I fish on the east coast in North Florida and I use 6000/6500 size reels, Penn Fathoms, Squalls, 525's ect, ect. I'm ready to build a good 6500 size surf reel. I've been reading a lot. Long distance surf reels are a niche, not a lot about them on the web. It's there, just not a lot of it. I've kinda narrowed it down a little. I can go a number of ways. First, Akios is out. For some reason, they just don't do it for me. I also looked in Omoto reels, which I think makes the Akios reel. They seem OK but the vibe isn't there either. Plus, they don't sell parts, just the reel. They have many 6500 type reels though, as does Akios. I've thought about Abu but I really don't like their cages. I want a one piece solid billet aluminum cage. I'm not sure why they don't make one, they have many open cage reels made for the UK market since it is so big over there. I may use one for a platform though, or at least the brake plate. I want it to be 6:1. I'd have to change the main gear and pinion if I did start with the Abu break plate. QTS makes a nice cage, a little pricey though. ZZETATuning is another choice but they are very pricey. The Rocket Reel company makes some very nice reels and being completely compatible with ABU, it seems like a logical place to start. I can get the cage, spool, spindle, ceramic bearings, knobby mag, and anodized brass side plates for a little over 300 right now, and lately, the dollar/pound is in my favor. I already have the Abu guts, handles, star drag to go on it to get me started so that is a big possibility. Just need to change the main gear and pinion to 6:1. I know that can put a strain on any Abu type reel but I'm fishing for Pompano and aside from the occasional big ray, the fish are all under 5 pounds. Big sharks just break me off, so no worries there. And in the end, it's just gears that can be replaced. So, that is where I'm at. I could just by a complete reel, but where is the fun in that? Any long casters out there with some experience with any of the mentioned reel parts I've written about? As you can see, I am leaning towards the Rocket Reel Company. One thing I really like about them is 95% of what they make is all manufactured in England.
farmer 56 here ... i like your style .... i too just found the rocket site WOW nice stuff .... sorry but i'm no help ... dennis
Send beachbob a PM. He has explored it all and is dialed in. But, he does not read here all the time.
Quote from: oc1 on January 25, 2022, 07:47:31 PM
Send beachbob a PM. He has explored it all and is dialed in. But, he does not read here all the time.
Done. Thanks.
Quote from: Breadfan on January 25, 2022, 07:59:36 PM
Quote from: oc1 on January 25, 2022, 07:47:31 PM
Send beachbob a PM. He has explored it all and is dialed in. But, he does not read here all the time.
Done. Thanks.
PM sent ....
i was expecting a spinner!!!!
https://www.therocketreelcompany.com/
Quote from: alantani on January 25, 2022, 11:51:21 PM
i was expecting a spinner!!!!
https://www.therocketreelcompany.com/
We doan need no steenkin spinnahs, we got revolvers, gringo! ;D
My take is that as long as it's good tackle, it's all good, personal subjectivity rules from that point forward.
Most any decent reel/rod will get the job done for both distance and fishy catching. My preferences are for Abu (Sweden built only) and Akios Shuttle (Omoto manufactured) reels. My rods are mainly Zziplex but there are many other cheaper blanks/rods like Breakaway, CCP, and others, that'll more than get the job done. I've been surf fishing the nor'east for over 70 years and caught my share of the local fishes. I also enjoy casting revolving spool reels for distance.
You don't need anything more than an Abu 650x C3 $120 reel to reach out past 100 yards. Once the entire level wind is removed and the side plates sealed, the bearings are naptha cleaned and 1 drop oiled, the centrifugal brakes might need tweaking. I remove those brakes and install a mono mag, but that's just my preference. For light surf plugging I use .31mm 14# Sakuma mono and .35mm 18# for bait and bigger fishies.
I use my Shuttle reels ONLY for distance casting and my Abu reels for fishing.
The ABSOLUTE KEY to long distance casting is FORM.
Keep it wet and tight!
BB.
Quote from: alantani on January 25, 2022, 11:51:21 PM
i was expecting a spinner!!!!
https://www.therocketreelcompany.com/
Uhhh. No. Funny thing is, I've never liked spinners and when I was 15, I got my first bait caster, a Shakesphere President II. I've never looked back!
