Jig Fishing Setup- Reel Suggestions

[cpriest]

Hey guys, I’m traditionally a fly fishing guy, but entering your world of jig fishing (much more simple with kids in the boat!). I just picked up 2 crossfire rods from the zig jig man. I’m overwhelmed with reel options. I went to my local outdoor store and their inventory was so limited they knew I may need to go online. 
 

From my limited research I think I need at least a 6:1 gear ratio. Want something tough I can leave in the boat year round, and that an 8 year old, who is pretty careful, won’t destroy. I’m thinking of the $100 price point +/-. Drag is something important to me, we all know we have some river monsters in the White. What suggestions do you have? 

 

Also, would you put a backing of braided line then run 4lb flouro? How do y’all like to spool them? 
 

thanks all. 

[snagged in outlet 3]

1 hour ago, cpriest said:

Hey guys, I’m traditionally a fly fishing guy, but entering your world of jig fishing (much more simple with kids in the boat!). I just picked up 2 crossfire rods from the zig jig man. I’m overwhelmed with reel options. I went to my local outdoor store and their inventory was so limited they knew I may need to go online. 
 

From my limited research I think I need at least a 6:1 gear ratio. Want something tough I can leave in the boat year round, and that an 8 year old, who is pretty careful, won’t destroy. I’m thinking of the $100 price point +/-. Drag is something important to me, we all know we have some river monsters in the White. What suggestions do you have? 

 

Also, would you put a backing of braided line then run 4lb flouro? How do y’all like to spool them? 
 

thanks all. 

Flueger President for ~$50.  You can always upgrade later.  I have one reel with Suffix 832 and then flouro leader and one with straight 4 pound flouro.  If the water gets super clear I put some 5x or 6x on as leader material.  Don't overthink it.   I've caught hundreds with this setup.  Maybe 1000's. 

[nomolites]

22 minutes ago, snagged in outlet 3 said:

Flueger President for ~$50.  You can always upgrade later.  I have one reel with Suffix 832 and then flouro leader and one with straight 4 pound flouro.  If the water gets super clear I put some 5x or 6x on as leader material.  Don't overthink it.   I've caught hundreds with this setup.  Maybe 1000's. 

Agree with SIO3.  One thing I’ve encountered with the President, try not to completely submerge them to the extend you get water in the gear case..they do not respond well to that.  That is the only issue I have encountered with them and I have several as well.  If that should happen, a complete disassembly, degrease, and relube will get you back on track.

Mike

[Bushbeater]

Seriously consider the Daiwa Black Gold. I have 3 of the Plfugers and they're good, but this one is great. Really good drag.

https://www.amazon.com/Daiwa-BG2500-Saltwater-Spinning-Reel/dp/B01JH8FHS0

[netboy]

Well I am not much of a spin fisher, but when the water here on the White river comes up too much to wade, I do have a couple of spinning rigs. I use the Okuma Celilo 6.5 rod rod which is about 30 bucks and then one of these super cheapo reels from China. They are 12 ball bearings and are equal to a $200 Shimano Stradic that I recovered from the bottom of the White river. I haven't had a problem with these reels and the drag works perfectly.. for $15 bucks a pop they will work.  

High Speed Fishing Reel Powerful Spinning Reel 12BB Alumium Spool 17.6lb Drag | eBay

[snagged in outlet 3]

@netboyWhat size did you get?

[netboy]

10 hours ago, snagged in outlet 3 said:

@netboyWhat size did you get?

I have a couple of the 1000 and a 2000. The 1000 is an ultralight and the 2000 is probably better for all around fishing.

[ollie]

I bought a Lews speed reel just recently and like it so far. I owned a Okuma as well and I still like that one. I have 4# P-line CX Premium spooled on my reels for trout. Never really had any problems with the reels or line for that matter.

[cpriest]

Thanks everyone for the feedback. I pulled the trigger on the pfluegar president as the reviews are so strong everywhere. I highly considered the Lew’s speed as well, but reviews not as good and a lot complain about the bail sticking. 
 

We have 2 houses at wildcat, and get done about once a month. I’ll post a review and report next time!

[Quillback]

14 hours ago, snagged in outlet 3 said:

Flueger President for ~$50.  You can always upgrade later.  I have one reel with Suffix 832 and then flouro leader and one with straight 4 pound flouro.  If the water gets super clear I put some 5x or 6x on as leader material.  Don't overthink it.   I've caught hundreds with this setup.  Maybe 1000's. 

The President is a great reel at that price.  I've gone to braid/floro leader too, better casting distance with braid, and a lot less line snarls.  And as Pete mentions, if you want to try another line size, you can swap out the leader rather than re-spool.