NEED Some Reel Opinions, PLEASE

drift fishing fool · 12-31-2002, 12:04 PM

reel i currently own: curado 201 fast retrive

was fishing last week and i got snagged, went to pull on it and bzzz, my reel back reels, grr. kinda repressed that memory in hopes that it would hold through the season and then yesterday my worst nightmare happened. drift fishing through a spot that has been a money spot the last few trips, fish bites and i set the hook. it rushes right at me and i hussle to catch up. the line gets tight again and i kinda give one more reassurance hook set, then bzzz again. OH NO. little backlash in the line so im picking that out and trying to keep the like tight. after all that i still lose the fish after it runs down out of the hole and no room for me to chase after. ANYWAY. i need another reel while this one takes a trip to ollie damons for some reconstructive surgery. im thinking about one of the chonarchs. either the regular or super free. i want to hear all opions of these reels, good and bad so i can make my desicion. thanks LETS HEARS SOMETHING SOON SO I CAN BE BACK FISHING AS SOON AS MY RIVER COMES BACK INTO SHAPE, PLEASE <//><

[ 12-31-2002, 04:04 PM: Message edited by: drift fishing fool ]

Boedy · 12-31-2002, 12:44 PM

I Just got a chronarch 101a and it sure is smooth I went with the standard instead of the SF because the line capacity was a little more and I didn�t think it was worth the extra money for the waffle spool. Has anybody fished the Super free chronarch ? if so how was it. I had a Curado before it flew out the back of my truck along with my Lami never to be seen again

. I liked it a lot but this one has a better drag and is noticeable smoother. I don�t think you can go wrong with any of the Chronarch�s or Curado�s.

drift fishing fool · 12-31-2002, 03:31 PM

thanks boedy, anyone else. need to make a decision here pretty quick so anything you all have to offer is appreciated

spinnermaker · 12-31-2002, 03:42 PM

I would have to say Curado.

TH · 12-31-2002, 05:47 PM

My vote is for the Shimano Chronarch...
w/ upgrade ABEC 7 bearings and some rocket fuel, it'll cast better than the SF model...

Check out EBAY, they have some great deals at times...

Good luck!

Boedy · 12-31-2002, 05:52 PM

where you get the upgrade bearings?

norms gone fishing too · 12-31-2002, 05:54 PM

yes were can i get a berring upgrade done

Fishen Fool · 12-31-2002, 05:55 PM

If you have the money go with the cronarch sf. TH, I keep hearing about the rocket fuel, what the heck is it?

TH · 12-31-2002, 07:07 PM

Rocket fuel in an upgrade high performance lube you can put on your bearings... if you do your own reel mait.

I have Jim Johns at Heartland Tackle Service do all of my reel work. He upgrades the bearngs, lubes w/ rocket fuel and completely cleans and services all my reels.. he is AWESOME!!!.

Its worth a look!

fishbait · 01-01-2003, 03:20 AM

Another source for Rocket Fuel. Also HS bearings for Abu Reels.

http://www.hatterasoutfitters.com/

ZaQ · 01-01-2003, 07:20 AM

I just bought a Calcutta, OH MY GOSH!!!!!!! What did I ever do without this thing?

Grant Scheele · 01-01-2003, 07:32 AM

I just dumped two Calcutta's. They don't last very long. They are great when new but don't expect a long lasting tough reel.

hustlerrjim · 01-01-2003, 10:00 AM

drift fishing fool ask about which is the greatest reel known to man,the answer is very simple and that is a 251 shimano Bantam
the problem you are having with your real is the anti reverse cog has lost its tension and is very easy to fix stop in some time when you are fishing the North Fork nehalem and I can fix it for you in about five minutes.
Next on the discussion list was bearings, and rocket fuel was mentioned if you smell this you will notice it smells like kerosene, that is very interesting because kerosene is one step below diesel fuel for lubricating,
If you want a super fast and easy casting real lube the spool shaft and bearings with a tiny drop of diesel oil. just a mere spec will do the trick ,but be sure and wipe off all excess oils that you have been using.
I am waiting for somebody to open their mouths about this telling me it will ruin my bearings, I have been using diesel for the past sixty years and I have never had a bearing go out yet.
The secret to keep a real working is never let them get wet without cleaning them when you get home.
Here is a super trick and one to remember---------if the part turns when it is out of gear use diesel on those parts, but if the parts move when you turn the crank you can use a light oil on those.

ZaQ · 01-01-2003, 10:25 AM

What happened to you Calcuttas?

BuKuBass · 01-01-2003, 12:27 PM

I agree with TH and hustlerrjim. I had Jim at Heartland clean and install new bearings in my Shimano Bantam Mark Plus 251Xs and now they're even better! Even Jim commented what sweet little reels they are. Thanks for the diesel tip hj; I'll try it next time I lube.

ko · 01-01-2003, 02:39 PM

Santa got me a Curado 201 bantam, and so far I love it. Can't wait for summer steelhead on the Santiam.

ko

HOGTIDE · 01-01-2003, 03:24 PM

I've seen Bass Pro advertise some new super lube called 'Hot Sauce. I've never used it yet, but have been told that it is good stuff. I just like the name!

Calcuttas wearing out quickly???? That's the first bad Calcutta report I have ever heard. I have three of the 400's and they seem to be the most solid well-built reels I have ever used or examined. Barstock aluminum, cut brass gears and stainless with tight tolerances...don't know how they could make it better.

TH · 01-01-2003, 03:40 PM

I love my calcutta 400's.. they are very strong! and have wonderful drags... great for the salt and salmon!

As for the 250's they too are a great reel.. the only thing I dont like about them is that they are small.. I can't get my thumb in on the spool... they are also COLD.. in the mornings :smile:

CARTMAN · 01-03-2003, 11:05 PM

I got an abu 6500c4 about a month ago. I asked the other members and did some research. I think for the money $78.00 I got a great reliable reel. I have yet to get a fish but have practiced alot of casting and testing the drag. So far no complaints here. Good luck with your decision and hope you find what you are looking for.

Cartman