Quote from: beachbob on January 26, 2022, 12:02:50 AM
My take is that as long as it's good tackle, it's all good, personal subjectivity rules from that point forward.
Most any decent reel/rod will get the job done for both distance and fishy catching. My preferences are for Abu (Sweden built only) and Akios Shuttle (Omoto manufactured) reels. My rods are mainly Zziplex but there are many other cheaper blanks/rods like Breakaway, CCP, and others, that'll more than get the job done. I've been surf fishing the nor'east for over 70 years and caught my share of the local fishes. I also enjoy casting revolving spool reels for distance.
You don't need anything more than an Abu 650x C3 $120 reel to reach out past 100 yards. Once the entire level wind is removed and the side plates sealed, the bearings are naptha cleaned and 1 drop oiled, the centrifugal brakes might need tweaking. I remove those brakes and install a mono mag, but that's just my preference. For light surf plugging I use .31mm 14# Sakuma mono and .35mm 18# for bait and bigger fishies.
I use my Shuttle reels ONLY for distance casting and my Abu reels for fishing.
The ABSOLUTE KEY to long distance casting is FORM.
Keep it wet and tight!
BB.
Yea, I'm good with all that. I have many nice rods and reels and I hold my own over here on the east coast. I just want to build one to well, build one! The time is right.
Quote from: Breadfan on January 26, 2022, 12:52:44 AM
Quote from: beachbob on January 26, 2022, 12:02:50 AM
My take is that as long as it's good tackle, it's all good, personal subjectivity rules from that point forward.
Most any decent reel/rod will get the job done for both distance and fishy catching. My preferences are for Abu (Sweden built only) and Akios Shuttle (Omoto manufactured) reels. My rods are mainly Zziplex but there are many other cheaper blanks/rods like Breakaway, CCP, and others, that'll more than get the job done. I've been surf fishing the nor'east for over 70 years and caught my share of the local fishes. I also enjoy casting revolving spool reels for distance.
You don't need anything more than an Abu 650x C3 $120 reel to reach out past 100 yards. Once the entire level wind is removed and the side plates sealed, the bearings are naptha cleaned and 1 drop oiled, the centrifugal brakes might need tweaking. I remove those brakes and install a mono mag, but that's just my preference. For light surf plugging I use .31mm 14# Sakuma mono and .35mm 18# for bait and bigger fishies.
I use my Shuttle reels ONLY for distance casting and my Abu reels for fishing.
The ABSOLUTE KEY to long distance casting is FORM.
Keep it wet and tight!
BB.
Yea, I'm good with all that. I have many nice rods and reels and I hold my own over here on the east coast. I just want to build one to well, build one! The time is right.
Absolutely go for it!
Keeps us up on the narrative, brother!
Bob, where can we get a Zziplex these days? CTS, Century and some uper end Daiwa blanks are the best I see down here.
Quote from: thorhammer on January 26, 2022, 02:14:01 AM
Keeps us up on the narrative, brother!
Bob, where can we get a Zziplex these days? CTS, Century and some uper end Daiwa blanks are the best I see down here.
Zziplex blanks - www.surfcastproshop.com
That website is dangerous.
I've been mostly surf casting over here and love my 6500C3CT but I too need a project.
Nick
That Rocket cage is pretty nice. For an ABU floor plan to boot.
Quote from: ReelFishingProblems on January 26, 2022, 05:03:40 AM
That website is dangerous.
I've been mostly surf casting over here and love my 6500C3CT but I too need a project.
Nick
It is. It's like Abus on steroids.
Quote from: oc1 on January 26, 2022, 07:24:03 AM
That Rocket cage is pretty nice. For an ABU floor plan to boot.
I'm thinking about pulling the trigger. Today!
Rocket Reel is THE way to go if yer into bling and a DIY build. No doubt a stronger build with a one piece cage, but there are other parts required and the final cost will mount with shipping across the pond.
However for us Yanks, an Akios Shuttle from Ninja Tackle (free shipping, no tax) will be a ready-to-go solid unit at less cost with no sacrifice to quality, and purchased here in the US of A.
It will come down to dollar$ ... and the pressing need to "roll yer own".
$289.99 ...
