Santiago
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3539
Registered: 8-27-2003
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Quality of reels, by brand name, under the Berkley umbrella
Berkley, owned by Pure Fishing acquired by the Jarden Corp, carries or manufactures reels under the following names:
Abu Garcia
Pflueger
Penn
Mitchell
Fenwick
I grew up fishing a Mitchell 300 (France) and a Penn Jigmaster 500 (USA). Do these names actually mean anything as far as quality goes? I realize
that at one time, these were all independent companies that have been acquired, just curious if there is any meaning left. It'd possible to spend $75
and get a 2000-sized spinning reel with each of the above brand names - which would be the better reel?
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woody with a view
PITA Nomad
Posts: 15940
Registered: 11-8-2004
Location: Looking at the Coronado Islands
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Mood: Everchangin'
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the pretty one! i wonder the same thing, seems like they all catch fish until the salt eats them.
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chavycha
Nomad
Posts: 373
Registered: 1-20-2014
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For discount reels, I've been really impressed with the Cabela's Salt Striker spinning reels I picked up just before leaving on this trip. They've
taken a beating the last couple months and have held up well. The drags are smooth and the 4000 size has enough power to stop some pretty angry
yellowtail.
Conversely, the 'new' Penn Jigmaster is a piece of crap; built with poor tolerances and materials. I wouldn't pay $5.00 for another one.
[Edited on 2-7-2015 by chavycha]
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Doug/Vamonos
Nomad
Posts: 418
Registered: 6-19-2006
Location: Bahia de los Angeles
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My opinion is they are all good if you maintain them. clean with fresh water and dry them before you leave. Occasionally replace the drags and lube
the bearings and change the mono every year. I was just looking at my ample collection the other day (big collection here and equally big down there)
and I realized how old most of my rods and reels are. The accurate/shimano/avet reps would have you believe only the latest $500 reels with $100 of
line can catch fish nowadays. Truth is I love catching with my old newells, penns, and abu garcias (most with simple straight mono) just as much!
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Russ
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6742
Registered: 7-4-2004
Location: Punta Chivato
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I also learned to fish with the Penn squidder, jig master and the mitchell 300. The mitchell 300 is still around but probably much improved. I had a
large box of parts for them but have upgraded to suit my fishing needs more. Still I buy on the economical end of the lineup.
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Mitchell-reg-Spinning-Reel/16...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/221683896007?rmvSB=true
http://store.scottsbt.com/PennParts/ReelSpecs/PennJigmaster....
[Edited on 2-8-2015 by Russ]
Bahia Concepcion where life starts...given a chance!
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Martyman
Super Nomad
Posts: 1904
Registered: 9-10-2004
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Are they all made at the same location? Always thought a Fenwick as being more top of the line until my buddy's broke on a squid out by Horsehead.
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Cliffy
Senior Nomad
Posts: 994
Registered: 12-19-2013
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I still have a 300 from the late 50s with a single finger bail. I grew up fishing with it.
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