What do you think is the most durable baitcast reel for saltwater fishing?
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What do you think is the most durable baitcast reel for saltwater fishing?
For what use? Pier, surfcasting or other? I'm mostly a fixed-spool user, but for surf-casting I own various Abu models without a levelwind.
Been using a Shimano Calcutta 400 for many years off the pier. Have landed just about everything except a Cobia and a King. Of course don't really fish for either one but have brought lots of Jacks and sharks up to the pier and just popped them off.
I would be using it mainly for surf-casting, but also may fish inshore as well. I was thinking about durability in saltwater.
I have used Abu 6500 to catch about everythingQuote:
Originally Posted by Irish Fisherman
Not good at casting a conventional, but what Robert said you can't beat the calcutta's I own a few....but only boat fish with them to troll . Push the buttom and let the motor do the work....
Seen Robert cast his bubble a country mile.....he is good
Salt environment is the enemy of metal, so no reel lasts as long here. Abu has a long track record, but to me the keys are replacement and upgrade parts, plus self service. A VS spinner is a great sealed reel, but service requires a service center or a trip by mail back to the factory, so how durable is it really. By the repair standard I should pick Penn, which I'd pick for boat use, but Abu reels are lighter and cast better.Quote:
Originally Posted by Irish Fisherman
I took a Stradic 4000 Shimano to Marks Outdoors to be cleaned and their price has gone from 12 dollars to 35 just to clean and lube. I told them for that kind of money I would just buy a new one.
Been using Ambassador reels for as long as I can remember, mainly the 5500 and 6500 series. Never had a problem with them at all. In fact, I have 2 that I got in the late 80s-early 90s that I still use to this day.
I'd like to see a contest between Tato and Haywire for long distance casting. These two are amazing with a baitcaster, I can't come close to them with a spinning reel !!!🤔🤔😄
They know that most long cast records and contests go to conventionals. However the ability really to use one is the required skill and few learn it.Quote:
Originally Posted by johnbenetti
I’ve used Penn, Abu, Kastmaster; even a Lew’s bass bait caster. But I guess I like Shimano the best. My favorite series is any of the Calcutta models. I still have an old 100A model and it cast like the day it was new. I believe what makes these reels a favorite of mine is beacause of the high quality spool bearings. All Calcutta’s characteristically seem to be able to cast a country mile. The only parts that I routinely change are the little copper cast control shims once a year. Do that, with routine cleaning after each use and a little, and I mean a little, drop of their oil, and they’ll last forever.
I'm with Johntr21. Take a look at the Abu Garcia 6500 Mag Elite reels. I have one and like it a lot.
Thanks for the tips...I have some ABU from the 80's as well, but have never used them in saltwater.
I had to change what I think is called the paw in my Shimano Calcutta 400's last year.
If choosing an ABU, make sure its a Swedish made model. The newer ones aren't nearly as durable.
Been using Abu since 74 and it is still running without having it professionally cleaned!
I like the ABU 6500 cs rockets , they hold lots of line , work great for bubble rigsQuote:
Originally Posted by Irish Fisherman