Spinning Reels.

[taxidermist]

I have a hard time using fly rods due to rotator cup problems in the shoulders.

Just wondering which spinning reels you like and why.

I have use the cheap Avocets by Mitchell and they are good for about a year and then they are done.

Shimono(sp) Sahara wore it out too and its not cheap.

[Dutch]

I would like to know what you wore out on the Sahara. I have a bunch of Shimanos and haven't worn much out over the last 10 years.

[timsfly]

Yes what wore out on the shimano reels.? Parts for the shimano reels are easy to come by, unless they are real old. I have 6 or 7 of them and they are tough, I"m still putting line on some I sold over 20 years ago. I like shimano, I think for the money they are one of the best.

[Yakfly]

I have been very happy with Mitchell 300 series reels. Similar to the Avocet line, maybe a little better. Had 2 of them for about 4 years, still working fine. But then again I'm pretty diligent about keeping them cleaned and lubed.

I know friends who guide professionally who only use by Okuma reels - I've really liked them when I've tried them.

By the way, if you are having shoulder/cuff problems with fly casting, try using you BODY to make the cast - see this video by Lefty - he addresses that very subject.

[crappiefisherman]

mitchel 300 series and avocet are very good, but they do tend to break bale return spring often.they also get dirt inside easily on creek trips.But I will say they are the best feeling reel around on my 5 foot crappie pole,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,but if anyone wants me to test your brand reel, please contact me and ill run them for a season.

[Ham]

I like Shimano for baitcasters, but I will not buy another Shimano spinning reel. I have first hand knowledge of a shimano spinning reel binding when it got wet. My creek fishing trips are often full immersion smallie baptisms and I have no use for a reel that can't take a dunking.

Okumas are heavy and have less line capacity. If you fish braid, line capacity might not be an issue. I've got a couple of Okuma Epixor 15's and tehy will do as a panfish reel. Okuma is fairly priced and durable. Lots of folks love them.

I fish Daiwas. SS1300 is old reliable. I have a bunch of the SSII 2500's as well. The SS1300 was less bells and whistles, but it is bombproof. The SSII2500 borders on being a little too big, but I have adjusted to that.

The Mitchell Avocets seem to be a servicable reel. They get the job dome w/o costing a ton of money.

Pick your price break point and make a choice.

[trout fanatic]

I am a Shimano fan and have never experienced the binding factor that Ham talks of. I have heard of the problem from others however. I am also a huge Daiwa fan and agree with ss as a great reel ( I am disappointed that it does not have instant anti-reverse though). For the money, my favorite reel is the Daiwa Capricorn and one will accompany me on my next steelhead trip.

[troutchaser]

My dad just got an Abu Garcia combo, I think it's the u300. Real nice.

As for me, I'm still using my Cardinal Quickfire from the mid '80s. I love that reel.

[Dutch]

I like Shimano for baitcasters, but I will not buy another Shimano spinning reel. I have first hand knowledge of a shimano spinning reel binding when it got wet.

That binding does occur when you get the rollers in the anti reverse clutch wet. They need to be fairly dry to do their job. You can remove the spool and blow the water out of the clutch and be back in business in less than a minute.

[Gavin]

I wont buy another Shimano spinning reel..They work fine unless you get them wet, then they bind up. Might be fine for sunny days in a bass boat but not good for canoe and kayak angling were stuff gets wet..Switched to a Daiwa's and my binding problems went away. Cheers.