I am new to the forum but not new to forums. I've been reading Alan Tanis post for some time now and have huge respect for the site. Thanks for the real reviews and pictures to show. It helps us dummies understand the reels much better.
I have been fishing Release/Truth reels for some time now. I started off with a Release LG fishing for inshore species on the east coast. I now own the SS, SM, LG, SG, and LGN. I wanted to give a true review of the reels from real hand experience from the field. Let me start off by saying, I absolutely love the reels! I really don't have many negative things to say. There is some minor issues I would like addressed but nothing to deter me from purchasing more. First con would be the clicker on the SM. The clicker is easy to engage during a fight but a simple change of how you hold the reel when fighting the fish fixes that problem and doesn't really affect the way I fish. Some people cannot get over this but for me its a small issue. My second con is the clicker, it's loud enough but not loud enough for me. One thing that attracts me to Accurate is their clickers. You can hear a Accurate clicker from a mile away. As a pier/surf fisherman, the clicker means a lot to us. It's loud enough but can be louder. Those are my 2 cons for the line up. The pros definitely out weight the cons. Lets start with the Warranty that got me to even look at the reels in the first place. It peaked my interest! I've never had to use the warranty but the reviews are great! Peace of mind goes a long way for me. A friend of mine that had a original release SM had to do some warranty work due to his knob getting sticky. He never serviced the reel and decided to send it in. They sent his reel back basically brand new and installed new updates made to the reels. My buddy never asked for this but they did it anyway. It's cool to know these guys actually care about the product. The SM for the surf is a beast! I can cast further than I ever have. The places that I fish require long cast sometimes. It can be the difference of catching and not. The SM is a dream to cast and has so much drag. For the first time, I started using braid for the surf. Why you ask? because the 20lb mono line cannot handle the drag. So I stepped up to 65lb braid and wow! Once you get use to throwing braid, catching fish is a dream! You can really catch some big fish on this little reel from the surf! Including the pesky sharks! So overall I love the reels, the pros out weigh the cons. I can find cons on every reel I have ever owned. We all like to nit pick but at the end of the day, I trust my Truth reels to get the job done.
More pics
more pics
more pics
Just a couple fish I've caught on these reels! Proof is in the pudding.
Excellent review and pictures. Welcome to the forum.
Great post! Thanks for Sharing and Welcome to the forum. ;)
Thanks for the information and photos. Welcome to the site. Dominick
Thanks Guys!!
Awesome stuff you are really giving the reels a test.
Welcome aboard!
Nice!
Those are some quality Redfish there.
Welcome to the board. Don'the be afraid to post more. We don't bite.. well at least most of us don't :)
Well I missed pwall's original posts but got to play with one of these reels this afternoon. I was dropping off a Penn 27 I upgraded for a friend that works at a local sporting goods store here. (AL spool, CF drags, new bars, bigger handle & lube).
But back to the Truth reel. I was struck by the complete light-as-air feel primarily. I was told it has 20+ lbs of drag stock. hmmmm.
The handle blade had a huge cut out in the middle. My first thought when he told me he was gonna go kelp fishing for Yellow Tail? That aluminum handles gonna fold. ;D
I bit my tongue (and hope I'm wrong). I have never been south of Monterey so what do I know about tuna.....
I would definitely try one though.
Yea, I agree. I do not like the standard handle on the SM. I forgot to mention, I upgraded the handles on both of my SM reels to the SG handle. You get more leverage and its solid. I think the handle that comes with the SM caters to old school casters that prefer that type. I am not old school at all so I prefer the longer handle.
Pwall1988,
Thank you for your pinion. I had one of their first reels from a trade and I liked it. I like the clicker position from their first generation than their second generation as I was having similar issues. Like you said, not a deal breaker. Some of your photos are made for Truth's reels advertisement. You may want to contact Wes and Justin about a Pro-Staffer status. Who knows...
Hey, I suspected you might be an NC homey when I saw that Pirate Nation shirt (which you can keep, Go Heels!), but confirmed when I saw BIP and what has to be OBX on old drum. Great write-up and even better pics!!! Where are you located?
