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Posts: 4
| I have a 14 year old muskie head and his little brother 11 also is getting the bug. The 14 year old is currently using a 6'6" MH St Croix Premier with an older Abu Ambassador that wore out over the weekend. My 11 yr old is currently using a bass set up. Being they both love fishing for northerns and muskies and I have little experience - I would greatly appreciate some input.
I have a 7' MH Premier and a 6'6" Premier. My plan is to have my 11 yr old start using the 6'6" Premier and my 14 yr old to start using the 7' Premier. My 11 yr old casted the 6'6" very well this weekend (and caught a northern on his first cast with it).
I'll need to get them reels - both want low profile. We throw a variety of lures, from bucktails to spinner baits to top water, to cranks. My 14 yr old is convinced he wants a single handle reel - but has yet to try one. I was looking online at the Abu Toros (and the 50 different versions), Diawa Lexas/Lexa HD's and the Curado 300 E's. I'm not sure what size, varieties and types of models and ratios would be the best for either of the boys - or if there are any other brands to consider and/or lower priced options. Not sure if I should get them similar reels or have my 11 yr old get a little lesser reel and eventually move into his older brother's reel and upgrade the older brothers in a few years. Finally, if anyone has any used reels or know of any goods deals it would also be really appreciated. Thanks again. |
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Posts: 4
| Can't go wrong with Toros in my opinion. They got some new models coming out like the S for $250, $280 for winch. But look around on eBay for a good deal! Tho the winch isn't new. |
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Posts: 49
| Recently finally got a revo nacl 50 5:4:1 because their prices finally dropped into the 200$ range and absolutely love mine, i have used it for everything from small mepps 5s to cowgirls to mag dawgs and i think it's awesome, dont know how it will hold up over the years but considering selling my calcutta te to get another one probably the high speed one but i think the 5:4 ratio is a good single combo to do everything well just would like the high speed to burn smaller tails easly |
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Posts: 275
| American fishing legacy had revo nacl 50s in high speed on sale for $199.00. They also had some promotion to get 25 bucks off if you sign up for their online newsletter or something. Don't know if the 25 dollar deal would apply to the already low price of the reel, however it's worth a try.
Jaimy |
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Posts: 665
Location: Twin Cities, MN | Ditto on the Revo 50's, picked one up on for my daughter this last year, and she ended up fighting me for it. I will be looking to get another one this off season. |
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Posts: 4
| Thanks for the input so far. So this is what you're suggesting right: Abu Garcia Revo Toro NaCL 6.4:1 Casting Reel TORO NACL50-HS? Is the gear ratio good for a variety of lures? |
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Location: Sawyer County, WI | rangerr83 - 9/7/2015 8:35 PM
...considering selling my calcutta te to get another one...
Blasphemy ! |
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Posts: 2894
Location: Yahara River Chain | My suggestion if the kids are right handed have them use a left side crank. |
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Posts: 756
| I agree with the other guys here, if money is not an issue, Toro's all the way. Maybe check out the new Toro s reels? Looking for a good price point, how about those new Revolution reels by Bass Pro Shops. They will get the job done using smaller to standard sized bait. One cool thing about BPS, if anything goes wrong with one their reels, they will replace with no questions asked. At least that has been my experience. Kdawg |
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Posts: 49
| If ur going to throw bigger blades too id suggest the 5:4 ratio for cowgirls, if u only have one reel id go with tht one ... Im considering the high speed because ill have two reels one dedicated to cowgirls already the 5:4 |
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Posts: 1283
| I think the power of the 5.4 will be easier on the kids at the end of the day, especially if they start throwing anything above double 8s |
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Posts: 470
| NACL in the 5.4 - My 13YO son uses that on a 7'7" St. Croix Mojo Musky. He's one of the "Let me use that lure" kids - Every time someone gets a follow or a fish he wants to use that lure. So it's been used on everything from Jerkbaits to double 10's. It handles everything with no issues. It also comes with a power handle for the big blades. You can get 'em for $200 on Ebay.
