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Posts: 1030
Location: APPLETON, WI | Did a search here on the forums but didn't find anything quite this specific.
Got a question... is there a baitcasting reel that comes to mind for someone who's never really used this type of reel before? I started getting into more musky fishing last season and obtained quite a bit of tackle. But my UglyStik Heavy spin combo is a brute... and still can't pull big blades or rubber baits with ease. In fact, I'm resorting to selling that combo.
I've never used a baitcasting combo before. Ever. I've never even cast with one of these reels but I'm painfully aware that in order for me to remain in this sport... I'm going to need to take the plunge and obtain a baitcaster.
I just recently ordered a new rod from James @ TackleIndustries last week and am going to be needing a new reel to pair with it. I'll be in the Twin Cities in a couple of weeks and my first stop is going to be Thorne Bros. I've already been suggested to get an Abu 6500C3. I've read many good reviews and many other horrible reviews about this reel. Looking for suggestions so I know what I'm looking when I go to the shop. I want a good starter reel but I need one that's gonna last, too. I know you get what you pay for... but I can't afford $400 for a new reel. Again, bear in mind... I've never used a baitcaster before. Gots lots of spinning gear because I've mostly fished bass... 'til now. 
Sorry for the newbie questions.
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Posts: 646
Location: In a shack in the woods | I've heard good things about the okumas. If you want to spring for a little more money the cacutta 400b is great. Being a bass fisherman is no excuse. I only own 1 spinning rod and 10 baitcasters for bass. It's just jumping into the unkown. I used to use strictly spinning gear for bass but have switched over time. Baitcasters have more power and you can do more with one after you get it down. It's a learning curve and after you are used to it you know how you fished without one. |
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Posts: 47
Location: Bonduel WI | the C3 6500 is a good reel i never have had problems with mine and they have decent costumer service. I would also suggest that reel as a starter reel. If you can afford 200 or less I would buy a TICA Caiman series reels. I have 2 of them and love them, I also have an Okuma Isis, which is no longer in production, but I also have no complaints with their reels. I believe the Appleton Gander carries both these brands.
Good luck this summer!
Tyler |
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Posts: 1030
Location: APPLETON, WI | Honestly... I've always just stuck with spinning gear and that's what I feel most comfortable with. I know that I need the power and the comfort and the ability to stay out all day long... and with that, I need a baitcaster. I'll get over the learning curve and practice... it's just a matter of getting used to it.
For $90 - I'd pick up the Abu 6500C3... but I don't want something falling apart on me halfway before the season is even underway.
That being said... I also want something that I can use as an all-around reel given that is the only one I'll have in my arsenal for the time being. i.e., being able to work jerkbaits, dawgs, burning double 10's, etc, etc. |
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Posts: 1030
Location: APPLETON, WI | sledneck68 - 3/7/2010 12:11 PM
the C3 6500 is a good reel i never have had problems with mine and they have decent costumer service. I would also suggest that reel as a starter reel. If you can afford 200 or less I would buy a TICA Caiman series reels. I have 2 of them and love them, I also have an Okuma Isis, which is no longer in production, but I also have no complaints with their reels. I believe the Appleton Gander carries both these brands.
Good luck this summer!
Tyler
Sweet!
Thanks for the suggestions, man... |
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Posts: 1184
Location: Iowa Great Lakes | Shimano 300 Curado or Revo Toro 60 are easy reels to learn on. They will cover all the bases other than burning cowgirls, that takes a different type of reel all together, to burn you want a reel with the ability to pick up alot of line fast, something along the lines of a Salstist or similar capable of pick ups in the 40"+ range.
My daughter and wife use my Curado, neither had used a baitcaster till late last summer, both do well with it.. |
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Posts: 1030
Location: APPLETON, WI | shaley - 3/7/2010 12:42 PM
Shimano 300 Curado or Revo Toro 60 are easy reels to learn on. They will cover all the bases other than burning cowgirls, that takes a different type of reel all together, to burn you want a reel with the ability to pick up alot of line fast, something along the lines of a Salstist or similar capable of pick ups in the 40"+ range.
My daughter and wife use my Curado, neither had used a baitcaster till late last summer, both do well with it..
Thanks!!
I've had a few suggestions already for the Revo Toro 60... sounds like that profile and reel will be a lot easier for me to learn on than a standard 6500C3.
Based on that alone, I'm going to spring for the Revo Toro 60 and go from there. |
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Posts: 32886
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Okuma Akena, great company, superior customer service and support, and a great reel for $100.00. |
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Posts: 1030
Location: APPLETON, WI | sworrall - 3/7/2010 12:44 PM
Okuma Akena, great company, superior customer service and support, and a great reel for $100.00.
