<b>SHIMANO......SHIMANO......SHIMANO</b><br><br>
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My Dearst Booya,<br><br>It is a question of many parts: first, what fish are targeted. . . While Penn, and Fin-Nor are fabulous big-game saltwater reels they are less well known in the freshwater scene. For my fellow So Cal, West Coast anglers the choices narrow to a well-known field of stalwart reels, the determination of which is the "best" require an examination of several factors.<br><br>As for the dual questions of target and experience (and in limiting the examination to a saltwater perspective), my recommendation and opinion regarding an experienced angler battling a 300 lb yelllowfin on a 17 day long-range trip would not neccesarily be the same recommendation as for an inexperienced angler on a half-day trip loading up on the summer sand bass bite.<br><br>The real (or is it reel?) answer is, of course, that the best reel is the one that the angler feels confident in using and one matched to the bait, the line and the rod. That will be the reel which the angler will use to put maximum pressure on the fish while remaining within the limits of the tackle and which will result in landing the highest percentage of fish.<br><br>All things being equal, factors such as cost, serviceabilty, and durability are items which must be weighed and which will influence the individual angler.<br><br>As far as modern maufacturers, and the above referenced caveats, the best saltwater big game equipment (40lb to 130lb line class) I have ever used were Shimano and/or Penn. The 2 speed reels from either manufacturer have the drag, line capacity and strenght to meet the demands of almost any situation. I am certain that other makes and models such as Okuma and FinNor are well made and suitable to the task of subduing pelagic monsters; however, they are not readily accessible to this author for use and comparison.<br><br>The light tackle reels in the 20 to 40 lb line class are a more diverse, and affordable, lot. I would add the new Diawa 6:1 retrieve ratio, and Newell reels to the list of "Best" reels in this class. The Shimano's lead in the "feel" catagory. The Newell's shine in the castability, weight and in the serviceability arena. The Diawa's are classy and powerful. The venerable Penn 500 has probably caught more fish in this class than all other reels combined. The availablity of modern up-grade components and the universal availibilty of replacement parts and ease of repair to the Penn 500 are big advantages for the international angler.All of these reel manufacturers are respesented in my personal arsenal and are included on every trip. <br><br>As for a pick-one preference and as for a one-word response the answer is simple: the best reels, for saltwater applications are manufactured by Shimano. The TLD 30 II 2 speed with 80 spectra backing and a top-shot of mono (in your choice of line test) will handle anything that swims and which you are likely to encounter. Just remember that a mailing to the nearwest sevice center is in order upon any problem as you are very unlikely to be capable of repairing any unlikely malfunctions. A Shimano TLD 15, or TLD 15/30 star drag, loaded with 20 to 40 lb mono will handle the remainder of those saltwater fish which our local anglers will encounter. For the truly addicted, the Shimano Tiagra series is the ultimate, beyond imagination, big game reel. The Shimano Calcutta, in its various incarnations will delight to inshore angler.<br><br>Of course, as far as best. . ., I could change my mind. . .<br><br>Tight lines!<br><br>Ripper.<br><br><br>Roger Sheaks
