Reel Repair by Alan Tani

Welcome! => Beginner's Board => Topic started by: Vince on February 03, 2016, 11:39:12 PM

Title: Reel Recommendation: $150-250, Live bait/Casting/All Rounder
Post by: Vince on February 03, 2016, 11:39:12 PM
Hi all,

I'm new to the board as a participant (but have been lurking as a guest for about half a year now). I'm a CA bay area angler, and have had the privilege of hanging out in Alan's garage over a beer or two while getting a reel serviced. I've typically fished pretty cheap setups, but was thinking it was time to up my game a bit and get a reel that I can hold on to for more than 2-3 seasons. Like the subject line above states, I'm looking for a recommendation on a reel that's...

1) In the $150-250 budget range (new or used is fine)
2) Small enough to use for throwing live bait/surface jigs/casting (for the occasional SoCal yellowtail trip)
3) Function well as a rock cod/ling cod/salmon reel (which is the majority of the fishing I do in the bay area).
4) Reliable (and maybe something that I could learn to service myself regularly... though I'm not a seasoned reel repairman).

I've looked into a number of reels and tried to get a feel for them based on reviews off this site (penn fathom 1/2 speed, daiwa saltists, accurate's new boss fury single drag, avets of various sizes, etc.). Alan recommended an Okuma Andros... other informed opinions would be greatly appreciated!

If you have a reel that you don't use anymore that you think would be a good fit for the job, I'd be happy to purchase used as well. Thanks!

Vince
Title: Re: Reel Recommendation: $150-250, Live bait/Casting/All Rounder
Post by: Bryan Young on February 04, 2016, 01:28:21 AM
Penn Fathom 25NLD2 or Andros would be my choices.  They are both a little out of your price range, but the Fathom is closer to what you are looking for.

Another option is the that is one step down from the Andros is Okuma's Metaloid.  Great little reels.
Title: Re: Reel Recommendation: $150-250, Live bait/Casting/All Rounder
Post by: MarkT on February 04, 2016, 01:58:31 AM
You can get a Fathom 25nld2 for $220 with free shipping.  I paid the full retail of $279 but I wanted it then and there and didn't want to wait for it to come in the mail.
Title: Re: Reel Recommendation: $150-250, Live bait/Casting/All Rounder
Post by: Bryan Young on February 04, 2016, 01:59:52 AM
You may find a deal at the Fred Hall show
Title: Re: Reel Recommendation: $150-250, Live bait/Casting/All Rounder
Post by: MarkT on February 04, 2016, 02:22:51 AM
Not too many good deals at the FHS anymore. I'll be there on Wednesday anyway.  I've been going every year for over 20 years.
Title: Re: Reel Recommendation: $150-250, Live bait/Casting/All Rounder
Post by: Vince on February 04, 2016, 02:57:54 AM
Thanks for the recommendations- I tried searching for an Andros and they seem to be in the low $300 range on ebay/amazon. I've never been to a Fred Hall show, but it might be a good excuse to get down to LA and do some yellowtail fishing (kind of early in the season though).
Title: Re: Reel Recommendation: $150-250, Live bait/Casting/All Rounder
Post by: sundaytrucka on February 04, 2016, 04:11:05 AM
I would recommend the Metaloid 2-speed or the Fathom 2-speed, both are good reels for most jobs.

Fred Hall show...Mark is right, the deals are not that easy to find, some things do help and that is cash and not being afraid to attempt a haggle. Most of the deals will be a good price with some extras thrown in, mainly braid, but not super deals.

-Scott
Title: Re: Reel Recommendation: $150-250, Live bait/Casting/All Rounder
Post by: SoCalAngler on February 04, 2016, 06:16:20 AM
Vince,

Do you think you will need a 2 speed reel? For me I don't start to look at two speed reels until I hit the 40 lb test range and even in that line class I only use two speed reels for certain applications.

If you don't need a second gear look at the Fathom 25N star drag reel. Spectra back the reel and add a topshot of what ever line you need for the application you will use the reel for. The 25N can fish 40 lb test but with the 6:1 gears may bea little tough at higher drag pressures.

