baitcaster questions ????

[Farmer17]

I bet my dad had caught more fish than any man in the state of Oklahoma and when he passed away, I'm sure the fish had a big party. He tried about every kind of fishing reel and always went back to a Zebco 33. I've never had a desire to own anything else.

 

[luigi1031]

thank you guys for all the great advice

 

[J. R. WEEMS]

I have a PENN that has been with me forever-- never a minute of trouble--using is a learned art for sure, but can be done.

 

[britbike1]

Another vote for the Abu Garcias. I've used them since 1972, have a 2500, 5000 and 6000. Get an older one make in Sweden.

 

[Salty RI]

Another vote for the Abu Garcias. I've used them since 1972, have a 2500, 5000 and 6000. Get an older one make in Sweden.

Not all of their new reels are made in China, I know some people that do have some and they say they are just as good as the ones made in Sweden.

 

[msinc]

Another vote for Abu Garcia, Ambassadeur I've been using them for many years. I am right handed, most righties will cast revolving spool with their right hand then switch the rod to the left to reel with the right. I buy "left handed" revolving spool reels, casting and reeling in with the rod in my right hand all the time. I like that much better than the "conventional" style.
Good luck!

Yep, that is exactly what I do too. What the manufacturers call a "left handed" reel to me is incorrect...who cares what you turn the handle with??? It matters what hand you are casting with. When I see people fishing that way with a baitcaster, switch hands to cast and then switch back to operate the reel, it reminds me of the morons that buy a spinning reel and then turn the rod upside down and reel it backwards.

 

[msinc]

I bet my dad had caught more fish than any man in the state of Oklahoma and when he passed away, I'm sure the fish had a big party. He tried about every kind of fishing reel and always went back to a Zebco 33. I've never had a desire to own anything else.

You know, yeah...whenever I really want to just go fishing and have fun and spend as much time as I possibly can actually fishing and not messing with a stupid "high falootin'" reel while I could have been fishing I opt for the good ole' spincaster...I really wish somebody made a real high quality spincaster. Not that there is anything wrong with the Zebco line of reels. It just seems like manufacturers see them as cost effective kids reels or something that serious fishermen wont mess with, so they wont make a really good one. I like to fish as much as anyone, but I will take a spincasting reel out on the pond in a heartbeat!!!!

 

[Diablo982]

Lots of votes for the Abu Garcia. I have a 4600 series and its great, however...you said you like a low profile reel and that is definitely not a low profile reel. I strongly recommend looking at the Lew's series of baitcasters. Read the reviews at Cabelas, Tackle Warehouse, etc. I have several and they converted me from Shimano. Shimano is another good brand but pricey for what you get.

 

[TX-Dennis]

The older Garcia Ambassadeurs from Sweden are a cut above everything else in my mind. I have a couple of vintage Ambassadeurs from the 70s. They are still my favorites. I also have two newer Daiwas that are good reliable reels, too. Mine are all centrifugal, so I have no experience with magnetic brakes. I would imagine they work well, though.