will ever know, and when he talks about I reel brand I have never heard of - I'm gonna take notice., because it is most definitely Bad ####. Myself - I have dumped more money into 113h'S than I would probably care to admit (I think there is a Rabbit Hole Thread elsewhere?)....The reason we are who we are, we cannot have Just One. My emotional attachments? My Penn 4200UL that I purchased new back in the 70's, and then many of the reels that belonged to my Dad and also the ones from my Father in Law. Many old Mitchell's and DAMs that came back after the war that Fred has been so good to help me date/maintain. Hey, when it's a day on the water I honestly have a very hard time figuring out "what am I gonna take?". These are good problems to have, and I cannot stress how much of a "Thank You!" to the Ohana for educating me. How is that for a non-answer? :d
Best answer EVER!!!!
Quotethe reel on the South end of my rod would be a favorite.
...unless I'm way undergunned (no fault of the reel)
Brewcrafter, that is the best word salad I ever ate! Seriously, thanks!
QuoteBrewcrafter
Midway Tommy has probably forgotten more things about reels than I will ever know
I doubt that very much, but thank you for the wonderful complement! 8)
Reviving an old thread since we've all bought new gear since the last reply....
My new favorite reel is my Mak 10 Sea
It has to be the Baja Special, followed by the Fathoms. All with Alan's handles.
progear classic series 501. in gold!!!
Didn't see that coming! But I have one from Ted, and it's real winner for sure!
Quote from: alantani on April 11, 2023, 05:37:10 AMprogear classic series 501. in gold!!!
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Quote from: alantani on April 11, 2023, 05:37:10 AMprogear classic series 501. in gold!!!
Not sure what that is, is it like a 545? Got a pic?
Great Reel.
at one point, i had six. they slowly disappeared.
I have some Alan if you really want a replacement.
thanks, but i'm good! ;D
You sold me one Boss !
I had one of those 501's in blue!
I have a blue and a gold. I think I have one other, but that just points out clearly that I have too many if I can't remember them all.
well, i had a shakespeare 2711 spinning reel, my first spinner, couldn't find a spool for it after it went bouncing down the road off the back of my bike at ludicrous speed, i bought a penn 710z in '75, i still fish for bass and pike with it. as solid as they come, only thing it's ever needed besides cleaning/lube is a bail spring.
I have always enjoyed using vintage baitcasting reels. The last "new" reel I purchased was an Ambassadeur 5000 in 1964. It was quickly relegated to a trolling reel. I like the feel of a fish running under my thumb not a star drag. I have moved over the years through Marhoffs, Pflueger Nobbys, Langleys, and a Coxe 30C. I can truthfully say that all my bass fishing now is done with a Coxe 25N (the 1941-1949 German silver model) And it is hard to imagine replacing these excellent reels with another vintage reel capable of casting 3/8 oz with little or no effort. Several experienced casters have switched to these reels since trying out one as my guest. It is hard to pass one up as they seldom come up for sale. Coxe 25N's & 12 Oct Julia 014.jpg
Quote from: alantani on April 11, 2023, 05:37:10 AMprogear classic series 501. in gold!!!
I have 2 of those! They have caught a lot of yellowtail, yellow fin, albacore this year, bottom fish (shallow.) Yeh, they're perfect, I'm going to get a silver salmon with one this year.
The Man
Only one 501 CS in silver, which inspired me to buy the 6 series. Sea Bass from the beach to San Clemente Island. Yellowtail the same down to Bahia De Los Angeles. Not to mention how many calicos at Catalina to catch one Sea Bass. Great reel even better times.
PENN 430 SS
With out any doubt, my All-time favorite reel is the one in my hand with a fish on the end of the line.
I'll give my Top 5:
ProGear 280 Albacore Special
Saltiga 30T
Trinidad TN20
Quick Microlite
Okuma Makaira 20ii
Shimano Calcutta 400B
Legitimate question. One that I get all the time in my field of work. And when somebody asks me what my favorite beer is my answer is always 'it depends" (where am I? What am I having for food or snacks alongside? What is the weather like? etc, etc.) And this question about reels is the same loaded question. I have a garage full of equipment for a reason, and have MANY favorites depending on what is on the agenda that day. Not taking my beloved 4200SS down to Huntington Beach for barred surf perch. Not taking my beloved Penn VISX20 up to Big Bear to troll for stocker trout (only Benni has the cajones to do that). I work really hard to convince SWMBO that every piece of equipment in my shop has a purpose, time, and place - and that they are all "favorites" - and in todays world of the internet I'm not gonna burn myself down by picking "ONE favorite". :d - john
Quote from: Brewcrafter on May 18, 2023, 06:04:08 AMLegitimate question. One that I get all the time in my field of work. And when somebody asks me what my favorite beer is my answer is always 'it depends" (where am I? What am I having for food or snacks alongside? What is the weather like? etc, etc.) And this question about reels is the same loaded question. I have a garage full of equipment for a reason, and have MANY favorites depending on what is on the agenda that day. Not taking my beloved 4200SS down to Huntington Beach for barred surf perch. Not taking my beloved Penn VISX20 up to Big Bear to troll for stocker trout (only Benni has the cajones to do that). I work really hard to convince SWMBO that every piece of equipment in my shop has a purpose, time, and place - and that they are all "favorites" - and in todays world of the internet I'm not gonna burn myself down by picking "ONE favorite". :d - john
I truly like and agree with your post,some of mine I bought for a feeling,the way they looked,a time they recalled or represent ,I have however,two groups of reels representing 2 brands and two styles and places to fish ,my Conventional Penns represent mostly salt water though the smaller ones are handy for freshwater cats and stripers,the other group is my vintage Mitchell's which are basically freshwater reels and what I mostly use and my newest are Pflueger spinners(2) and low profile baitcasters (2)my most recent foray and with which I'm still not master of but good enough to be using more often then clearing nests.I don't need all this stuff but I enjoy it!
Quote from: jtwill98 on May 17, 2023, 12:49:23 AMWith out any doubt, my All-time favorite reel is the one in my hand with a fish on the end of the line.
That's my favorite too JTWill98!