Ive been wanting to buy a new reel but dont know what to go with. I would like some opinons on this and what type of fishing lines to go with. I heard that Ironsilk and fireline are one of the best but havent tried them. I like fishing for bass and trout.. Beginner on bass.. Also need to know your suggestion on what pound test. Thanks for the help

okuma is a great spinning reel. email me some more info on where you will be fishing, what you will be fishing for, etc. it all depends on the situation(s).
regards,
tim
email=timgomes@attbi.com
aim=gomester
msn=timgomes@hotmail.com

Can't go wrong with Shimano reels and rods ( they have the most unreal customer service around). For something middle of the road, go with a small spinning reel/V-rod combo to match 4-6 lb. line...or...step up to a Loomis 721 spinning rod, GLX or IMX, and put the right sized reel on it (whatever $ amount you want to spend). P-Line CXX in 4 or 6 pound, SUPER strong for what it is...you can't go wrong.... A combo in this size will accommodate most Trout and light-line Bassin......Go get 'em

Gerryjig out

I fish all Shimano and Triple Fish Line :)

I'm with Tim on this one. If your talking spinning reels check out the Okuma Epixor or Metaloid size#15 for 4-6lb test or the #20 for a lil larger line. You can visit Okuma on the web at www.okumafishing.com These are extra smooth 10bb reels with a sealed drag system that will give you many years of fish battleing. Okuma's new Solaris rod is a great match. If you have any questions feel free to email or post.

John Lake
Okuma Pro Staff

Shimano reels, can't go wrong with tham. For baitcasters I like the Curado(original and super free) and for spinning I like Stradic, Sustain, or even the Sahara(a great little reel at a little price). As for line, I go for Maxima Ultragreen on everything. It is soooooooo strong it is amazing. Hope this helps!

Later!!!

thanks for all the advice. I will look into them all. One more thing is whats the difference in reels? Is it just preference? Thanks again for the help.. If anyone else has an opinion please post them....

I use shimano reels for everything. All Curado's and one Castaic for flipping. For line I use Berkley big game for 15lb and stronger and triple fish for anything lighter. The only exception is when drop-shotting I like to use clear line so I use Trilene XT or P-line.

This talk about line brings up a question I have for Rob. When using triple fish, do you tie to any certain color depending on water clarity. I'm color blind anyway so it's hard to tell, but it just seems like the color coming right off the bait could possibly make a difference.

I totally agree with Taylor. I have three Curado Super-Frees and 3 Stradics. I've tried many different reels, but Shimano is all I use anymore. They are pricey ($160 for the Super-Frees and $120 for the Stradics). I would have saved money if I would have bought these originally instead of the circular junk laying on my garage bench.

In my opinion, the high quality is more important in casting than in spinning reels. A quality spinner is sweet on the retrieve; however, a cheap spinning reel without a fancy low friction spool lip will cast almost as far as a really pricey one. With casting reels the difference in casting distance is like night and day. If you get a cheap casting reel, and then have the oppurtunity to try a quality one you will probably end up upgrading later.

Try Bass World West in Santa Ana to check out reels. They have a demo for every model they sell mounted on cut-off rods in holders at the front counter.

Try some flourocarbon line if you plan on using jigs, Spoons, plastics, or drop-shotting. The lack of stretch really helps you feel every touch. After soaking 30' or 40' of monofilament for an hour or two it will soak up water and get really stretchy. You can move the rod tip a foot or so and never lift the bait, It's all line stretch.

I like Seagaur. Everybody tells me that Yamamoto Sugoi is the best, but it costs nearly 25 cents a yard
NoTrollMotor

I would go with the Master rods & reels and some of that blue Shakespeare line from Kmart. You can't beat the plastic spool spools on their reels. And that blue line from Kmart has incredible memory, it will always coil up back on the reel. And in the water it looks like a slinky !

Musky,
Not trying to jump on the barni wagon, but the pole that I've caught the most (and my first) fish with is a $16 Shakespear ultralight combo from Walmart. No lie, I can't keep the trout off of it. Says something about the value of confidence.

BTW is the K-Mart line you speak of the one called "Fishing Line"? ;)
NoTrollMotor

Do you have experience with the Shimano baitcasters in saltwater? Do they require special treatment after each saltwater use, more so than other brands? Thanks.
Bob

Don't buy an Okuma, they suck! I haven't used mine in over a year because the first time i used it the little casted piece used to support the reel handle broke! It was only a 2 lb. striper! It was the new 10 bb reel, i forgot the name. Then on their two speed tuna reels...well let's just say they're even worse. Plain and simple, you can't go wrong with Shimano (esp. their customer support)

Jeff

Wow Jeff, Tell me more. I havent heard a single negative thing about Okuma till I read your post. I would like some info on exactly what happened to what reels and how Okuma did or didnt handle the matter. I will see what I can do to make things right for you.