John
I'm mainly from the Nash County area but have lived in Pitt County for the last decade. I travel all over the coast searching for a decent bite. NC really does have some great fishing to offer. The Pamlico Drum are about pop off!! Fall is almost here and I cannot wait!!!
Tight lines to everybody this fall!!
Oh and GO PIRATES!!!!!!!! AAAAARRRRGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!
I'm from Hennasun and still have a place at Kerr Lake but live in Wack cty south of Raleigh. Headed to WB in a couple hours, then to lake Monday, then back to CB Wed for offshore trip (hopefully to dirty the Tank), then back to lake striper fishing next Friday.
Did Ryan build those drum rods?
Tightlines!
John
No, I built them myself. I took up rod building this past winter. Got a couple blanks from Ryan. Very happy with them so far.
Come on over to Avon the end of October, and fish the Red Drum Tournament. It's a good time with good prizes. Info on ncbba.org.
Wow ! Fantastic Pics.
Quote from: pwall1988 on August 15, 2016, 12:23:28 PM
No, I built them myself. I took up rod building this past winter. Got a couple blanks from Ryan. Very happy with them so far.
Everyone I talk to loves those Century blanks. If I get back there this fall I'm gonna snag an 8 n bait blank to build this winter. Got a recco?
reddrum55,
I might do that this year!
When it comes to century blanks. Century makes so many different heavers. It really depends on what kind of caster you are. If you are looking for something that doesn't require a lot of strength I would recommend the Surf Machine Max. If you like something closer to a Allstar 1509, I would go with a Sling Shot 1506. These are the entry level blanks in the century lineup, they have so many blanks that are specific to what you want or fishing for. I would go see Ryan and let him tell you exactly what would be best for what you do.
I'm 240 and get down on it so probably a stiffer blank. Thanks, I'll talk to the man!
When in doubt ask the man! He's always available and willing to help. Good luck this season and if you see me don't be a stranger!
Tight Lines, fall is here!
Got to use my Truth LG yesterday on a Tarpon and King Mackerel. We have a professional Shark Team on our island and they have some tournaments coming up. I killed this tarpon, some people see that as unethical. I am legally allowed to take one a day in NC, so I decided to give it to my friends at GET BENT Shark Fishing Team.
The Truth LG handled these fish with ease, I also hooked multiple sharks that I don't even take photos of. I recently watched a Canyon 20 jigging reel completely fail on a King Mackerel. It was sad to watch and I'm glad my Truth is not from some crappy Chinese factory! I've never seen a reel completely malfunction to where it wouldn't reel any line up. The gears completely shattered and the anti reverse was the first thing to go. Thank you Truth Reels for making such a reliable reel!!! I am very confident in mine.
It was your catch. I say do as you legally wish to do with it. Reading your post I just have a hard time seeing you as someone that doesnt respect the fish & habitat they come from....Jeff
There is nothing unethical about harvesting a fish. The only reason Tarpon are not harvested is because they taste like seagulls (read awful). Dominick
Nice work bro! Get back to high ground by tomorry!!!
Nice Catches there!
Good Job. ;D
I killed a few tarpon and still feel bad about it. The memory would be sweeter if they had been released. The king would have made better shark bait.
-steve
Thanks guys! I understand these fish are not worth to eat, so killing them is tough for me. This shark team is not your everyday sharkers. They use 20/0 Everols with Century Shark rods. These setups cost more than all my reels combined! They are very professional in how they catch and release the sharks. They even tag them so we can keep track of all the big sharks they catch.
When it comes to Kings, I actually eat my King mackerels! lol I wouldn't give those away to shark fisherman. This was my first Tarpon, I don't plan to kill anymore in my future. Ill make sure to get that NC citation next time!
Just wanted to show how these reels stand up to hard fighting fish like Tarpon. The LG was SCREAMING!!!
TIGHT LINES and good luck this season fellas!
I eat King Mackrel also and make lots of smoked fish spread with it if I can't eat it fresh. I killed my first Tarpon 52 years ago, but released hundreds since.
