I love Avet reels and own several, however if I were an occational fisherman and could only choose one reel for all my salt water fishing it would be a Shimano Bait Runner spinning reel.
Now before you guys start jumping all over me (not that that ever happens here
) let me first say that I know a spinning reel is not ideal for bottom fishing. The reason I like this reel, especially for someone who doesn't fish frequently, is that with out a doubt, spinners are much easier to operate and cast. No backlashes, no lever drag to mess with etc. Further, you can fish this reel in the surf or on a boat. You can jig and cast with it and even snag bunker. The bait runner is nice since it allows you to drift dead bait or live line like you would with a conventional reel.
Having said all this, this reel can't hold a candle to the Avets when it comes to quality construction, smooth drag and durability. It's a compromise reel. Although not perfectly suited for all or any one type of fishing, it covers more of the bases adequately.
Let me put it this way... If one of my buds from the city that occationally fishes came to me and said. Hey, I'm going on a vacation down the shore.... We are going to spend a week at the beach and would also be hitting a few party boats for different stuff, can I borrow one of your poles? This is the reel I would give them. Besides, I ain't lending any of my Avets to some hack who wears black socks with sneakers on the beach... He wouldn't be getting my custom Bogan rod either
OK..... Fire away
