"Reel " Decision to make - Striper Talk Striped Bass Fishing, Surfcasting, Boating

iamskippy · 07-20-2011, 09:54 PM

I have recently purchased a mojo surf 10'6 MSC106MHMF2 , and i am trying to decide on which reel to put on it. I am looking for a reel that will match up with the concept guides, and give me the distance I am looking for.

I was considering a VS 250, Zbass, Saltiga surf 6k or a Stella 10k, however with all the stories i have been hearing about VS lately and Zbass, i am leaning towards the Stella, as i have seen that combo in action, but i am growing more and more confused, i will have a 25% off coupon for this weekend at Cabela's and would like to make a purchase this weekend.

thanks for all the feedback and input.

Rob Rockcrawler · 07-21-2011, 03:22 AM

Im a fan of the VS. I dunk it regularly. If i didnt get wet and fished the canal 99% of the time i would probably go with a stella. I guess it really boils down to if you need a sealed reel. If its going to be getting very wet then something sealed would be in order.

Jackbass · 07-21-2011, 04:53 AM

I would not worry about the VS or the Z giving you trouble. But like Rob said if you aren't Dunking it go Stella.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

tysdad115 · 07-21-2011, 05:40 AM

I dunk the stella 10k all the time, have since it came out of the box. Works great, smooth as hell and casts great.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

eastendlu · 07-21-2011, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tysdad115

I dunk the stella 10k all the time, have since it came out of the box. Works great, smooth as hell and casts great.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

I have been dunking mine and its going strong if i blow it up so be it but i want to know for myself as to much disinformation out there. I have only fished Vs and Penns all my life and have to say the stella is everything i imagined it would be and then some. Good luck with whatever you decide.

fishbones · 07-21-2011, 09:52 AM

Skippy, you won't find a ZeeBaas at Cabelas, and you might want to check to see if the coupon is valid for either the Stella or the VS. I wouldn't be surprised if they (especially the VS) aren't eligible for purchase with the coupon.

I've never fished the Stella, but I was really impressed when fondling it in the store. The only reason I wouldn't consider it for surf fishing is because I'm very happy with my ZB and if I purchase another high end reel, it will be the ZB or an older VS. I tend to beat up my reels on rocks and have them submerged a lot. I'd be bummed if I scratched up the Stella. I'd definitely consider it for the boat though if I start spending more time boat fishing.

Good luck with the purchase and I'm sure you'll be happy with whichever one you go with.

SurfCaster413 · 07-21-2011, 01:41 PM

Just pulled the trigger the other day and bought me a vs275 for my 10'6 mojo

Matt D · 07-21-2011, 01:41 PM

I'm in a similar boat. Wife bought me a VSB250 for our anniversary. 90% of my fishing is in the canal these days. First thing I noticed about the VS is it's hard to crank! Would wear me out jigging a tide. I'm sure it would loosen up a bit with use but the slow retrieve worries me a bit too.

Asked her if she'd be upset if I returned it. Great reel but it just doesn't fit the style of fishing I mainly do. So back it went and I'm pretty sure I'm going to get a Stella 10K.

tysdad115 · 07-21-2011, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eastendlu

I have been dunking mine and its going strong if i blow it up so be it but i want to know for myself as to much disinformation out there.

Precisely why I put mine through the paces. It aint going to win any prettiest reel contest when Im done with it but I'm impressed so far. I'm not easy on it intentionally, and wanted to test it out. Skips seen mine in action and he knows i don't baby it.....but I'm not sure theres a rod/reel combo made to help him get extra distance!

tattoobob · 07-21-2011, 03:26 PM

I also have a MOJO, 2-6 OZ. Rod and have used my VS 250 and VB 27 on it and the ZB out casts the VS 250 , I suggest the ZB 27 or even the 25

Liv2Fish · 07-21-2011, 05:48 PM

I have the same rod with a VS250 and fish heavy jigs in the ditch. After 15 trips or so the spool cup (part that the line roller is attached to) has become loose and can be rocked from side to side. Posted on it here and the feedback was that it was due to the anti reverse bearing and a plastic bushing becoming warn - yes a plastic bushing.

The reel is nice and I do beat on it but I bought it to stand up to what ever I could put it through and so far it looks like it can't. Maybe I got a bad build. I'm reserving judgment until I have it serviced in the off season.

Other than that, I love the combo. I added a rod butt cap with almost 7oz of lead to balance it all out. The rod hangs level on my finger at the reel base with a 2oz. plug tied on. The weight seems to make it a lot easier to put action on a plug just with light wrist action.

Goose · 07-21-2011, 06:45 PM

If ur not gonna dunk it go with the Stella.

skippy,,Motor is purring.. busy schedule lately but I have not forgotten.

Surf Caster · 07-21-2011, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt D

I'm in a similar boat. Wife bought me a VSB250 for our anniversary. 90% of my fishing is in the canal these days. First thing I noticed about the VS is it's hard to crank! Would wear me out jigging a tide. I'm sure it would loosen up a bit with use but the slow retrieve worries me a bit too.

Asked her if she'd be upset if I returned it. Great reel but it just doesn't fit the style of fishing I mainly do. So back it went and I'm pretty sure I'm going to get a Stella 10K.

You can adjust the reel. sometimes there is too much shim in it.

Surf Caster · 07-21-2011, 09:56 PM

I'd say if you plan to fish rocky areas and really beat the hell out of it, go with a VS. Its not just the dunking you need to worry about - its also the times your trying to get on the rock and your reel gets slammed or ends up bracing your fall haha. They are meant to get the snot kicked out of them. If you're not going to beat the hell out of it and want something smoother that can cast further, then the stella is your best bet. just my $.02

iamskippy · 07-21-2011, 09:59 PM

all great info everyone, thanks,

thanks bigbo for the offer to test cast your reels on the rod.

Spinfish · 07-24-2011, 08:32 AM

The Stella 10k is a great reel, the Mojo2 to 6 is a great rod. Bought both last year for my all around Canal Setup.

If distance is the goal it is NOT a good match IMO.

The Stella does not like the concept guide setup on the Mojo.
If you have the chance I would try before you buy.

Mike P · 07-26-2011, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spinfish

The Stella 10k is a great reel, the Mojo2 to 6 is a great rod. Bought both last year for my all around Canal Setup.

If distance is the goal it is NOT a good match IMO.

The Stella does not like the concept guide setup on the Mojo.
If you have the chance I would try before you buy.

I agree. Before Mike finished my Century, I went back to my 11' XRA 1322 with 6 COF guides to match up with the 10K.

Just as an FYI---I'm aware of two total main gear failures on VS reels since last September. One main gear went to pieces on the very first fish its user hooked---a schoolie.

I would go with the ZB if you need a "wet" reel. Original Saltigas are getting scarce, and the new ones run around $1100 and have that new magnetic seal deal which isn't proven, so I think the Stella SW would be the better choice of those two.