Mark
Great review & photos !
Just ordered one from " Charkbait Tackle ".
I plan to use it @ my local Lakes, casting 10 1/2 once Savage Trout Lures for Stripers.
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j161/A-PAPI/IMG_2091_zpsizxehokk.jpg)
http://savage-gear.com/product/3d-trout-line-thru/
Jeri, as usual a well expressed opinion. I think the underlying issue of only taking what you will consume is being lost on some fishermen. Which is another subject for another thread. Dominick
Quote from: Dominick on October 07, 2016, 05:53:51 PM
Jeri, as usual a well expressed opinion. I think the underlying issue of only taking what you will consume is being lost on some fishermen. Which is another subject for another thread. Dominick
Thanks for that Dom. I sometimes think that the global nature of the 'Tani Family' is overlooked.
More in keeping with this thread, I do think that Truth reels (Release - formerly) are an absolutely great product, and I woukld still be using mine to good effect on sharks and surf casting, had we not over here pretty much totally converted to using spinners and braid for our surf fishing.
Cheers from sunny Africa
Jeri
Hurricane Matthew Hit us Saturday here in NC. I fished Friday the night before. Managed to get 4 drum, 3 before the storm and 1 on Sunday after the storm all on the Truth SM. Surf was rough but fish were chewing! Truth SM got it done again!
A few more details please: Do you have the " SM SURF " spooled with " 65 lbs Braid " ? ... & Top Shot of lbs ?
Not on the pier, braid is a big no no on piers. So I use 20lb mono with a 50lb mono shock leader. I use a Bimini twist to the no name knot.
Just curious, why can't you use braid on a pier? Thanks
Ok, so going after big drum from the pier has become very popular in places like the OBX and TI. Sometimes there can be 50-100 rods on the rail. Sometimes the piers can catch up to 200 fish a day. There will actually be people waiting to get a spot to fish sometimes. When using braid, if you tangle with anybody it becomes a big headache. Also when a fish is running it can tend to cut the mono lines that it touches. Its kind of a unspoken rule on piers. If you show up with braid, you stick out like sore thumb. Braid has its place but the pier with 50 other anglers is not a good idea. This is the way it is in NC. I cannot speak for other states.
Quote from: Swami805 on October 11, 2016, 11:55:37 AM
Just curious, why can't you use braid on a pier? Thanks
Thanks for the additional info & explanations.
I'm planning on using my " Truth SM " tossing Swimbaits ( 6 - 10 oz ) for Stripers, Spooled with straight 65 lbs braid, & a short Mono 24" Leader ( 40-50 lbs ).
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j161/A-PAPI/IMG_2092_zpsahcm9cna.jpg)
I ordered a ABU Garcia Fantasista Beast Rod ( 10-1 EX EXH / 8-18 oz Lure / 60-100Line ) to use with the Truth SM Reel.
http://www.abugarcia.com/abugarcia-rods-casting-rods/abu-garcia-fantasista-beast-casting/1373580.html#start=4
My current set-up is a Diawa Lexa 400 & ABU Garcia Rod ( 8 -6 ExH / 6-16 oz rated / 50-100 lbs ).
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j161/A-PAPI/IMG_2094_zpsnrkinwp1.jpg)
PS: I ordered the " Truth SM Reel " with a Reel Cover from " Charkbait Tackle ".. They provide one, & squeezed on a " Med " Reel Cover.
Due to the Large Gear, a Large Reel Cover fits it " BETTER ".
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j161/A-PAPI/IMG_2095_zps7l59zaqk.jpg)
Thanks that makes sense
Good stuff!! I've bought from Charkbait before, you cannot go wrong! They do a great job. Let us know how you do!
Quote from: pwall1988 on October 11, 2016, 01:10:27 PM
Ok, so going after big drum from the pier has become very popular in places like the OBX and TI. Sometimes there can be 50-100 rods on the rail. Sometimes the piers can catch up to 200 fish a day. There will actually be people waiting to get a spot to fish sometimes. When using braid, if you tangle with anybody it becomes a big headache. Also when a fish is running it can tend to cut the mono lines that it touches. Its kind of a unspoken rule on piers. If you show up with braid, you stick out like sore thumb. Braid has its place but the pier with 50 other anglers is not a good idea. This is the way it is in NC. I cannot speak for other states.
