Noob question Reel related - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

Ljs089 · 04-02-2018, 10:05 AM

So i went out on a charter for rock fishing yesterday, it was great i caught my limit however, i ended up using the rental tackle on board which was a Tiger Ugly Stick and an Avet MXL reel one speed. I have two Calstar WC series one is rated for 20-50lbs and the other 30-80lbs.

The reason i switched to the rental gear is because the 20-50lb Calstar rod i was using also had a Shimano TLD star 20/40s single speed reel and it SUCKED pulling up line with that reel in comparison to the Avet MXL. It felt like i had to use twice the energy even with the drag maxed out. We were using 12-16oz weights.

So i guess my question is, is that expected of that reel? is there any applications where this reel would be useful? or is this just what i get for buying an entry level conventional reel? I compared the stats of the Avet and Shimano and the only big difference i saw was the Shimano used 2 ball bearings while the Avet MXL has 8.

Kinda sad i didn't get to test my gear on the charter and had to use rental gear, any recommendations on reels or is it just user error? feel free to chime in i'm no whimp to constructive criticism.

-Lee Smithey

Caveat: https://www.rizoulis.gr/eshop/mixani...-20-40s-detail I'm using the older version with star drag, i've never used the newer TLD with lever drag or the TLD two speeds.

Iceman · 04-02-2018, 10:24 AM

TLDs are pretty bomb proof making them really good kayak gear. The lever drags make great bait sticks for slow trolling mackerel. That Avet cost twice the price and should feel noticeably better.

Saba Slayer · 04-02-2018, 10:32 AM

I have two Shimano Calcutta 700 level wind reels that I use for rockfish...I bought a used one from SD Tackle Traders at the Del Mar Show for a great price.
Any reel in that size should hold enough spectra and work fine but the level winds are just so much easier when pulling in all that line. IMHO...

04-02-2018, 10:05 AM	#1
Ljs089 Junior Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Anaheim Posts: 28	Noob question Reel related So i went out on a charter for rock fishing yesterday, it was great i caught my limit however, i ended up using the rental tackle on board which was a Tiger Ugly Stick and an Avet MXL reel one speed. I have two Calstar WC series one is rated for 20-50lbs and the other 30-80lbs. The reason i switched to the rental gear is because the 20-50lb Calstar rod i was using also had a Shimano TLD star 20/40s single speed reel and it SUCKED pulling up line with that reel in comparison to the Avet MXL. It felt like i had to use twice the energy even with the drag maxed out. We were using 12-16oz weights. So i guess my question is, is that expected of that reel? is there any applications where this reel would be useful? or is this just what i get for buying an entry level conventional reel? I compared the stats of the Avet and Shimano and the only big difference i saw was the Shimano used 2 ball bearings while the Avet MXL has 8. Kinda sad i didn't get to test my gear on the charter and had to use rental gear, any recommendations on reels or is it just user error? feel free to chime in i'm no whimp to constructive criticism. -Lee Smithey Caveat: https://www.rizoulis.gr/eshop/mixani...-20-40s-detail I'm using the older version with star drag, i've never used the newer TLD with lever drag or the TLD two speeds. Last edited by Ljs089; 04-02-2018 at 10:49 AM. Reason: caveat

04-02-2018, 10:24 AM	#2
Iceman Administrator Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: 1-2 miles off the point Posts: 6,943	TLDs are pretty bomb proof making them really good kayak gear. The lever drags make great bait sticks for slow trolling mackerel. That Avet cost twice the price and should feel noticeably better. __________________

04-02-2018, 10:32 AM	#3
Saba Slayer Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Palos Verdes Posts: 1,855	Calcutta 700 I have two Shimano Calcutta 700 level wind reels that I use for rockfish...I bought a used one from SD Tackle Traders at the Del Mar Show for a great price. Any reel in that size should hold enough spectra and work fine but the level winds are just so much easier when pulling in all that line. IMHO... __________________ Jim / Saba Slayer