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Posts: 139
| I'm looking for a new rod/reel for heavier baits (big cranks, bulldawgs, big jerk baits, etc.). I think I've settled on a St Croix Premier PM76HF, but am not sure on a reel. I've always been partial to Abu's, but haven't branched out from the C3's or C4's much (I do have 1 Record). Does anyone have a solid recommendation on a proven big lure reel. Looking to spend no more than $175ish. |
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Posts: 386
| I REALLY like the St. Croix AC300 (same as the Daiwa Luna) -- super smooth cast/retrieve and makes even the double cow girl cut through water like butter. Very nice reel, light weight, but with the gear ratio and build to make it a dream to cast all day, big or small lure. |
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Posts: 199
Location: Sandusky, OH | You should look at a Penn 965. Lots of cranking power with a good return rate; my buddy uses one for almost everything. Its a little slow for Sledges and highly bouyant dive and rise jerks, but really great for all the other big cranks, gliders, and other baits he uses. I want one for the same rod, but don't have the $$$ right now. I have a 975 that I love.
Good luck,
Eric
Edited by bluegill 9/28/2007 2:53 PM
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Posts: 199
Location: Nebraska | Abu Big Game 7000. $149.00 at Thorne Bros and others. I just bought one there along with an 8' Shimano Compre for $109. Good combo for $250. |
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| i don't own one but know those who do....go with the bass pro 4.3 to 1 reel, comes with a power handle..if it ever breaks bass pro replaces it no questions asked...
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Posts: 7101
Location: Northwest Chicago Burbs | Does anyone have a solid recommendation on a proven big lure reel. Looking to spend no more than $175ish.
Search the site for "Okuma" or Induron. The new Induron 400 is being used by myself and others on the board with really positive results. I'm pretty sure you can find them at Smokey's or Rollie's for around $125 and they'll take the beating frrom the larger baits you're talking about, but also have the castability to throw double 10s, cranks and other lures for fall and all season. |
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Posts: 139
| Thanks guys, this is really a big help. |
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| i don't think the 7000's are holding up all that well for most guys...i'd go a different route
bn |
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| I don't know what 'other guys' are doing w/ their 7000 or why they're not holding up. Garcia 7000's are the ONLY muskie reel I've never broke. But then again I've only been muskie fishing for 15 years maybe I just need to give it time. |
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| maybe using them more than you? not to say that you aren't on the water a lot "guest" but I know of way too many guys that simply have had bad luck with even the new 7000's...now I have a 7000 i HSN and it has held up well for me...
I'm a big fan of abu over all...in fact I have about 5 morrums that are still my favorite all around reels to this day ....but the 7000's esp the gold ones (can you say junk) and even the new 7000's aren't holding up all that well...ask a few guides that tried them out this year...maybe you are on the water a ton and have 100s of hours on yours and got lucky with a good one...most haven't...imo |
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Posts: 221
Location: ohio | i use a calcutta 400 ( not the TE) works great for me.no problems, but witht he luck i had on the water thursday i better shut up. |
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| That could be it, 'bn'. I'm just glad I got lucky and got a good one... 6 times in a row. Seriously tho... it could be the new ones, my newest one is 3 or 4 years old. |
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