(https://isteam.wsimg.com/ip/01303969-7dd9-42e0-a801-e0cd355884c3/ols/182_original/:/rs=w:400,h:300)
Y'all might be better off putting yer dollar$ into a rod build ... without a stellar rod, a killer reel is near useless for long distance casting.
Quote from: beachbob on January 26, 2022, 11:24:46 AM
Rocket Reel is THE way to go if yer into bling and a DIY build. No doubt a stronger build with a one piece cage, but there are other parts required and the final cost will mount with shipping across the pond.
However for us Yanks, an Akios Shuttle from Ninja Tackle (free shipping, no tax) will be a ready-to-go solid unit at less cost with no sacrifice to quality, and purchased here in the US of A.
It will come down to dollar$ ... and the pressing need to "roll yer own".
$289.99 ...
(https://isteam.wsimg.com/ip/01303969-7dd9-42e0-a801-e0cd355884c3/ols/182_original/:/rs=w:400,h:300)
Y'all might be better off putting yer dollar$ into a rod build ... without a stellar rod, a killer reel is near useless for long distance casting.
I have two Tommy Farmer Cast PRO Series blanks that I am working on now. I think that will be a good start. I also bought a couple of reels last year from over there and I buy all of my darts/supplies from England and shipping has always been about as cheap as it is over here, maybe a tad more. I've come to find that the UK has a little more to offer on conventional reels than they do here and just about all of the tackle shops are willing to ship over here. Of course this all depends on the Dollar/Pound, sometimes it's not so good. I remember when you could only get Akios form across the pond, so I guess we are moving in the right direction.
Quote from: Breadfan on January 26, 2022, 12:08:08 PM
Quote from: beachbob on January 26, 2022, 11:24:46 AM
Rocket Reel is THE way to go if yer into bling and a DIY build. No doubt a stronger build with a one piece cage, but there are other parts required and the final cost will mount with shipping across the pond.
However for us Yanks, an Akios Shuttle from Ninja Tackle (free shipping, no tax) will be a ready-to-go solid unit at less cost with no sacrifice to quality, and purchased here in the US of A.
It will come down to dollar$ ... and the pressing need to "roll yer own".
$289.99 ...
(https://isteam.wsimg.com/ip/01303969-7dd9-42e0-a801-e0cd355884c3/ols/182_original/:/rs=w:400,h:300)
Y'all might be better off putting yer dollar$ into a rod build ... without a stellar rod, a killer reel is near useless for long distance casting.
I have two Tommy Farmer Cast PRO Series blanks that I am working on now. I think that will be a good start. I also bought a couple of reels last year from over there and I buy all of my darts/supplies from England and shipping has always been about as cheap as it is over here, maybe a tad more. I've come to find that the UK has a little more to offer on conventional reels than they do here and just about all of the tackle shops are willing to ship over here. Of course this all depends on the Dollar/Pound, sometimes it's not so good. I remember when you could only get Akios form across the pond, so I guess we are moving in the right direction.
Yes, the UK is totally into revolvers and they have all the specialty goodies that are hard or impossible to find over the pond. Bummer.
The 6500 skeleton reel with the spindle (cage color black, sideplates in turquoise) the spool and the ceramic bearings have been ordered from The Rocket Reel Company. Shipping, tracked with signature was only 22.00. The short term plan is to use one of my brake plates, handle, and star from one of my abu's as a donor reel. Long term plans are to get a 6.3:1 stainless main gear, a bronze pinion, and a handle and star from Simon Shimomura to top it off. Look him up, he makes a number of different size handles for the Abu's, Flat or dimpled chrome, in a multitude of knob colors. Very nice well made handles.
Sounds like a Penn Torque 100 checks all the boxes except one... it's already built. ::) Alot of pompano guys use them. Those reels are tanks too, and could actually land that shark if it doesn't bite through the line.
What I've found when I build stuff like that it is I'd cry if I dropped it in the suds. Bought a MIB 6500C3CT for OBX. It's on the shelf and I throw my 525Mag lol
Quote from: nelz on January 26, 2022, 03:08:58 PM
Sounds like a Penn Torque 100 checks all the boxes except one... it's already built. ::) Alot of pompano guys use them. Those reels are tanks too, and could actually land that shark if it doesn't bite through the line.
