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Posts: 74
Location: Wausau, WI | I have a question for anyone that's used an Avet, Okuma or similar non levelwind, lever drag reel for muskies. Did you find it difficult to continually have to move the lever back and forth before and after each cast? I'm thinking of switching to this type of reel but after posting some questions on a surf fishing forum may be second guessing myself. According to most there a lever drag is not what I want. I know there are guys here with experience with this type of reel in a musky application so I'm hoping to get some opinions.
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Posts: 4343
Location: Smith Creek | Kind of a pain, but you get used to it.
I mainly use my Avet on my sucker setup now, the ability to adjust the tension to the size sucker you use is very nice. |
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Posts: 133
| It took me about 15 casts and then it was second nature. I thought it was very easy to transition into on the AVet
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Posts: 74
Location: Wausau, WI | Thanks guys. Rich which model Avet are you using? Also have you had any troubles with the lack of a levelwind? Do you just use the Avet for straight retrieve presentations?
I've looked online quite a bit but can't find many videos showing the entire casting/retrieving process with a lever drag. So after you cast, you then move the lever forward to your preset "strike" position. Is there a stop there or is it more of a educated guess as to where to stop?
Thanks again |
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Location: Canada | On the non-Raptor Avet models (Ive used JC and MC) you have the right idea: after you cast you move the lever forward to the STRIKE position -- there is NOT a stop, but there should be. I installed a crude stop. There's a detent click. But I wanted something more solid because it is a huge mistake to move the lever past "strike" to "full." The reel is not meant to turn/reel when set to "full" -- if you turn the handle while set to "full" it wrecks one of the bearings. Did that a few times. It's not a big deal to replace the bearing, but annoying. For musky casting, the lever should never go past "strike." The raptor versions have a stop. Build up strips of duct tape is enough to act as a simple stop (or more of a "stop reminder"). |
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Posts: 1100
| rich - 3/5/2015 10:09 AM
It took me about 15 casts and then it was second nature. I thought it was very easy to transition into on the AVet
Same here, real easy :D |
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Posts: 74
Location: Wausau, WI | Thanks for the added info! So do any of you guys use these reels for non straight retrieve presentations such as gliders, WTD surface or ripping/twitching cranks or rubber? I'm thinking of trying the SXJ for an all purpose reel. |
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Posts: 1100
| I used it a lot for rubber, a slow retrieve with "pumps", I mainly use my Tranx now,but it did the job nicely, as long as the line don't get to much slag in the pause, when you pick up line. But wouldn't use it for gliders as i like to give them more slag line between the twitches. |
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Posts: 4343
Location: Smith Creek | Twitching rubber is OK, tried twitching Grandmas with it and it was a nightmare. |
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Posts: 74
Location: Wausau, WI | Any other experience out there? Can anyone who's used this type of reel tell me what make and model you used? I'm looking at the Avet SXJ or the Okuma Metaloid.
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Posts: 1023
| I have the Avet SX MC. Use it for double tens only.
Easy to use and blades come in effortlessly.
Guiding the line becomes second nature.
It doesn't cast quite as far as my other reels.
I set my drag so I can move it to full strike and it is not locked down. Regardless of what you do, if your drag is set tight on these reels the bearings will eventually get rough. I just keep extra ones around. They r cheap and I go through one or two a summer.
I like the reel - it is a specialty reel IMO - best for blades but effective for sucker rods and trolling too.
I would buy another one. |
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Posts: 244
Location: Madison | I have an Avet SX 6/4 MC Two speed. I use it for Blades only. I can cast mine a mile. after a couple casts you get used to the lever. Can burn blades or slow roll them with ease depending on which gear you choose. |
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Posts: 1023
| kirkkopplin - 3/7/2015 5:02 PM
I have an Avet SX 6/4 MC Two speed. I use it for Blades only. I can cast mine a mile. after a couple casts you get used to the lever. Can burn blades or slow roll them with ease depending on which gear you choose.
I would. It this one if I were u. Comfortable in the hand. It cost more than mine though so I bought the regular SX MC version. |
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Posts: 1100
| I use the Raptor btw. |
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Avet/Okuma reels