Spinning Reels

[troutski]

Just wondering how many of the Trout anglers use spinning gear other than myself...and what is your favorite reels. I am in the market for a replacement reel and their a some real fine ones out there......I am partial to Shimano but not married to them. What are your best picks in the $100.00 range: Just curious on everyones opinion on this.

Chuck

[Yamhillbilly]

For trout I shy away from spending that much, but i have a quantum energy and a shimano sahara that are pretty darn smoooooth.

[wind troller]

Chuck,

Save yourself about $60.00 - $70.00 and give Okuma a try, I always bought expensive spinning reels but at this years Sportsmans show I picked up an Okuma for around $25.00. I don't know how they can sell them so cheap but I really like mine. They are very smooth and have tons of bearings, etc. Sizes are a little limited but what a great deal!
:cheers:
Al

[fish-on-bend]

I have not bought an Okuma spinning reel but I have a couple Okuma level winds. I like the features and value but 1 of them self destructed after 1 season of bull trout fishing. While I feel one doesnt have to spend $100 to get quality, you do get what you pay for. I bought a Shaekspeare tidewater reel at WalMart a couple years ago and returned it after 1 day. My $50-70 Shimano and Abu-Garcia level winds seem perfect for what I do and expect from a reel. I know a salmon guide who has the top of the line Okuma level winds and pays $150 or more for them, but he needs the reliability. Not spinning reel info but I think it is applicable.

[troutski]

Well I went to Cabelas web site and used their Comparison chart and compared Shimano, Okuma and Penn.........Then I cheated and went to GI Joes and had the hands on experience. Wouldn't you know it the size reel(Okuma #30) that I wanted to buy was on sale at Joes....20% off. So I bought it, I will break it in tomorrow at Crane. If it's not what I want at least I didn't have to pay shipping both ways like you do with Cabelas. I will post when I get back - hopefully with pictures of some Cranebows.....thanks for all the information and help. It did make my deceision a lot easier...


Chuck

[IslandBass]

Troutski,

Which Okuma model? I like how they look, and eyed the Avenger model once, but the cranking was somewhat smooth and but my small abu g cardinal felt smoother. I use a 101 cardinal for trout and ul fishing, but I sure wouldn't mind having a Daiwa Presso if I had the dough. Imagine trout fishing with a baitcaster designed for lighter weights!

I saw at Sportman's they have Metaloids for $37.94 and if I'm not mistaken they have an MSRP of about $80.00. The cranking felt much better than the Avenger!

At the very least, a size 30 reel will hold a ton of 4-6 # test! :dance: Any reason not for a 15 or 20 size spool? Just curious. Well, scratch the 15. Even I won't go that low on line capacity as sufficient as it is for trout*! :laugh:

Thanks!

-ib
* Steelhead excluded :grin:

[trollin4trout]

Since I started using downriggers I have found this reel to be just the ticket. I think they are around $90 from Cabella's. Two great things about them are they have very smooth drags, w/clickers!, and the best part is the lever drag system. Shimano calls it a " fighting drag". For downrigging this is ultimate. Once you have adjusted the wheel on the back for full lever rotation in the "more" direction to be at fish fighting tension- you are set. Flip the lever to "less" and drop your gear- the drag is now in no tension mode and releases down smoothly. When your ball hits the depth you want, just flip the lever the other way and it's instantly ready to tighten your slack and be ready to fish. Flip, flip- on/off- awesome.
http://www.ifish.net/gallery/data/500/medium/reel11.jpg
I have both the 1000 and 2000 models-I think the 2000 is a little heavier and holds more line. Both are great.

[troutski]

IB, I decided on the Okuma Inspira IA 30, mainly because of the spool size. I do a lot of long lining, and target larger fish like most anglers - if you have ever been spooled using a 1000 series reel with a small line capacity it won't happen again. The 30 does hold a huge amount of line but with that you also get a faster retrieve, more line in per rotation. I use 8 # braided line and it lays well on the large spool. I had the opportunity to use the the new reel yesterday for the first time, didn't catch anything on it but I must say it is very smooth and responsive. The bail system is quite spectacular and after casting it most of the afternoon I am pleased with my purchase, I did however have one strike - a very nice stick fish and the instant quick set feature was great - that stick fish didn't stand a chance. It is just my opinion. IB, as far as being "sufficient as it is for trout*! " Where I fish for Trout and where you fish for Trout must be different,unlike bass Trout fight all the way to the finish by the look of you moniker you enjoy the latter. As I stated before this is just my opinion.

[troutski]

Al, Thanks for the heads up on Okuma, very impressive reel it is every thing you said it would be....again thanks.

Chuck :cheers:

[wind troller]

Hey Chuck,
You bought yourself one sweet reel! I went several models down and love mine, I'm glad you like Okuma. Hope it has all the durability that a fisherman like you needs, I need more fishing time to see if I can break a reel with heavy use. :laugh: :laugh:
Take care my friend,
Al
:cheers:

[troutski]

Right back at you Al...... :cheers:

Chuck

[IslandBass]

Thanks, Troutski! I have a couple of 30s myself, a cheap tica and a nice rapala spinning reel. I too like the "insurance" larger spools give you. :dance:

I'm going to see where Okuma's metaloid stands in their line up and the Inspira. The former are just under $40 but if the Inspira is the better model, I just might bite (like I need another reel) :laugh:

[troutski]

IB, if you need another reason to buy an additional reel. G.I. Joes is having a sale on their Rods this weekend........:laugh::smirk:

Chuck

[riverstalker]

I use a Shimano 200Q with the Quickfire II trigger that I have had for about 10 years. I think the price on it then was about $60. They sell almost identical models now at Wal Mart for about $35. It's a very solid reel, It's just now starting to whine a little. (probably just needs to be greased again) It's seen a lot of abuse. It's been dropped in more than it's fair share of puddles and mudholes, and has seen more sand than most desert creatures. My only complaint is that the spool is small, I think it only takes about 100 yards of 6lb test.

[troutski]

I must confess, after fishing with the new Okuma for a few days and landing a couple of fatties I wasn't that impressed with the drag system. I cleaned the reel up and removed the line and returned it to Joe's and bought another Shimano, it must be an addiction I have for those reels. A stradic 2500 now rounds out my collection, the retrieve and drag systems are so smooth - as long as I don't die and my wife sell my tackle for what I say it is worth I'll be o.k.. Not sure who's quote that is but it sure is true.

Chuck

[wind troller]

Thanks for the update Chuck, sorry the Okuma didn't work out for you. You sure have a sweet reel now.:) I need more play time to really field test my gear.:laugh:

[Rick on Rogue]

I must confess, after fishing with the new Okuma for a few days and landing a couple of fatties I wasn't that impressed with the drag system. I cleaned the reel up and removed the line and returned it to Joe's and bought another Shimano, it must be an addiction I have for those reels. A stradic 2500 now rounds out my collection, the retrieve and drag systems are so smooth - as long as I don't die and my wife sell my tackle for what I say it is worth I'll be o.k.. Not sure who's quote that is but it sure is true.

Chuck

About 9 years ago I bought a Shimano Symetre 2000 ($79.95 at the time, and today they are the same price). I have been using it for trout fishing ever since, It is silky smooth, holds a lot of line, and the drag adjustment is unbelievably smooth. The threads on the shaft for the spool myst be very small because adjusting the drag comes in very small incraments. I LOVE IT!

[riverstalker]

You can't go wrong with Shimano reels it seems. I regreased mine and its spinning just like new with no whine.