If I ever see one at a good price and the funds are there, its also on my long list of collectables. A very nice reel!
Quote from: thorhammer on January 26, 2022, 03:13:33 PM
What I've found when I build stuff like that it is I'd cry if I dropped it in the suds. Bought a MIB 6500C3CT for OBX. It's on the shelf and I throw my 525Mag lol
I had friend turn his back on one of his outfits on the beach, when he turned back around, it was gone. I shudder at the thought of losing a nice reel and rod to a big ray, or a big red.
Yep- lent a buddy a 9500SS and he was using a crappy PVC rod holder. Skate. Drag. On my bench for full dissassembly. I had checked out the Rocket stuff a couple months back before I got the CT; had always wanted one but most are ragged out by now. It was in the UK in any case. Still going to build a reel to match the 13' 8nBait I'm building tho. It'll be full electric blue.
thanks for heads up on surfshop web. site ... it's fun to dream ... look at all the penn reels blinged up hear ... like i said before i like your style .. for where i fish in Minnesota casting i like the 5000-5500 size abu. reels . now i am using a 7 foot 1/2 - 1 1/2 oz. fiberglass lamiglas blank built by Larry Evans with a penn fathom star 12 reel ... love that reel .... so long story short i want to bling up an abu. reel also ... my son just called me and the century stealth 10'2" surf rod showed up at his work place , first surf rod ever for me . will see rod in about two weeks .
The thing abou the Torque is it's lever drag. I think star drag reels have an advantage in distance casting.
A sand spike and lawn chair doesn't work for me. Better to stay on the move and keep working the bait over the guts and bars. When you find a particularly promising spot or hook up then stick with it for a while.
Quote from: oc1 on January 26, 2022, 07:50:28 PM
The thing abou the Torque is it's lever drag. I think star drag reels have an advantage in distance casting.
A sand spike and lawn chair doesn't work for me. Better to stay on the move and keep working the bait over the guts and bars. When you find a particularly promising spot or hook up then stick with it for a while.
+1 for both the star drag and hunting down the fishies.
I think the torque 100 is a star drag
I think they quit making Torque star drags, which weren't magged in any case. Next up in an off the shelf model there would be Fathom 15CS I would think. Do they even make a Calcutta 400S anymore? I don't think so, but that's the only other billet non-lw I can think of without getting into Siegler / Saltiga price range. But it gets back to roll-yer-own, I like how that was put.
The Torque 100 is a first generation model and it is a star drag. It is the only first gen Torque that does have a magnetic cast control. And yes, it's discontinued.
(https://alantani.com/gallery/36/2711_26_01_22_9_56_09.jpeg)
Well crappo, Nelzy. I could've done without seeing that $500 unicorn I gotta find now :)
Never saw mag control on one.
Quote from: thorhammer on January 26, 2022, 10:20:59 PMWell crappo, Nelzy. I could've done without seeing that $500 unicorn I gotta find now :)
Never saw mag control on one.
:D :D :D Yeah, it's a sweet reel, one of the few I haven't been dumb enough to sell and regret it yet. ::)
I see they've been selling for around $350 on da bay, in nice condition too.
Nelz, that little gem is worth a bit more than you think. Torque is the original tank. I believe it's the same size wise as my mint black Torque 12. I would sell it but it would have to be a pretty good chunk since I have two extra sets of gears.
As to the OP's quest I'd comment to just get a Penn Mag 525. I'm going to use mine here on the Oregon Coast as soon as I figure out where. Nice reels but not a complete disaster if they get trashed.
Yeah, I love my 525 Mag with a Torque handle but I've never used it on the beach. For the most part a small spinner or conventional is all you need for surf fishing.
Quote from: thorhammer on January 26, 2022, 10:20:59 PM
Well crappo, Nelzy. I could've done without seeing that $500 unicorn I gotta find now :)
Never saw mag control on one.
I agree. That's really nice.
Quote from: Rancanfish on January 27, 2022, 04:44:14 AM
As to the OP's quest I'd comment to just get a Penn Mag 525. I'm going to use mine here on the Oregon Coast as soon as I figure out where. Nice reels but not a complete disaster if they get trashed.