Party boats in this area do not allow braid either and mainly due to safety concerns for the mates that have to deal with it and the safety of the passengers.
I'm still waiting for the 2 Rods (10 ft ) I ordered to arrive @ my Home.
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j161/A-PAPI/IMG_2098_zpsc3htm3ze.jpg)
I decided to swap out the Casting Rod I normally use with my " Diawa Lexus 400 ", and head on down to the Pyramid lake. It was late in the afternoon , when I arrived at the Lake.
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j161/A-PAPI/IMG_2101_zpsufgmbrbc.jpg)
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j161/A-PAPI/IMG_2129_zpsfzwvq7og.jpg)
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j161/A-PAPI/IMG_2121_zpsckp5qdem.jpg)
The Reel felt good & Cast very smoothly with the " Savage Trout ( 3 1/2 ounce ) Swimbait Lure ".
However, the larger " Savage Trout Lure ( 10 1/2 ounce ) Swimbait ", was more of a LOB, than a cast. Hopefully the new 10 ft Rods will be easier to cast with ..?
I didn't really expect catch anything, as they haven't stocked Trout @ the Lake recently.
But, I'll be back, when my new Rods arrive.
P.S: My wife was a bit startled,.. with the unexpected company that drop by ..A buck & doe.
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j161/A-PAPI/IMG_2126_zpsml29x2dx.jpg)
Some Beautiful Scenery There. ;)
PERRO
Wow, that is some amazing looking spots to fish and the baits you are using are blowing my mind! Pretty cool and I'm sure the guys from Truth would be happy to see the reels used in so many ways. I never would've thought an SM would be needed for swim baits but your pictures have changed my mind. VERY COOL!!!
When it comes to rods , I have some suggestions. Idk what your price range is but if you want the absolutely best rod for throwing those lures. I would suggest looking into some Century rods. They specialize in getting the most distance for baits from the beach. Sling Shot series most likely has a model that will fit you. Go check them out, I love my Sling Shot 1449 but its 12 foot that might be too long for what you do but they have plenty of options.
Thanks
Paul
Those Savage baits are useful for many types of fish. The most life like action of any bait I've seen....Jeff
Quote from: pwall1988 on October 17, 2016, 01:31:26 PM
PERRO
Wow, that is some amazing looking spots to fish and the baits you are using are blowing my mind! Pretty cool and I'm sure the guys from Truth would be happy to see the reels used in so many ways. I never would've thought an SM would be needed for swim baits but your pictures have changed my mind. VERY COOL!!!
When it comes to rods , I have some suggestions. Idk what your price range is but if you want the absolutely best rod for throwing those lures. I would suggest looking into some Century rods. They specialize in getting the most distance for baits from the beach. Sling Shot series most likely has a model that will fit you. Go check them out, I love my Sling Shot 1449 but its 12 foot that might be too long for what you do but they have plenty of options.
Thanks
Paul
The Striper bite @ that lake ( Pyramid Lake, CA ) usually revolves around the Shad & DFG Stocked Trout. I don't like fishing in Temps above 100 degrees, which is normally when the Stripers are chasing after Shad (Summer ) . The only downside of fishing in Fall & winters ( Trout Plants ) is the howling winds to deal with.
I checked on the " Century Rods " before ordering any rods. But, they don't offer/list any " 10 - 11 ft Surf Rods ", rated for " 10 + oz Weights "
http://advancedfishing-usa.com
After a bit of research, I ended up ordering an " ABU GARCIA 10'- 1" Fantasista Beast ", which seems to be favored by Musky Fishermen tossing large Lures.
http://www.abugarcia.com/abugarcia-rods-casting-rods/abu-garcia-fantasista-beast-casting/1373580.html#start=3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZT_CrfgrlI
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j161/A-PAPI/IMG_2153_zpsqeoipcrg.jpg)
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j161/A-PAPI/IMG_2155_zpsoer0ptnq.jpg)
I also picked up an " OKUMA 10' Surf Rod ", which is rated for " 3 - 8 ounce " weights.
http://www.okumafishing.com/product/view/rods/surf-jetty/solaris-surf
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j161/A-PAPI/IMG_2150_zpsurfhygw4.jpg)
Okuma Solaris Surf Rod, last Rod on the left.
