[bart]

Originally Posted by Mike P

I have to say that the best reel---not just spinning reel, but the best reel, period---that I've ever owned is my Saltiga 6000Z. It has been absolutely flawless for 7 seasons, has been serviced just once, and the only thing I have had to replace was the line roller bearings. I've owned Van Staals and a Stella SW. None could hold a candle to the Saltiga for just plain durability.

I don't think that any use you put a reel to, from shore, puts more strain on a reel's gears than jigging the Canal. That's what I've mainly used that reel for. Those gears are damn near indestructible.

I've owned a variety of P-series Newells, every American made Penn surf reel (both spinning and conventional), almost every Abu offered in the US market, and a variety of Daiwa Sealine and Saltist conventionals. The Saltiga is better than any and all.

If you can find a used 4500Z in good shape, that's what you should invest in.

Some of the best canal fishermen I know fish them and they all say the same. Why did Daiwa stop making them? Was there not a market for them?