Got one of those, and Squall II 15, plus a Fathom II 15CS. I fish the beach like it was a religion. Aside from a reel falling in the sand or getting dunked from time to time, they don't get too banged up. Do I need one? No. But I don't need 1/2 (or more!)the reels I own. I have a reel problem on my hands. There, I said it.
Quote from: nelz on January 26, 2022, 09:59:09 PM
The Torque 100 is a first generation model and it is a star drag. It is the only first gen Torque that does have a magnetic cast control. And yes, it's discontinued.
(https://alantani.com/gallery/36/2711_26_01_22_9_56_09.jpeg)
Yea. That is one nice reel.
Quote from: Breadfan on January 27, 2022, 05:59:19 AM
Quote from: Rancanfish on January 27, 2022, 04:44:14 AM
As to the OP's quest I'd comment to just get a Penn Mag 525. I'm going to use mine here on the Oregon Coast as soon as I figure out where. Nice reels but not a complete disaster if they get trashed.
Got one of those, and Squall II 15, plus a Fathom II 15CS. I fish the beach like it was a religion. Aside from a reel falling in the sand or getting dunked from time to time, they don't get too banged up. Do I need one? No. But I don't need 1/2 (or more!)the reels I own. I have a reel problem on my hands. There, I said it.
How many reels do you need? One more! Of course a rod to match!
Quote from: MarkT on January 27, 2022, 06:12:24 AM
Quote from: Breadfan on January 27, 2022, 05:59:19 AM
Quote from: Rancanfish on January 27, 2022, 04:44:14 AM
As to the OP's quest I'd comment to just get a Penn Mag 525. I'm going to use mine here on the Oregon Coast as soon as I figure out where. Nice reels but not a complete disaster if they get trashed.
Got one of those, and Squall II 15, plus a Fathom II 15CS. I fish the beach like it was a religion. Aside from a reel falling in the sand or getting dunked from time to time, they don't get too banged up. Do I need one? No. But I don't need 1/2 (or more!)the reels I own. I have a reel problem on my hands. There, I said it.
How many reels do you need? One more! Of course a rod to match!
It never ends...
Nope. I have prolly four dozen surf rods, and a whole lot more reels than that where could be used surf fishing, and I'm building a new one: And I surf fish once a year. To be fair, to be fair, to be faaaiiiiiiiirrrrrr, coda (in case you watch Letterkenney on Hulu, and you should!) I lived at the beach for ten years and was easily distracted by shiny baubles. If they were a deal.
This will sound crazy, but if you are good with the 525, why not the Warfare? Same graphite frame, I know two people who fish them and love how they cast, and the price is hard to beat.
Its not a reel that comes up often on here, but I can't see any surf fishing I've done that I couldn't do with it.
The Man
Quote from: Ron Jones on January 27, 2022, 04:51:17 PM
This will sound crazy, but if you are good with the 525, why not the Warfare? Same graphite frame, I know two people who fish them and love how they cast, and the price is hard to beat.
Its not a reel that comes up often on here, but I can't see any surf fishing I've done that I couldn't do with it.
The Man
I've looked at those and the big thing (to me) is, they are not magged. All the 525's were magged after the first model (I have the 525Mag) I believe, as are the Fathom and Squall surf reels. Not sure if the Warfare could be magged, and even if they can, it would add about 40 bucks to the price to do it right, which bumps up the price to a Squall. I need my mags in some but not all my reels when the wind is blowing from the east! But yes, they do look like a very well priced reel that would work fine for the most part on the beach. I don't have to have mags, I can control the spool with different weight oils if need be, and brake blocks, if they have them. But I do better with mags, at least, I think I do!
