Best Baitcaster Reel Today?

[Jim_Tait]

Blooded my new reel yesterday. This warm winter is somthing (thanks to climate change?) - went to my favorite freshwater clear lagoon on tghe outskirts of Townsville - using SPs caught 5 barra, a tarpon and a giant herring only one of the barra was legal size (the rest pretty close) and as I lay the tape measure on it it kicked and returned it self to the water - dropped two bigger fish in the mid 70s cm. Total balst of a morning - all the fish were caught before 8.30 in the morning - took some getting use to the reel - with the first fish the reel was so smooth- I hardly felt it to fight it (if that makes sense?) after that I got the hang of it - loved it - couldn't think of a better way to kick off a new reel.

Regards - Jim

[adds31]

Shimano chronarch!!!

[twc]

hey guys,

just looking at getting a new baitcasting reel for mainly bassing, been looking at the abu 4600c4, do u rekon this would do the job, or would it be better to go for a lower profile?

thanx

cam

[Burley_Boy]

Guys I've only ever used one baitcaster style reel and its the TLD20. I don't have the skills to cast with it yet without getting a birds nest so I'm curious as to these reels you are referring to as casting reels, do they have something to stop overrunns yet allow you full freewheeling casting?
I know I'm showing my ignorance here but you get that!.

Just curious, I'm still happy with the TLD as a bottom bashing/trolling outfit.

[bidkev]

Just posted this on another thread:

"I've had my 2 abu 700's for going on 20 years. I've *never* replaced the "air brakes" and I think I've opened 'em about once a year since I got 'em to clean and oil. I've stuck to the original instructions regarding tension when letting weight/lure drop to the ground and can still chuck a 4oz lead over 200 metres without a backlash. I think I must've had half a dozen birdies in all the time I've had 'em. My philosophy......"if it's ticking over, don't lift the bonnet". I removed the level wind on one of 'em once which improved my cast by about 70 metres but also resulted in more birdies from not spreading the line as well as the levelwind would......I promptly put it back on.

Now the 5000 and 6000 are a different kettle of fish (for me). I just can't master 'em. I've tried 6,8,10,12 lb mono and both reels result in birdies *very* frequently. The only way I can seem to get 'em to work for me is with 15lb line (and who wants that on a small reel) and a minimum No 4 lead. Perhaps I give 'em too much stick with being raised on the 7000's but I'm seriously thinking of trading 'em in shortly."

To add:

The abu 9000's are absolutely superb (I had 'em nicked)

In the smaller range I don't think you can get much better than Daiwa Millionaire, but then again, I ain't tried all brands of baitcasters...wish I could afford to

cheers

kev

[Dehydrated]

TE Calcutta's are the way to go if you have the cash. The Curado BSF is a great smaller baitcaster that can take alot of punishment on big barra etc.