I have one and fish it with 10 lbs of drag and 30 lb test line with no problems.

If you think you will mostly use 40 lb test on that reel a two speed will give you more versatility in applications for the reel. However if you will mostly use 30 lb test and lower I think a single speed will be fine.
Title: Re: Reel Recommendation: $150-250, Live bait/Casting/All Rounder
Post by: day0ne on February 04, 2016, 06:25:21 AM
Remember, Alan C makes 4.8:1 gears for the Fathom 25N star drag. They work great.
Title: Re: Reel Recommendation: $150-250, Live bait/Casting/All Rounder
Post by: SoCalAngler on February 04, 2016, 06:47:27 AM
Quote from: day0ne on February 04, 2016, 06:25:21 AM
Remember, Alan C makes 4.8:1 gears for the Fathom 25N star drag. They work great.

Yes they are very nice gears, I even bought a set. I however went back to the 6:1 for my reel.
Title: Re: Reel Recommendation: $150-250, Live bait/Casting/All Rounder
Post by: Vince on February 04, 2016, 07:38:40 AM
Quote from: SoCalAngler on February 04, 2016, 06:16:20 AM
Do you think you will need a 2 speed reel? For me I don't start to look at two speed reels until I hit the 40 lb test range and even in that line class I only use two speed reels for certain applications.

@SoCalAngler: I was thinking that if I can afford a two speed and "grow into it" then it would be great to get one, but if the quality of a high end one speed reel is much better than a lower quality two speed, then I'd be all for quality and longevity.

I do often fish 40 lb braid with topshot, but more because I like to be able to muscle any snags off the bottom when I'm jigging for ling cod. I've only recently been getting interested in catching bigger game- LA for yellowfin and yellowtail, San Diego, and maybe Mexico may be on the calendar in the next year or two. Depends on if I can get my fishing buddies to free up their schedules.  :D
Title: Re: Reel Recommendation: $150-250, Live bait/Casting/All Rounder
Post by: Bill B on February 04, 2016, 03:51:30 PM
Vince, I used a Tica Caimen 400 this year for salmon jigging and casting on the Sacramento River using 20 lb mono, caught fish from 8-36lbs and that reel never felt out gunned....I recently picked up an Okuma Halogen 400 and the insides look nearly the same as the TICA.....BTW both reels were used and I purchased both for under $50.....I I were to start chasing larger fish I have my Penn 112h or Squidder 140 for that type of work....as a matter of fact I bought all four used for less than $110.....Bill
Title: Re: Reel Recommendation: $150-250, Live bait/Casting/All Rounder
Post by: Keta on February 04, 2016, 04:05:25 PM
Quote from: SoCalAngler on February 04, 2016, 06:47:27 AM
Quote from: day0ne on February 04, 2016, 06:25:21 AM
Remember, Alan C makes 4.8:1 gears for the Fathom 25N star drag. They work great.

Yes they are very nice gears, I even bought a set. I however went back to the 6:1 for my reel.

I keep the BP 4.8:1 gears in my FA25N for bottom fishing in Oregon but they change out easy and I had both gear sets with me on the last LR trip.  Fished mostly with 25# on an Avet MX though.
Title: Re: Reel Recommendation: $150-250, Live bait/Casting/All Rounder
Post by: Vince on February 04, 2016, 04:12:13 PM
Quote from: TARFU on February 04, 2016, 03:51:30 PM
Vince, I used a Tica Caimen 400 this year for salmon jigging and casting on the Sacramento River using 20 lb mono, caught fish from 8-36lbs and that reel never felt out gunned....I recently picked up an Okuma Halogen 400 and the insides look nearly the same as the TICA.....BTW both reels were used and I purchased both for under $50.....I I were to start chasing larger fish I have my Penn 112h or Squidder 140 for that type of work....as a matter of fact I bought all four used for less than $110.....Bill

Nice job! Thanks for the advice. Do you usually buy your used reels on ebay or at garage sales? Feels like finding a diamond in the rough is more likely at a garage sale but a lot more time spent looking and not necessarily finding. I haven't fished the Sac yet, I'll have to come up sometime this next season. 
Title: Re: Reel Recommendation: $150-250, Live bait/Casting/All Rounder
Post by: Bryan Young on February 04, 2016, 05:28:09 PM
Quote from: Vince on February 04, 2016, 02:57:54 AM
Thanks for the recommendations- I tried searching for an Andros and they seem to be in the low $300 range on ebay/amazon. I've never been to a Fred Hall show, but it might be a good excuse to get down to LA and do some yellowtail fishing (kind of early in the season though).

