Best Baitcasting Reel????????

[fatfish]

If you had to pick one reel to chase Mr Salmon, which one would it be? Left or right crank? Best buy for the $$$? My choice: Ambassadeur 6001C (Beautiful classic design and parts are always available to keep it working smooth). Let's hear some opinions. images/icons/smile.gif images/icons/smile.gif

[Thumper]

You gets what you pays for. Never more true than in reels. I fished for decades with my collection of Ambassadeurs. Took them in each Fall after our coho trips to Yakutat to get the drags re-done. Kind of an annual event. Then I saw the article in STS about the higher-end reels and decided to invest in a couple of them to see what I was missing, hopefully before getting too old to enjoy them. Got a Calcutta, a few Curados, and perhaps the best of all, the Quantum PR 600. Found those on Ebay at about half price and have now about switched over to them for all casting chores. Next in line, the Curado, is a heck of a buy too. I have been amazed by the drags on these higher-end reels. You almost can't feel the fish running -- they are that smooth. You just notice that pretty soon your arm is getting tired. And the drags just last and last. For those interested in buying a new reel, try investing in the higher-end products. You may find that your Ambassadeurs end up on your plug rods, where they are still the best reel to use since you can count line crosses when letting out the plugs.

[Nanook]

Calcutta 400.

[SteelieSteve]

I've used Nanooks shimano and it's better by far than the 6001 I've got. Had no problems with the ambassador but the newer shimanos are hard to beat. For steelhead I'll stick with my bantam 251. images/icons/smile.gif

[Firedog]

Fatfish, I would agree my favorite reel for salmon is my old 6001.Just know they can take the abuse and keep on going. I keep buying new reels but always seem to end up back with the old standby's. No bells and whistles and I take the centrifugal brakes out of
them also.Cast like a dream.Also have rebuilt the drags. I have a large number of different reels , shimanos and abu's and the old abu's are my favorites.I have a corsair 401 and didnt like it at all, maybe just that it is a bummer reel. Do like my old bantam 201 though. One of the best steelhead reels built

[ 05-25-2001: Message edited by: firedog ]

[TH]

I am running (6) Calcutta 400 w/ TH 981's (8' 10-20# 1pcs) out of the boat for salmon. By far the best set up I have found. The new upgrade dartainium (sp) drags seem to be very nice, and much more durable in the salt water environmment.

For steelhead I like the Shimano chronarch 100 and the old bantam 100;s and stradic 2000FG spinning reels, but my step up to the sustain this year justto see.

[Deleted User]

I have Shimanos. Old Bantams,Calcuttas and Curados and Thumper,TH and Nook are right.
BUT!!!!!! If you can get an old ABU do it! These reels are ALL metal and although they may be 25 years old you can still get parts for them. I have a vintage 1969 5000A that I would put against any reel out there. It has no plastic at all! As far as I'm concerned any ABU Garcia after 1977 is inferior to the Shimanos listed above but anything prior to that is excellent. Right Bill Hedlund?

[ 05-25-2001: Message edited by: BIGSTEW ]

[Bait O' Eggs]

Marty P.- Bite your tongue images/icons/tongue.gif images/icons/wink.gif

Stew - I got a couple of the old (I believe about mid 70's to late 70's) 5000's which have not worked for 10 years. I am gonna show them to you when I see you next, you can let me know if they are worth fixing.

I like by older bantam 251's and ABU 5501 reels. I cannot justify the extra money to go the high end Shimanos since I like my thumb for a drag.

[finclipped]

I must be the only one who doesn't like most Shimano products. I don't have a hundred Shimano's but the one's I have seen either don't work right or need to be fixed way to often. Any one try the Corsairs??? What a piece o'crap. Brand new Calcutta 400 and the crank backspools. The one exception is the Curado 201. Thats a nice reel and hasn't broken on me yet. But overall I'll stick to ABU. I would also take Penn reels over allmost any comperable Shimano.

