drift fishing reel

ampersat · 11-13-2002, 05:54 PM

i'm thinking of adding a rod and/or reel to my collection. ("thinking of"? right, it's only a matter of time at this point). anyway, i was wondering if folks out there have a preference for a baitcaster drift fishing and spinner pitching reel outside of the standard ambassaduer. they're a little heavy and hold a lot more line than i ever hope to have in the water while fighting a fish. durability, smooth casting and smooth drag are a must.

as a side note, i've got an old daiwa magforce reel that was the first reel i ever used for drift fishing. it's pretty worn out and doesn't cast as smoothly as the ambassadeurs. right now, it's got plastic sleeves for the spool and such. is there any chance i can get it retrofitted with real bearings?

[ 11-13-2002, 07:01 PM: Message edited by: ampersat ]

SandySteel · 11-13-2002, 06:02 PM

It all depends on how much you want to spend and I think that is what most folks are going to ask you.
I know they have been roundly dissed on this board but I love my new Eon. They are smooth casting, light and have a great drag. They are also largely on sale because they have not sold well. I think much of that has to do with the fact that they are a great departure in design and anglers by nature are conservative about their gear. I understand that the first batch had problems with locking up in the cast so pick yours well and if you experience problems send it back while it is still under warranty.

SteelieSteve · 11-13-2002, 06:02 PM

For levelwinds you can't beat Shimano's but from what I've read and been told stay away from the corsair model. I use some Shimano's that I bought in the early '80's.

11-13-2002, 06:04 PM

What is a spinning reel :grin:

Fishen Fool · 11-13-2002, 06:08 PM

Curado Curado Curado

Corkie Monster · 11-13-2002, 06:15 PM

Calcutta

wetaline · 11-13-2002, 06:43 PM

Calcutta or Curado BSF ... have both, both are great... take your pick depending on what you want.

Steelie · 11-13-2002, 06:45 PM

Ditto to Steelie Steve. The cosair has one problem in its design.

The line guide only travel on retrieve. The guide remains stationary when casting or letting line out. It limits the distance you can cast and stress's the line when fighting heavy fish. This is really pronounce if you use braided line.

Jettin' Fool · 11-13-2002, 08:25 PM

Had bad luck with the Corsair also.....malfunctioning drag system. When I returned it the guy at FM said they had gotten several back with the same problem. I traded up to the Curado and couldnt be happier. Great light weight reel that is super smooooth!

Fool

Flatfish · 11-13-2002, 08:37 PM

Curado for steelies, a bit light for nooks imho. Abu for nooks.Whatever you start with ,unless its junk,stick with.Buy the same reel for all steelheading.That way when Newbie is in your boat there are no questions past the initial talk.Thats why I run abu,they last well and I don't need a second mortgage to buy a few of them.
Mark and the dog.

rhansme · 11-13-2002, 09:02 PM

Curado 1501(SF) Scorpion from Japan. Not sold in the US. A beautiful Reel and works like a dream. I have both the right and left handed models. Some days I like Lefty and others Righty...Guess I am ambidexterous....

OldRedSled · 11-13-2002, 10:08 PM

anyone ever tried a center pin reel. I heard they use them allot in BC for drifting and bobbers \

ORS

STEELHEADHOUND1357 · 11-14-2002, 05:46 AM

you need to get a Curado BSF its all i use and i have 3 of them..........and a good durable rod to have with it is a kenai special from lamiglas. :grin:

Gorgeherm · 11-14-2002, 06:22 AM

Calcutta would be my first choice.

sliverslinger · 11-14-2002, 09:03 AM

Quantum makes a good reel in their Iron series . That is all I use, they are very smooth and easy to work on if you have to.
tight lines