Vince, just bring Alan a nice bottle of Scotch and borrow an Andros and his Torq 25NLD2 (similar to the Fathom 25NLD2).  Try before you buy. They are both excellent reels to fish with, and you can't go wrong if you are planning to do SoCal trips.  Sometimes railing the rod and shifting in low gear and winching the fish in is the way to go...especially fishing with a hangover...so I have been told.
Title: Re: Reel Recommendation: $150-250, Live bait/Casting/All Rounder
Post by: conchydong on February 04, 2016, 05:33:52 PM
How about a Baja Special or whatever the new name is for it. You can use it for surface iron, yoyo, flyline fishing and even light trolling. It might be a little heavy for what you do locally but will shine when you go down below the border.
Title: Re: Reel Recommendation: $150-250, Live bait/Casting/All Rounder
Post by: Keta on February 04, 2016, 05:47:43 PM
The Baja Special is a bit too big for this.
Title: Re: Reel Recommendation: $150-250, Live bait/Casting/All Rounder
Post by: Bill B on February 04, 2016, 06:22:47 PM
Vince, I dont want to give out my secrets  ;D, but a pm will be sent .......Bill
Title: Re: Reel Recommendation: $150-250, Live bait/Casting/All Rounder
Post by: Vince on February 04, 2016, 06:57:15 PM
Quote from: Bryan Young on February 04, 2016, 05:28:09 PM
Vince, just bring Alan a nice bottle of Scotch and borrow an Andros and his Torq 25NLD2 (similar to the Fathom 25NLD2).  Try before you buy. They are both excellent reels to fish with, and you can't go wrong if you are planning to do SoCal trips.  Sometimes railing the rod and shifting in low gear and winching the fish in is the way to go...especially fishing with a hangover...so I have been told.

Ha! I already promised him some 12 Year Lagavulin. I like the smoky stuff ;D. Swing by if you're in the area (not sure where you fish out of). This all might have to wait till the season opens up again anyways, but it's nice to have some time to keep an eye out for any deals.
Title: Re: Reel Recommendation: $150-250, Live bait/Casting/All Rounder
Post by: Keta on February 04, 2016, 07:03:01 PM
Quote from: Vince on February 04, 2016, 06:57:15 PM


Ha! I already promised him some 12 Year Lagavulin. I like the smoky stuff ;D. Swing by if you're in the area (not sure where you fish out of). This all might have to wait till the season opens up again anyways, but it's nice to have some time to keep an eye out for any deals.

Don't give it to Alan until I am almost there, he needs help forgetting 1/2 his gear again this year.
Title: Re: Reel Recommendation: $150-250, Live bait/Casting/All Rounder
Post by: SoCalAngler on February 04, 2016, 09:34:45 PM
Well Vince then a smaller two speed just may be the reel for you. A Fathom LD 25N II would be nice, also see if you can find a Avet JX II when looking for used gear. For a small two speed and 40 lb test the Avet JX II is my main go to reel.

I'm sure you know one reel will not cover all the different types and applications your looking to do the best but you got to start somewhere.
Title: Re: Reel Recommendation: $150-250, Live bait/Casting/All Rounder
Post by: Vince on February 04, 2016, 09:55:44 PM
Quote from: SoCalAngler on February 04, 2016, 09:34:45 PM
Well Vince then a smaller two speed just may be the reel for you. A Fathom LD 25N II would be nice, also see if you can find a Avet JX II when looking for used gear. For a small two speed and 40 lb test the Avet JX II is my main go to reel.

I'm sure you know one reel will not cover all the different types and applications your looking to do the best but you got to start somewhere.

