whats a good conventional reel to start out on planing on using it in the canal

oh..ooooh...me next?

Seriously I would love to try a convech! And have been too aftraid to ask. :smash:

ABU 700C-3 or ABU 7000SSC3

I love my Abu's guys....they are sweet!:D

My vote goes to the Abu 7000 series

Abu 7000 series. My picks are the discontinued Abu 7500 CT Big Game (black) or the 7500 C3CT (blue). These are non-levelwinds.

Another favorite is the Daiwa Sealine X 30 SHV ("Slosh30"). Casts very well right out of the box (better than an Abu I think!) with a fabulous drag (definitely better than an Abu!). This is a non-levelwind reel that is REALLY good for chunking.

I strongly suggest you start with 20-25 test mono to get the feel of the reel. Mono backlashes are easier to pick out than braid backlashes.

I am hoping to keep this thread going.

What attributes makes for a great conventional reel?

I'll agree w/ FWW and give the Daiwa Sealine-X 20 SHV a vote. Strong drag out of the box and it casts extremely well.

Use heavy mono to start w/ as stated. Learn to swing smooth (be fluid) and don't try to use any wrist snap when you cast.

I like the Penn 975 levelwind as well. Strong drag, casts great out of the box w/ 50 lb PowerPro. Some will argue it doesn't like the sand , or getting dunked in water.

Abu's cast well out of the box. Drags are a bit lacking.

I'd recommend a level wind to start out with.

Abu 7000 series gives you the most for the least $$$. The drags aren't the greatest, but the 7000's is stronger and smoother out of the box than the 6500 series.

Also, you can find more info in this thread in the How-To forum:

http://www.striped-bass.com/StriperTalk/showthread.php?threadid=11214

Plus you can get the extreme smoothie drags for a few dollars.

my biggest fear going with a conventional is backlash. If what I am reading is correct, most modern reels have a magnetic drag to help prevent that.

My question is, how much of the process in casting is the reel and how much is the operator in preventing backlash?

And a few more questions to keep this thread going.

1. What about Shimano reels? I know the calcutta is really expensive, is it worth it?

2. Replacing drags for a stronger, smoother drag on the abu's. It is cheap money, but is it something straight-forward that a novice an manage or does it take an expert?

I guess I should have asked more up-front. But you guys are providing a great education which always prompts more questions.

thanks again
-IWK

Originally posted by Iwannakeeper
my biggest fear going with a conventional is backlash. If what I am reading is correct, most modern reels have a magnetic drag to help prevent that.

1. What about Shimano reels? I know the calcutta is really expensive, is it worth it?

2. Replacing drags for a stronger, smoother drag on the abu's. It is cheap money, but is it something straight-forward that a novice an manage or does it take an expert?


Most reels do not have magnets. They use a centrifigal weight system (sp?)

Calcuttas are nice. The 400 is a handy sized reel whereas the 700 is too cumbersome IMHO

Replacing the drag washers is pretty straight forward if you are mechanically inclined.

Listen to Mike P.

Get yerself a levelwind first (maybe used?). One less thing to worry about while you're learning and also keeps you in the water longer so you can fish more.

When you get a feel for the convench reels, then you can evaluate your needs and upgrade later. Like many other tackle acquisitions, at some point, it's personal preference. But unless you experience it first, you won't know what's more important for you later.

To give you an indication of the personal preference thing, I use a newell 229 non-levelwind for chunking exclusively.

PS: Mike P - I could use your insights to a thread I started in CA's forum about needing some help - if you have the time. :D