|
If you really want a Squidder, here's what I would do. First thing, I'd flush the spool bearings (located in each side plate) and put STP or some other heavy viscosity lube in there, to slow it down where you don't backlash 3 out of 5 casts. Then I would buy a spare spool. I would load one spool with 30# mono, to use for bait fishing--the reason being, it's easier to pick backlashes out of thicker line, and also, the thicker line won't get damaged as easily on the backlashes. On the spare spool, for eels, I would put on either 50# Gudebrod braided Dacron, or 40# Cortland Micron Dacron. These are thicker than the new "superbraids" and are easier to control than mono. Plus, they're cheaper than the thin braids and won't knot as easily when you backlash. Then, I would practice. Go out on warm days this winter, and practice both controlling the spool on the cast, and leveling the line with your thumb. The weight of a sinker and bait can overcome some serious errors in evenly spooling, but throwing eels at night won't be as forgiving of unleveled line---but the dacron is more forgiving of casting errors than mono.
As far as the 6500 goes, it's impractical for anything heavier than 20# mono. It holds about 160 yards of 20, so anything heavier than that is going to put you in the "in danger of spooling range". Secondly, even with Smoothie washers in there, the drag won't hold that much pressure. It doesn't make sense to trade off capacity for strength if a drag won't let you apply the added strength.
|