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How big is your reel

Posted: Thu Sep 30, 2004 12:54 pm
by paddln4reds
...reel? :lol: Just wondering what size/series everyone is using? I currently use the 4000 Stradics, but I think I may go down to a 2500 series...a recommendation from someone at the tackle shop. Advantage...lighter and easier to handle. What does everyone think?

Posted: Thu Sep 30, 2004 1:14 pm
by Ender
I have 20 series Okuma, 30 Salt Striker and a 40 series Okuma that go with on every outing. My favorite by far is the 20 Okuma – it is light weight enough to cast all day and beefy enough that I have brought in 38" Cobia and 15lb Jacks. I just get tired casting the 40 around – after an hour or two tossing and cranking in artificial baits my arms are just tired of hold the rod/reel up.

Posted: Thu Sep 30, 2004 1:17 pm
by Rik
I have both. The 2500 is nicer to use all day but sometimes lacks the 'oomph' needed on big fish but that is a nice problem to have. 30" or under reds - the 2500 is fine. Trying to yank a snook out of the roots or dock pilings, the 2500 can come up short.

Just go out and buy both, best of both worlds. Then, of course, you'll need two new St. Croix rods. You wouldn't want to put a new reel on an old rod.

Posted: Thu Sep 30, 2004 1:44 pm
by Dustin
No spinning reels here...Shimano Chronarch or Chronarch SF all the way. With the right line setup, they'll handle anything you'll find inshore, even 100+lb tarpon. I spool them with everything from 10lb mono to 30lb braid depending on the usage.

Posted: Thu Sep 30, 2004 1:55 pm
by slate
I also use a 4000 series (spheros). I agree that a smaller size would be better for a long day. Unfortunately, I do not usually get to fish all day. Also, if I hook into that one fish I have been dreaming of, I want every advantage I can have to increase my chances of landing it.

Posted: Thu Sep 30, 2004 2:26 pm
by DaveR
If you buy a Stradic 2500 you ought to have your head examined. That's all I have to say about that.

Posted: Thu Sep 30, 2004 2:27 pm
by paddln4reds
Then, of course, you'll need two new St. Croix rods. You wouldn't want to put a new reel on an old rod.
RBL...I like your thinking. :D Now...whether or not the wife will agree is another thing? Hmmm...how can I justify the need for new reels and rods? :roll:

Posted: Thu Sep 30, 2004 3:30 pm
by LivelyBaits
z,[/ mp. no, no, no, no, no no

Posted: Thu Sep 30, 2004 3:45 pm
by RockinNReelin
I have a 2500 and though I really love it, it's just not durable enough to take the punishment I put it through so I wouldn't buy another.

I also have a 20 series Okuma and have found this reel, although cheap in price, to be very durable and functional.

I'm thinking I'd really like to try a Capricorn though. I've heard a lot of good things about them so I'm definitely considering them.

I have a great GLoomis rod and I like a lighter reel because i'm cursed with the affliction of carpal tunnel. The Capricorn is just about the same weight as the 2500 so it's a serious consideration unless one of you experts can come up with some other suggestions for me.... um.... REEL suggestions that is!!! :lol:

Posted: Thu Sep 30, 2004 3:49 pm
by LivelyBaits
no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no

Posted: Thu Sep 30, 2004 4:37 pm
by captjake
I think the 2500 series is all you will need. You can put a lot more pressure on fish than you think you can with it. The only time I wouldn't suggest using it it if you are fishing a dock with big snook or reds...

I also have the 3000 series Spheros and IT GETS HEAVY after throwing jigs and topwaters for a couple hours....JAKE

Posted: Thu Sep 30, 2004 4:58 pm
by DaveR
The reason for my post has nothing to do with weight or line capacity. Line capacity for flats gear is a nonissue. All the popular makes/models carry more line than you will use 99% of the time. How often have you been spooled while fishing the flats of Tampa Bay?
Weight for the popular brands is close as well. My comment was directed at the Stadic 2500 exclusively. The new ones just don't hold up in saltwater. If I was fishing smallmouth 200 miles from saltwater I'd have a platoon of em but I have not had good experiences in saltwater and I take care of my stuff.
I don't own the Okumas but every one I look at that is 6 months old or better has corrosion on it. This may well be the fisherman but I'm in the metal business and HATE CORROSION.
The best reels I have used the last 18 months or so when price/durability is factored are the Spheros 4000. The difference in weight from the 3000 is not noticeable (3 grams or something like that) and they are very durable.
The Penn Slammer 260 is another good one but heavier and more pricey.

