Another Reel Question - Input welcomed
Targa01
Posted 1/11/2009 3:42 PM (#354365)
Subject: Another Reel Question - Input welcomed





Posts: 742


Location: Grand Rapids MN
Well I need to get some new gear for this next season. I currently only own Abu reels and that's about the extent of my reel experiences. I did have a chance to use one of Hulbert's Lunas and was really impressed with how it pulled in dbl 10's even though it was the opposite hand for me (I'm a lefty). Anyways, I'm either considering getting a Luna 300L or (2) Okuma Induron 400's. I know people like both reels but I would like to hear from some of you that have used both and what were some of the differences/feels between the two. I'm mostly looking for a reel to burn tails or get decent speed on some of the bigger blades without wearing me out right away.

Thanks in advance.
knooter
Posted 1/11/2009 3:57 PM (#354366 - in reply to #354365)
Subject: Re: Another Reel Question - Input welcomed




Posts: 531


Location: Hugo, MN
Neither of those two reels will really burn bucktails, but they'll both do a nice job with standard retrieves. The Luna is a bit of a nicer reel, IMO, but I have an Okuma that I really liked this last year for double tens. It comes down to how much you're willing to spend on your equipment. Both reels will get the job done, but one costs twice as much as the other.
muskie! nut
Posted 1/11/2009 4:31 PM (#354369 - in reply to #354365)
Subject: Re: Another Reel Question - Input welcomed





Posts: 2894


Location: Yahara River Chain
Boy you got me confused? I've seen Hulbert on Musky Hunter last weekend and his reel cranks are on the right - perfect for a lefty to hold the rod in your left hand.

Anyways, I do like my Okuma Induron 400 (left side crank as I am a righty) very much for DC10s. With the power handle, it handles those DC10s a lot better than a Abu Record. Just a bit lower ratio and a whole lot smoother. I was very impressed on how well it held up over the season. The next reel I getting will be another one.
Targa01
Posted 1/11/2009 4:51 PM (#354370 - in reply to #354369)
Subject: Re: Another Reel Question - Input welcomed





Posts: 742


Location: Grand Rapids MN
Sorry for the confusion. I meant I'm a lefty in reels (same as you), right handed otherwise. As for 'burning' tails I guess that terms a little up in the air. I currently crank the snot out of my Abu's until the lure is just about the break the surface. But I have to throw smaller tails (buck-a-bous, Mepps Marabous, #7 Indians, etc) so I don't wear myself out. I feel like I'm missing a big 'tool' for musky fishing by not being able to toss big blades.

I guess I could have made the question a little less confusing. Is the Luna worth the extra cash over the Induron? I can either get 1 Luna or I will buy 2 Indurons. Another member mentioned a Penn 975 but I couldn't find a lefty in that reel. Is their one?

Thanks to all that have replied and given advice. Much appreciated.
KSauers
Posted 1/11/2009 5:29 PM (#354376 - in reply to #354370)
Subject: Re: Another Reel Question - Input welcomed




Posts: 743


I used both last year. The Okuma casted easier and felt smoother than the Luna. The Luna ,based on price, I would think is probably better built. It remains to be seen weather that translates to a longer life without problems.
wers4455
Posted 1/11/2009 6:48 PM (#354389 - in reply to #354365)
Subject: RE: Another Reel Question - Input welcomed





Posts: 415


Location: madison wisconsin
If you are interested in getting a luna, try out the st. croix AC300, it's basically a daiwa luna but with st croix name on it. It's about 10 bucks cheaper, too. I love mine smooth and am really surprised how well it handles DC's with a 5.1 gear ratio. I've never thrown an Okuma, but I have heard good things about them from the people who do. Good luck

Edited by wers4455 1/11/2009 6:50 PM
muskie! nut
Posted 1/11/2009 8:27 PM (#354411 - in reply to #354365)
Subject: Re: Another Reel Question - Input welcomed





Posts: 2894


Location: Yahara River Chain
Do those St Croix AC300 come in left side crank like the guy wants???
Didn't see any on the R&H web site.

Edited by muskie! nut 1/11/2009 8:30 PM
wers4455
Posted 1/11/2009 8:46 PM (#354418 - in reply to #354411)
Subject: Re: Another Reel Question - Input welcomed





Posts: 415


Location: madison wisconsin
Last year at the fishing expo in Madison, I was waiting to talk to a st croix salesman and he told the guy ahead of me that they would be coming out with a left handed model. When?...... I have no idea. I just figured they would be out by now.
Targa01
Posted 1/11/2009 8:54 PM (#354419 - in reply to #354411)
Subject: Re: Another Reel Question - Input welcomed





Posts: 742


Location: Grand Rapids MN
Good suggestion but I couldn't find an Avid in a left hand model. You got me thinking though.

Thanks again..
wers4455
Posted 1/11/2009 8:59 PM (#354421 - in reply to #354419)
Subject: Re: Another Reel Question - Input welcomed





Posts: 415


Location: madison wisconsin
Targa here is st croix's phone number (very easy to deal with also)

715-762-3226 or toll free at 800-826-7042

Give them a try
insanemuskiehunter
Posted 1/12/2009 10:55 AM (#354480 - in reply to #354365)
Subject: RE: Another Reel Question - Input welcomed


the croix only comes right hand only in that model.there web site is stcroixrods.com
STUSHSKY
Posted 1/12/2009 11:25 AM (#354495 - in reply to #354480)
Subject: RE: Another Reel Question - Input welcomed




Posts: 375


that is why i chose the daiwa luna 300L's...i prefer to use my left hand for cranking the handle and right hand for the better grip / control of the rod. four years on them now and they are as smooth as the day i bought them and not one problem either!
ranger6
Posted 1/12/2009 3:47 PM (#354574 - in reply to #354495)
Subject: RE: Another Reel Question - Input welcomed




I can only speak to the Luna, so technically I am not helping you out much, but....I love the performance and reliablility of the Luna. I own (2) and have not had any problems, going on my 3rd season. Like many, I am demanding on my reels, but the Luna's have held up great. They are pricy, but I beleive worth it.
Targa01
Posted 1/13/2009 1:09 PM (#354763 - in reply to #354365)
Subject: Re: Another Reel Question - Input welcomed





Posts: 742


Location: Grand Rapids MN
Thanks for all the replies. I guess for this year I'm going to pick up two Induron 400's and an Okuma EVx 8'6" Heavy rod. Might as well pair the rod with a matching reel, right! The other Induron will then be fitted on my 8'6" XH Bull Dawg rod for big plastics and my Abu Record will stay on my 8' MH rod. It will be nice to fill the gap between the two rod set ups.

I remember hearing/seeing that Okuma was giving power handles with thiers reels; are they still doing that?

Thanks again!
knooter
Posted 1/13/2009 7:45 PM (#354865 - in reply to #354365)
Subject: Re: Another Reel Question - Input welcomed




Posts: 531


Location: Hugo, MN
They sure are. Just send CaliforniaMuskie a P.M. on this site, and he will send a couple out to you. You'll like the Indurons, they're really a nice reel for the money.