[Deleted User]

There's a nice purdy gold Calcutta at the bottom of the Willamette in Oregon City if you wanna go dive for it. At least, that is where it was last seen as the fish jerked the whole rig up out of the fisherman's grasp. As it was just last weekend it should still be in great condition. images/icons/shocked.gif

[STRIKE ZONE]

Calcutta Hands down.
Good luck,
STRIKE ZONE

[Krome Brite]

Yeah, my dad's buddy has a Calcutta and says it's awesome. I used it once and liked it. I've got a Curado though and really like it.

[On a mission]

I also have many different kinds of reels. My problem is because of arthritis I have to use a left handed reel. That limits my choice. The calcutta 251 is the only left handed and thats to small for some of the salmon fishing I do. Its ok for bobber fishing but thats why I use the 6501s. Anybody know of a better left handed? Thanks

[Wog]

My vote goes for ABU Garcia. I have fished these reels hard over the years and have not had any major problems with them. The minor problems I have had were caused by user error.
I have to admit I have not fished a Calcutta or Curado, but several of my friends have and they seem to like them alot. Might have to try them someday....

[willierower]

I dont own one but Ive used one alot and thats an Abu 6001. Ive been using my Calcutta 251 on springers lately and its working well.
Has anyone tried the smaller Penns, like the 955? I think that would be good reel.

[fatfish]

Great replies. Now we're down to the finals; Ambassadeur 5000 or 6000 series
Shimano Bantam 251
Shimano Curado
Shimano Calcutta 250 or 400 series
Penn (didn't make the final cut)

I've used them all except for the Calcutta 400. In my mind the ideal reel would be a brand new Calcutta 301. Mid-sized left handed reel with Shimano quality. Only problem is they don't made this model except in my dreams. I think that the Curado is a bit small for a heavy weight salmon, as is the the Calcutta 251. What about a Calcutta 401 (lefty), does Shimano build this model?

Well I can dream and keep replacing the drag washers at the end of the season in the old 6001. Anyone try those new super-smooth drag washers that I spotted on the internet recently? images/icons/grin.gif images/icons/grin.gif images/icons/grin.gif

[Gone Fishin]

I'd like to add here, but I can't . . .
. . . My tounge is bleeding!!! images/icons/grin.gif images/icons/shocked.gif images/icons/rolleyes.gif

[Thumper]

Dan Ross, noted local and Alaska guide, tells an amazing story. He runs one of the nicest camps on the Nushagak, and annually hosts several hundred clients. He has, as I recall, some 92 Calcutta 400s. After over 20,000 Chinooks he has yet to repair or replace a drag. Hard to believe. Those must be one bulletproof reel.

[smilesforu]

shimano bantam 1000p is a bigger version of the 251 which is way to small for big fish and heavy line. The 6000 series of the ambassaduers are strong reels, but the penn 109 metal spool is a tried and proven mooching reel for the salt. When casting I like the shimano 1000p and for trolling/mooching the 1500lc is my choice for its line counter combined with the fact it is the same as a 1000p only with a counter. They discontinued making them this year....I got my grandkids reel sitting on the shelve images/icons/grin.gif .

[Hottamale1]

Hello...

I bought...reluctantly....the New ABU Morrum Mag through the Guide Program they have and am thoroughly impressed by the drag system this "tournament Bass reel" provides and...the retrieve ratio is unbeleivable for such a small reel. This reel is pretty small, considerably smaller than the 5500, but, with 30 pound tuff Line, it will handle 120 Yards..plenty for most fishing applications. I have used it for springers, with no problems whatsoever, however feel it is a better steelhead/walleye reel.

Scott www.hottamaleoutdoorshow.com (http://www.hottamaleoutdoorshow.com)

[RC]

Morrum Mag, great casting, great drag.

[Whalerman]

Penn 965/975, baitcasters. Have one of each, rugged, cast a country mile, love'em, but spendy like the Calcutta. I run them with 50# tuff line for salmon/sturgeon.

[Hookset]

Ok, I'm game enough to add my 2 cents.

