|
|
| Hey guys,
I'm trying to get set up to do some serious trolling. Last night at the show, I bought some trolling rods (7'10" Ex-Heavy G-Loomis, 8' Ex-Heavy Lamiglass, and two 8'6" Ex-Heavy All Star rods).
What Reels do I buy?? I really like Abu Garcia's. I'm really into the International Series line...like the 6500 CS Rocket. I think they are incredible reels.
Is trolling hard on these reels?? Would it be stupid to be a high dollar Abu on a rod for trolling?? Would trolling these reels screw them up or something?? should I stick to "trolling reels"??
I guess to break it down....if I put a 6500C4 on a rod and troll with it all summer, will it be junk by the end of the season?? Or can these reels be trolled with no problems?? Can you troll for two or three weeks with a new 6500C4, and then take the rod out of the rod holder, and be able to cast it and have it work properly??
Thanks in advance. I want to make sure I'm buying the right stuff. |
|
| |
|
| If you are serious about trolling, get a line counter reel. It's the easiest way to maintain consistency. I recommend the new okuma convector and the diawa sealine series. |
|
| |
|
| Here is my thoughts on trolling reels. As Todd says, get a line counter. Definately makes it easier to be consistant. Here are some reels, in order of quality/price, that I have experience with.
1. Diawa SG27LC. The best. About $90 each. Diawa has just released a lower end reel. About $50?
2. Okuma's are nice reels. About $60?
3. Shakespeare Tidewater. I bought 2 of them this year, and they worked great. No problems. About $35 ea.
Penn has a new LC out. Has a digital LC section.
Abu also has a new LC, based on the 6500C3. You can get a conversion kit for your existing C3's. Reel is about $135. Kit is $60? |
|
| |
|
| Thanks for the info guys.
But what if I put a good Abu Garcia on a trolling rod....will the reel hold up?? I understand that greater consistency can be gained with a line counter, but is that the only advange of having one??
I have a different way gauging line out of my spool, and it's very accurate.
So, will a convential reel hold up to the rigors of trolling?? |
|
| |
|
| Yes, the garicia will be just fine. Their line counter is just an addition to their same reel. It is strong enough and probably stronger than alot of line counters. |
|
| |
|
| You might find a 6500C4W (3.8:1) or a 7000 (4:1) a better bet for trolling as it makes life so much easier winding lures in, mid troll, to clear weed etc with lower geared reels. Probably puts less stress on the gears too, which will make them last longer. |
|
| |
|
| Steve, the Garcias will work ok; I use the Diawa LCs on the longer line sets for the harder pulling baits, and a 6500 for close in lines, most often w/ straight baits. Slowing down to a crawl also makes it easier to crank baits in when changing tactics. at times I use a 9' saltwater rod w/ a 4500 Shimano Bait Runner which does awesome, but that is set up for rockfish; will handle any type freshwater fish though![::)]
* Definitely get a couple of planer boards, they are a blast to fish w/.... |
|
| |
|
| Steve;
I found that I was repairing my 6000Cs yearly when I was
pulling dipseys in Erie.It seemed the engage/disengage was
always going bad.I then used Penns 109s.I'm now using 9 or
10' Cabelas dipsey rod with their line counter reels .Don't
know about longevity yet, but the combination seems to be ok.
dennis b |
|
| |
|
| Steve you know I use sealines and 6500s for trolling. I can tell you I had no problems trolling and casting for years with the same 6500C3. Actualy I still do in the first 2/3s of the season as I want to limit the number of rods onboard.
But my fall set ups are sealines 47LC matched with G-Loomis 7/10" trolling rods and abu 6500C3? with a 4.3/1 gears matched with G-Loomis 6'6" Jerkbait rods.
P.S. I would try and not use my high end reels as trolling can beat them up. |
|
| |
|
| Thanks Rich and everyone else.
I was really hoping to find a reel that is designed for trolling, but I could also pull out of the downeast rod holder and do some casting.
Does anyone have any experience with Penn reels?? I know they make some pretty good stuff.
If money was not that important, what trolling reels would you buy?? Can anyone recommend any Penn reels?? Can you cast a Penn reel that is designed to be used for trolling?? |
|
| |
|
| Steve - be sure to take a look at the new Garcia line counter reel about $100. (I saw it in the brand new Cabela's fishing catalog) Among other nifty features, it has a backlit LED display for night time trolling. Also, I think you can prchase just the "linecounter kit" for about $50 and attach it to the side of any(?) right-handed 5000 or 6000 series reel. |
|
| |
|
| Steve, we grew up surf casting Penn 9s + 10s...I also use them for trolling. They are old school, but you can cast w/ them; they take a little getting used to but hold up well for both needs![:sun:] |
|
| |
