Just wondering which bait caster you all like for steelhead and bass fishing? I just bought an Abu Garcia Revo SX on ebay and I'm hoping that I made a good choice. From the information I have found on the internet most all has been positive about the Revo. I was leaning toward the Shimano Curado but it would have cost me more so I went with the Revo.
Thanks,
SteelFisher
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I haven't used the Revo, but I've heard great reviews from some pros. I also think Abu has decent customer service. I own 4 Abu C3 6500's, 1 C4 6500, and an Abu Tournament Pro. Never had many problems with them. Do yourself a favor and learn how to fix some things that could go wrong with your reel, that way you can fix it on the fly and not have to send the reel in.
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The only thing that I have heard that could be considered a negative is that out of the box the are dry, not properly lubed. So I guess I need to learn how to take it apart and clean and lube it. While I am doing that maybe I will learn what may need to be done to make repairs if I ever have a problem.
SteelFisher
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Always a very good thing to learn how to clean and properly oil and grease your reels. A task that can take a few minutes once you know how to do it, and can save you tons by prolonging your reel life. I can break down and clean all my reels in about an hour. I have a C3 that is over 10 years old, and it is the smoothest one I own. I've changed out the worm and pawl a few times, but that is a 50 cent fix. Also, be sure to use Abu reel oil and grease as I believe using anything other voids the warranty.
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I think you made a good choice. i own four or five Abu Garcia ambas
eurs of various sizes, and I love them all. They are my favorite reel now. I would have to say the toughest reel that I have ever owned was a Rhino something (I can't remember the model). I bought it over ten years ago, used it all through high school, I even ran over it with my car one time (not joking), and it still runs like a champ! I've caught everything from trout and bass to steelhead on it.
But all in all I'd say it's a safe bet with Abu Garcia, and I'll second the advice about the oiling and maintenance.
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If you are near a Costco, I noticed today that they have Shimano combos, better quality, for 39.00. Cheapest price anywhere. Mike
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I'd be weary of any combo for 39 bucks. When it comes to fishing gear, you get what you pay for.
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You do get what you pay for but the cheap combos still catch plenty of fish. The only pole i use any more for anything other than steelhead/salmon. Is a 15$ rod called a thunderstick they have great action and are very sturdy. but i do go with a better reel. I am curious how many use spinning reels for steelhead. I hate bait casters. I could probly get use to them i just dont use them enough.
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I have seen a lot of guys that use spinning reels and I have tried fishing with one. The big difference that I notice is the baitcaster seems to have more sensitivity because I always have my thumb on the line and reel spool. I guess if you hold the line off the spinning reel with your left hand that would improve the sensitivity. Once you learn how to avoid backlashs the baitcasters are great. They also seem to have better drag systems.
SteelFisher
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Why be weary of a Costco $39 combo? First, their Shimano combo will cost you $80 or more in a sporting goods store. I disagree with "you get what you pay for", but if a person thinks you have to have a Loomis to be able to catch fish, be my guest and go for it!
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The rod isn't the biggest worry on the combo, the reel is. I'm not saying the set up is terrible, I don't even know what the set up is. I simply said I would be weary of it. One doesn't need to own a loomis to catch fish, but when you start making steps up from middle of the road rods, you'll notice a difference. I've had my fair share of great "no name" rods, but I've also had my share of crap "no name" rods. I've owned Loomis rods, they are nice. I own a few St. Croixs, they are fantastic and service second to none. I also own a custom made rod out of a Diamondback blank, best rod I've ever owned. When it comes to serious fishing, you definitely get what you pay for in both rods and reels.
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I think the quality of a rod and reel can make a huge difference for steelhead fishing. I bought a Lamiglas XMG 50 this year and I have landed more than twice as many steelhead as I did last year fishing about the same number of hours. Maybe I am just learning more or maybe it’s a confidence thing but I seem to detect the fish better with this new rod. I’m sure there are guys that can out fish me with less expensive gear. But I have more confidence if I am using the best gear that I can afford.
If anyone is interested I have a like new Buzz Ramsey IM7 rod with a Pflueger Trion low profile bait casting reel that I will sell for a good price.
SteelFisher
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Personally i hate abu garcias, the gears on the ones i bought always ended up sticking and grinding. i am more of a shimano person. the curado is a good buy, i have one and i like it. when it comes to baitcasters, i think it is better in the long run to spend a little bit more money and get a good one.
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My new Revo came today and it is very smooth. I have only cast it in the back yard but so far I am impressed. I can cast farther with it than my Trion and the magnetic brake is awesome. My son has a Curado and I have fished with it in the past so I am familiar with them. At this point I would still choose the Revo over the Curado. We will see how it holds up over the next few years.
SteelFisher
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If I want pure muscle, I'll use my ambas
uer reels (winches). You cant find a tough reel for salmon mainly. But with any other fishing I use Shimano all the way. The Shimano Calcutta was the first SMOOTH baitcaster I ever used, now I fish with a Cailais and I love it. I don't know much about the Revo, but I have tossed a rig around the shop with one and it was smooth, and I really liked the quick retreive. Jigs, I fish both a baitcaster and spinning rod, it depends on where I am, I like the baitcaster down river where I am using a little more lead. When I move up river I use my spinning rod more and more, I don't like throwing one splitshot sinker on a baitcaster. As far as sensitivity, I use braid on the spinning rod and hold the line on my trigger finger, never had any issues. Other than my drag to loose when I jerk and I cut my finger, just tighten the drag a little and no problem. My brother in-law just bought a Revo and he loves it, so I guess it's personal preference. Enjoy. And I'll continue enjoying my shimanos also. Speaking of quick retreive, Jigs, the baitcaster doesn't come close to the retreive you get out of a spinning outfit, which also comes in handy in smaller water, when you don't have as much line in the water to "drag" on the fish. You know what I'm talking about?
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