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real reel

jerry - 12-20-2006 at 09:20 PM

in thinking of getting a good 2 speed reel with a lever drag im hoping to use it for marlin big tuna yellowtail perhaps sea bass and grouper what reel would you buy if you only could get one 2 speed?? shimano?? pen?? ??

Al G - 12-20-2006 at 09:28 PM

Great question jerry..I too, awaite the answers... :saint:

aquaholic - 12-20-2006 at 09:29 PM

I have used the Shimano 2 speed reels on sails & blues. They have performed perfectly. Now all you need to decide is model & size...it'll be a fun time looking at what's available...

jerry - 12-20-2006 at 09:38 PM

im looking at a tegra 30 wide but might need to settle for something that dont cost like solid gold??

aquaholic - 12-20-2006 at 09:55 PM

...maybe look at the TLD two speeds...great quality...less money...

4baja - 12-21-2006 at 07:10 AM

i have both TLDs and a pen and and im happey with both. the TLDs are a little tricky to take apart and clean as apossed to penn. the TLDs work well for grouper and yellows down deep.

Diver - 12-21-2006 at 07:22 AM

Also Daiwa Sealines are similar price and have 2 speed models or 1 speed.

Minnow - 12-21-2006 at 07:26 AM

I have the TLD 30II, and I love it. It is light enough to fish with all day, unlike the Penn"s, and the Tiagra. Those are mainly trolling reels, as is anything over a TLD30. The TLD's are much more versital. I also have a TLD15, not a two speed, but still a very decent reel.

Pescador - 12-21-2006 at 08:24 AM

I fish really hard for 6 month of the year and really put the equipment to the test. In my opinion and experience, the TLD's will not stand up to constant and harsh usage. The Tiagra will as long as you do fairly regular maintence or have someone maintain the reel for you. The Penn KG grade reel will do ok but needs some TLC to keep it going, and the Penn Internationals do a great job if maintained properly. I have started using an Avet and it is one of the best available for the money. Two screw take apart, clean it by dunking in a bucket of fresh water and lubricating things once or twice a year. You gotta love American ingenuity that they can put out a reel that works this well for a lot less money than the competition.
You can check out their website or try www.charkbait.com for some good information.

Don Alley - 12-21-2006 at 08:34 AM

I have three two speed reels, all Avets.

A Pro EX, with 60lb line.
An LX 4/6, usually 40lb line.
An MX 4/6, 30lb line, spectra backing

The LX and MX are really easy to take apart and put together. The EX is an older model; it's still available but a newer (and more expensive model) is being made as well.

These reels have a whole message category on Bloody Decks. You'll also find detailed, illustrated service instructions with commentary and reviews on Avet and other reels there:
Reel Tutorials

Minnow - 12-21-2006 at 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pescador
I fish really hard for 6 month of the year and really put the equipment to the test. In my opinion and experience, the TLD's will not stand up to constant and harsh usage.

Not directed at you personally Pescador, but an Idiot can break anything. I use mine constantly, not just 6 months a year, and you must certainly mean 6 months a year when the wind doesn't have you ashore for days on end, and have never had a single problem. That is for a wide variety of fish too, not just yellowtail hooked 150ft deep over the sea mount on live bait. :lol:

Minnow - 12-21-2006 at 08:51 AM

Here is what one guy has to say about the Avets on the Hull Truth.

"I am glad the Avet has worked out well for you and others but the two I have are problematic. The EX 50W is an absolute POS and actually seized up on it's third trip, NOT from lack of maintenance, abuse, etc. "

I guess it is a matter of prefrence. If you gotta have all that gold plating anodize fu fu to make you feel like you can catch fish. Oh Well!!!!!!!!! :lol:

aquaholic - 12-21-2006 at 02:03 PM

...maybe we should ask Summanus which two speed he used for those monsters he posted on another thread...???

I have a friend who had a new Avet sieze up on him; its replacement also siezed. They may have the problem fized by now...I don't know what model he had...

Summanus - 12-21-2006 at 02:10 PM

I use the old winch off my boat trailer to haul up my really BIG pintos.....

Cypress - 12-21-2006 at 02:25 PM

I'll go with the Penn's!

4/0's for regular stuff.

6/0's for heavy lifting.

Those big smoking billfish will take it all to another level.

Avet Reels Pitch

Don Alley - 12-21-2006 at 03:36 PM

You can find stories of siezed or otherwise failed reels from every manufacturer.