I currently fish with some ABU 6501's C3, 5501's C3 and another 6001. They all have performed well I use them for salmon and sturgeon. I did have a problem with the 6001, started grinding off the inside edge of the spool plate while fighting fish. I re-cleaned (salt water corrosion)the reel and replaced the drag washers and now seems to be working well. I've also caught so many fish on the 6501's that the drags completly wore out. Cleaned and replaced all the washers but the drags just don't seem as smooth anymore.

Two years ago at the Sportsman show, I pruchased 3 Shimano 401 Corsairs in the silver color. Couldn't beat the price at half off. After applying these reels on fish I found out they were junk. The first time I ever had problems with a Shimano product. The last straw was earlier this month. Had a very large chinook grab the lure while walking it back behind the boat. I turned the handle, let go of the spool and instantly had a huge birds nest. The reel always had a problem engaging after free spooling. Often I'd have to turn the handle several times trying to engage the spool. And the drag never stayed set, would loosen up during a battle. Two weeks ago I sent all 3 reels back to Shimano with an explanation. I now have 3 brand new gold anodized 401A Corsairs sitting next to me in the box, at no charge. I certainly hope these new reels perform better and thanks to Shimano for standing behind their products.

Two weeks ago I was at Ollie Damon's and asked which reel was better, ABU 6500's or Shimano Corsair 400's. He said it was really a toss up. Good and bad points with each reel, he said both performed equally well.

Now for the Pro's pick. I know 4 guides who all used to use ABU products. They'd actually wear out many 6500's in a season and just toss them. They have since switched over to the new Penn 975 International's and love them. They've told me without a doubt, the best salmon and sturgeon reel in it's class. They preferred the new Penn's over the Shimano Calcutta 400's. I must say, I'd like to have these reels on my rods too. But at $200 a piece (best price I could find) it's a little steep for my pocket book right now.

My pick, the new Penn 975 International, should last a lifetime.

hook

[Stz ll]

Only reels I use anymore Calcutta 250 for steelhead fishing, Calcutta 400 for salmon fishing, and the Calcutta 700 for sturgeon fishing. The drag and the movement of these reels can not be beat.

[boater]

[ 05-29-2001: Message edited by: boater ]

[Nanook]

To follow up on the comment about abuse of Shimano 400's in Alaska. They are also the only reel they can't seem to burn up quickly on the "video fishing" machines. If you have seen them, they have a real rod and reel and the machine rips the drag pretty good.

Virtually all others have burned up. The 400's are the only ones that have been able to take a three day sportman's show. No sea story.

[ 05-26-2001: Message edited by: ****** ]

[hustlerrjim]

shimano 221 yes 221 it has bigger gears than 251 ,good for bigger fish;
but same problem with main drive post coming loose as the 251 but i have made a tool to press the frame and tighten it up.
one last cast on a recent trip for steel head swore buy his 4/0 penn I thought it was a bit big-- but he likes it.
Left or right hand reels????when I did a show with "fishing the west" years ago a lot of bass fisher people called and pointed out the stupidity of a left hand crank reel I realy loved this one, it was simple to tell them I didnt have to change the rod to my other hand to reel in ,nor did I have to change hands to cast, but I see the hillbilly set on the bass fishing shows still use right hand cranks.I tried to help them.
Any reel will provide you with a life time of service with proper care.I may do a spot on cleaning reels someday if people want.
back to my favorite reel?????? the 251 shimano, loose post and all, with proper lubrication.this reel is still going.
Reels have evolved over the years as every thing else.
I rember my first reel-- it was a shakespear level wind with agate bearings, knuckle busting direct drive sob,but it is all we knew,and it worked.
About this time Burmans hdw.in Amery wis had an add in the paper making the statement they had a reel nobody could backlash!$5.00 reward.my little brother billy and I jumped on our bikes and took off for town and the 5.00$ ---our first encounter with a spinning reel-------it was a long ride home minus the 5 bucks.
next,big change??? i was fishing on the sixes river way back when, and i
I saw this guy cast clear across the river with a level wind reel--- a red ambassador, Iwas amazed
I still have my first one.
Next of course somebody figured out how to get the level wind worm gear out of gear when you cast ,.I think it was the 201 shimano? and this started the reels we use today with very little improvement.
I think back to my 1st reel it had rocks (agates) for bearings, and now the bearings on some of these reels have ball bearings as small as grains of pepper.
About this time we got our choice of left Or right hand reels.

