Best Conventional Reel for a GSB 1201M

[5/0]

Originally Posted by luds48

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

Good choice;
I've been using the same Calcutta 700 for 7 years & had one bearing change out (6 years ago) my bad.....I think its a great depedable & goto reel,IMO I think with all of the mods on other reels it almost evens out with the cost of a Calcutta.

This winter I was thinking of getting another Shimano but this time thinking of a Trinidad 16.

Best of luck.


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[Clogston29]

5/0, The calcutta 700 (I love my 400) doesn't get many mentions here for surf use. Do you find the size to be an issue? I'm assuming that its very similar to a 7000 abu. Is it a little wider? I need to try one on a rod this winter and see how it feels.

[JohnR]

Originally Posted by Clogston29

5/0, The calcutta 700 (I love my 400) doesn't get many mentions here for surf use. Do you find the size to be an issue? I'm assuming that its very similar to a 7000 abu. Is it a little wider? I need to try one on a rod this winter and see how it feels.

It is a little wider and not as tall. I dunnoh. It is smooth & precise like the 400 but it feels awkward and unbalanced when surf fishing....

[afterhours]

a tricked out 6500 cs mag elite- user friendly and quite reliable.

[shorehunter]

What ever conventional reel you get use line with no memory
or low memory. I have seen alot of guys use cheap line to learn.
the line will start to coil coming off the reel and the night mare begins.
A great trick I heard of was cast out 20 yards of line than tape
the spool. As you get better casting keep adding 10 to 15 yard
more. If you do get a backlash it will stop at the tape.
Keep the spool brake alittle tighter, less backlashes. As you get
better loosen it it up but as the guys here will tell you when you
go for those extras 15 to 20 yards sometimes you pay for it.
Do bring second pole , trust me one this . It will take you one season
to get the basic of casting a conventional.
Ten years ago I started using conventional reels.
1 i used alot of cheap line
2 tried to cast 100 yards every time
3 Didnt have this forum
but I still learned (the hard way) so hang in there and dont give up
this will take time to learn but it is worth it.
ps. I own 7 conventional and 1 spinner

[5/0]

Originally Posted by Clogston29

5/0, The calcutta 700 (I love my 400) doesn't get many mentions here for surf use. Do you find the size to be an issue? I'm assuming that its very similar to a 7000 abu. Is it a little wider? I need to try one on a rod this winter and see how it feels.

The 700 didn't get as many hits as the 400 did,I assumed he was looking to drift eels (in the Canal or a breach way Im not trying to be a wise a$$)on a convench.you can use it for eels,plugs & metals in the surf,I have and IM sure there are many others.

A 700 Is wider,weighs 19 oz.,holds more line,(than the mentioned reels)it has a solid once piece frame made out of A6 aluminum,smooth drag,tighter tolerances.ect.ect...I know it's wider than the Abu 7000 I don't find the size to be an issue,I guess I've grown to accept it.I have friends who speak highly of the Abu's they use them all the time & it's there goto conventional,me on the other hand,I don't know squat about them so I really can't comment.

I also want to state that this was my first conventional reel I owned & learned on,with this reel I can jig,plug & drift eels in the canal,
(any where)I think if you match this reel with the right stick I think you'll love it bar none!

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[gone fishin]

I use and love the 6500 series reel. I have the 6500 pro rocket and the 6500 record. Also own a few of the 7000 series reels. The 6500 is an excellent match for that rod. Just as a bit of info that may help you make your decision. Go level wind. makes it easier to handle. After learning how to cast use 40 lb. power pro. That reel will hold 300 yards of that line with a backing of two layers. If anyone needs more that 300 yards of line to drift eels they must fish places i have never heard of.