I've had good luck with almost all my reels, and I have a bunch, including 6 Avets. No trouble at all with my Avets.

Yellowtail at 150ft: Pulling these fish from structure is tough; I broke a fresh 60lb topshot putting the brakes on one Saturday. The force you need to keep them out of the rocks is greater than you'll need for dorado, striped marlin of sailfish and tough on reels.

As far as Penn 4/0 and 6/0, these are almost bulletproof, easy to service and parts are easy to find. But, once you've fished a two speed it's hard to go back. Great speed for retrieves, or great power in low gear. Better than the old Penns for using Spectra backing and jumping line classes: in other words, you can use a lighter, smaller reel. A 6/0 is a pretty big reel to fish all day (unless trolling) and a 4/0 does not have the drags for keeping yellowtail out of structure; yes for "heavy lifting" with the Senators you need the 6/0.

One more thing about the Avets. These are all lever drag reels. Instantly adjustable and powerful drags, yet unlike most other lever drags, they have great freespool out of the box for flylining live bait AND You Can Cast With Them!!! making them great jig reels.

Finally, Made in the USA!!!

Taken last Saturday, Danzante Island, with an Avet:

Minnow - 12-21-2006 at 05:15 PM

Man it is a shame you had to fight those conditions to get out to the fish. :lol:

Nice shot. I really like the last Saturday thing. Can't touch that. :?:

Don, that sea mount comment was for Pescador. He knows what I am talking about, and yes they lay a wippin on ya. That is where the 2 speed really comes in handy. All in good fun. Tight lines fellas.

Pescador, is Ken Brookhouse down there right now? I need to talk to him.

[Edited on 22-12-2006 by Minnow]

jerry - 12-21-2006 at 06:15 PM

thank each and everyone of you for your responces i think ill go read up and then go feel each one before i decide
i did get a blue off of punta colorado in the 350# with a 4-0 pen 40# mono we chased it all over the soc for 3 and a half hours taged him and releasted him and some yellow fin tuna over 100# that i used a 4-0 on the first 3 when i yelled uncle the skipper handed me a 2 speed daiwa and said one more??
it was like heaven
so now if i get a 2 speed ill have to fish with it everytime

or the big ones will only bite the little reel??
it does seem like there a fan for allmost every brand

Alan - 12-21-2006 at 08:44 PM

I have to agree with Don Jorge. A 30 Wide, Tiagra or International will handle all of your needs unless you are fishing from a stationary boat for huge tuna. The Tiagras fish great right out of the box but the Penn's can benefit from a little tweaking to improve freespool and increase drag. If your goal is the really big bruisers I would go with 100# spectra and a topshot. This will give you plenty of capacity. With proper maintenance these reels will last you a lifetime and they both have enough history to prove it. Is saving $100 for a lesser reel worth it in the long run? Could be! I don't know your personal circumstances. I have bought lots and lots of lesser reels in my life because it was what I could afford at that time in my life and they ALL caught fish. I have also experienced reel failures with trophy catches and at times I have fought my gear as much as the fish. I finally came to the conclusion and the financial means to afford what I feel is the best. I now have nearly a full set of Trinidads and if my Internationals would ever die I would replace them with Tiagras.

Bajachief - 12-21-2006 at 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Don Jorge
It has been said before: Shimano factory service is legendary. Send your reels or drop them off in Irvine and they make all new again for a couple of dimes. That alone is reason enough for me to only buy Shimanos.

Service Center? What Service center! I have no clue where the Penn reel service center is because I have never had to find it. Learn how to take apart your reels and change drags and you will never need a "service" center.

I have had a bunch of friends brag about how they took a broken reels to the Shimano center in Irvine and were handed new reels as replacements. That's great service except for when you were on your trip and the reel failed.

I have had the best luck with Penn and I consider buying an American made reel to be a priority.

Tight lines
Chief

bajadave1 - 12-22-2006 at 05:43 AM

All well and good, but.......................

A PINK REEL??????????????????????????

Merry Xmas.

:lol:

Pescador - 12-22-2006 at 07:42 AM

Minnow, I understand that you like TLD's but I always buy them in two's, and that way when they break, the kids can tie a string between them and use them for telephones. Kinda went the way of my Zebco's
No Kenny has not shown as of yet but I'm not sure that his parole officer will let him leave the US yet.

Rods and Reels...where to begin, where to stop?