HTH,
RandalB |
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Posts: 239
Location: Illinois | X100 on the revo toro NACL in the 5.4 or HS, both can pull 10s efficiently along with your previously mentioned baits. |
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Posts: 10
| Isn't the new "S" toro supposed to be a little smaller with better casting distance? I'm also in the market for both my kids. |
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Posts: 1283
| Yes that would be awesome but a little more money and are not available today |
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Posts: 410
Location: With my son on the water | I went through the same thing and got some great advice from several guys that is working out well.
Like one other person said, if they are right handed get them reels that crank on the left side. There are not a lot of them out there but manufactures are getting it and starting to make more. You want to do this because then they can cast right handed and crank left, they will also have the stronger hand on the rod which will provide a better figure 8 and hook set. When we did this with my son we got his 3 reels off E-bay. We got a Shimano Curado 301, and 2 Revo Toro 51 in HS gears. Your kids will probably start out with small baits and fish in the summer when the water temp is high so you want the speed. (I personally prefer high speed reels) I think the Curado was $90 and the Revos were $125 each. My son has had those reels for four years and one is wore out now (but I will rebuild it) so he will be getting a new Left handed Revo Toro Beast in HS gears Christmas this year.
You may be able to also find a NaCl which is a Revo with a changed outer appearance.
I maybe selling one of his reels as I know the Beast will become his #1.
Good luck
But seriously go with left hand reels and E-bay is a great source. |
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Posts: 2894
Location: Yahara River Chain | btfish - 9/9/2015 4:36 AM
he will be getting a new Left handed Revo Toro Beast in HS gears Christmas this year.
Gee, I hope he doesn't read this forum, if he does, you just ruined the surprise,  |
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Posts: 410
Location: With my son on the water | I never thought of that? To be honest he just stuck his PB 52" this past Saturday evening but I haven't had time to post it yet and Bow Hunting opens Saturday so he is off to that sport now so I don't think I have to worry. |
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Posts: 10
| this thread has me all goofed up! If I switch my kids to a left reel does there right or left thumb go on the spool casting??
Great info on this site... |
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Posts: 410
Location: With my son on the water | To answer the question of which thumb?
My son is right handed.
He casts with his right hand holding the rod and thumbs the spool with his right thumbs, but cranks the reel with his left hand. He doesn't have to switch hands during the cast like many people do, but more important is he has his strongest hand holding the rod for good figure 8s and hook sets.
Getting him going this way at a young age was one of the best things he ever did. |
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Posts: 2894
Location: Yahara River Chain | I started in 1985 watching Orlando Wilson on the tube and told myself that makes more sense, just casting with the same arm as I do with my spinning reel. No wasted effort passing the rod from one hand to the other and back at the end of the cast. Quicker and harder hooks sets, better at imparting action on erratic lures. The reel companies tell us that folks buy mostly right side cranks, well of course they do. Most left handed folks don't buy left handed reels, they buy right side cranks so they don't have to switch hands, right Mr Sworrall?
It just blows my mind when some on here are so anal about sharp hooks, the best leaders, the best line, rods and etc..... But something like placing a rod in your dominate hand is not even thought about.
The kids in question will be able to master jerkbaits and twitchers so much faster than if they are trying to do that with their non-dominate hand. They will be able to get more muskies faster. |
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Posts: 358
| you want to reel opposite of how you cast....if you cast over your right shoulder reel left. if you cast over your left shoulder reel right.
I vote for the NACL 50 or 60 series, my 14 yr old uses my 61's just fine. Definitely go with the 5:4:1 ratio, best all around ratio. There are lots of others out there as well, any thing in that size / ratio would get it done.
Once they are over about 5"6 they can pretty much use any rod length so not a huge need to get kid specific stuff. Soon enough its combos that work for all. |
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Posts: 40
| I AGREE BUT THE TOP CHOICES FOR DOUBLE TENS ARE ALL RIGHT ONLY. |
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Posts: 4
| Thanks for the input everyone. I purchased a Revo Toro NACL 51 (he's a lefty) for my 14 yr old ($215 at American Legacy) and a Lexa 300 for my 11 yr old ($160 American Legacy). |
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Posts: 1638
Location: Minnesota | I would give them your old set ups witch I bet are still in good shape . gives you a good excuse to buy your self new set ups. |
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Need Help Choosing Reels For My Sons