Thanks for the tip on the Avet! Yep, I figure I can't do everything with one reel, but it's nice to start covering a few of the bases!
Title: Re: Reel Recommendation: $150-250, Live bait/Casting/All Rounder
Post by: Reel 224 on February 05, 2016, 12:30:44 AM
Avet is a good bait casting reel  ??? ???

Joe
Title: Re: Reel Recommendation: $150-250, Live bait/Casting/All Rounder
Post by: conchydong on February 05, 2016, 02:07:05 AM
Quote from: Keta on February 04, 2016, 05:47:43 PM
The Baja Special is a bit too big for this.

I thought that it may be the case but I threw it out there anyway. I am old school and do not feel the need for a 2 speed reel fishing under 40lb test. Even at 40, most of the time I prefer a single speed unless Tuna over 60 lbs. enter the equation.
Title: Re: Reel Recommendation: $150-250, Live bait/Casting/All Rounder
Post by: SoCalAngler on February 05, 2016, 03:31:22 AM
Quote from: Reel 224 on February 05, 2016, 12:30:44 AM
Avet is a good bait casting reel  ??? ???

Joe

Joe,

I don't think Vince was looking for a bait caster. Maybe I'm wrong but there is not much need for one for the type of fishing he is looking to do other than stuff on a river.

As far as casting bait with a Avet I cast mid to larger sized deans and mack's fine with my JX. For chovies or small deans I use a SX for 20 lb or a Newell 220 or a Monofil 25 for 15 lb test for bait with two eyes and a wiggle (meaning small/micro bait).

Title: Re: Reel Recommendation: $150-250, Live bait/Casting/All Rounder
Post by: Vince on February 05, 2016, 06:13:43 AM
Quote from: SoCalAngler on February 05, 2016, 03:31:22 AM
Quote from: Reel 224 on February 05, 2016, 12:30:44 AM
Avet is a good bait casting reel  ??? ???

Joe

Joe,

I don't think Vince was looking for a bait caster. Maybe I'm wrong but there is not much need for one for the type of fishing he is looking to do other than stuff on a river.


Yep, SoCalAngler has me pegged- I had thought about a baitcaster a while back until I saw a buddy dripping sweat as he tried to reel a ling cod up with his tiny baitcaster out at the Farallon islands. Granted he didn't have a power handle on his baitcaster, but it looked pretty rough. I figured something with a bit more muscle would likely be ideal for me.
Title: Re: Reel Recommendation: $150-250, Live bait/Casting/All Rounder
Post by: Reel 224 on February 05, 2016, 08:20:41 AM
I'm sorry I have not been following this Thread that closely, I thought you were looking for a bate caster. I use an open reel just about for every type of fishing...like the Surfmaster 200 and the Jigmaster 500 and a Diawa Fire Fox. That's is what I thought you were meaning by all rounder. But I live on the east coast.

Joe     
Title: Re: Reel Recommendation: $150-250, Live bait/Casting/All Rounder
Post by: Vince on February 05, 2016, 06:21:12 PM
Quote from: Reel 224 on February 05, 2016, 08:20:41 AM
I'm sorry I have not been following this Thread that closely, I thought you were looking for a bate caster. I use an open reel just about for every type of fishing...like the Surfmaster 200 and the Jigmaster 500 and a Diawa Fire Fox. That's is what I thought you were meaning by all rounder. But I live on the east coast.

Joe     

No worries Joe, thanks for the input anyways! Appreciate it.
Title: Re: Reel Recommendation: $150-250, Live bait/Casting/All Rounder
Post by: Big Tim on February 10, 2016, 03:34:14 AM
Vince, I to am a fan of the Fathom 25NLDII and these guys can fit your budget.

BT


http://www.srmo.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Store_Code=srmo&Screen=PROD&Category_Code=Penn-conv-Reels&Product_Code=P009107
Title: Re: Reel Recommendation: $150-250, Live bait/Casting/All Rounder
Post by: Vince on February 11, 2016, 08:36:41 PM
Quote from: Big Tim on February 10, 2016, 03:34:14 AM
Vince, I to am a fan of the Fathom 25NLDII and these guys can fit your budget.