Summanus - 12-22-2006 at 08:39 AM

Aha...simple.

- Popeil Pocket Fisherman.jpg - 24kB

Minnow - 12-22-2006 at 08:49 AM

Summanus, You can believe I have one or two of those.

Pescador, good one. I hope to get out on the water with you one day. Saludos

Ken, parole officer? I didn't even know he was married.

Don Alley - 12-22-2006 at 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajadave1
All well and good, but.......................

A PINK REEL??????????????????????????

Merry Xmas.

:lol:

The pink one is a Chanel, Model #5. I borrowed it from Paris H.
:lol:

http://www.charkbait.com/cs/csrAvet_colors.htm

Minnow - 12-22-2006 at 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Minnow
I guess it is a matter of prefrence. If you gotta have all that gold plating anodize fu fu to make you feel like you can catch fish. Oh Well!!!!!!!!! :lol:

I never had to quote myself before, but if the shoe fits. :lol:

Just kidding you Don Ally. That is some nice looking tackle. What does one of those fancy pants things run ya?

Summanus - 12-22-2006 at 09:02 AM

uh...er..Don Alley? Those are such primo pink reels! I..uh...have a certain 'friend' who really, really likes to catch those funny fishey things. Could he go out with you sometime, maybe? Oh, my Gawd..he will be estatic!!

Don Alley - 12-22-2006 at 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Minnow

Quote:

Originally posted by Minnow
I guess it is a matter of prefrence. If you gotta have all that gold plating anodize fu fu to make you feel like you can catch fish. Oh Well!!!!!!!!! :lol:

I never had to quote myself before, but if the shoe fits. :lol:

Just kidding you Don Ally. That is some nice looking tackle. What does one of those fancy pants things run ya?

I can't tell you what they cost because my wife posts here. :biggrin:

But they are much less than Tiagras and Penn Internationals.

jerry - 12-22-2006 at 09:14 PM

this has been very informitive thank again

vandenberg - 12-23-2006 at 08:48 AM

That's not pink.
That's Chartreuse. :biggrin:

International by Penn

capn.sharky - 12-23-2006 at 09:57 AM

Unless Penn has lightened up the Internationals, I think they are too heavy to use. I like the Shimano TLD series. No worries and low maintenence. I fish light tackle as it is easier on the back and use one speed lever drags. I don't see any need for two speeds---unless you want to grind them up from the bottom. Plus two speed require more maintence. Just my opinion after 55 years of fishing....so no need to take it.

Summanus - 12-23-2006 at 10:09 AM

I agree on the Penn International Gold's being just too hefty and cumbersome...never felt comfortable with that gear, although I have recommended them in the past for certain uses. Kind of over-kill for most Baja fishing. Lighter gear...both rods and reels...is my choice for these last many years. I cast with a Shimano level wind...and am dead-on to my targets 'almost' every time!

Diver - 12-23-2006 at 12:22 PM

OK, how do you cast with a level-wind ??
My Penns won't cast 20' before the level-wind gear slows it to a stop.
I only use them for trolling and jigging.
I gotta pull out my TLD's or a spinning reel for casting any distance.
.

level-wind casting...

Summanus - 12-23-2006 at 02:23 PM

Diver...On level wind v.s. spinning reel....It's not a matter of better, it's a matter of different.

Heavy payloads of five ounces and more are much easier to cast on conventional reels. Conventional reels handle heavy line better than spinning reels, are more sensitive and have more torque. The drag mechanism is usually better than the drag on a spinning reel. And, since most conventional reels have a clicker, they work better with fish finder rigs than spinning reels.

The drag on a spinning reel carries the load of the cast. If the drag isn't set heavily enough to hold the load during a cast, the drag will slip. Your finger gets cut and energy is lost from the cast. That's why regulars using heavy spinning tackle tape their fingertips, to save themselves from line cuts. My fingers are still scarred from my youth. Mono can give you a nasty cut, and braided lines are worse because they're so much thinner. On a conventional reel, the thumb holds the spool. Most casters can hold a heavier load with their thumb than the reel drag can do. For this reason, and for the use of a clicker with fish finder rigs, a conventional reel is better than a spinning reel for fishing bait.

Hope that helps a little...but in the end, it pretty much comes down to individual preferences. I have both ....and use both. Saltwater v.s. fresh is another factor in the mind-boggling equation of man against fish. Viva pesca!

p.s. I never could cast my old Penns worth a hoot!

