I will soon have the opportunity because of my work to fish some places people dream about.
I am allowing my self 2 reels because of lack of space & the the need to pack or carry.
I am wanting one reel that I will use 90% of the time. I have an Andros but I'm beginning to have my doubts about this reel because of some very annoying habits. The biggest of which is it is not consistent.
I am looking for suggestions. I need a reel that can produce 20-25 lbs. of drag, lightweight & cast 1/4 -1/2 oz. bait well when needed. I will not need this much drag all the time. But want to have it available when a bigger fish is hooked.
My Andros is going back to Okuma for inspection. This will probably be the reel if it can start acting appropriately.
I there a reel I'm missing that competes with the Andros. Ive seen none that produce its level of drag & cast as well.
hi riverrat
would you let us know what okuma does and says
they are such good reels you must have just got a lemon
is it the original one or something newer
good luck with it
cheers
You need a spin reel.
A penn torque 7 or 9 would work just fine.
My Andros is not the newer A series. I have used 2 other pre A series Andros reels that had the same issue as mine. Neither individual seemed bothered by it. The issue, when retrieving the resistance in the handle is not consistent through out the day. This is with the drag below 15 lbs. at strike. Set at 12 - 13 going to 15 on my scales only when pulled HARD.
I do not care for the cast control on the Andros at all. But hey, there is no perfect reel. Ive yet to own a reel where I used it much at all. If the issue can be resolved it would be my favorite. I've had the reel apart I can see nothing that stands out that would cause the issue.
Okuma is known to have outstanding customer service. That shouldn't be an issue. For curiosities sake it would be nice to know what the issue is. I will post when I hear back from Okuma.
A SPINNING REEL? You cant be serious?
I am kidding. The torque spinner is one I've been slobbering over for some time. But what knocks it out of running now is it's weight & space it takes up. I've also spent a butt load on 2 packable take down casting rods.
Having such high drag and casting such light lures is a hard combo. If your are looking conventional then I would go for a Penn Fathom. If spinning I would go to maybe a penn Battle. And if baitcaster a Lexa 400. Hope this helps
are you casting live baits? If so have you thought about using a casting bubble to enhance the total casting weight?
In some cases adding weight isn't going to be an issue. I can cast 1/2 oz. with my Andros as far as needed, accurately no problem. When doing this I'm not needing to make an extremely long cast. The problem as stated is the slight but noticeable resistance in the handle during retrieve that comes & goes.
maxpower, when you say "casting bubble" are speaking of the see through balls you fill with water? Or a regular float or bobber? I make use of these. Its just some times its best just to live line.
I am able to cast this Andros as far as needed. The issue I've stated is why I'm wondering about another reel.
Fishsticks, you are thinking what Ive been. I'm thinking a little 15 Fathom will do it wth out the issues that come with a lever drag. I've yet to have one in hand so I dont know exactly how much smaller they are compared to my 25n's
I think you are asking too much of the original Andros which is what the Metaloid is now. Both of them really have their upper limit at strike t 15 lbs and 24 lbs full using the stock configuration. In your previous post you stated that you fished it about 12-15 lbs of drag at strike which is pretty much the upper limit for the Andros. If you have the new Andros then it would be a different story. The reason I asked if you have use the cast a bubble because now you can go to a more robust reel that may not cast the lighter weights well. With the added mass of the cast a bubble you should be able to cast your bait with the more robust reel. You should still be able to live line since the cast a bubble can continue to slide up your line as the bait is swimming around.
I should also add here this is my first lever drag. I have wondered if being close to max is what is causing the issue I describe. It is not constant like using it with drag set obviously high. But never the less its some thing I wont tolerate fishing all day.
Check out the Penn Torque LD reels. The 25N is larger than the Andros but will offer what your looking for. Maybe a 15 would work? It's closer in size to the Andros, still bigger though, but this reel maxes out at 20 lbs of drag. To get to the 20-25lb drag range a bigger reel offering more drag surface is what your going to need IMO.
SoCalAngler, the more I look at the situation & the criteria I'm putting forth....the truth of the matter which you state, becomes apparent. My original hopes were to use an Andros 5 as my primary reel when the small boat is available. Then a hopped up Senator from the bank of the river.
But the feedback on the Andros during retrieve is unacceptable to me. The torque & also the fathom lever drags are an option. The torque 30 while wider, is not that much heavier than the 25n. I have also been told this reel cast well enough to work with in the spectrum I want. I could use the Torque LD 30 pitching or flipping the lighter baits while also filling any role I would use a Senator for.
Aggreed Rivverrat but I assumed you were using a two speed Andros, so I mentioned a two speed reel as well. The Torque 25N will have a more narrow spool, but taller than the 30 making casting the lighter stuff easier/better.
