Hello everyone, I'm interested in purchasing a casting reel for mostly lures, occasional bait. I've been looking at two reels. The Penn 525 Mag and the Abu Garcia 60 high capacity Record. I can't decide which one I want. I know the 525 will cast furthur but it has no level wind.

Would you say a level wind is necessary for lures? I've seen a guy using a 525 mag with a popper before . . .

Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.

I really like the 525, but use it exclusively for bait. Not because it isn't good for plugging, simply matched to my bait rod. Personally, I would find the non-levelwind a pain for lures. Many do it and swear by it!

You didn't post your conventional reel experiance, but i will offer you the following. The 525 mag is super fast right out of the box. It will take some getting used to and it is not a very good plugging reel. It is on the other hand a super reel for jigging. Also, in my opinion if you are to buy that reel for plugging and are not an expert at thumbing the line back on the reel your next cast will have you pickin and bitchin.:hs:
For plugging the Abu with the level wind is the way to go.:kewl:

I like the Abus (6500 series-C3, C4) and reccomend 17lb-20lb mono.

Fished the 525 for a year now on a fast-action custom 11" graphite Lami. Use it for heavier plugs and tins in bigger surf. Can cast the right plug about half way from BI to Montauk when needed. Struggled with braid and Big Game, but loving 20# Ande BC.

Had a 6500CS Mag but it wasn't enough reel and sounded like it was going to explode if cast hard enough. Wanted a 7000 series CT NLW but couldn't find one.

Rather than the Abu 6500 reels, you should look into the narrow spool version of the Big Game 7000. The 7000 HSN. It isn't much bigger/heavier than the 6500. But, it has the same 5.3:1 retrieve ratio, and will actually retrieve more line per turn of the handle due to the larger diameter spool. And, it has the beefier gears, stronger frame and bigger drag washers of the 7000 series Abus.

Oh yeah--here's the best part---if you can get down to Wareham soon, before they're all gone, you can pick it up for $84.99 at M&Ds :D

Thanks for all the replies guys. I am good with using baitcaster reels. I think I'm going to go with the 525 mag. I've heard great things about this reel.

And Mike P. Thanks for the offer but I have a really good connection on tackle and gear.

-Joe

think about the 525gs, unless you need the mag sounds like you don't. Find them on the auction site or left over at shops.

Throwing plugs with conventional I like a level wind,, I want to watch the plug ,,not glancing down at my thumb laying line . That being said best level wind in a larger spool capacity is Abu in mho . You can juice them up too .6500 is out ,,7000 has line capacity for the beast I hook up .:rolleyes:

Bait ,,penn 980.a winch, a beast , best drag washers same as penn senator, A great caster. no longer made,good luck finding one.alot of parts (spring) same as 140 if you do so don't frett..

I've been fishing spinning exclusively last few years .On a windy day I can throw a bomber and 4 ounces on the same outfit with "No Nest". I have better luck with braid on spinning .

Conventional still shines fishing heavy mono (bait) in rocks. exception,, most canal rocks have so much weed on them you can see saw braid on them for the most part ..

think about the 525gs, unless you need the mag sounds like you don't. Find them on the auction site or left over at shops.

The price isn't that much different for the mag. In addition to the magnets, the 525 Mag also has instant anti-reverse. The 525 GS has a dog and ratchet, and a dog spring. And you know how much fun Penn reels are to take apart, with that dog spring ;)

Both my 525gs reels came with instant anti-reverse bearing. I know the larger 535 is the ratchet type. As far as price, if you shop around they can be found for much less $ than the mag. Just what I've found. Happy 4th and happy fishing.

I got the Abu Garcia Record 60 High Capacity. I wanted the level wind. I got an extremely good deal on it. I'll let you guys know how it works out. Thanks.