[Edited on 12-23-2006 by Summanus]

Diver - 12-23-2006 at 02:41 PM

I know about casting with conventional reels. I have a few Shimano TLD's that cast fine. My "levelwinds" are Penns and the gear that moves the level winder thingy back and forth creates too much drag to cast them.
Maybe they need to be cleaned/rebuilt ??
Or just use them for trolling as I have done in the past ?

The only spinning reels in my bag are an old shakespear emergency/loaner rig that my wife likes and a lighter rig for the kids.

.

Summanus - 12-23-2006 at 02:48 PM

Diver...I have some of my old Pluegers left from my childhood, too...and a couple of Shakespears, metal rods, etc. Great fun to browse through from time to time.

"Levelwinds" It depends on what you're doing. The level wind makes a lot of sense for fishing with lures. Without a level wind, you must spread line back and forth on the spool with your thumb. If you don't have to do that, you'll notice more about the water in front of you. The level wind saves you work. Anglers who fish live bait, or use very heavy mono, or who absolutely have to get that last yard of distance on a long cast, may prefer an open faced reel without a level wind. It's easier to get a really strong grip on the spool without a level wind in the way, so open faced reels are the tool of choice for maximum distance casting.

I'd guess that 90% of all conventional surfcasting is best done with a level wind reel. They are certainly easier to use, so they ought to be preferred, especially if you're a beginner. The loss of distance in casting is small, and the gain in convenience is substantial. It's only when the absolute maximum in distance is necessary that an open faced reel has a substantial advantage, and this is not often the case in the Cortez...when you are out with a 'hi-liner' like some I know.

Diver - 12-23-2006 at 02:57 PM

I must just be a lazy caster ! :lol:

Think I'll try a cleaning for the first time in ...many years.

Thanks for all the explanations; I feel smarter already.

.

Cypress - 12-23-2006 at 04:18 PM

Just take a heavy-duty handline with a shock absorber, be sure and wear gloves. :bounce:

Reels?

Who needs 'em.?

Don Alley - 12-23-2006 at 07:26 PM

Speaking of levelwinds...

Good deal this month at Charkbait.com for an Abu Garcia levelwind reel. Free tackle bag!

Diver - 12-23-2006 at 07:35 PM

Speaking of levelwinds;

I have a Penn Peer 209 and a Penn Peerless #9 I would let go of cheap if anyone needs some light to medium trolling or jigging reels. Also an Ocean City 922 in good shape for your shelf.
.

bajadave1 - 12-24-2006 at 05:28 AM

Just kidding about the "pinks". I have three Penn Intnl's. All two speeds. Very heavy and best used for BIG blues and cow tuna, preferably in a fighting chair.

For stand up, I prefer light Penn's and Shimanos. For inshore casting, I really like the Shimano Catalas. A friend of mine swears by one of the "blue" avets, but I have yet to try one.

Merry Christmas all!

:bounce:

jorgie - 12-24-2006 at 08:32 AM

all this makes my Penn Peer 309 as old as I am. Happy Christmas all

Cypress - 12-24-2006 at 08:41 AM

Anyone ever try dacron on a large spin reel, ought to cast well? :?:

Don Alley - 12-24-2006 at 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Cypress
Anyone ever try dacron on a large spin reel, ought to cast well? :?:

Japanese style deep jigging uses spectra braid on spinning reels for tuna, samsonfish, yellowtail/kingfish, giant trevally etc. The spinning reels they use cost about 800 bucks, though.

Skipjack Joe - 12-24-2006 at 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Cypress
Anyone ever try dacron on a large spin reel, ought to cast well? :?:

I met guys in alaska last summer using spectra-like line on spinning reels. They were fishing salmon in the rivers. I believe that the small diameter did make for longer casts and still had the muscle in that strong current. Although salmon don't really require very long casts. Just a lot of casting.

Cypress - 12-24-2006 at 09:03 AM

$800 for a spinning reel!!!

.Not even Santa would spring for that. :no:

Merry Christmas! :bounce:

Don Alley - 12-24-2006 at 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Cypress
$800 for a spinning reel!!!

.Not even Santa would spring for that. :no:

Merry Christmas! :bounce:

$800? No no, that's just the "out of the box" price. Before the necessary customizing.

a01[1].jpg - 38kB

Cypress - 12-24-2006 at 12:35 PM

Merry Christmas Don and Skipjack. :spingrin:

Thanks for the info and the picture.