So, the reel came in, as did the 6.3:1 gear and pinion. Like I said before, I bought the skeleton kit which consisted of the one piece cage, sideplates, spool and a spindle that is a little thicker and beefier (than the Abu) where it goes into the bushing on flat side. I also added the ceramic bearings to the order. I used my brakeplate from a older Abu 5000 and swapped out the 5.3:1 gear and pinion for the 6.3:1 gear, pinion and new drag washers. No problems (amazingly) there. I'm researching nice handles and another smaller star drag but for the time being, I just threw on the one that came off of my 5000. With no oil in the bearings I was getting around 2:30 seconds of free spool. I then slowed it down a bit with Red Rocket fuel, attached it to my 11ft RodGeeks surf rod I just built and headed to the neighborhood lake to cast a little. I always get weird looks as I am walking down to the lake with my surf rod. I do it often, testing different rods I have built over the last year. The lake goes down quite a bit and I can only let out about 3ft of leader before it touches the bank behind me, so it's not a full cast, just kinda of a 3/4 thump. The sinker was 150 grams. I have marked off yardages (trees) along the lake so I know for sure how far I'm casting. I cast about 15 times and on the last 7 or 8 I was putting it out at 110 yards. I tried and I tried but I could not make this reel backlash. It just sings. I did get it to fluff just a little after I backed of the mag about two turns. One turn off full mag and i could throw as hard as I wanted. I'm sure I will improve on this. To say I was all smiles would be an understatement. I didn't know if I'd take this reel fishing or not, I've never invested this much in one. But after casting it... Coupled with the surfrod, it has to be the lightest, easiest casting outfit i ever held. I could go down to the beach and cast artificials all day with this outfit and never get tired, so that is what i intend to do with it for now. Casting plugs 100+ will be a blast! Here are a few pics. Thanks to all who have helped me along the way and have given their .02c!
https://ibb.co/Rvrk9hR
https://ibb.co/hX7swpy
https://ibb.co/C5ZrFM0
https://ibb.co/mXCyTm4
https://ibb.co/wrHVqVF
https://ibb.co/mBBP6Yc
Very nice work! How do you like the St Croix? I have a 13' Geeker in process, light blue Heaver...thats what I'm looking to build the reel for.
Nothing that improves an already good caster's distance and reliability then adding a well made adjustable mag. I use 3 similar reels, two have braid and fixed mags and one mono and adjustable mag. The two with braid give me a distance of 70 mt and the one with the mono and adjustable mag 110 mt.
I like the term "fluff" which I presume refers to 3 of 4 loose coils of mono on the spool when casting. When you got that you are maximising your cast on a conventional!
Just a question, what is the retrieve rate in inches per handle turn of the 6.3:1 ratio gear?
Personally I would be reluctant to use such a great looking and expensive reel on a actual beach fishing trip. Our reels get very scratched and damaged from the rough terrain we fish in.
Enjoy your reel!!
Quote from: thorhammer on February 10, 2022, 06:53:52 PM
Very nice work! How do you like the St Croix? I have a 13' Geeker in process, light blue Heaver...thats what I'm looking to build the reel for.
Thank you, Thorhammer. I absolutely love the St,Croix/RodGeeks. I bought the SRF110MM2 which is the more moderate action with some S-glass in the tip. It does load easy and I wouldn't call it a distance rod but the fact that it loads so easy makes it a breeze to cast. I've been eyeing that one you are building. St Croix aka RodGeeks make some fine blanks. And the colors. Love the color choices. I'm pushing that 11ft when someone wants an easy casting rod that they can put minimal effort into. When we get old, or we have back problems, these paraboloic-moderate rods are the rod to go to for your everyday, smaller fish out of the surf. Keep us posted on your progress on that rod! I have another 13ft MHX rod I just built that I will try out with the new reel, I will let you know how it goes!
Quote from: Cor on February 10, 2022, 07:13:20 PM
Nothing that improves an already good caster's distance and reliability then adding a well made adjustable mag. I use 3 similar reels, two have braid and fixed mags and one mono and adjustable mag. The two with braid give me a distance of 70 mt and the one with the mono and adjustable mag 110 mt.
I like the term "fluff" which I presume refers to 3 of 4 loose coils of mono on the spool when casting. When you got that you are maximising your cast on a conventional!
Just a question, what is the retrieve rate in inches per handle turn of the 6.3:1 ratio gear?
Personally I would be reluctant to use such a great looking and expensive reel on a actual beach fishing trip. Our reels get very scratched and damaged from the rough terrain we fish in.
Enjoy your reel!!
Yes, the mags really help, and the fluff is where its at!
I will measure the retrieve tonight and get back to you.