For less cost the Fathom star drags (of course not a two speed) max out at around 25lbs of drag in all their sizes, 12 through 40. I thought you were looking for a lever drag and in the upper drag range you stated a Fathom 25N LD either single or two speed should hit around 23 lbs at strike and more going to full. Set the drags at say 20 lbs at strike and I'm sure your going to get close if not over the 25 lbs at full while staying with in the reels design.
SoCal, you are correct I am wanting a lever drag. Thanks for reminding me about the benefit of the taller narrower spool on the 25n. I have 3 Fathom star star drag 25n's. But the lever drag would be a pretty good option to have in S. America for my purpose. A reel thats built to fish 20 lbs. of drag will work. Especially from the little boat where the fish can wear himself down pulling it around. I dont have to have a 2 speed but it would make some of the fishing more productive.
Also regrading my Andros, I spoke with Okuma today they want me to send my reel in. I did ask about upgrading my reel to the A Series. The person in customer service spoke with a reel tech the reel tech said the older & newer Andros where the same internally, just different cosmetically. I informed him that this was not the case at all. That I based this on the A series reels I've had in hand, also on a tear down & reports from this sight & what John B. Okuma's Product Manager had said at ICAST about the A Series.
After a pause he said they did not have many A series come through there. Which is probable since they could go directly to the retail shops or they may never unbox them when they come through the California warehouse I don't know. In short order some one else came to the phone I wish I'd got their name, he knew exactly what I was talking about regarding the upgraded drag but was not certain if the upgrade could be done to an older Andros & I was asked to fill out the proper info ON Okumas sight then send it in & they would have a look & see what could be done....I will keep those interested up to date....Jeff
Well for those interested here's an update.
I shipped my Andros 5N to Okuma on 1/22. Reel tech Ronald Almanzo received my reel on the 26th. I spoke with Mike today I was told they basically rebuilt this reel. New spindle, pinion gear & more.
I was dropped off last year on a 12 day remote trip when the e clip that holds the belleville washers in place broke. Being the smallest on hand & my go to reel on this trip I was very upset. There was an old generator there that I began looking at & ended up liberating an e clip from the throttle linkage that fit the spindle of my Andros. But this e clip would not clear the clicker gear that goes on top of it. Taking my knife I removed enough material from the clicker gear so the e clip would clear....HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY!!
Any way my fix caused to much end shake or side to side play in free spool. The short of it is, even though I told them what I had done they replaced the $40 clicker gear, spindle & other parts at NO CHARGE!
I was also told by Mike that the early model Andros cannot be converted to the A-Series. He said the spool is different along with the frame I think.
We'll wait & see if the resistance issue has been resolved. When I get the reel I will report back on this & every thing that was done....Jeff
That sounds like good service! Hope everything is tight and right when you get it back.
- Tristan
Received my Andros back yesterday the 3rd. Very quick turn around. The reel is noticeably tighter with less play in the spool when in free spool. I have not had it apart since getting it back. Iwas told they replaced the pinion, spindle, & some other various parts. There was no paper work stating exactly what was done.
The issue of resistance in the handle while still there is not at the level it was prior & it stays at the same level with no variance. Very unlike it did before. OH! Almost forgot the free spool is noticeably better.
I am still unable to fish it at the claimed 15 lbs. with out a slight increase of resistance in the handle. Pretty much what every one else speaks of who has these reels.
My take on the Andros, original series is this, for a reel this size they inspire confidence in how solid they are built & feel in the hand when cranking hard. I have decided to fish mine with loop to loop connections. Allowing me to fish 30 - 60 lb. test & easily change it out as needed. I will fish this reel with 12 - 13 lbs. of drag at strike & when a fish calls for it just bump it up.
Has any one had any luck bumping the the at strike level up on the original Andros? Being able to make 15 lbs. at strike or a lb. or two above this would be fantastic..... Jeff
My very limited experiences with the customer service people at Okuma has always been great or better.
Quote from: Rivverrat on February 04, 2015, 11:08:22 PM
Has any one had any luck bumping the the at strike level up on the original Andros? Being able to make 15 lbs. at strike or a lb. or two above this would be fantastic..... Jeff
Jeff I have not played around with the Andros 5's but I know people that have and what your seeing in drag pressure is pretty much all their able to squeeze out of them.
Many people bought them here in So Cal wanting to fish 40 lb test, and you can and few still do, but most now use them as 30 lb test reels and look at other models to fish 40 lb on.
Is the A series Andros any more capable of bumping up to 50 lb. test ?
From what I understand, again I don't own any or have fished them, the 5 A's get right around the same drag pressure and as I have stated in other threads stopping power is only half the battle. I hate to say this but I think your asking too much out of one reel to cover the range of the fishing your looking to do with it. Like 20 lbs of drag but able to cast light baits and still have the power to move very large fish to the boat (a fish big enough to tow a small boat), thats asking alot....a whole lot. A more suitable reel in the Okuma Andros lineup for 50 lb would be a 12II or even maybe better a Andros 16II. At that drag pressure you may even want to start to look at the Makaira line of reels.