Thanks BT,

The Fathom's on my short list of reels- I'll be keeping my eye out on prices as we roll into the opening of the new season in April (in this area), and I'll keep adding nickles and dimes to the piggy bank till then. :)
Title: Re: Reel Recommendation: $150-250, Live bait/Casting/All Rounder
Post by: David Hall on February 11, 2016, 11:28:35 PM
There's nothing in th Monterey bay that you can catch that is not easily handled on an Avet sx or MX.
That's where I fish regularly and I use the avers and a whole slew of modified old Penns. Small accurate and Small shimano.
Unless your shark fishing!
Title: Re: Reel Recommendation: $150-250, Live bait/Casting/All Rounder
Post by: 2na on February 12, 2016, 12:06:11 AM
Shimano Torium 20
Title: Re: Reel Recommendation: $150-250, Live bait/Casting/All Rounder
Post by: johndtuttle on February 12, 2016, 01:36:40 AM
I would most definitely recommend a Star Drag reel as the superior all around reel for west coast fishing.

1. Easier by far to cast a live bait and the bait swims easier.

2. Easier by far to cast Iron.

3. Not overkill for 20-30# leader.

4. Less expensive, and easier to maintain.

5. Still a great reel for deep jigging or general bottom use.

6. Salmon, Lings, Rockfish etc.

A Classic 3/0 sized reel like Penn Fathom 25N would be my first choice as the all around reel. A 25NLD2 is going to be a poor second choice on a jig stick, casting a live bait and letting it swim. I will always reach for a star drag as my one all-around. A LD2 speed is great choice for one 40# reel which is a much smaller percentage of west coast fishing.

Honestly, when you get to know a reel like this and what it can do it will be your go to.

Title: Re: Reel Recommendation: $150-250, Live bait/Casting/All Rounder
Post by: mackereljoe on February 12, 2016, 03:30:51 AM
If I only have 1 rig, it will be a star drag such as the new pro gear v40.  Will be backed by #50 spectra with about 100 yards of mono.  It will do surface iron to fly line live bait and during winter rock cod, strip the mono and loop to loop #65 spectra.  Or if seals are too much, loop to loop #80 spectra and 60-80 pound leader for surface iron and yoyo iron.  Of course the next rig would be PG cs500 for 20-25 set up.  The pro gear will be on the upper part of the price range but gets plenty of respect on the sportsboat. v40 or penn 25n on an 8' jigstick maybe 800m and the smaller pro gear CS500 or the new v20 on a 8' 800L/270h. 
Title: Re: Reel Recommendation: $150-250, Live bait/Casting/All Rounder
Post by: DaBigOno on February 12, 2016, 03:47:40 AM
What's up Vince!


Looking forward to some pics of your decision and how you came to it.


With all the help here, I'm sure you'll find something that fits your bill.
Title: Re: Reel Recommendation: $150-250, Live bait/Casting/All Rounder
Post by: Vince on February 12, 2016, 09:55:08 AM
Quote from: johndtuttle on February 12, 2016, 01:36:40 AM
I would most definitely recommend a Star Drag reel as the superior all around reel for west coast fishing.

Hey John and MackerelJoe, it looks like you prefer the star drags to the lever drags due to some mechanical advantages- in particular, you mentioned that live lining and casting are easier. Is it due to a lighter spool/less mechanical moving parts that interfere with freespooling? I can definitely understand that simpler mechanisms are easier to maintain of course, but the casting part is an interesting aspect that I hadn't known about. Any insights would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.
Title: Re: Reel Recommendation: $150-250, Live bait/Casting/All Rounder
Post by: MarkT on February 12, 2016, 02:46:41 PM
Yes, star drags cast better than lever drags.  The lighter the spool the easier it is to start spinning.  The spools on lever drags are heavier since the drags are on the spool and will often spin longer but don't cast as well.
Title: Re: Reel Recommendation: $150-250, Live bait/Casting/All Rounder
Post by: johndtuttle on February 12, 2016, 04:50:39 PM
Lighter spool, easier to cast very light baits and easier for that frisky Sardine to pull line off of the spool. This is partly why "free spool" can be misleading. A heavy spool might actually spin longer, but is very hard to cast as well or let the bait swim as a very light spool. Really, when we lube our spool bearings we are trying to make it as easy as possible to start the spool swimming to cast light baits and to let the bait pull line on its own.

