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Posts: 921
Location: Apollo, PA | Hey guys,
Was considering treating myself to a great baitcasting reel for 2005. I have only fished with 6500's. They have been good to me over the years, but I've always been intrigued with the Shimano's, Diawas, St Croix's and Okuma's. I know these reels are very pricey, but which ones are your favorites and especially the best bang for our hard working dollars. I appreciate the feedback.
Thanks, Pikiespawn
PS Fish mainly jerk baits and cranks |
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Posts: 2089
| Mark,
I know the 400TE is the most expensive of the bunch, but I literally beat on this reel working Weagles HARD from April through November(along with other baits)and with regular cleaning and oiling ,they're still ready for action.Still tight and not sloppy.I like the lower gear ratio and the handle is the best I've ever seen.Too bad they won't work on regular 400's.I know guys that use some of the others as well. Thanks for the TR's, love the 7 inchers. Steve |
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Location: Contrarian Island | I have about 6 Morrums and I think for the money they rock..I have snagged a few new ones on Ebay over the last year for 175ish...
No matter what you buy, they ALL break at times...Oh, I also like the Penn 965...
For crankin big bucktails and spinnerbaits...get yourself an Abu 7000 CS Pro Rocket.
my 2 cents. |
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Posts: 2427
Location: Ft. Wayne Indiana | I would highly recommend the Tica Caimen 200 CM's.
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Location: Contrarian Island |
I've had Morrums for years....and this season I put them to the test more than any other...and they lasted fine...never blown anything out....I'm sure they will break...but so will ALL reels at some point...from my experience they have held up better than any other reel I've put to that kind of abuse....
Edited by MSKY HNR 12/11/2004 7:55 AM
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| I have tried a bunch of the "premo" reels: I love my Shimanos. I have a TE and don't really put it down all summer, but would not spend the extra dough on one again. If I could pick up a standard calcutta for 175 or less I'd say that's the best bang for the high-bucks. Otherwise get an abu 7000 for even less.
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Location: Contrarian Island |
I think some of it comes down to luck..as some guys love Calcuttas, some guys hate them same with others...almost comes down to what has worked for you and what you trust. I trust Morrums more than any other reels I have used in 11 years of musky fishing.... |
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Posts: 2089
| LMAO!!!!I've never gotten a "pro" deal and have PAID for all my reels.All reels have the capacity to break down due to one factor or another.As with a lot of things, you get what you pay for.Service is important too, especially when you NEED it.Comparing a Tica or Morrum to a TE is apples and oranges.I'm the innocent bystander and don't have a sponsor agenda, I just like the best tool for the job.If one is cheaper than the other, there's a reason. Steve |
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Posts: 156
Location: Oconomowoc, WI | All reels will break, even the best Calcutta's. I get an exceptional deal on Abu 5600's and 6500's so 6 new ones for me every year for half the cost of 1 Calcutta. Last year I switched to the SS series to get the thumbar and they held up OK too. I would say 4 of my 6 still perform well. Regardless, 6 new ones are ordered for next year........ |
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Posts: 1185
Location: Wishin I Was Fishin' | I'd go with the Calcutta too. Morum would be ok, but you would have to upgrade the drag washers to Super Smoothies and change the handle to a Gator grip right away.
I also like the way the Shimano fits in my hand better then the ABU. |
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Posts: 2089
| Bob,
Did you buy Shimano Muskie reels?Curados and the like are NOT recommended for muskie fishing.Even by Shimano.Cost has nothing to do with it.If I took a $300 Chronarch muskie fishing and REALLY USED IT, I could forsee problems.They're not built for it.As different as muskie and bass are, the equipment that should be used for each is different as well. Steve |
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Posts: 572
| Steve,
I bought a couple of Shimano Chronarch baitcasting reels several years ago upon the recommendations from Jeff at Reed's Tackle. Although I might tend to agree with you
about the reels not made for muskie fishing, I find it difficult to understand. Each reel,
like a cheaper Shimano I owned, will suddenly slip and not take up slack line. The problem
appears to me the design of cluckdog or dogpaw (I've got the parts down at the lake) and the spring used to engage it. If the bearings or breaking system were wearing out, I'd think
the reels can't take it.
When I look at the parts, I see little, if any, wear. However, when I replace the part, the problem goes away for sometime. I've had others look the parts to see if I'm just missing something.
If the problem exists this year, I will probably use the reels for casting 5" rouges. And, if they fail then, they will be in the trash.
I bought the Bass Pro Extreme baitcasting reels for my grandson to use bass and muskie fishing. I've heard the reels are made by Pinnacle. I'll try to remember to update you toward the end of 2005 fishing year.
Thanks for your views. I'll be keeping notes for future reference when looking for another reel.
Muskie Bob |
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