Reel recommdations

[David Leo]

i just ordered a custom rod from For flounder buck tailing 4-6 oz range
And I'm trying to decide on a reel I have narrowed it down to a shimano Trinidad 12 a or a daiwa saltiga 15 Japanese model any input would be appreciated

[hammer4reel]

i just ordered a custom rod from JPR for flounder buck tailing4-6 oz range
And I'm trying to decide on a reel I have narrowed it down to a shimano Trinidad 12 a or a daiwa saltiga 15 Japanese model any input would be appreciated


IMO a low profile reel like An abu Garcia Revo NACL is better suited for bucktailing than a round reel is.
especially for all day comfort.

.

[Capt. Lou]

Those reels overkill for fluke , like was mentioned or Daiwa Lexas seem better suited for bucktailing .
I'm still using my Daiwa Millionaires 300 laned numerous big fluke in the past 15 15 seasoms on those just drags replaced ! I just installed power handles off Waves on mine great reels own 10 of em .

[SplitShot]

Love my NACL Dan... thanks!!! :D

[thefishermanmechanic]

Look at the new accurate BV-300 it's very small light and smooth, casts great too!

[UglyStick]

Check out the Maxel Hybrid too...

[fin_s_guy]

Check out the Maxel Hybrid too...

I like the size and drag of the Maxel, but the offset stock handle takes some getting used to. My biggest complaint is the spring that holds the thumb bar down. Way too weak! With a 6oz jig and casting up current, the reel partially engages and makes a god awful grind over the pawl.

Couple other choices I'd consider would be the Abu winch or Revo series. Balance them on the rod and you'll figure out what feels best.

[bunker dunker]

I use the penn squal 15. I know penn took alittle studer step when the company changed hands and I to went to diawa{penn fan all my life} but this reel has brought my faith back.its tough as nails and is a great inshore reel.
caught fluke,sea bass,porgys,tog,blues and stripers with no problems what so ever.for the money is I feel it can't be beat.

[MrAC1980]

Like others have mentioned, Daiwa Lexa 300H or Abu NaCL 50 (no longer made) is all you need. I've used the same Lexa 300H power handled fluking up in MA with 20oz and ling/seabassing in 230ft... Some other options... Quantum Energy PT is killer... and the ole stand by is the Abu Ambassadeur 5500c3.

[PeteyHD]

Daiwa Lexa 100% and you will never regret it. Plus you can use it to catch so much more than just fluke! 300H is an animal and I swear by Daiwa!

[italianfisherman]

I use the penn squal 15. I know penn took alittle studer step when the company changed hands and I to went to diawa{penn fan all my life} but this reel has brought my faith back.its tough as nails and is a great inshore reel.
caught fluke,sea bass,porgys,tog,blues and stripers with no problems what so ever.for the money is I feel it can't be beat.

I second that.

[hammer4reel]

I use the penn squal 15. I know penn took alittle studer step when the company changed hands and I to went to diawa{penn fan all my life} but this reel has brought my faith back.its tough as nails and is a great inshore reel.
caught fluke,sea bass,porgys,tog,blues and stripers with no problems what so ever.for the money is I feel it can't be beat.

Penn has hit the ground running, and has a great line up of new reels.

The new Penn slammer 3 just won best of show at Icast.
Mid price spinning reel with crazy drag..
The fathom line up is super tough.

best part is a big selection of reels in all the price points.

.
now if we could only get Penn to make a low profile reel for the salt

[SaltLife1980]

Accurate! Got the Boss Valiant 300 and its a beast!

[David Leo]

Thanks for the input ,Expecially since I just joined, I'm supposed to pick the rod up this week then I'll make a decision

[Reelron]

I use an Avet Sx-J No problems with it.

[Gerry Zagorski]

A lot is going to depend on your personal preferences, star drag or level drag, traditional conventional or low profile.

On the low profile side I think Revo and Lexa get the nod. Pricey but a lot of drag for their weight and they balance nice on a light rod. Just picked up a Revo so I have no first hand experience other then fishing for a bit with some friends.

Traditional conventional Avet SX or SXJ are nice and light as well. I have several and they are tanks, easy to maintain but not as much drag as the low profiles mentioned above. If you are not used to casting a convention then go with the MC cast models.

As mentioned above, put it on the rod and see which balances the best. I don't think you can go wrong with any of these choices.

BTW.... Welcome to our community.... Lots of great knowledgeable people here.

[Capt. Lou]

Penns Fathom series of reels probably one of the best they've had in 30 years !
It's hard to beat those models for the buck !

[BugEye Chris]

I tend to try to buy multi purpose equipment Last season I bought a Canyon hs 15 granted it is a little pricey but comparable to some of the avet models. It is very light I believe it has somewhere around 24 pounds of drag and it is my go to reel for almost every inshore fish

[TomKaye]

Any sponsors on here have a lexa pro 300 in stock ? Not the HS, 7.1 ratio but
either the 5 or 6 something ? Maybe an Abu nacl-50 ?.
(Thanks for your previous input on these two reels Alex. Much appreciated )

Looking for a birthday gift for myself come September. :):D

[njfish4life]

Great choices in birthday presents. I am also curious what some sponsors say as well- and it is not even my birthday. :)

[SaltLife1980]

Accurate:eek::D

[TomKaye]

I didn't mean to Hi-jack David's thread. Accurate's are great from what I've seen & read Jeff.
Thanks on that suggestion, have an Avet Sx, but I prefer a star drag.
I recently acquired a Maxel. Used only 3 times so far. Great little reel.
Looking to upgrade some of my ancient but proven stuff.

David -- I hope you got some great input from this site, now both you & Jeff
go get a doormat.:)
Tight Lines,
Tom K.

[MrAC1980]

The accurate valiant and maxel hybrid are nice little reels, but put them side by side with other similar reels in the same class and you will notice they just aren't that smooth out of the box. And the Lexa 300 at $199 (list price) vs the valiant at $399 is a no brainer... If you're gonna spend that kinda money, get the Daiwa Saltiga 15H (US Spec) and call it a day. Put the handle in the outward power position and you have a NE fish killer in your hands! The new Saltiga is the smoothest reel on the market right now in the class (in the US!).

[MVP]

The accurate valiant and maxel hybrid are nice little reels, but put them side by side with other similar reels in the same class and you will notice they just aren't that smooth out of the box. And the Lexa 300 at $199 (list price) vs the valiant at $399 is a no brainer... If you're gonna spend that kinda money, get the Daiwa Saltiga 15H (US Spec) and call it a day. Put the handle in the outward power position and you have a NE fish killer in your hands! The new Saltiga is the smoothest reel on the market right now in the class (in the US!).

Great advice:)

[jrid]

thinking about doing The Gambler 10 exotic trip for Mahi Mahi, Bonito and other pelagic fish. I have a Shimano Torium 16hg and a Daiwa sea-line x-50 sha. I wanted to know if these would be good for that type of fishing. And what kind of line and test?

[jrid]

thinking about doing The Gambler 10 exotic trip for Mahi Mahi, Bonito and other pelagic fish. I have a Shimano Torium 16hg and a Daiwa sea-line x-50 sha. I wanted to know if these would be good for that type of fishing. And what kind of line and test?

[Gerry Zagorski]

Those reels should be fine for the fish you will encounter.

I'd put 30 pound braid on them. You can back them with mono then a few hundred yards of braid then a 20 pound mono top shot for your leader.

[jrid]

Thank you Gerry for the recommdations

[the directa]

Penn fathom star drag will do it