Steve:
would the additional cash for revo toro 60 be a better bet...? Or do you think the akena would hold up and be better to learn on...? |
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| Remember that most of the time in this life, you get what you pay for. Sometimes you get a great deal. But don't expect it. That said, I have four baitcasting reels for muskies and none cost more than $100. An Abu Garcia 6500C3 is among them. Now I'm an amateur and fish like one. And I don't ever want to go to the poorhouse. Since I can't make money with my reels, I don't want to spend a lot of money on them. In addition to the 6500, I have three Shimano Corvaluses. All of these reels do the job I ask of them.
You might want to start with a 6500C3 and see if it works out. If you like muskie fishing, you will want another rod and reel combo. And then a third. You can always upgrade with your second and third baitcasting combo. But you'll still get some use out of the 6500C3 or cheaper Shimano. |
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Posts: 2323
Location: Stevens Point, WI | The Revo Toro is a great reel in my opinon. However, the Okuma's have treated me great, and I think the customer service is some of the best! Keep in mind, you can own two Akena's for less than one Toro. |
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Posts: 1030
Location: APPLETON, WI | Very true... and more food for thought! |
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Posts: 582
| don't bother with an abu (just my opinion). get Akena, Shimano Cardiff or pfeuger 66 trion. Its really not that hard to cast these reel. you go out and fish for about 20 min and you will easily figure it out.. not to worry. But if you think you are going to continue to fish for musky, don't waste your time with junk. Go at least middle of the road. Again, for about $100 you can get a shimano cardiff. They fish just like the Calcutta's and if you take care of them they will hold up. |
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Posts: 1030
Location: APPLETON, WI | I'm definitely going to continue to fish for musky... I don't forsee that being an issue at all. I don't want junk and I don't want anything falling apart on me...
Anyone have any thoughts on the Shimano Torium...? |
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Posts: 134
| I would also consider the Abu Garcia Record series. Smooth and Durable IMO. |
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Posts: 120
Location: Baltimore, MD | I would suggest that you look into the Okuma Induron IDX 400a reel. This is HANDS DOWN one of the best lower priced (but very well built) round reels you can find for fishing the larger drag-inducing baits out there. It has a low gear ratio (5.1:1) that you need for Double 10's and larger plastics, holds 180 yds of 20# test and weighs 13oz. The best thing is that you can find this reel new for under $95 if you do some internet research. Oh...the reel also comes with a power handle.  When you get to the point where you are spending/investing more time on the water for muskies, get your hands on a Shimano Calcutta 400 TE or Daiwa Luna. These will help prevent your arm from falling off halfway through the season.
Jason |
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Posts: 47
Location: Bonduel WI | The Shimano Torium is a good reel. I bought one used from a local guide when I first started fishing and it lasted me three years before the gears went out (I am NOT easy on equipment as i am always throwing large lures). From my experience I would be confident buying another one.
Edited by sledneck68 3/7/2010 5:08 PM
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Location: Latitude 41.3016 Longitude 88.6160 | U have to take a look at the ABU INSHORE 6500 REEL, this reel has STAINLESS STEEL Gears both main and the pinion, has Dual Anti Rev, and is on sale at FISHERMAN'S FACTORY OUTLET for $132.99 retails for $189.99 Great Musky reel for the $$$$$ Plus ABU has one of the best Customer Service. The Okuma Induron and the Red Iris are both Discontined, so parts for those reels will be hard to find in 2-3 years.
Edited by PIKEMASTER 3/7/2010 5:37 PM
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Posts: 552
Location: WI | The 6500C3 is a good reel to start, but if you are going to be burning double 10's, you will kick the crap out of both you and the reel in no time. |
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Posts: 582
| If you think you will stay with it, check out the St Croix AC300. Fantastic reel for big and small stuff. |
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Posts: 1425
Location: St. Lawrence River | garcia 7000i |
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Posts: 45
Location: TC Metro / NW WI | Everyone has their favorite brands...I use abu 5000 and 6500 c3's for lighter weight lures, but added the toro Revo 60 to handle the big double bladed bucktails and dawgs. My wife learned how to work the baitcasters last summer with no problems - gave me a reason to buy some more equipment!
Whatever you end up with, ask the shop or this forum for tips on how to adjust your reel...that will help with your learning curve.
I'm new to the sport but successfully following the advice of a 30 yr veteran. |
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Location: Northern Wisconsin | I have used Abu C3's, Pflueger trion66's and an Abe Record and all have held up nice. The only problems I encounter are ones that are caused by misuse, for example: engaging the reel before stopping the spool with my thumb. I have used them all for burning double 10's for a limited amount of time and they still work. I will probably need a new double 10 reel soon though. |
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Posts: 1030
Location: APPLETON, WI | I really appreciate all of the replies, everyone... |
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Posts: 34
Location: west allis, wi | i might sugest something totally different, start with buying a used reel...that will help you get familiar with a better reel for less or the same money...the first reel you buy might not be one you like or am comfortable with and then you have less money invested in it...depending on how often you fish with it it could last you years...also consider if you want a left handed reel or a right handed reel...when i went from spinning to baitcasting i stuck with a left handed reel and have loved it....no switching hands for me from casting to retrieving. |
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