In addition, a reel like a Fathom 25N has casting brakes that you can alternatively click on use to slow the reel down when you want to use it for casting iron to make it easier to control.

Lever Drag reels have the drag mechanism mounted on the spool which create a lot of inertia. They can be decent casters, but nowhere near as good as Star Drags for light weights (which is why there is no such thing as a LD reel for bass fishing in freshwater :) ).

A single speed lever drag reel is just kinda of for "show". It doesn't really have any advantage over a star drag reel of the same size. They start to shine when you need 2 speeds, really for fishing 40# leader and above, but that is a smaller percentage of fishing on the West Coast.

The Classic 3/0 star drag for fishing 30# line/leader handles 95% of west coast fishing until you get well south of San Diego and does it all better than anything else. Troll for Salmon or mooch....Lings/Rockfish or Albacore....White Sea Bass, Hali, or schoolie Tuna and Yellowtail off San Diego. Don't leave home without it.  ;)
Title: Re: Reel Recommendation: $150-250, Live bait/Casting/All Rounder
Post by: SoCalAngler on February 12, 2016, 07:25:40 PM
Quote from: johndtuttle on February 12, 2016, 04:50:39 PM
A single speed lever drag reel is just kinda of for "show". It doesn't really have any advantage over a star drag reel of the same size. They start to shine when you need 2 speeds, really for fishing 40# leader and above, but that is a smaller percentage of fishing on the West Coast.


A single speed LD reel shines if your looking to troll with the reel. Like slow trolling live bait from a private boat or kayak. But even if I was going to do this a two speed LD reels offers you more options and worth the extra bucks IMO.
Title: Re: Reel Recommendation: $150-250, Live bait/Casting/All Rounder
Post by: SoCalAngler on February 12, 2016, 07:37:57 PM
I know where will be some loss in casting distance from lets say a Fathom 25N star drag v their lever drag two speed but does anybody know how much it will be? I sure don't and I'm wondering if we are talking feet, a yard or two or more? Maybe if someone has both reels or if I can get my hands on a Fathom25NLD we should measure the loss in distance?
Title: Re: Reel Recommendation: $150-250, Live bait/Casting/All Rounder
Post by: Big Tim on February 13, 2016, 03:31:09 AM
I'm a nube when it comes to tossing live bait. I struggled mightily on my SOA trip, but I can cast a jig & with my Avet JX 6.0 I had no problem reaching the fish with a 3 oz. Lazer Minnow. That reel was on a Seeker Black Steel 7' 20-40 rod. Everything else was  on the YoYo and I did well. I plan on getting better on tossin' live bait but I fish the Central coast of California nearly year round and have for 40 years. I did go to High School in San Diego and fished live bait and jigs for anything Grandpa could find from Mission Bay to La Jolla and ??? But that was 100 pounds ago. Recently I took 5 reels to the park with a sandwich and a few brews, my new Phenix Abyss 8' 20-50 rod and a few small weights to try my casting out  :o:

The reels:
(http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx76/fresnotim/100_3647_zps1mlmmqqz.jpg) (http://s743.photobucket.com/user/fresnotim/media/100_3647_zps1mlmmqqz.jpg.html)
(http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx76/fresnotim/100_3648_zps9bl44v9o.jpg) (http://s743.photobucket.com/user/fresnotim/media/100_3648_zps9bl44v9o.jpg.html)
(http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx76/fresnotim/100_3649_zpsl39ggocc.jpg) (http://s743.photobucket.com/user/fresnotim/media/100_3649_zpsl39ggocc.jpg.html)

3 casts with the jigmaster and a 3 oz. weight...3 massive backlashes...She gets the vintage Seeker honey glass 15-40 rod for bottom fishing.

next up was the Avet MXJ loaded with #50 Power Pro and a #30 top shot...Same 3 oz. weight and after a couple of casts I was coming close to the fence. I didn't measure but it looked like it was way the hell out there  ;D NICE.

then we moved to the Fathom 25NLDII..It took about 5 casts an 1 backlash to reach the MXJ and I was satisfied that this reel could could hit the fence and have the power,speed and drag to handle a lot of different fish.

