Saltwater Spinning Reel?

[wintermute]

I hope this is the right place, and not the Outdoor Equipment forum, but since this is a gear request specific to fishing...

I haven't bought an actual new reel in a long time, and that was a Penn 710z. My BiL gave me a really sweet 6'9" medium (very whippy) action Tiger Stik spinning rod. I need a reel for it, but I am completely baffled by all the different levels of different brands of reels out there. I'm looking for something that can hold 250 yds. of 14# mono. Nothing too fancy, just good and able to be serviced. Any suggestions? I'm looking to spend under $100 but if it's really worth it to spend more I will. This will be used for back bay surf casting and kayak fishing for everything from sea bass to stripers. Thanks.

 

[hung-solo]

I hope this is the right place, and not the Outdoor Equipment forum, but since this is a gear request specific to fishing...

I haven't bought an actual new reel in a long time, and that was a Penn 710z. My BiL gave me a really sweet 6'9" medium (very whippy) action Tiger Stik spinning rod. I need a reel for it, but I am completely baffled by all the different levels of different brands of reels out there. I'm looking for something that can hold 250 yds. of 14# mono. Nothing too fancy, just good and able to be serviced. Any suggestions? I'm looking to spend under $100 but if it's really worth it to spend more I will. This will be used for back bay surf casting and kayak fishing for everything from sea bass to stripers. Thanks.

cabelas salt series.. i love mine. i have the larger one for my 12ft surf rod.. has quite a few bearings and some sealed consrutcion. i think i got mine on sale for 60 bucks. great smooth reel. cant hurt to go penn... most brand name reels will last if you take care of them and clean them well. i would go for stainless construction and if you can afford it, all sealed construction. as you know salt is a bioch on equipment.

never tried this one

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Fish...793480;cat104765580;cat104527980;cat103980780

this is what i have

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Fish...793480;cat104765580;cat104527980;cat103980780

 

[Maqua]

Spend the money on a Van Staal and you'll save money in the long run.

 

[wintermute]

Spend the money on a Van Staal and you'll save money in the long run.

Does that come with a divorce attorney? I know that VSes are great (a friend owns one) but it's not in the cards - I can't imagine dumping one off a kayak - that would be very bad.

 

[dttomcat]

I have always been partial to Penn. Even their lower end stuff is very reliable.

 

[Ebbtide]

I have a Shimano Spheros that I really like.

And that comes from a guy who prefers baitcasters

 

[Iron City]

I have a Shimano Spheros that I really like. D

Great suggestion, also consider their Baitrunner series.

The Penn Slammers are very good as well.

Van Staal are nice but I have heard that quality has slipped a bit since production moved offshore but this is just the word since i have not fished the newies.

 

[Oakietree]

In a spinning reel, for saltwater, ball bearings dont really mean anything. Unlike a baitcaster or conventional reel ball bearing have no effect on the reels ability to cast. What it does, is make it smother when you reel. BFD. Drag surface and gear constuction is what you should be concerned with. If you are going to go all out, I would go Accurate over Van Staal. Designed by aerospace engineers that fish, built in Corona, California. Just about every other manufacturer is biting their designs now. I just couldnt bring myself to take one on a kayak. I generally dont fish spinning reels but I have one saltwater spinning set up that is kinda like my 30'06 of fishing. It is built to handle most everything that swims for inshore and light offshore fishing. My go to, do all, travel, backup, loaner, get it done rod. I originally fished it with an okuma avenger 65. This isnt a high end reel by any means but I was highly impressed by this reels un-dying durability. It held up to some of the oceans hardest fighters including yellowtail, yellowfin tuna, skipjack tuna, white seabass, baracuda on both coast, ling cod, rooster fish just to name a few. I also used it extensively for kayak fishing. It was used and abused for years. I eventually left it with this guy in Mexico after we caught a boat load of roosters with it.

I think it cost me somewhere around $40-50 new. I replaced it with an okuma salina 65. It was a bit more expensive but still pretty cheap. It has an incredible drag system in it, at least for the price. You can google it for more reviews. My dad also has an epixor by okuma that has been equally impressive as the avenger but is a much smoother reel and probably worth the extra money.

I am not a big fan of shimano's baitrunner system and have had too many problems with it to recommend it. It was probably 15 years ago so maybe they have fixed it.

I fish hard and often. I demand a lot from my gear. Most of my gear will and has taken a lot of abuse. I think for the money okuma has a few spinning reels that are great performers.

Matt

 

[wintermute]

I think I've narrowed down the search to some sort of Daiwa. Of the major brands (Shimano, Daiwa, Okuma, Penn), it seems to be the only one not made in China and the local B&T is a licensed warrante repair center. One of the cronies at the B&T suggested the Black and Gold model since I was looking for a no frills, takes good abuse reel. He said I could go more expensive but there's no need to.

 

[Oakietree]

I think I've narrowed down the search to some sort of Daiwa. Of the major brands (Shimano, Daiwa, Okuma, Penn), it seems to be the only one not made in China and the local B&T is a licensed warrante repair center. One of the cronies at the B&T suggested the Black and Gold model since I was looking for a no frills, takes good abuse reel. He said I could go more expensive but there's no need to.

I would verify that it has an infinite anti-reverse. It is pretty standard now but it isnt listed in the features. I wouldnt buy one with out it. IMO it makes a huge difference.

Matt

 

[hung-solo]

I think I've narrowed down the search to some sort of Daiwa. Of the major brands (Shimano, Daiwa, Okuma, Penn), it seems to be the only one not made in China and the local B&T is a licensed warrante repair center. One of the cronies at the B&T suggested the Black and Gold model since I was looking for a no frills, takes good abuse reel. He said I could go more expensive but there's no need to.

i have owned 2 black and gold and can vouch for their quality. you did this right. you even sought out a repair shop near by. good job and tight lines. Daiwa is not a bad reel at all. we have some that my dad used when he was much younger (70's) and they still work fine

 

[Ebbtide]

In the 70's and 80's I was convinced that Diawa translated to "carry a spare bail spring".

Still have a surf sized Diawa as a loaner. And another for spare parts.
Stopped using it when silent anti-reverse came along

Bought the Penn 105, then the big Shimano TLD and now am happy with the Spheros.
The little bitty Diawa has... you guessed it... a broken bail spring.
Can't bring myself to toss it...

The VS's strong point is that it is completely sealed. Dunkable.
If you're skishing or wetsuiting it would shine. Other wise you can get by with "mere mortal" reels

 

[wintermute]

Went with the Daiwa BG20. The B&T was able to spool 270 yds of 14# mono on it. I should be good to go - IF I can find some spare time. Since my go-to back bay reel up to now is a Penn 710Z, I'm very familiar with broken bail springs. Man, I gotta find some time to fish! Thanks everyone!

 

[Ebbtide]

Went with the Daiwa BG20. The B&T was able to spool 270 yds of 14# mono on it. I should be good to go - IF I can find some spare time. Since my go-to back bay reel up to now is a Penn 710Z, I'm very familiar with broken bail springs. Man, I gotta find some time to fish! Thanks everyone!

You and me both... Good luck and tight lines with your new reel