The area I normally fish from is in the lake Boat Launch / Harbor area, which has approx 800 + yards of walkable shoreline.
(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j161/A-PAPI/IMG_2126_zpsml29x2dx.jpg)
That particular area in the background ( Rocky Slope ) has been a bit difficult to cast from, using Spinning Surf Rods ( 10 ' - 12' ).
I'll be heading back to test / tryout my two new Rods @ Pyramid lake.
Wow Perro, the Century is a long distance casting Cadillac to be sure, but I really like the Abu. Never seen that one before. Tight lines!
Gotcha, I'm amazed at how heavy those lures are. 10 oz where I fish is a ton of weight! Hopefully you get to fight some fish soon.
Hello everyone,
As an avid angler, My time off shore is limited, although I did find the extra time for the years of wide open WSB bites out at the Channel Islands.
On a 1.5 day trip aboard the Tribute on 10-17, I have a personal observation to share, for what it is worth..
During the VIRUS, I jacked up all my Newell reels with custom 6 stack drag and pretty much one can do to such reel with many variations.
Right place, at the right time, with the generosity of Rich/Bob at Tiburon & Randy Pauley, put several limited production run 300 and 200 series extra narrow spools and frames. My go to's.
During that time, I also acquired a new quiver of Grafighters for offshore accompanied by Avets n Accurates.
The trip on the Tribute, a
1st rate opperation,and finding out Bill Poole built and operated that vessel, was just that much more since I have read so much about him at a young age as with the buzz from San Simeon to Point Loma via WON.
As for my thoughts,it will be about reels for now.
Great day on the water, went 3 for 6.
As I told the Deckhand, Sorry I don't get out much. But that day, all runnin this operation told me I had the hot stick,goin 3 for 6. I did mention to them, I am very greatful for this day as I was looking straight up at the one who makes all things possible. Yhen went on to tell the crew that I will practice more, when I get out.
3 farmed and 2 on the deck on a Grafiter800MH w/ Newell G332F narrowed with a kit from Tiburin that narrows the reel to a 322.
Holds 400 yds. 50# Braid- 100 yds.30# mono. No problems..
The third fish on the deck, was caught on the same type of rod, but the reel was a Avet Raptor JX w/ 400 yds. 50# Braid - 100 yds 40# mono. All fish were caught on 30# floro w/ #4 Gamagatsu Ringed Nautilus hooks.
I have fished mostly Newell all my life, since I was brought up in the 91201...
Got the Accurates, Penn,,Shimano, Diawa,& ect, and I find my self coming to the same realization and conclusion about, for instance, offroad..
At this point in our evolution, things are so well engendered. Including R&D, fabrication, and mass production by the finest brains that love to fish. Plastic mold injection,Aerospace, and others throw there hat into the ring to provide us with the "Hot Setup"
I feel it comes down to this, my old, Jacked, Newell provided me with the satisfaction of not only putting together the reel I used, but it did not break during the challenge of those 30 min er so battles. Even after I screwed with them....
The Avet was neet, with the 2 speed, I can't wait to use he Accurates on the Cows.
As with something from 40 yrs. ago or 2, if is not kept up in good condition it will fail. Deveoping & keepin up my old Newell reels is 1/2 of the fun for me. The other half is to still have the abilitie and vintage equipment to fish with all these new wonderful reels.
Did I tell you about the Sabre 530, I bought at Sportsmart in Glendale, back in the day...
For another time.
Vie Con Dios
Isn't life less about answers, than getting to the answer? That is why you steal yourself for the journey.
Socrates-