Best Conventional Reel for a GSB 1201M - Striper Talk Striped Bass Fishing, Surfcasting, Boating

luds · 11-07-2006, 09:12 AM

I know squat about Conventional Gear but I'm hoping to get a combo this winter. I want it mainly for drifting eels but learning to cast conventional will also give me somthing to do over the winter.

I know I want a 1201m so the only questions is what reel to match it? I'm not concerned too much about the price but I'm not looking to fork over too much cash unecessarily.

Also, should I get a reel with a level wind since I'm a beginner.

So.......what reel should I get.

JohnR · 11-07-2006, 09:31 AM

6500 Mag Elite, 6500 Big Game, 6500 TCST, Calcutta 400

Start with a good mono, get it down pat then consider braid... Bring your spinner with you as when you backlash in all nastiness you'll want to still fish.

nightprowler · 11-07-2006, 09:35 AM

great thread!! im planning on the same thing this winter and i was wondering on a reel myself...
i have a friend who likes the quantum cabo series conventional, thoughts??

spence · 11-07-2006, 09:41 AM

Def get a levelwind. If you're drifting from shore I'd consider something with more capacity than a 6500, especially if you're going to use mono.

-spence

JohnR · 11-07-2006, 10:06 AM

Drifting in a B reachway with a 6500 and 20# mono is sufficient - did it for years. Not as nice as the cpapacity on a 7000 but sufficient. Once you go to braid you get more capacity or go to a 7000 size for more with Mono.

There are significant advantages to mono at a breachway...

Mike P · 11-07-2006, 10:10 AM

For casting eels, I think you'd be fine with the 6500 size Abus. Or a Calcutta. It could get a little dicey depending on how far you drift, if you're going to feed the snakes into the tide. I used to say you're better off stepping up to the 7000 size, but I'm not sold on the quality of the Taiwanese/Chinese Abus, and every 7000 size reel is now made in the Orient. Most if not all of the 6500 and smaller are still made in Sweden.

My choice would be the BG 6500 CL, or the Calcutta 400. 20# mono for starters. You can probably get 175 yards on there.

If the 6500 doesn't have the new Carbontex drag washers, definitely consider getting them. The stock drag on the 6500 reels is horrible. I know all of the new 7000 size reels come with the better drag, but I'm not sure about the 6500. The stock drag on the Calcutta is fantastic.

Daiwa has a reel that's similar to the Calcutta, too. I think they call it the Luna. Never used one, but every Daiwa reel I ever owned had a drag that couldn't be beat, right out of the box.

luds · 11-07-2006, 10:47 AM

Searching for them is confusing. There are so many and I haven't been able to match them to the reels recommended above. It's easy to find an abu 6500 or 7000 but every reel has cs, cl, etc. listed after that. What do they mean??????

I may just end up going with a Calcutta because It's easier..

tattoobob · 11-07-2006, 10:05 AM

http://www.abugarcia.com/prod.php?k=...6&p=PURBG10000
BG7000HSN

Get this reel and have the drag changeded and put some souped up mags in it

CC Tackle, will hook you up

or the Abu Pro Rocket

luds · 11-07-2006, 10:06 AM

I was interested in these too reels. They look very similar.

1: http://www.capecodtackle.com/Merchan...ELS_ABU_ALL+-1

2. http://www.saltwateredge.com/PROD//ABU03

Nebe · 11-07-2006, 10:09 AM

I used goosefish's 1201L all last season and had my abu 6500 cs Mag elite on there... its a perfect fit. If you go with that reel, make sure you upgrade a few things- a power handle, better drag washers and it wouldnt be a bad idea to upgrade the level wind gearing to one with a bearing in it(the stock ones have no bearings- all in all its an awesome combo-