Chris,
I like a fast reel and also, a left-handed reel (the nomenclature still makes no sense to me based on how spinning reels are set-up). When I started, I fished Abu C4's. Once I started fishing more agressive (jerk baits, etc.) those reels simply blew up…quick. Usually the anti-reverse bearing. I went to Shimano Cardiff's (300 size). They are basically the same reel as a Shimano Calcutta except for not being machined out of a solid piece of aluminum. I don't think you can buy a better reel for the money (110$ ish). I am considering getting a light salt reel for throwing really big baits, but have not made the jump yet. That is my two cents.
TB
I would say if you can find an Okuma IDX 400, get one of those. The only reason I say this, is because they have a lifetime warranty. They are discontinued now, but when they were new, they were around $100. I've seen them for as low as $70 now. Don't know why anyone would get rid of one with a lifetime warranty. If you have the money, I would go with the Shimano Calcutta TE. Haven't tried one personally, but haven't heard anything bad about them. They are a step above the Calcutta B which is what I have. You can find the Calcutta B's for anywhere between $160-$220. Best reel in my arsenal so far as an all around reel. I can throw anything from a small Mepps bucktail to a Pounder.
"Chris Musselman" said:
Hey tory why not the cardiff 400?
The 300s are 5.8:1 while the 400s are 5.2:1 so he probably likes the faster retrieve.
For a good all around reel I would go with a 5.3:1 ratio or something around there. It is going to be tough to find a reel one can throw every bait with, but a middle gear ratio should do you well.
"Jim tenHaaf" said:
I would say if you can find an Okuma IDX 400, get one of those. The only reason I say this, is because they have a lifetime warranty.
I must have a different Induron or Okuma changed the warranty as mine has a one year warranty only. Okuma's customer service is still amazing and I can send it in to get fixed for really cheap without it being under warranty.
"jasonvkop" said:
[quote="Jim tenHaaf"]I would say if you can find an Okuma IDX 400, get one of those. The only reason I say this, is because they have a lifetime warranty.
I must have a different Induron or Okuma changed the warranty as mine has a one year warranty only. Okuma's customer service is still amazing and I can send it in to get fixed for really cheap without it being under warranty.
You had the Red Isis, though, didn't you?
The other reason I like the 300 is because I simply don't like the size of the 400. I hold the rod at the fore-grip which lets me really rip jerk baits. I had a 400 and it pressed against my fore-arm/wrist, which was really uncomfortable. With braid, I don't feel you lose that much circumference downsizing to the 300 to affect your line take. For me the speed and the feel are the main reasons, but the feel would trump the speed..as I don't think the difference between the 5.2 to 5.8 bothers me.
TB
"Jim tenHaaf" said:
You had the Red Isis, though, didn't you?
I used the Red Isis for a year, but it is my dad's. I have had an Induron for a couple years now and use it for double tens. I even talked with the Okuma guy (California_Muskie) on muskiefirst and he said the Indurons come with a one year warranty.
Me – "I was just wondering how long the warranty on the Indurons are? Some people have told me they have a lifetime while others have told me a year or two."
Response – "Jason… The induron reels come with a one year warranty."
I'm not complaining though as getting my reel repaired was around $15 only; especially considering I use it solely for double tens which puts quite a strain on it.
"Chris Musselman" said:
Hey guys I'm buying a new setup and figured I should get some Reel advice.My buddy just got a Abu 7000 with a 4:1 gear ratio and seems to think its too much reeling for jerk baits, bulldawgs, ect…
I want more of an all purpose setup and look forward to any suggestions
If I was in the market for a new reel I would be looking at the Okuma Akena but if I could wait a little while the new Okuma reel one step in price above the Akena will be out over the winter. This reel is built like many really expensive reels (dual anti reverse) but isn’t going to carry the huge price tag. Okuma service is excellent. I didn't have the Akena's yet when I fished with you guys earlier this year, I've got them now and they're a very nice reel.
"jasonvkop" said:
[quote="Chris Musselman"]Hey tory why not the cardiff 400?
The 300s are 5.8:1 while the 400s are 5.2:1 so he probably likes the faster retrieve.
For a good all around reel I would go with a 5.3:1 ratio or something around there. It is going to be tough to find a reel one can throw every bait with, but a middle gear ratio should do you well.
The 300 has a higher gear ratio because it has a smaller spool. The higher gear ratio allows it to take up the same amount of line (24” full) as the larger spool (22” full)at the end of a cast. The 74% larger spool means that at the end of the cast you’ll have cast 20% of the line off the 300 but only 13% off the 400.
"Jim tenHaaf" said:
If you have the money, I would go with the Shimano Calcutta TE. Haven't tried one personally, but haven't heard anything bad about them.
They all break, doesn't matter who builds them or how much they cost and the TE is no exception. I know someone that sends all his TE's in each year to be fixed. To me it just seems that for that much money they should last more than a year even if you are fishing 3-4 days a week. I'm not bad mouthing Shimano at all, they build good stuff and Shimano has excellent service.
Anyone know anything about this reel?
Its a tica caiman CJ, 5.2:1 23in line pure turn….
Retails for $160 but I found them on Ebay new for $95
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"Chris Barton" said:
Chris Musselman wrote:
Anyone know anything about this reel?Its a tica caiman CJ, 5.2:1 23in line pure turn….
I can only tell you what I've heard throught the grapevice… RUN from any reel made by Tica.
That is exactly what I have heard regarding Okuma reels.
Truth is you've probably heard that from someone about Abu, Diawa, Pflueger, Shimano, Quantum, Lews, Penn, etc, etc.
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