Spinning reel for fluke

[hartattack]

Shimano Vanford,,, you can get last year's model at significant savings, the fish don't know it's discontinued, my favorite reel for everything NJ..

[Gerry Zagorski]

Originally Posted by hartattack

Shimano Vanford,,, you can get last year's model at significant savings, the fish don't know it's discontinued, my favorite reel for everything NJ..

That’s the reel that replaced the Stradic CI4 right? What size did you get Larry?

[hartattack]

I got the 4000,,,, 24 lbs drag, only 7.6 oz ! All day jigging

[Rickhem]

Originally Posted by John D.

I need a decent spinning reel to pair with a Black Hole Challenger 7’ L (2.5 oz) for bucktailing fluke on charter boats.

I currently use a Daiwa BGMQ4000D-XH (10 oz) but would like to get down to around 7-8oz on the reel. I love the reel and price, but feel like it is a bit overkill. The 3000D-XH is basically the same size and only an ounce lighter.

Any recommendations appreciated and would like to stay under $300.

Thanks

First, I'll state that it's been about a decade since I fished out front in the salt. But I remember that braid was not welcome on head boats. I think that the line you'll use and the quantity you want on the reel are going to be what makes up much of your decision for you. If you want to use (or have to use) 10 or 12 pound mono, a 4000 size reel may be your best choice. From there, how will you fish? If you're drop fishing, and not casting, lots of features on a spinner don't matter. But a nice 7-8 foot rod, with a spool of 20 pound braid, that would work for fluking from the beach, and a lot of other applications as well.

[Jigman13]

Originally Posted by Rickhem

First, I'll state that it's been about a decade since I fished out front in the salt. But I remember that braid was not welcome on head boats. I think that the line you'll use and the quantity you want on the reel are going to be what makes up much of your decision for you. If you want to use (or have to use) 10 or 12 pound mono, a 4000 size reel may be your best choice. From there, how will you fish? If you're drop fishing, and not casting, lots of features on a spinner don't matter. But a nice 7-8 foot rod, with a spool of 20 pound braid, that would work for fluking from the beach, and a lot of other applications as well.

#20 braid from the beach for fluke? That's heavy. I'm typically #10, max #15. A good 7'6 can sling a 3/16 oz jig on #10 braid and fairly good distance... even though most strikes come in the last 5 to 7 handle turns lol

[Gerry Zagorski]

Originally Posted by hartattack

I got the 4000,,,, 24 lbs drag, only 7.6 oz ! All day jigging

Crazy to have all that drag on a reel that only weighs 7.6. I've had the Stradic CI4+ 4000 going on 4 seasons and it been flawless. I would guess the Vanford would be as reliable and a killer deal since it's discontinued now as well..

[John D.]

Originally Posted by hartattack

I got the 4000,,,, 24 lbs drag, only 7.6 oz ! All day jigging

How do they get it so light? Concerned it may have some of the same issues the Ballistic has with the reel handle breaking/bending when snagged or heavy torque. The BGMQ is built like a tank but carries an extra two ounces.

[Jigman13]

Originally Posted by John D.

How do they get it so light? Concerned it may have some of the same issues the Ballistic has with the reel handle breaking/bending when snagged or heavy torque. The BGMQ is built like a tank but carries an extra two ounces.

I've never come close to that with any of the 5 ballistics in have, and I've hung many jigs, snagged the bottom and handled cow nose rays pushing 35-40 lbs. I'm pretty hard on my gear too. Meticulous, but definitely hard on my tackle.

[Dclark2]

I always carry a 3" piece of 1/2 inch dowel in my pocket for those times when a snag really gets tough. A few wraps around and you can get out of any snag without reel damage...................

[hartattack]

Originally Posted by John D.

How do they get it so light?

Both the Daiwa Ballistic and the Shimano Vanford use high density carbon composite reel frames. Daiwa's Zaion-V material and Shimano's Ci4+ are known to be strong, lightweight and corrosion resistant. Both reels use aluminum gears. They are very similar reels and your choice may come down to preferred gear ratios. When paired with today's nano carbon rods, it's mind boggling that these setups can weigh so little and be so strong. I was previously leary of these new-age materials but they are NOT flimsy at all....