[Trick]

Outside of an old Bantam and a triton 100, I have very little experience with Shimano baitcasting products. I own a couple ABU reels in the 6501 and 5501 c3 models and I have really enjoyed them. I've been using the 6501 for at least a decade and have never had to tear it down to replace any parts. Cleaned it for the first time last winter and it looked great inside. I cut my teeth on a Bantam in the late 80's and it fell apart after about 3 or 4 seasons. Wish I could remember the model # but that dang memory loss keeps flaring up?
My triton 100 went for about 10 years and I screwed something up when I cleaned it and probally will take it in for a pro-lookover this summer. It was working great until my hands got inside. Bought a Penn 321GTI for sturgeon and I like it but I wish Penn made a GTI in a smaller configuration with the left-handed crank.

That's one beef I have with reel manufacturers.....why don't they produce a left-handed crank in all lines? There has to be a market for them. I refuse to buy a reel without the left crank. It's a major pain in the rump to keep switching hands everytime you cast. I wanted another Triton (TRN) for sturgeon fishing but they don't produce them in a left-handed crank. Shimanos loss, Penns gain I guess.

My vote goes for the 6501 c-3, but I plan to buy a Calcutta in the near future based on what I've heard.

[fatfish]

When to Fisherman's today after reading what has been said here, I had to look at a couple of reels. I looked at the Shimano 400 and the Penn International 965. All I can say is WOW WOW WOW WOW. These babies are like swiss watches. Super Smooth!

My choice is the Penn. It seems to be even smoother than the Shimano. It is about the size of the Ambassadeur 6000 series with all the needed features. The finish was very striking and seemed to fit my hand perfectly. This reel could last a lifetime with proper care. If you get a chance, take a look at the Penn International series; 955 965 and 975 models. I think you will see that these reels have a lot to offer. Now, I wonder if I can get a second loan on the house so that I can buy one. images/icons/tongue.gif images/icons/tongue.gif images/icons/tongue.gif

[Ken Drifter]

Bait cast of choice, it would diffinitely
be Ambassadeur 5001 ( left hand )
There around 12 yrs. old all black model.
The newer ambassadeurs I feel are not as well built ( a few big hogs and they start to slip ) its a gear thing. Shimano
makes a good product, but again, I dont feel there as strong. Ive seen some used ones at Ollies for $80.000 to $90.00
" newer isnt always better " One of my Ambassadeurs has easily pulled in over 350 Lbs of Sturgeon (total) a 30 to 40 lb
fish is easily yarded, I totaly wasted a brand new Ambassadeur on only 3 trips.
Salmon fishing, the gears just couldnt cut it. Anyway just an opinion.

[hustlerrjim]

cleaning out tackle room and found my favorite bottom fishing reel
it's a 4/0 penn mounted on a eletromatic 12 volt reel motor
this rig will bring in any bottom fish except a halibut at about 360 feet per min.

[Killertraylor]

I've got a new one that nobody has mentioned yet! I've been using Calcutta 400's exclusively until this year when I went out on a limb and bought a Daiwa Millionaire CVZ-300A. It's about the same price as the Calcutta ($209) and in my opinion is a smoother reel. I've now got two of the CVZ-300A's and also a CVX-300A which is the $150 version with fewer ball bearings. I can't tell the difference between it and the $209 version. I've cought springers and a few sturgeon on the Daiwa's, but I'll be more qualified to speak of their longevity after a few years of sturgeon and salmon fishing with them. The Calcutta 400's have never let me down and I feel like a snob carrying one of them around in the boat as my "backup" reel.