Magged conventional reel recomendation?

[eelman]

Calcutta 400..start with the best..

[stripadan]

Start with an ABU 6500 size with 20 pound mono. Easiest reel to learn with, no mags needed. Had my son casting one in less than ten minutes with decent distance. Also use a decent line, cheap line will cause problems. Big Game mono is available everywhere and cheap enough if you need to cut it all off while learning.

I have 5 or 6 of them. For the surf I matched mine with a 10' Ben Doerr with 9 inches cut off tip. This rod is rated to 3 ounces, but only comfortable with tip cut, stock was better with 2-2 1/2 oz. I

I also have a 10' Tsunami stock rated to four ounces. This rod is a great matchup for the 6500 or 7000 narrow. With 20 pound mono, it handles plugs to at least three oz. and eels. For larger plugs I go up to my heavier tackle, but I think it would handle 4 comfortably.

A lot of guys here like the Tica rod line-up also. Haven't used so can't comment. You can get a decent outfit for under 200 bucks.

I'm not convinced that the Calcutta is the best reel. The drag IS better, but you can get two Abu's for the price of one Calcutta. Don't go with the Abu Morrum, you will be disappointed. The Calcutta has a better drag, but the new Abu drags are good, or if you get an older reel you can put Smoothie Drags in it.

[Mike P]

The Penn 525 Mag is an excellent reel and is still made here in the US. It doesn't have a level wind, and if you think you need a mag to be able to use a conventional, it probably isn't the reel for you.

The Abu 6500 series are great casting reels, but they were designed to fish 15# mono. Their frames can twist and torque with a good fish on. It used to be the case that you could never get enough drag pressure on the line to cause this, but with better drags now available, and braid, it can happen. I've had it happen. All of a sudden the spool kind of locks in place for a second or two until you drop the rod and release some of the torque. The one piece machined frame of the Calcutta is stronger. It's a better reel. Whether it's worth the price is your call.

[eelman]

I have put a calcutta 400 though the paces at every turn for many years..They are the best all around conventional reel an the market bar none! everyone who I know that uses one falls in love...The reel is simply bullet proof..Abu's? I have used my share in the past there is no way I would say they are even close..But its like anything else, use what you like. If you ask me I would always say the calcutta until something better comes along, that has not happened yet

Of course you can all argue the point with me in person tonight at the to cold event...LoL

Just remember! No punches to the Stomach please!

[Striperhound]

Adam, I agree with Bill, the Calcutta 400 is the way to go. I sold the one I had before I moved, loved that reel for the area's we use to fish.

[snake slinger]

calcutta 400

[gldnbear93]

Ok, it looks like htere are strong endorsements for both the calcutta400 and the abu 6500. It looks like its time to check out those two especially. Definately need the level wind.

Thanks to all for the input and recommendations. I do appreciate it.

[Swimmer]

Originally Posted by #^&#^&#^&#^&#^&#^&

I have put a calcutta 400 though the paces at every turn for many years..They are the best all around conventional reel an the market bar none! everyone who I know that uses one falls in love...The reel is simply bullet proof..Abu's? I have used my share in the past there is no way I would say they are even close..But its like anything else, use what you like. If you ask me I would always say the calcutta until something better comes along, that has not happened yet

Of course you can all argue the point with me in person tonight at the to cold event...LoL

Just remember! No punches to the Stomach please!

Ditto