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So I've been making the transition from spinning to baitcasting gear. I have a shimano calyx (discontinued) that I burned out by throwing AC Casitas 8 inchers. I had just bought a nice rod to help me get some distance in my casts and now I'm shopping for a reel as well. doh! Now I have no choice but to buy a new reel! shucky darn! lol
Here's some of my criteria
I have to stay under a $100
I want heavy duty but lightweight as well.
I've heard that you want a 400 series reel to handle the big baits up to 5oz, but I'm afraid a reel that size will add unnecessary weight to my rig. (gets tiring throwing those things)
I prefer the round reels to the "spaceship" looking ones.
It's going on a Gold Carrot stix 7'8" heavy rod.
something in red would look nice, but that's a minor consideration [cool]
I've been looking at the Shimano Cardiff (can't afford a calcutta) in 300 and 400.
Also been looking at Okuma 35dx & 45dx. These are "trolling reels" which I would be using it for as well. I figure it could pull double duty and I like the linecounter as well
Anyway, if you have any insight on rigs for big baits, please share.
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my baitcasting set up is a med heavy okuma 9 ft rod with an okuma chromer salmon/steelhead reel, i can chuck 4 oz of lead jig half way across hemmingway with 20 lb test, but its a long way back jigging a 4 oz jig. i also switch it up sometimes and use my abu garcia 4000 saltwater baitcaster u know its the red one that everyone has or had at one point, i love that reel i've had it for years, the abu was around $50, and the okuma was around $80. both are light weight, but have alot of torque 5:1 and 5:3 gear ratio not the fastest but has that extra muscle for them big un's. and them big hefty baits.hope this helps some [signature]
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[cool]I have a 7' Quantum rod with a Shimano Corvalus 400 on it with 20lb mono. This will cast AC plugs all day if you can keep up. The reel goes for about $70-$80 at Sport Chalet. Another choice,though more money, is a Penn International 955 or 965. I've had a 955 for years and not one problem.
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I've been looking at the ambasseduers as well. Good to hear a vote of confidence on those reels. The red would go well with the rod, haha. Might be a winner.
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I'll check out the corvalus as well. I really like the penn reels I've had, but I usually buy them used. Might see if I can pick up an international used.
Does anyone know of a reel repairman in town? I'm not sure I'd want to spend too much fixing the Calyx but it might be worth it to have for smaller baits.
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Is that rod the SST series by Okuma?
this model perhaps? SST-C-902MH.
My new rod arrived from Cabelas today. It was supposed to be a one piece rod, but it came in two pieces!
it loos like the UPS man broke it over his knee and taped the tube back together.
I'm thinking about returning that rod and opting for something rated for heavier lures like the model above.
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[quote Erawk]Is that rod the SST series by Okuma?
this model perhaps? SST-C-902MH.
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i originaly thought it was a med heavy but its a heavy action rod, my rod is an okuma celilo model CEC-902H-1, i got it at sportsmans warehouse in washington before they closed down for 39.99, and my reel is a left hand retrieve okuma chromer CR 250 LX i believe.. but the reel is scratched so not sure about the 250.
that sucks about your one piece customized into a 2 piece via ups, are they gonna pay for the repair?
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Cabelas is sending me a new one, but I'm not sure I'm going to keep it. It's only rated up to 3 ounce lures and will be a bit undergunned on the big casitas swimbaits. Thanks for the specs on that rod.
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I'm using a Penn Jigmaster 500 with a 7' Ugly stick Tiger rod. The Combo only cost $85 and is the same as the rent rods used by many sportfishing landings in Southern California. Its a struggle to cast it with light weight stuff but 6 ounces or more will fly on 20# and 25# line. Not that long ago a novice fisherman, with help from the crew, caught a 200# swordfish on one.
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I had that same exact Tiger combo. It was a great setup for Willow. I ended up returning to it buy some bassin' gear, but I will be buying that one again.
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I spent about $300 on a custom combo with a Newell S229-5 (290 yds of 20#) and a 8' Calstar rod WCDH-270-8H-C. This is the deckhand model SS guides and no level wind on the reel.
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Where can I find the penn/tiger combo for sale at that price?
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I got mine at Bass Pro Shops
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I also picked mine up at Bass Pro. I never saw it advertised online. Last time I went they didn't have it anymore. Could be a spring thing.
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or series baitcasters for years and they hold up. You can upgrade the spool bearings and level wind bearings to ceramic ones and they will cast even better. Find the ceramic bearings online.