Bait reel rec? - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Billy V · 07-10-2012, 10:23 AM

They are great reels, but don't fair well in the kayak environment where a reel is subjected to saltwater baths.

The spool bearings are open and saltwater will enter too easily. Also, the drag washer will collect salt crystals and swell - causing your drag setting to vary. The anti reverse dog sometimes gets caked up with salt crystals causing it to stop working (until you clean it out)

These only happen when its exposed to surf launches and landing - and salt water baths, as in general kayak use.

They work good on boats though.

taggermike · 07-10-2012, 11:43 AM

The Saltist would be a great reel for local bait fishing. Like Billy mentioned the lower gear ratio are the ones you want I don't really follow the "high speed" reel trend that has been and continues to dominate reel design. Maybe speed helps in yo-yo fishing, but how fast do you need to wind a bait in. I'd rather just turn the handel a bit faster. The lower gears give you more cranking power. I wish there was a 4:1 or even a 3.5:1 in a sealine or saltist. Also I have found the Daiwa reels have a rather stiff clicker. I like this to hold larger macks so you don't have to listen to your clicker buzzing and chirping the whole time you're trolling. Mike

andrewtp · 07-10-2012, 08:18 PM

Great info here

07-10-2012, 10:23 AM	#1
Billy V Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bay Ho Posts: 1,382	They are great reels, but don't fair well in the kayak environment where a reel is subjected to saltwater baths. The spool bearings are open and saltwater will enter too easily. Also, the drag washer will collect salt crystals and swell - causing your drag setting to vary. The anti reverse dog sometimes gets caked up with salt crystals causing it to stop working (until you clean it out) These only happen when its exposed to surf launches and landing - and salt water baths, as in general kayak use. They work good on boats though. __________________

07-10-2012, 11:43 AM	#2
taggermike Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Chula Vista Posts: 1,589	The Saltist would be a great reel for local bait fishing. Like Billy mentioned the lower gear ratio are the ones you want I don't really follow the "high speed" reel trend that has been and continues to dominate reel design. Maybe speed helps in yo-yo fishing, but how fast do you need to wind a bait in. I'd rather just turn the handel a bit faster. The lower gears give you more cranking power. I wish there was a 4:1 or even a 3.5:1 in a sealine or saltist. Also I have found the Daiwa reels have a rather stiff clicker. I like this to hold larger macks so you don't have to listen to your clicker buzzing and chirping the whole time you're trolling. Mike

07-10-2012, 08:18 PM	#3
andrewtp Awesome Possum Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Riverside Posts: 187	Great info here