What Reel to Buy?....Budget is $350.00 ea - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

goose · 06-20-2007, 11:41 AM

I have the pro gear 501 and liked it, so i bought this years reel the 551 same size. I like the reel because of the dog gear being always engaged, and the simplisity of the reel. I can take it apart and clean by myself (even when i'm drinking). reel seems to be bullet proof and simi cheap. I bought mine at Ken's Custom Reel. I also like the kencore rod graph. 3 year no questions asked warranty. Lightweight and strong great for the yak.

madscientist · 06-20-2007, 11:54 AM

I've gone to almost all saltigas. Bulletproof, buttery smooth drags, and they can take the abuse of the yak lifestyle without constant maintenance. Better than trinidads IMHO.

aguachico · 06-20-2007, 12:26 PM

Newells have the BEST clicker for trolling live bait. If I had a ton of Newells I'd use a Newell 322 loaded with 30# or 50#spectra. The only problem is the lack of stopping power.

I've never fished the Saltigas, but I've always like Daiwa's - except they are hard to get parts for.

I currently fish Avet reels the MXJ single speed is all the reel you need for the fish in LJ. The Avet's need a bit more TLC than other reels.

dorado50 · 06-20-2007, 12:58 PM

Best reels, shimano trinidads, but need lots of maintanence with kayak use. Even better for kayak fishing are shimano toriums. For about 180.00$ u can get a torium 20 or 25 fill with spectra. Stop any fish in LJ and the best part is the 6-2-1 gear ratio.

fishkiller89 · 06-20-2007, 01:31 PM

i agree, the torium is a really good reel for all my needs. i go squid fishing with my 30 and do just fine. i have taken it on my kayak twice and the first time, i dumped everything and my rod with the torium luckly had a leash on it. it was sitting in the sand for a good minute so i had to get it cleaned. other than that, its been great for the cattle boats and i have even caught albies on it. hope this helps you in your decision

nmbrinkman · 06-20-2007, 01:43 PM

I have a couple TLD star drags.. Happy with them so far. Have a couple Avets as well. The lever drags need a lot more TLC unfortunetly. I love Avets, but the can't take the kayak beating unless you have reel skins and are a nut about freshwater rinse downs AND taking it apart every couple (2 or 3) trips....

woolybugger · 06-20-2007, 02:09 PM

I fish mostly avets and havent had too much of a corrision issue they get dunked often and only require a wipe down and a little oil. Its really nice to have a lever drag as you can set the tension for trolling very easily. Daiwa sealines are also great reels for the money they stand up fairly well are decently smooth and very reliable.

06-20-2007, 11:41 AM	#1
goose Junior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: oceanside Posts: 15	pro gear I have the pro gear 501 and liked it, so i bought this years reel the 551 same size. I like the reel because of the dog gear being always engaged, and the simplisity of the reel. I can take it apart and clean by myself (even when i'm drinking). reel seems to be bullet proof and simi cheap. I bought mine at Ken's Custom Reel. I also like the kencore rod graph. 3 year no questions asked warranty. Lightweight and strong great for the yak.

06-20-2007, 11:54 AM	#2
madscientist Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,906	I've gone to almost all saltigas. Bulletproof, buttery smooth drags, and they can take the abuse of the yak lifestyle without constant maintenance. Better than trinidads IMHO. __________________

06-20-2007, 01:31 PM	#5
fishkiller89 Junior Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: san diego Posts: 27	i agree, the torium is a really good reel for all my needs. i go squid fishing with my 30 and do just fine. i have taken it on my kayak twice and the first time, i dumped everything and my rod with the torium luckly had a leash on it. it was sitting in the sand for a good minute so i had to get it cleaned. other than that, its been great for the cattle boats and i have even caught albies on it. hope this helps you in your decision __________________ fishing VS girls . . . tie

06-20-2007, 02:09 PM	#7
woolybugger Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Laguna Niguel Posts: 14	I fish mostly avets and havent had too much of a corrision issue they get dunked often and only require a wipe down and a little oil. Its really nice to have a lever drag as you can set the tension for trolling very easily. Daiwa sealines are also great reels for the money they stand up fairly well are decently smooth and very reliable. __________________

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06-20-2007, 12:26 PM	#3
aguachico Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 719	Newells have the BEST clicker for trolling live bait. If I had a ton of Newells I'd use a Newell 322 loaded with 30# or 50#spectra. The only problem is the lack of stopping power. I've never fished the Saltigas, but I've always like Daiwa's - except they are hard to get parts for. I currently fish Avet reels the MXJ single speed is all the reel you need for the fish in LJ. The Avet's need a bit more TLC than other reels.

06-20-2007, 12:58 PM	#4
dorado50 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: La Jolla Shores Posts: 1,626	Best reels, shimano trinidads, but need lots of maintanence with kayak use. Even better for kayak fishing are shimano toriums. For about 180.00$ u can get a torium 20 or 25 fill with spectra. Stop any fish in LJ and the best part is the 6-2-1 gear ratio.

06-20-2007, 01:43 PM	#6
nmbrinkman Work Sucks! Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: San Diego Posts: 559	I have a couple TLD star drags.. Happy with them so far. Have a couple Avets as well. The lever drags need a lot more TLC unfortunetly. I love Avets, but the can't take the kayak beating unless you have reel skins and are a nut about freshwater rinse downs AND taking it apart every couple (2 or 3) trips....