Sorry Mr. Lake, i didn't intend to offend you, i was just expressing my personal opinions. But like i was saying i have had problems w/two of the Okuma products (my first and only two that i ever purchased), i have no affilliation with any other company, neither am i a pro-staffer, only personal experiences and my opinions. BTW i didn't take my spinning reel in for service, it's only been used once and still in mint condition except for the broken handle i just went out and bought a new daiwa spinning reel. IMO Shimano Chronarch's/Curado SF (baitcasting), Daiwa Spinning Reels, G-Loomis (when feel is important)

Jeff L.

Must be the indian and not the arrow. I love all of my Okuma reels(I have 7 of them now) and have never had a problem with them. My husband just gave me a Metaloid for Christmas and I broke it in on a 11.17 at Lake Castaic the other day. To each is own though.

Cory (bassin chick)

Cory
You need to call Okuma 800-466-5862 any of the girls there will be able to help you out.Okuma has outstanding customer service. If you have any problems let me know

I was not offended in anyway by your post. I have just not heard any problems and I would like to know exactly what happened and try to get you taken care of.

Maybe a lemon? Ive seen plenty of shimano lemons too.

plenty? What's your definition? I have 12 chronarchs and 3 curado's and in 6 yrs. only 1 (new SF) had a problem in which Shimano shipped it back to me in 7 days! Excellent track record if you ask me...

Jeff L.

I know that the old silver corsairs had lots of problems. And i forgot my first super free needed new drag washers after two trips, but i just took it down to shimano and they fixed it on the spot.

hey john,
didn't know you were still around. i used to fish in gilroy with ya. good luck to ya this year.
tim

Hey there Grimm,

I just finished a trip where I used Fireline and Ironsilk. The Ironsilk 12lb was great. Fireline was less so and I got a birdsnest although the makers said it would be a problem. Also, I heard from a person who has posted to your question that when the coating is quickly worn off the Fireline, the line is not much good. Don't know about that yet.

I've bought a Quantum Catalyst Tpi 20 spinning reel recently smooth drag, smooth everything!!! but... The spool is wiggly even when it's seated properly on the shaft. This bugs the heck out of me and I wouldn't suggest it unless you can ignore this quirk.


JapanRon

Tsu,
I have a Catalyst Tpi 20, and it doesn't have the wobble. I'm pretty happy with it, but I prefer my Stradics.
NoTrollMotor

shimano curado or chronarch for baicasting, and the new stradic is sweet.As for rods i say either IMX or the V-rods are good also.

Hey there Grimm,

Now I get it! If you're going the spinning outfit route, some of the new hybrid lines, as I had mentioned before, might not be your best choice. The packaging claims it's OK with spinning reels but instinct tells me those lines do best with the conventional or baitcasting setups I generally use.

Spiderline's super mono might be OK but I'd go with some of the lines suggested by other posters before Fireline, Ironsilk, or Power Pro!

Hope I didn't mislead ya too far off the track.

JapanRon

Thanks I appreciate all the help.

Grimm,

I know there are many Shimano fans on this site and what I am going to say will most likely piss them off. But, IMO, the best baitcasting reels on the market today is maid by Daiwa. May I be so bold as to recommend the Daiwa TD-X and the TD-Z.

Don't take any body's word for it. Mine included. You should check out as many reels as you can and decide for yourself!

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AMP2564

Well this has turned into quite the discussion :) But I just have to say that that avatar image with the bass wiggling its front fin is the coolest one I have seen yet :)

And Phil, about the triple fish. I always tie to either the green or the clear part. It's probably just superstition, but it seems like I don't get bit as well tied to the brown.

well i am a big shimano fan and okuma for spinning and the opinion does not piss me off or offend me in any way, shape, or form. nor should it anybody else. this board is for opinions, suggestions, and all-around help. who knows, maybe i will try something else one of these days and actually throw a baitcaster other than a curado(not!).;)
seriously, though. take the opinions and try everything out and make your own decision.
tim

Well I am not suprised to see so many shimano
fans because i am one too, My favorite is the
curado but when it comes to price and quality
Abu-Garcia has been an excellent reel for me
in my opinion of course.

Look at the size of that bass!

Calais all the way man shimano is the best and nothing is better the smoothest reel in the world best for everything and its all about the izorline platinum

vince calais suck its all about the citicas

you know what up Vince, well done Homey!!! Like to see all the Shimano peeps backing up the product.
Dane