reels and such

Posted: Thu Sep 30, 2004 5:26 pm
by stubb
Just curious DaveR: the older Stradic 2000s, which I have, are pretty tough. I'd thought the new 2500 came in a 'magnesium/non salt" model and one that is better in saltwater. At any rate, I use my 4000/2000 Strad's heavily (80+ days/yr) with good results. Is the 2500 a step down?

I agree with you on the Spheros 3000/4000's. I own one of each. I find zero difference between the two models except reel capacity. However, they are very tough. I was given a 4000 to "test" and used it exclusively for 18 months (I usually rotate reels on outings) and simply wiped it down with Reel Magic and once in a while put a shot of "3 n 1" sweet oil in the spindle and handle worm gear .. No problemos at all. The 4000 is into it's 26th "test" month and going strong (I kind of forgot to return it to those who shall remain nameless .. ).

For $80 bucks, the Spheros is a good fishing tool.

I also like the old Shimano Symetre: at $89 bucks it's the poor man's Stradic .. not as pretty but it's a fine reel. I have 4000/2000. The 4000 has held up well for 3 years. I've a problem with the 2000's drag .. and it's going back to Shimano.

And, I do love a St Croix spinning rod. I've more of them than I want to admit. From a super fine 6-10#, 7.5'er that is feather light and perfect for slot reds, to a 8-17#, 8.5' Tidemaster, up to my Wind Rod: a 6-12#, 10.5' buggy whip that will wrist snap a light plastic lure 100' in a heart beat (gotta watch them trees overhead, however).

OK, ok. I'll 'fess up: I've got 7 St Croix rods and my next one will be a 10-20#er to 7.5' for topwaters. Or maybe a 20-30#er for them bigger brutes .. or maybe ...... El Stubbo

Posted: Thu Sep 30, 2004 5:45 pm
by Rik
The 2000 is the older model, the 2500 is the newest, I think the past 2 years.

My 3 year old 2000 is smooth as new. Dave's 2500 - what is it, Dave, your 3rd one now? - is junk.

I thought that was a sneaky move on Shimanos part. The Stradic series was being used by every salt fisherman on the flats for years then all of a sudden, the Stradic is no longer a salt reel. On their website now, they call it a freshwater reel. They neglected to get that point out to their dealers, also.

Posted: Thu Sep 30, 2004 5:58 pm
by GaryJ
Team Eangler picked up a sponsership from Quantum - Did anybody get their hands on some of the new Quantums to do a review?

I've got three reels that need to be replaced with the Christmas gift certificates. Original Stradic - best reel I've ever owned. Okuma Epixor - 14 months old and corruded like DaveR mentioned. Shimano Sahara 2000 which is not a bad reel, but doesn't seem to like braid.

The short list right now is Diawa and Quantum, because I don't like the way Shimano has been screwing with their product lines.

I tend to go with the 3000/4000 series, because the line seems to lay a little better on the spool.

Posted: Thu Sep 30, 2004 6:14 pm
by MarkM
I have a Quantum Cabo 30. Very nice reel, only difference from the 40 is spool size, but I got more line on this reel than my Stradic 4000's which, by the way, I hardly use anymore. Have only used the Quantum a couple times, and it's nice. I checked out the Boca series and they feel just as nice and are a lot less expensive.

I also use the Okuma 30's which can really take a beating and hold up very well, and at 50 bucks a pop, you can't beat the price. But as DaveR said, they do start to corrode. It doesn't affect the performance, but they start to look a little crusty. I'm sure that has to also do with the fact that I beat the crap out of them in the kayak. But for the money, these are great reels.

I'd like to try the Spheros too, but I already have too many damn fishing rods. :D