Spinning Reel Preference

[Gavin]

Shimano's bind if you get them wet......at least for me....I've had the problem with 2 Sahara's and a Stradic. All went bye bye.....I have two Daiwa Excelers and they arent bad, but the bail springs are weak..gotta keep em lubed if you want them to perform. I've been using a couple U.S. Reels for about a year. Picked up the 180sx and the 230sx for $75 each two years ago, and they have been working well. Fewer Bearings but everything is still working with zero maintenance. Only problem I've had is the reel freezing when I got it wet in 10 degree temperatures..... but they all do that. Cheers.

[CaptainJoe]

The pot is getting bigger....here is my 2 cents.

I have old Shimano Sedona's and they are still working great. I also have a Shimano Symetre which is an excellent reel.

I agree....I do not like the Johnny Morris signature reels, but I do like the BPS Extreme reels ($49).

I have six of these reels and they work great. They are just as good as all of my Shimano's but for one thing: The Extreme's have a extra wide spool that just about eliminates line twist. In the Summer, all of my clients use the Extreme's for dropshotting; a technique that causes line twist. In the Winter, these reels are used for vertical spoons and jigs another technique that causes more line twist. This reel handles it great. I also see from their most recent BPS catalog, the reels have been improved by sealing the drag system for a even smoother drag system. I had no problems with the old drag, so I can't wait to try the new one. You also get a spare spool.

Bottom line: Shimano's are great. The Extreme is just a little better because of the extra wide spool.

[motoman]

....... Dad says it gets quite a bit of line twist.....

-

One other thought that's always worked well for me. I've always understood that when you put line on a spinning reel, it's best to lay the line spool flat on the ground (or have someone hold it, spool label facing you to start), and make sure the line coming off the line spool, comes off the same direction it feeds on the spinning reel.

-

If the reel feeds clockwise, and the line coming off the spool comes of counterclockwise; flip the spool over.

-

As opposed to just feeding line off the front of the line spool, and let it spin on an axis, coming straight at you. Supposedly that's a no-no on spinning reels?

-

(although, after a few days fishing, I would think the line would correct itself?...........who knows. I've always done it that way and have no complaints.)

[Wayne SW/MO]

I don't believe they have made a spinning reel that won't twist the line if you close the bail mechanically. The line type and how its installed also has an effect. Soft lines work best and you can expect more problems with Fluorocarbons, XT, Maxima or any of the stiffer lines.

The best way I've found to get away from most of the twist is to make sure you install the line in the right direction, the same as it is on the spool it came on. Take the reel with the new line on it outside and pull off a little more than you will cast and then slowly reel it back on the spool. Then put the spool in very warm tap water for 5 minutes or so. When you fish with it always, always, close the bail by hand. Use the mechanical bail closer for emergencies only. The last step alone will make a lot of difference, especially if you're using one of the stiffer lines.

I do all of this religiously now and I seldom have any problems with my spinning reels. If I do get one that is starting to act up, its back outside and then another hot water bath.

[dwiebenga]

Great points Wayne! I learned the bail idea from Ike at a seminar in KC. I have made it habit. Also, to add, I run my line through a cloth with silicon spray on it. This seemed to help with twists and loops over the last couple of seasons.

[SRV1990]

I have a Shimano Symetre and a Sedona, and both work very well. I also have two Pflueger Presidents and a Pflueger Trion and they work very well also. I give my nod to the Pflueger's simply because the price is a little better.

Good luck!

Tom

[Wayne SW/MO]

I agree....I do not like the Johnny Morris signature reels,

Great, I just bought one late last Fall, I hope its a personal thing. The big spool, big in diameter looked good to me even though I generally avoid anything that doesn't say Diawa, Shimano or Abu on a reel.

[RSBreth]

Great, I just bought one late last Fall, I hope its a personal thing. The big spool, big in diameter looked good to me even though I generally avoid anything that doesn't say Diawa, Shimano or Abu on a reel.

I've used one for the past two seasons, and it works great, no twists or anything, course I'm using Fireline on it.

[WeekendWarrior]

I had Shimano spinning reels (Sedona and Symetre) which were OK, but went on vacation with inlaws which live in Florida. We were going to go flats fishing so I just had to buy another rod/reel set-up. Was looking at spinning reels and the inlaw said that the Okuma reels are good so purchased one. I now have 4 of them. You can't beat the drag system on these reels, smooth, smooth, and smoother. Price is around $60 depending on which model you choose. Good spinning reel for the money I think.

[dwiebenga]

I think we have reached a solid consensus on this topic. The reel is in the eye of the beholder. It is a confidence issue. Some guys are Quantum, some Shimano, some Pflueguer, etc. JUST FISH!!!!! AND HAVE FUN!!!