Reel question

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Max Canfield on February 24, 2011 at 8:46pm

The Shimano Curado E5 and E7 are both great reels. You may want to look into those. I have used quantum reels too and they work great.

Permalink Reply by P.J. Koshi on February 24, 2011 at 8:48pm

I would avoid the E5 thats a 5:1 gear ratio the E7 is a good option.  I like Team Daiwa reels.  The Viento is a good pitching reel, the Zillion, and the Fuego are even better options as well.

Permalink Reply by Aaron Christel on February 25, 2011 at 12:20am

Have you thought about just tying the line to the rod tip and doing it Huck Finn style?

Permalink Reply by Chad Simon on February 25, 2011 at 5:58am

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Ardent_F-500_Flip-N-Pitch_Casting_Re...

 

I wish they made this reel in a lefty

Permalink Reply by Tag Watson on February 25, 2011 at 6:45am

John,

 

There are two schools of thought when it comes to gear ratios for this application, and both have merit.  Some prefer a lower gear ratio reel which offers more "winching power", while others prefer a higher gear ratio for gathering up line quickly.  I personally prefer a higher gear ratio (7:1).  It still offers me plenty of power and I also like the ability to reel in quickly and make another pitch after my bait has moved out of the strike zone. 

 

I also suggest using a quality reel for this application.  The stress and torque put on the reel with this type of gorilla combat fishing requires quality, durable components and solid construction.  A cheap reel will just be a sacficial tool for this type of fishing if you are doing it correctly and catching big fish in heavy cover.   

Permalink Reply by Ryan Lamb on February 25, 2011 at 10:58am

I agree, I like a higher gear ratio, I love Johnny Morris BPS reel, its a 7.1:1 31" rec. it has 11 bearings and is very easy to adjust.

Its really smooth, I have it on a 7'6" Cert. Pro w/ 50lb powerpro I love it

Permalink Reply by Dan Wheeler on February 25, 2011 at 11:10am

I definately agree with Tag, I am a pitchin flippin sob and I think a good quality reel is very important. when fishing heavy line and or braid the stress on the reel is increased greatly. It's worth spending the extra money for a reel  that is trouble free for an extended period of time.. do your homework but getting three years out of a good reel is way better than a year or less with a cheap one.. as far as ratio goes I have to say I use both a fast and a slow I throw a 6.1 and a 7.3 just depends on the type of cover.. and just a heads up when you choose a meatstick choose one that best meets your style of flipping/pitching what I mean is if you are planning to go straight braid you can get away with a really stiff rod but if you have a mean hookset you can snap the rod and if you like to add a flouro leader the shock of the hookset can break the flouro. as far a length I would suggest one that isn't gonna cause too much fatigue dont just run out and buy a 7'11' hope that was helpfull

Permalink Reply by John Mark Minica on February 25, 2011 at 8:06pm

Thanks for the replies! Very helpful.

Permalink Reply by Pat on February 25, 2011 at 8:43pm

like these monsters?

Mark Chevrier said:

For my flippin' Stick I use an Abu Garcia 5600C4. I have never has a problem with it. It is a tough reel that can handle locking down the drag with heavy line and ripping largemouth out of heavy cover in a hurry.

Permalink Reply by Dan Johnson on February 25, 2011 at 9:32pm

muffin top ?

Pat said:

like these monsters?

Mark Chevrier said:

For my flippin' Stick I use an Abu Garcia 5600C4. I have never has a problem with it. It is a tough reel that can handle locking down the drag with heavy line and ripping largemouth out of heavy cover in a hurry.

Permalink Reply by John Mark Minica on February 26, 2011 at 9:52am

Mark Chevrier said:

Hey if you want to use heavy line and flip at Lake Mead then you probably will come away with a fat zero like your IQ

 

???

Permalink Reply by Ben Holten on February 26, 2011 at 10:19am

I bought 3 Diawa Exceller reals last year. They are 7.1/1 ratio and cost $79 http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Daiwa_Reels_Casting/catpage-RLCDAIWA...

 

I used all three of them on my three flippin sticks, and they worked well. I don't know if they will last 5 years, but oh well if they don't

 

This year I just bought a couple Okum Citrix reals to try out. They look good and are $120. 7.3/1 gear ratio and are better construction than the Exceller. http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Okuma_Citrix_Casting_Reel/descpage-O...

 

Reals have come a long ways. 10 years ago you couldn't buy a good real for under $200. Now that $200 real technology of ten years ago is the same as the $100 ones now. Unless you are buying something for throwing something light like a drop shot, flipping Senkos, or small top waters in the wind I just don't see the need to go over $120.