Lastly was the Fathom 15 star drag, spool control and centrifugal weights engaged ...same #50 braid and #30 top shot...2nd cast over the freakin 'fence by a 100 miles  ;D ;D ;D and it has the drag to handle some nice size fish.


Then this guy...Penn Conflict 6000 loaded with #50 power Pro and a 2 oz. sinker on a Tsunami Braid Elite 7' 20-40 rod....1 cast and it went farthest by another mile  ;D I knew this would happen because when I got the set up I decided to cast in my front yard and was was praying for the 2 oz. weight to stop before slamming into my neighbors back window of his new Chevy about 200 feet away

(http://i743.photobucket.com/albums/xx76/fresnotim/100_3650_zpsa9ff3k8f.jpg) (http://s743.photobucket.com/user/fresnotim/media/100_3650_zpsa9ff3k8f.jpg.html)

Summary...I don't know CRAP about casting or reels..I know what I like. I know that I like to purchase a rod n reel set up that will do multiple tasks for ME. I can tell you that each reel I've shown is reasonably priced for many budgets and will catch many sizes and different species of fish. What you need to do is find something you like and don't settle. Practice with it and move to the next one... God Bless.

BT out
Title: Re: Reel Recommendation: $150-250, Live bait/Casting/All Rounder
Post by: johndtuttle on February 13, 2016, 04:02:17 AM
Thanks for that Big Tim!  ;)

Yea, I think that distance is not necessarily the be all and end all but the deal maker when making a rec for someone just starting out is ease of use. That will boat more fish and give the positive vibes flowing more than anything. :).

LD2 reels do fine (more than enough to catch a fish) with very heavy and dense stuff, and especially star drags excel at lighter stuff (like a live bait) but then spinning dominates any casting with extremely light stuff (easily 2x as far to scary far when casting braid and dense stuff.

Nothing is set in stone though, just food for thought for the OP.


Title: Re: Reel Recommendation: $150-250, Live bait/Casting/All Rounder
Post by: Big Tim on February 13, 2016, 04:23:07 AM
Thank you John
BT
Title: Re: Reel Recommendation: $150-250, Live bait/Casting/All Rounder
Post by: MarkT on February 13, 2016, 04:54:59 AM
If I'm throwing bait with a 2 oz sinker, distance isn't too important. An underhand toss with whatever is good enough. Tossing a fly lined 'chovie is another matter and my 525 mag (or Fathom 12) on an 8'6' rod with a light tip will do as well, or better, than a spinner. Been there done both.
Title: Re: Reel Recommendation: $150-250, Live bait/Casting/All Rounder
Post by: SoCalAngler on February 13, 2016, 05:13:23 AM
Quote from: MarkT on February 13, 2016, 04:54:59 AM
If I'm throwing bait with a 2 oz sinker, distance isn't too important. An underhand toss with whatever is good enough. Tossing a fly lined 'chovie is another matter and my 525 mag (or Fathom 12) on an 8'6' rod with a light tip will do as well, or better, than a spinner. Been there done both.

Yes I agree 100%. That is why I use a Newell 220 for light baits.

Some here are trying to look like the be all and end all then it comes to fishing, and I'm sure not but if someone talks about something they should back it up.

Heck, maybe I should bring my fly fishing gear on a sport boat. Then we can really talk about casting light stuff'
Title: Re: Reel Recommendation: $150-250, Live bait/Casting/All Rounder
Post by: Ron Jones on February 14, 2016, 01:34:02 AM
I have got my wife casting an Albaore Special on a 7ft hollow fiberglass boat blank 25-35 yards with a 2oz sinker. That is all you need to fish of a party boat and be further out than 50% of the others fishing, especially when the boat is full.

Still, for a live bait reel, I can't see using anything but a star drag or spinner, especially if all you have is pin head chovies. If you want to be able to buy it from a tackle shop, the Fathom is as good as any. I'm thinking that Pro Challenger will have the 113HNN (my name) ready to go in a few months, and it will be hard to beat.

Ron