SoCal, thanks for the reply. I'm off my original topic now regarding the Andros. My Andros will be doing light duty. I do not have any plans to fish this reel above 12-13 lbs. of drag all the time. I'm now looking at using my Andros 5n in place of my 6500 Ambassedeur. I was just wondering if any one had any luck improving it slightly.
I'm also starting to wonder if I might not have been happier purchasing a Torque 15 lever drag? Slightly bigger reel but the drag is more capable. Im going to see if I cant come up with one to use before I decide. I'm not giving up on the lever drags yet.
Quote from: Rivverrat on February 05, 2015, 06:31:19 AM
SoCal, thanks for the reply. I'm off my original topic now regarding the Andros. My Andros will be doing light duty. I do not have any plans to fish this reel above 12-13 lbs. of drag all the time. I'm now looking at using my Andros 5n in place of my 6500 Ambassedeur. I was just wondering if any one had any luck improving it slightly.
I'm also starting to wonder if I might not have been happier purchasing a Torque 15 lever drag? Slightly bigger reel but the drag is more capable. Im going to see if I cant come up with one to use before I decide. I'm not giving up on the lever drags yet.
For the light casting and drag requirements you are talking about the Fathom 15 LD2 may be your best alternative. I will state unequivocally that your drag requirements and lack of handle binding will be met.
There is not a smaller more powerful reel made and the only others in it's class would be an Avet Raptor SX or an Accurate Dauntless 400n.
However, for your fishing I am quite tempted to believe you have gone off the deep end as you are trying to fit reels to your style that are not required or necessary or remotely ideal. I for one would not be taking an LD reel into the Amazon, and expect the casting and drag performance you are expecting, for any species.
A Penn Torque 5 is not "too heavy or bulky" unless you are a secret agent smuggling it in the false bottom of your suitcase. It will cast far easier, make far more drag, fish heavier braid and be more reliable. I have back pack traveled throughout the back country of Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica with nothing more than a large day pack for 10 months for my entire kit. Any notion you have about the draw backs of it being larger than an Andros 5 will be made up for by it's performance.
You are missing the boat my friend and overlooking the perfect tool. A small, top end spinning reel is perfect for what you need. Nothing better is made for casting light weights and making big drag. My impression is that you are letting pre-conceived bias rule your decision making.
regards
johndtuttle, To start I readily admit a bias for conventional over spinning. Agree with your points made about spinners. Staying strictly to the topic of my post your reasoning is even more valid.
But keep in mind while this post isn't so much about what I want, as it is seeking & attempting to find out whether or not there is something out there that will fit & work well doing it. The answer back is, it's not really possible. I will say you have caused me to look again harder at the Torque Spinner for going after catfish.
Our load out, individual pack weight is approaching 100 lbs. 75% of that weight is made up of stuff that is used daily or through out the week. The other 25% is dogmatic. It cannot change in any way for the better. Space is limited in the extreme.
I have to have strong justifiable reason for taking any reel & fishing isn't one, by itself that justifies it. The spinners do not fit the other reasons that have justified my bringing a reel.
Thanks for your reply, Jeff
Another update on my Andros. I've put a few hours on this reel using it at a power plants
hot water outlet & also throwing it in the yard for practice to get familiar with a new St. Croix rod I put the Andros on.
The first thing I noticed upon getting this reel back from Okuma was that it was noticeably over all much tighter than before. As I continued using it since getting it back I noticed it was casting much better. It was not bad prior. Also the resistance in the handle has diminished to a level to where it is a complete non issue with drag at 14 lbs.
I mentioned the casting performance improving, I hardly ever make use of any cast control system on any reel. I never have on my Andros. But the spool on my Andros was starting to get away from me a bit when throwing light jigs rigged with shad strips.
I don't know if this was because of grease in the bearings being thinned out with use or just what has caused this. Not complaining it's a good thing. But I did for the first time make use of the cast control.
I'm kind of anxious to take a look inside to see what they did. I wish I had done this when I received it back before using it. I have become very fond of this reel & rod combo.....Jeff
Another report on my Andros......Been fishing & casting this reel since getting it back from Okuma. The function of this reel is nothing like it was when new it has increasingly got better with use. Surprising since Ive not had it back long.
This reel will now go over 15 lbs. of drag with very little resistance felt in the handle. I have checked my drag numerous times, I even checked my scales with weights.....I thought something was wrong.
When I sent it back I stated I purchased it based on their claims of it being 50 lb. class reel. I dont know what they did but I couldnt be happier with its performance casting & the drag capability.
I took a quick look inside nothing stood out I did not remove the spindle. I do agree with SoCal & some others that this is at best a 40 lb. class reel & a good one at that.
Are the spool bearings on the Andros open or shielded?
Just checked Alan's tutorial. One side is open.
Is there a better 40 lb. class reel? Im not looking . Just wondering out loud. Very pleased with My Andros.