As for throwing it in the surf cart and banging it around, I'm with you on that. I think it will be good for trips to the beach when I am just throwing plugs and only taking one rod and not bringing the surf cart, Just a back pack. It's light and it will be the ideal setup to get beyond the 2nd bar.
Quote from: Breadfan on February 10, 2022, 07:29:16 PM
Quote from: thorhammer on February 10, 2022, 06:53:52 PM
Very nice work! How do you like the St Croix? I have a 13' Geeker in process, light blue Heaver...thats what I'm looking to build the reel for.
Thank you, Thorhammer. I absolutely love the St,Croix/RodGeeks. I bought the SRF110MM2 which is the more moderate action with some S-glass in the tip. It does load easy and I wouldn't call it a distance rod but the fact that it loads so easy makes it a breeze to cast. I've been eyeing that one you are building. St Croix aka RodGeeks make some fine blanks. And the colors. Love the color choices. I'm pushing that 11ft when someone wants an easy casting rod that they can put minimal effort into. When we get old, or we have back problems, these paraboloic-moderate rods are the rod to go to for your everyday, smaller fish out of the surf. Keep us posted on your progress on that rod! I have another 13ft MHX rod I just built that I will try out with the new reel, I will let you know how it goes!
I've been eyeing that blank- thats what I was gonna build out an Abu for....I have two rods to complete for a buddy that are overdue, then I'll get back on the Heaver, which will likely fish a 980, although I've something else up my sleeve as well.
Quote from: Cor on February 10, 2022, 07:13:20 PM
Just a question, what is the retrieve rate in inches per handle turn of the 6.3:1 ratio gear?
I measured about 29 inches.
Quote from: Breadfan on February 10, 2022, 10:23:25 PM
Quote from: Cor on February 10, 2022, 07:13:20 PM
Just a question, what is the retrieve rate in inches per handle turn of the 6.3:1 ratio gear?
I measured about 29 inches.
ouch, that very slow in my book and the reason why nobody here uses those Abu's or (clones) down here. I bought one many years ago, did manage to catch a few yellowtail from a boat but now use it for squid only.
40" per handle turn is the minimum I look for.
Quote from: Cor on February 11, 2022, 07:31:55 AM
Quote from: Breadfan on February 10, 2022, 10:23:25 PM
Quote from: Cor on February 10, 2022, 07:13:20 PM
Just a question, what is the retrieve rate in inches per handle turn of the 6.3:1 ratio gear?
I measured about 29 inches.
ouch, that very slow in my book and the reason why nobody here uses those Abu's or (clones) down here. I bought one many years ago, did manage to catch a few yellowtail from a boat but now use it for squid only.
40" per handle turn is the minimum I look for.
I get that. I use this size reel mainly for pompano and whiting which to me is just an oversized panfish, and most are around 2 -3 pounds. I just wanted a little faster retrieve rate than what the 5.3:1 gears were giving me. Fishing 3-4 rods at a time equals a lot of reeling in and a lot of casting.
Update on the reel and the 6.3:1 gears. I've been to the beach with this reel a couple/3 times and so far it has performed flawlessly. A few have said this reel is to expensive to get beat up at the beach but after using this reel, I did have apprehension at first. But this reel was meant to be fished and that's what I am going to do with it! It begs to be fished. Once the first scratch, all newness will subside! I've landed quite a few fish with it and I've had a chance to fight (seriously) a 6 pound Jack Crevalle and 10LB sting ray. I've heard of some stripping gears from the high ratio but I don't pull and reel at the same time, I pull up and reel down. Isn't that the way to do it anyways? I see no problems with gearing if the fish is fought correctly. Anyways, the jack was really fun, taking short runs on my 17LB line. I do leave my drag on the light side, I feel I loose less pompano when they decide to head north or south as I get them to the edge so I am sure that helps. The drag is your friend and a frisky fish is quicker to get off than a tired one. The stingray just pulled, a lot. But no problems. I think I have more of a problem with bigger fish because I use medium power rods so I can't really horse them in as if I was using a MH or heavy action rod. But they are by-catch and I wasn't intending on catching them. I'm very happy so far with this reel. I do have one small problem and I will address that in another thread. All is good over here on the east coast. The pompano fishing is just starting to heat up and its time to fill the freezer. I've never had a smoother casting reel than this one. Everything is just smooth.