Smaller-size salmon reel suggestions.....

TheRogue · 02-06-2005, 09:07 AM

Ok, I have two rods I need to get set up soon...both Rogue 8'2" lighter one-piece casting rods (10-20). Ideal light weight trolling or light current kwikie rods. I have a Catala 400 on one, and a 6500 on the other. I think they're just a little too large a reel on each. I run 50lb Tuf on these, so line capacity is not an issue.

I was looking at the new Shimano Cardiff 300. Slightly redesigned from last year (discontinued Catala), smooth and nice. I really would like a clicker on the reel...but it doesn't seem if any in this size on the market have a clicker. Not a fan of the thumbar, but also not an option in a smaller reel, except for the Abu-Garcia 5600...and I want to step up from there.

My ideal reel: 300 size, lever drag, with clicker. Don't think they exist, but would love to see one!!

TR

02-06-2005, 09:21 AM

If you don't have to have a level wind, an Avet SX5.0:1 is a nice reel in that size range. I have 300yds of 30lb spectra and 25yds 20 flourocarbon on the one I got for albacore live bait fishing. Real nice clicker on this reel, a lever drag and massive drag disks.

AVET REELS

SX5.1:1 w/clicker 14.8oz 20/220yd 16/375yd 12/450yd

Drachir · 02-06-2005, 09:53 AM

Take a look at Shimano's new Corvalus. It looks like a pretty nice new reel. :grin:

I have a Shimano Catala 300 and Cardiff 300, and love both of them. They have really smooth drags, and work well for Steelies, and Springers.

MacEFL · 02-06-2005, 10:06 AM

I've landed fall salmon on my Cardiff 301. Never felt out gunned! Had it mounted on a Loomis 983c. I will probably use that reel on my TH 1025 for springers this spring. Did I really say springers? If there are seals in the area I will use my Calcutta 401 on the Loomis.

02-06-2005, 10:29 AM

Mac,
How big of hooks do you use on seal?

Gus Orviston · 02-06-2005, 04:30 PM

keta what does cost? Nice looking unit. gus

02-06-2005, 04:32 PM

$155 delivered to your door, in the US. Don't know what the shipping would be to China :grin:

Riverkeeper · 02-06-2005, 04:58 PM

Kyle, why not a Calcutta 250? I've caught springers on those and it does just fine, especially for trolling where you only have +/- 20' of line out to start with.

I too am a light rod guy. This year my boat has three lami G1330 hot shot magnums (8' 1 piece 10-20) with Abu 5601's in it. I don't think most springers put much strain on the reels, and the price is right on the abus.

02-06-2005, 07:02 PM

Riverkeeper,

No clicker on the 5600C3/5601C3 reel. The5600C4/5601C4 has a clicker but the gear ratio is too high. The gear ratio can be fixed for about $24.00 and 20 minutes tinkering. I have 2 C4/C3 hybrids and I love them.

Here is a piture of 2 5601's,and my Avet SX5.1:1 with 2 of my steelhead reels tossed in to fill the frame.

Bankbound · 02-06-2005, 08:58 PM

Why the switch to the right hander for the big reel??

MH

KillerBeee · 02-06-2005, 09:37 PM

Where do you actually purchase AVET reels for $155 delivered? I didn't see any ordering info off the link you gave.
Dave

BloodNtheboat · 02-06-2005, 09:43 PM

Another vote for the cardiff, My 301 is still runnin strong after 4 seasons of springers, steelhead and fall chinook, The reel casts like a dream, and I havnt had any problems with it, (I havnt had to service it yet). Fits really good in your hand.

02-06-2005, 09:45 PM

Bankbound,
I'm ambidextrous with reels but for a reel without levelwind I find it easier to level the line with my left hand. I'll get a picture of the SX5.1:1 next to my two speed EXW4/02 and post it here tomorow. The EXW is my "Big Reel".

Killerbeee,
Check your PM's.